Effects of Dose and Dose Rate of Gamma Radiation on the Sprout Inhibition of Onions

Abstract

The effects of dose and dose rate to inhibit sprouting of onions(cultivar Sapporoki)were investigated for gamma irradiation in commercialscale. Onions harvested in September 1974 were irradiated in October with ⁶⁰Co gamma ray and stored at room temperature(1-24°C)for the subsequent periods of 7 months. The doses of 2, 3 and 5krad were very effective to inhibit sprouting throughout 7 months, but 1 krad was to a far less extent. The effective minimum dose to inhibit sprouting of onions was found to be 2krad. Any dose rate in a range of 5×10³-1×10⁵rad/hr was effective to inhibit sprouting.