Effect of gamma irradiation on seed mycoflora, seed germination and seedling growth of rice

摘要

Changes in seed mycoflora, seed germination rate and seedling growth due to seed treatment with different levels of gamma irradiation were studied in four rice cultivars. The number of fungal species associated with the seeds as well as the per cent fungal occurrence on the seeds were significantly reduced due to radiation treatment. Highest rate of seed germination in all the four rice cultivars was recorded among the seeds irradiated with 0.10 kGy. The effect of radiation treatment on seedling length was not uniform among the four rice cultivars. Root growth was stimulated by low doses of gamma ray. Higher irradiation dose (0.50 kGy) was inhibitory to seed germination and seedling growth.