Effect of Gamma Radiation Dosages on Rooting of Pineapple Crown Sections, Shoot Emergence and Growth

Abstract

Longitudinal pineapple fruit crown sections were irradiated and studied for their rooting ability. Groups of 40 sections each were exposed to gamma-ray doses of 500, 750, 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, 2,500, 3,000, 4,000, 8,000, 16,000 and 32,000 rads in two separate experiments. The treated plant material was propagated, with checks, in sterilized soil in metal flats. The results indicate that at low doses of 500 to 4,000 rads no radiation effect was detected on the rooting of crown sections, proliferation of shoots and shoot stuntiness. Delayed germinal-bud sprouting was observed above 3,000 rads. Exposures to 8,000 and 16,000 rads reduced rooting of crown sections, retarded sprouting of germinal buds, reduced proliferation of shoots, and caused stuntiness in the initial stage of shoot growth. Exposure to 32,000 rads resulted in killing pineapple vegetative tissue. Pineapple appears to be highly resistant to this source of radiation.