Radiosensitivity study of black chia (Salvia hispanica L.) (Lamiaceae), low seven levels of gamma irradiation

Abstract

Black chia is a crop, It has been known since pre-Cortesian times and is considered as a pseudocereal. This plant is used as food and medicinal, for its high content of alpha-linoleic and omega-3 acids, which are of great importance to humans. For this reason it is important to carry out genetic improvement work, in the specie, to improve some attributes of agronomic importance. Thus, the general objective of this research was: To assess the radiosensitivity of two agronomic parameters in utricules of black chia (Salvia hispánica L.), subjected to seven levels of ⁶⁰Co gamma irradiation. The experiment was carried out under laboratory conditions, sowing black chia utricules in 200-cavity polystyrene trays, which were irradiated at Transelektro LGI-01 at the Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares. The treatments consisted of seven levels of gamma irradiation of ⁶⁰Co: 0; 250; 500; 750; 1000; 1250 and 1500 Gy and four repetitions (7x4) = 28 experimental units, evaluated under a completely randomized design. The response variables were: percentage of germination, sprouting and survival. The results indicate that the highest germination and sprouting are achieved with 200 Gy of ⁶⁰Co gamma rays. Survival progressively decreased, at doses higher than 500 Gy. The LD₅₀ was reached with the application of 530 Gy. From this work it can be concluded, 200 Gy of ⁶⁰Co gamma irradiation, stimulate the germination and sprouting of black chia. These results may be the basis for future genetic improvement programs in this endemic species from Mexico.