• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.142-146
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• 2000

To observe the stimulating effects of low dose ${\gamma}-radiation$ on the seed germination, early growth and physiological activity in the gourd, seeds of three cultivars (Partner, Support, FR Yongja) were irradiated at the dose of $0.5{\sim}30\;Gy$. The hormetic effects of the low dose ${\gamma}-radiation$ on the growth were different from each cultivar. Low dose ${\gamma}-radiation$ had promoting effects on the germination at the optimum dose of 2 Gy and 8 Gy and on the early growth at the optimum dose of 4 Gy, 16 Gy and 20 Gy in Partner and Support cultivar and 1 Gy in FR Yongja cultivar. Irradiation didn't have significant effects on the chlorophyll contents of gourd plantlet. The antioxidant enzyme activity of gourd plantlet and early growth increased in low dose irradiation group.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.215-219
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• 2003

To investigate the effects of low dose gamma radiation and seed moisture content (SMC) on germination and early growth of vegetable crops, seeds of chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris L.), radish (Raphanus sativus L.), red pepper (Capcicum annuum L.), figleaf gourd (Cucurbita ficifolia Bouche) and bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria Standl), with different SMC were irradiated with different doses ($0{\sim}20\;Gy$) of gamma-ray by irradiator ($^{60}Co$, ca.150 TBq of capacity, AECL). Vegetable crops in which low dose gamma radiation was irradiated in seeds with different moisture content showed different response in seed germination and early growth to low dose gamma radiation. The germination rate of chinese cabbage, figleaf ground and bottle gourd irradiated with $2{\sim}8\;Gy$ showed interactive responses against relative SMC. Also, significant interactions occurred for the early growth between those factors. The stimulating effects of gamma radiation were more pronounced for hydrated seeds of chinese cabbage, radish, figleaf gourd and bottle gourd showing prominent responses with $2{\sim}10\;Gy$ irradiation, particularly for chinese cabbage and bottle gourd. These results suggest that radiation may promote germination and early growth of vegetable crops through interaction with SMC.