Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

The effect of gamma radiation on the ultrastructure of sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas)

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6352800
Radiation is being used to increase the storage life of fresh foods. Various doses of gamma radiation were administered to Jewel cultivar sweet potatoes and the effects were monitored by direct observation and by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Potatoes were divided into two groups: those irradiated immediately after harvest (doses = 0 kGy - 0.4 KGy) and those irradiated one week after harvest (doses = 0 kGy - 0.4 kGy). Potatoes were examined and viewed each month for 7 months. Gross observations included weight, color and texture of the sweet potatoes. Those potatoes irradiated immediately after harvest spoiled faster than those irradiated one week after harvest. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated several cellular modifications accompanying spoilage. Cell collapse was greatest at the higher radiation doses during the periods of 1 to 5 months post-irradiation. The shape and size of starch granules varied with storage time and radiation levels. The mitochondria, cell walls and plasma membranes appeared normal as seen by transmission electron microscopy until 6 months post-irradiation for potatoes irradiated both immediately after harvest and one week after harvest. Thereafter, degradative changes were observed.
Research Organization:
Tuskegee Inst., AL (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
FG02-86CH10287
OSTI ID:
6352800
Report Number(s):
DOE/CH/10287-T1; ON: DE87011021
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English