BIOCHEMICAL BASIS OF THE USE OF $gamma$-RAYS TO EXTEND THE STORAGE LIFE OF POTATOES
Mechanisms of radioinduced sprout-inhibition were studied. Tuber growth was found to be depressed by gamma doses of 2--3 kr and completely suppressed by 10-kr doses. The chief cause of the growth effect is that meristematic nucleic acid metabolism is affected. Nucleic acid content of the tissue is virtually unaffected by a dose of 10 kr, but the content of the eyes is reduced. The mononucleotides and bases derived by hydrolysis from eye nucleoprotein indicate that the main effect of irradiation is to produce depolymerization. Overtly, the effect of radiation is to cause complete degeneration in the growing points thus inhibiting the ability of the tuber to produce sprouts. Radiation also produces changes in the redox process associated with sprouting and microorganism resistance. All metabolic changes affect resistance to microorganisms. Hence, the use of gamma rays to prevent sprouting in potatoes will be feasible only if ways can be found to overcome loss of microbial resistance. (H.M.G.)
- Research Organization:
- Inst. of Biochemistry, Moscow
- NSA Number:
- NSA-18-014307
- OSTI ID:
- 4085941
- Journal Information:
- Proc. Intern. Congr. Biochem., Journal Name: Proc. Intern. Congr. Biochem. Vol. Vol: 5th
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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