Dosimetry and Radiostimulation in seeds of Mezquite (Neltuma laevigata W.)

Abstract

Objective: The research focused on a germination response in Mezquite (Neltuma laevigata) using gamma radiation (Cobalt 60) at different doses aiming to obtain a greater germination response than a non-irradiated seed.

Design/methodology/approach: The seeds had different collection times and identities, a lot from Durango (10 years) and other from Hidalgo (2 months). Both lots were exposed to sixteen different doses of gamma radiation, having a control (non irradiated). Seeds were subsequently subjected to in vitro conditions using Murashige and Skoog medium. They were monitored daily for a period of two weeks to record the exact day of gemination. Results: The best treatment observed for germination stimulation radio in the provenance of the Durango batch was with 30-gray radiation increasing by 12% compared to the control, while for the batch from Hidalgo it was the one that received a radiation of 6 gray increasing 56% compared to the control. Limitations on study/implications: for this study only two different populations were evaluated and because there were differences between them, the ideal would be to work with material of the other origins. Findings/conclusions: Gamma radiation at low doses causes an increase in seed germination rate.