Low Doses Of Gamma Rays Research Articles

Selection of the Optimal Concentration of Nitro Blue Tetrazolium Dye in Polyvinyl Alcohol Film for Diagnostic Radiology

Ensuring the limited exposure of both patients and medical professionals to radiation during examinations is paramount. One effective approach is the utilization of a film dosimeter that is not only efficient but also easy to carry. In this research, we employed polyvinyl alcohol/nitro blue tetrazolium (PVA/NBT) with varying concentrations of NBT dye (ranging from 0.015 to 0.3 g) to identify the most optimal concentration. These films were subjected to low doses of gamma rays (8, 25, 55 and 96 mGy) emitted from 3 Cs-137 sources. XRF analysis confirmed the effectiveness of the preparation method used, and the NBT salt exhibited excellent solubility (R2 = 0.93). The films exhibited an increasing yellow hue as the concentration of NBT dye rose. Following irradiation, they took on a yellowish-brown tint, intensifying with higher gamma doses. PVA/NBT films, when stored in the dark, demonstrated good stability for 30 days post-irradiation. Analysis using ImageJ software unveiled that the relative density of the red color heightened proportionally with the concentration of NBT dye. XRD patterns showcased the clarity of structural rearrangements occurring after irradiation with high NBT concentrations. Two distinct peaks were registered at 2θ = 20.12 and 40.94 °, which shifted to 2θ = 19.74 and 41.30 ° post-gamma irradiation. The CIELab system study and K/S color strength indicated that increasing the NBT dye concentration led to a linear rise in color strength with escalating low gamma doses. Through a comprehensive assessment, it is concluded that PVA/NBT film can be effectively employed as a dosimeter for low gamma doses in diagnostic radiology. HIGHLIGHTS Nine different concentrations of NBT dye were used to prepare PVA/NBT films. The standard dose scale in diagnostic radiology (mGy) was applied in this work. CIELab system parameters showed a linear increase with increasing applied dose. XRD pattern recorded a shifted peak after irradiation from 2θ = 20.12 to 19.74 °. The dose-response was affected by increasing the NBT dye to a certain concentration. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

On the response of the CR-39 NTD to low doses of gamma rays using optical and photoluminescence spectroscopy

In this work, the response of the CR-39 nuclear track detector (NTD) exposed to different low doses of gamma rays was investigated using UV–Vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Five NTDs of CR-39 were irradiated with low gamma-ray doses ranging from 10 to 120 kGy using a60Co source. The dose of gamma rays correlates with red shift in the absorption spectra of a gamma-irradiated CR-39 detector. As the gamma dose increases, the indirect and direct energy band gaps, as well as Urbach energy, decrease gradually. However, the decrease in the indirect optical band gap is greater than the decrease in the direct band gap. The observed spectra of the CR-39 detector after being irradiated with different doses of γ-rays showed an acceptable variation in photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra generated by a well-defined excitation wavelength of 290 nm. Starting at 45 kGy dose, the integrated area of the photoluminescence peak increases and tends to saturate, whereas the photoluminescence peak height is linearly correlated with the gamma dose with high sensitivity, which is 53.1 ± 6.3 CPS. kGy−1. According to the current findings, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy has a greater sensitivity than UV–Vis spectroscopy for measuring the response of the CR-39 detector to gamma rays in the dose range of 10–120 kGy. The results reflected a potential possibility of using the CR-39 detector in dosimetric applications of low gamma ray doses through the high resolution achieved by photoluminescence (PL) and UV–Vis spectroscopy.

An anomalous low dose phenomenon in gamma irradiated BaTiO3-based commercial multilayer ceramic capacitors

Owing to its miniaturization and high dielectric permittivity, BaTiO3-based multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) have attracted more and more attention in recent years, and are widely used in gamma-ray environments, such as nuclear and space application. Compared to the extensively studied thermal or electrical reliability issues, the potential risks caused by irradiation have not been well understood, let alone the dielectric structure changes. Unlike the common monotonic dose-dependent trend, we found non-monotonic results in MLCCs with low dose, named as the anomalous low dose (ALD) phenomenon. That is the capacitance decreases at low gamma-ray doses, and then abnormally recovers to the initial value at high doses. Similar cases have been found in almost all the physical properties of MLCCs. Intensive characterizations help to confirm that it is the dose-dependent consistent lattice and electronic structure changes that are most likely to cause this anomalous phenomenon. In detail, the gamma irradiation induces charged defects and consequently lattice distortion, which reduces the number of domains with low-field inversion and eventually causes the capacitance decrease. This work provides a new cognition about the gamma irradiation effect of BaTiO3-based (BTO) dielectrics and commercial MLCCs based on BTO.

The impact of low doses of gamma rays on Chemical and hematological parameters for healthy people and diabetes in Thi Qar province

Abstract The objective of this study is to explore the effect of gamma irradiation on the hematological and biochemical parameters of complete blood counts for diabetic and healthy people. A total of 20 blood samples were collected from people with diabetes, and 20 samples were collected from healthy people of different ages. The samples were analyzed before and after exposing to irradiation (0.5 mCi Cs-137 Gamma-ray standard source) using a Hematology analyzer to determine the hematological and biochemical parameters. Significant changes were observed between the control samples before and after exposing to irradiation. The results showed a significant change in the number of Red Blood Cells at 18.863 mGy/hr. compared with the control sample in healthy and unhealthy people from 4.47x106 μL to 1.82x106 μL and from 4.32x106 μL to 1.05x106 μL, respectively. The results also showed a significant change in all hematological and biochemical parameters such as WBC, PLT, Hb, Hct, Mcv, McH, and HcHc after exposing to irradiation, especially at a high dose rate of more than 5 mGy/hr. The obtained results are in a good agreement with the data that were recommended by recognized international organizations and agencies such as the EPA, IAEA, WHO, UNSCEAR, and ICRP.

Investigation of the Effect of Successive Low-Dose Gamma-Rays on c-Si Solar Cell

Çalışmada, ardışık düşük doz gama () ışınlarının mono-kristal Silisyum (c-Si) güneş hücresi üzerine etkisi incelendi. ışını kaynağı olarak 60Co kullanılmıştır. c-Si güneş hücresinin performansı, radyasyon öncesi ve sonrası karanlık ve AM1.5G ışık koşullarında alınan akım-voltaj (I-V), dışsal kuantum verimlilik (EQE), kapasitans-voltaj (C-V) ve iletkenlik-voltaj (G/-V) ölçümleri ile belirlenmiştir. Deneysel sonuçlar, radyasyona maruz kaldıktan sonra hücrelerin idealite faktörlerinin arttığını göstermektedir. Doz miktarı arttıkça kısa devre akımı (Isc) ve verim () değerleri azalırken, açık devre voltajı (Voc) ve doluluk faktörü (FF) değerleri ise yaklaşık sabit kalmaktadır. Dışsal kuantum verimlilik (EQE) ölçümleri, güneş hücresinde oluşan hasarın taban katmanında oluştuğu gösterirken, hücrede oluşan bu hasarın azınlık yük taşıyıcısı yarı ömründe oluşan azalma ile ilişkilendirilmektedir. Ayrıca, aygıt performansındaki değişim C-V ve G/-V ölçümleri ile de doğrulanmıştır. Deneysel sonuçlar, radyasyon öncesi ve sonrası karşılaştırılarak tartışılmıştır.

Effects of low doses of gamma-radiation on the development of cardiac pathologies and heart rhythm disorders in male C57Bl/6J mice

Epidemiological studies have revealed a potential of low doses (< 500mGy) of gamma-radiation to induce cardiac pathologies, such as circulatory disease and ischemia. Involvement of Arrythmias in this pathological context is less clear. Indeed the development of arrythmia is reported in some but not all epidemiological studies (internal 137-Cesium (137Cs) exposure). The controversies can be attributed to the lack of understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved. Arrhythmias may be caused by an imbalance between stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system and inhibition by the parasympathetic. The objective of this project is to identify the signalling pathways involved in cardiac pathologies after exposure and over time. The study hypothesis would be that exposure to low doses of gamma-radiation induces tissue and nerve remodelling in the heart. We exposed C57Bl/6J male mice to whole-body single external doses ranging from 50 to 2000mGy from a 137Cs gamma-radiation source. Two post-exposure time points were studied (4 hours and 3 months). The heart function was monitored by Doppler ultrasound examination. Signalling pathways were examined by measuring levels of proteins involved in various cardiac functions by Western blotting and Sirius red staining of histological sections. In all, 4 hours after exposure, Western blot analysis showed a significant decrease in the expression of proteins involved in the conduction of cardiac nerve influx (Connexins 43 at 100 and 250mGy; P-value < 0.05) and in the synthesis of catecholamines (Tyrosine Hydroxylase at 50 and 250mGy; P-value < 0.05). These decreases may be responsible for heart contraction problems. Conversely, at 3 months post-exposure, we observed a significant increase in the levels of these same proteins of interest (Connexins 43 and Synapsin at 500 and 2000mGy; P-value < 0.05) which could induce long-term arrhythmia. These protein expression changes were observed only in the atrium and right ventricle. In addition, we observed interstitial fibrosis in the hearts of the mice exposed to the same doses (P-value < 0.05). Lastly, we observed a significant increase in the percentage of muscularized pulmonary arterioles (at 500mGy; P-value < 0.05), indicating the development of pulmonary hypertension. In summary, our results suggest that a single external exposure to a low dose of gamma rays can induce long-term functional alteration in the heart and that a potential dose threshold for such effect is below 500mGy.

Radiation-induced attenuation in aluminum- and aluminum-thulium-doped optical fibers.

Gamma-ray-induced attenuation in Al-doped and Al/Tm-co-doped optical fibers is investigated in the visible and near-infrared domain up to 1Gy. The behavior of radiation-induced attenuation (RIA) regarding dose and dose rate is discussed. Our results reveal high sensitivities for both types of fibers at low gamma ray doses and also reveal that Al/Tm fibers are very promising at original interrogation wavelengths for dosimetry applications.

Physiological and biochemical markers of gamma irradiated white radish (Raphanus sativus)

Purpose A field experiment was performed to investigate the impact of low-dose gamma rays on growth parameters and bioactive compounds of white radish. Materials and methods White radish seeds were irradiated by gamma rays dose levels (10, 20, 40 and 80 Gy) beside control. Physiological and biochemical markers were done to follow the effect of gamma rays on white radish. Results The results revealed that gamma rays increased growth parameters with increasing irradiation to a dose of 40 Gy. The maximum increments were found at 14.64 (cm), 48.30 (cm), 20.84 (cm) and 5.51 (cm) for leaves number, leaves length, roots length and roots diameter, respectively, with a dose of 40 Gy. By increasing the irradiation dose to 80 Gy, the results showed reduction in all parameters studied. Ascorbic acid gave the maximum increase with the dose of 40 Gy, while phenols, flavonoids, antioxidant activity, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase showed the highest increase with the dose 80 of Gy in radish leaves. Similar trend was observed for the radish roots. Furthermore, the protein and isoenzyme profiles of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase changed and induced alteration by different irradiation dose levels. Conclusion Gamma rays can be a useful tool for increasing the growth and biochemical content of white radish plants and perhaps other food crops.

Influence of gamma rays on the electrical properties of CuPbI3 perovskite thin films

The CuPbI3 perovskite thin films were studied in this research as a function of gamma ray doses. In more details, the effect of gamma radiation on the electrical transportation and structural properties of CuPbI3/p-Si heterostructure is studied to investigate the radiation detection and dosimetric ability of this perovskite material. The material was successfully deposited on silicon substrate by spin coating technique. The deposition was carried out at room temperature under ambient conditions. The deposited films on a silicon substrate were then annealed at 200 °C. Then, all samples were irradiated by high gamma radiation using 60Co source in the range of 0–100 kGy at room temperature. For low gamma rays dose test, the pristine sample was exposed to a low activity 137Cs source for different time duration in order to vary the range of gamma rays doses. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results of pristine and irradiated thin films confirmed the right structure of CuPbI3 and to evaluate the impact of the incident gamma rays. Current-voltage (I–V) characterization was performed at different low gamma ray doses to assess whether the impact of gamma rays is temporary or permanent. There was an increase in the value of the forward current with increasing gamma dose. The ideality factor of the samples is greater than unity, whereas barrier height and saturation current for the samples changed with radiation because of density of defect induced by gamma and charge carrier trapping on interface layer. The results clearly showed a significant impact of gamma irradiation dose on the structure and electrical properties of CuPbI3 perovskite thin films, which may open a new channel to study the effect of irradiation on this material using different substrates.

The influence of gamma rays and electric shock on seed germination and seedling growth in burdock plants

Burdock plant is one of the important medicinal plants, the critical part of which is the roots used to clearance the body of toxins; the study aimed to stimulate burdock seed germination and seedling growth with low-cost treatments, represented by electric shock and irradiation with low doses of gamma rays on seeds. The experiment was implemented at the Medical and Aromatic Plants Research Unit, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, Iraq, in 2020. included 6 treatments: soaking the seeds with water for 12 hours only, an electric shock of the seeds (2 and 4 A) by soaking with water for 12 hours, irradiating the seeds (with 10, 20 or 30 Gy) and soaking in the water for 12 hours. The experiment used the design of complete randomized (CRD) with three replicates. The results indicated that the highest germination percentage was recorded under the treatment of electric shock (4 A) and water soaking seeds only (91.0 and 85.7%, respectively). On the other hand, the best germination speed was achieved when gamma rays were treated at (30 Gy) reached 5.93 days. The two treatments: seed irradiation (30 Gy) and water-soaked seeds, were distinguished in most of the seedlings' vegetative and root growth characteristics represented by the length of the seedlings, the number of leaves, and the soft, fresh and dry weight of the shoot and root systems. We conclude from the results that soaking the seeds with water before planting has a positive effect on increasing germination characteristics and seedlings, and the effect increases at treatment with gamma.

Hormetic effect of gamma irradiation under salt stress condition in Phaseolus vulgaris

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is widely grown around the world and sensitive to stress conditions. Accumulation and degradation of amino acids are informative indicators of plant tolerance. In this study, the vegetative growth and amino acid profiles of two common bean cultivars (Öz Ayşe and F16) under salt stress (50, 100, 150, 200 mM NaCl) were investigated to determine the hormetic effect of low-dose gamma rays (10, 20, 30, 40 Gy 60Co). The irradiated mature embryos of seeds were regenerated in vitro using embryo cultures. The effects of gamma rays on vegetative growth and amino acid profile under stress and non-stress conditions differed. In terms of vegetative growth, 10 Gy for ‘Öz Ayşe’ and 20 Gy for ‘F16’ had hormetic effects and stimulated plant growth under non-stress conditions. Under salt stress conditions, the effect of gamma rays varied according to the severity of the stress. 30 Gy for ‘Öz Ayşe’ and ‘F16’ at 100 mM salt stress had hormetic effects on vegetative growth. The combined effects of salt stress and gamma rays on the amino acid profile are supported by the vegetative growth results of the plants. Amino acid accumulation occurred at 100 mM at 30 Gy for ‘Öz Ayşe’ and ‘F16’. The most accumulated amino acids were glutamic acid (127.63 mg kg-1), alanine (173.07 mg kg-1), glutamine (188.96 mg kg-1), proline (124.50 mg kg-1), tyrosine (29.23 mg kg-1) in ‘Öz Ayşe’ and tyrosine (29.88 mg kg-1) in ‘F16’ under stress. This study shows that low-dose gamma application under moderate stress conditions has a hormetic effect, not under severe salt stress.

Hormetic effects of low-dose gamma rays in soybean seeds and seedlings: A detection technique using optical sensors

The use of radiation technology in agriculture has increased remarkably in recent years. The stimulating effect of low-dose gamma rays, known as hormesis, improves the adaptive response of living organisms to more severe challenges. Different areas of agriculture such as plant physiology, crop breeding and seed biology demand accurate methods for real-time diagnosis of the ionizing radiation effect on biological systems. However, traditional measures are still calculated from slow, laborious and destructive techniques, which depend on human vision. Here, we present two robust optical sensors based on multispectral and fluorescence imaging approaches for rapid and non-destructive detection of the hormetic effects of low-dose gamma radiation in soybean seeds and seedings. Multispectral images were acquired from seeds treated with gamma radiation (0, 12, 16 and 20 Gy), and the reflectance, autofluorescence, texture and color features were extracted from images. Next, a chlorophyll fluorescence-based technique was applied to measure the minimal level of fluorescence (F0), maximum fluorescence (FM), average chlorophyll a fluorescence and quantum yield of photosystem II (FV/FM) in seedlings grown from irradiated and non-irradiated seeds. Using a reflectance technology, the seedlings were also evaluated for anthocyanin, chlorophyll a and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Results showed that multispectral and fluorescence-based techniques provide useful information on the hormetic effects of gamma rays in soybean seeds and seedlings, which are invisible to the naked eye. Our findings provide a better understanding of the link between spectral and fluorescence parameters and the hormetic effect of low-dose gamma rays. From a practical point of view, such optical sensors can provide markers for fast, non-destructive and reliable identification of the best gamma-ray doses to stimulate soybean growth parameters. However, we strongly support in-depth studies of the dose–response relationship in seeds with different initial physiological potential from different soybean genotypes.

FİZİKİ MUTAGENEZİN PAMBIQ SORTLARININ BİOMORFOLOJİ ƏLAMƏTLƏRİNƏ TƏSİRİNİN ÖYRƏNİLMƏSİ

The effect of different doses of gamma rays of the Co60 isotope on the seeds of cotton varieties AzNIXI-104 and AzNIXI-195 before sowing caused changes in the growing season, plant height, sympodial branches and the number of bolls on the bush. At low doses of gamma rays (500 r, 5000 r) the vegetation period was shortened, the number of sympodial branches and bolls in the branch increased, and at high doses of mutagen a decrease in biomorphological features was observed. Key words: cotton, sort, gamma ray, mutagen, sympodial branch, vegetation period.

Enhanced tolerance to seed-borne infection of bean common mosaic virus in salicylic acid treated bean plant

Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV)-infected bean seeds (P. vulgaris L. cv. Sadri) were subjected to low doses of gamma irradiation and the obtained seedlings were treated with 100 µm salicylic acid (SA). Bean seedlings treated with just the low doses of gamma rays, SA alone, or those treated with gamma rays and SA, were screened for seed-borne infection of BCMV by the indirect plate-trapped antigen-enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay. The results indicated that BCMV infection and its symptom severity in bean seedlings was decreased in a dose-dependent manner either by gamma irradiations alone or in associated with SA, compared to the samples treated with just SA. The specific activity of various antioxidant enzymes, as well as the total protein content of the treated beans leaves, were also measured in virus-free healthy and infected bean seedlings. The results showed that all three treatments significantly increased the protein content in healthy and infected bean leaves compared to the non-irradiated control beans. The 20 and 30 Gy doses of gamma irradiation, alone or in association with the SA were also effective treatments to induce the antioxidant enzymes. These preliminary findings may indicate that the low doses of gamma irradiation may have increased the tolerance level of bean seedlings to BCMV infection.

Growth characteristics and phytochemical responses of Iranian fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) exposed to gamma irradiation

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), an aromatic and spice herb, is extensively used to treat a wide range of diseases such as paralysis and diabetes. In order to improve fenugreek growth and pro-health potential, seeds of fenugreek were exposed to gamma rays (including 0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 g) from cobalt 60 gamma radiation source. This experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Results showed that, number of leaves per plants, shoot diameter, stems dry weight, leaf dry weight, shoot dry weight, number of pods per plant, 1000-seeds weight and biological yield in plants exposed to different doses of gamma radiation were significantly higher than those of the non-irradiated control. In addition, low-dose gamma irradiation especially 100 Gy had stimulatory effects on the number of branches per plant, pod length, seed yield, seed trigonelline and nicotinic acid content, while high-dose gamma irradiation (400 Gy) exhibited inhibitory effects. Furthermore, the maximum amounts of seeds diosgenin and mucilage were recorded in the control samples, while those of the samples exposed to gamma irradiation were gradually decreased by increment of gamma dose. These results indicate that the irradiation of low dose gamma rays (100 Gy) can be useful for improving the growth characteristics and accumulation of some valuable compounds in fenugreek seeds.

INF/IL-4 increases after the low doses of gamma radiation in BALB/c spleen lymphocytes

Introduction: The effects of the low dose of ionizing radiation are not thoroughly evident due to an unavoidable increase of occupational exposure and the widespread application of ionizing radiation in medical and industrial fields. The aim of this study was to investigate immune system responses following the low doses of ionizing radiation. Material and Methods: BALB/c mice were exposed to Whole Body Irradiation of 20, 50, and 100 mGy through a 60Co source. Lymphocytes extraction were operated 24 h after irradiation. Afterwards, gene expression analysis was performed with relative quantitative Real-Time polymerase chain reaction to IL-4, IFN-γ, and TGF-β expression levels. Moreover, IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio was computed, and the independent sample t-test was performed for the statistical analysis. Results: Whereas IL-4, IFN-γ, and TGF-β expression levels decrease after the radiation of the low doses of gamma rays, the IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio increased significantly after irradiation of 20 mGy (P-Value<0.05). However, this ratio did not vary following the gamma irradiation of 50 and 100 mGy. Conclusion: The positive effects of the low dose of ionizing radiation can be observed through significant alterations in gene expression and the activation of protection mechanisms. This process was caused by the modulation of cellular immune responses after the exposure to 20 mGy. Although the irradiation of higher doses (50 and 100 mGy) induced alterations in the IFN- γ/IL-4 ratio was insignificant. These findings did not confirm the linear no-threshold model theory, and demonstrated that the low dose of ionizing radiation could be the cause of the hormesis phenomenon.

Detection of XRCC1 Expression and (8-OHdG) Levels as a marker of Oxidative DNA Damage in Individuals Exposed to Low Dose of Gamma Rays

To study ionizing radiation (IR) effects on biological systems there several techniques are used to identify molecular features of IR exposure, urinary detection of 8-ohdG by ELISA as a marker of DNA oxidative stress is one of the techniques was used in this research, when IR absorbs in a cell so that causing DNA damage and releases 8-ohdG through correction damage. The detection of XRCC1 expression by QRT- PCR is else technique in this study. The genotoxic of IR can be observed even at a low doses 5cGy, According to RPC (Radiation Protection Center) limited place in Baghdad as a source of low-dose IR( Europium 152) before it is removed, some of workers and slums are exposed to low dose of γ-rays ( 5cGy to 10 cGy ). The study groups included the (G1)fifty workers in metal melting are working closely with ( IR source), (G2)twenty five individuals from slums near the IR source, and(G3) twenty five volunteers individuals of male in different age, didn’t exposure to diagnostic x-ray examination or other radiotherapy. Peripheral blood are collected and urine from all individuals. The results indicate that the level of 8-OHDG factor in workers higher than slums individuals and negatively related with XRCC1 expression, also the expression of XRCC1 decreased in individuals exposed for more than 5cGy, and increasing in slums exposed to 5cGy. The low dose of γ-rays causing genotoxic effects due to a combination of DNA-damaging effects and reduced capacity of DNA repair.

Effect of low dose gamma ray on the plasmonic behavior of gold nanoparticle

The aim of this paper is to study the effect of very low dose gamma radiation exposure on the plasmonic behavior of gold nanoparticles. For this purpose, gold nanoparticles were exposed to three different dose rates of radiation, with the absorbed doses of 0.33, 0.56 and 0.75 milligray. Subsequently, the effect of radiation exposure on the color of the solution, which is due to the accumulation of nanoparticles in the presence of salt, was investigated using visible spectroscopy. The results show that the presence of radiation can change the behavior of gold nanoparticles in the presence of salt for a specified period, in a way that the spectrum is similar to the spectrum of nanoparticles in the absence of salt. Based on these observations, a simple way of detecting ionizing radiation is introduced.

Physiological and molecular studies on the effect of gamma radiation in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) plants.

This experiment assessed the biochemical changes in fenugreek plants exposed to gamma radiation. Two pot experiments were carried out during two growing seasons of 2015 and 2016. Seeds were subjected to five doses of gamma irradiation (25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 Gy) and were immediately planted into soil pots in a greenhouse. The experimental analysis was performed in M1 and M2 generations. Significant differences between irradiated and control plants were detected for most studied characters in M1 and M2 generations. It was demonstrated that low doses of gamma irradiation led to gradually increases in growth, yield characters, leaf soluble protein concomitantly with increases in the contents of phenolic and flavonoids compounds particularly at 100 Gy. These changes were accompanied by a substantial increase in ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol and retinol contents. Proline content was increased under all doses of gamma rays in M1 generation and the highest amount of proline was obtained at 200 Gy with visible decrease in M2 generation under the same dose. Meanwhile, the highest dose of gamma radiation (400 Gy) decreased all the studied parameters in both mutagenic generations as compared with control plants. In addition, gamma irradiation doses induced changes in DNA profile on using five primers and caused the appearance and disappearance of DNA polymorphic bands with variation in their intensity. These findings confirm the effectiveness of relatively low doses of gamma rays on improving the physiological and biochemical criteria of fenugreek plants.

Mutagenic effects of gamma rays on soybean (Glycine max L.) germination and seedlings

Narrow genetic diversity is a main problem restricting the progress of soybean breeding. One way to improve genetic diversity of plant is through mutation. The purpose of this study was to investigate effect of different dose of gamma rays as induced mutagen on physiological, morphological, and anatomical markers during seed germination and seedling growth of soybean. Seeds of soybean cultivars Dering-1 were irradiated with 11 doses of gamma rays (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320, 640, 1280, and 2560 Gy [Gray]. The research design was arranged in a completely randomized block design in three replicates. Results showed that soybean seed exposed at high doses (640, 1280, and 2560 Gy) did not survive more than 20 days, the doses were then removed from anatomical evaluation. Higher doses of gamma rays siginificantly reduced germination percentage at the first count and final count, coefficient of germination velocity, germination rate index, germination index, seedling height and seedling root length, and significantly increased mean germination time, first day of germination, last day of germination, and time spread of germination. However, the effects of gamma rays were varies for density, width, and length of stomata. The LD50 obtained based on survival percentage was 314.78 Gy. It can be concluded that very low and low doses of gamma rays (5-320 Gy) might be used to study the improvement of soybean diversity.