To establish the seed treatment method of the gamma radiation for germination enhancement of bottle gourd(Lagenaria siceraria Standl) and pumpkin(Cucurbita ficifolia Bouche), seeds were irradiated with the dose 1~20 Gy of the gamma radiation. The germ...
To establish the seed treatment method of the gamma radiation for germination enhancement of bottle gourd(Lagenaria siceraria Standl) and pumpkin(Cucurbita ficifolia Bouche), seeds were irradiated with the dose 1~20 Gy of the gamma radiation. The germination rate in irradiated group was higher than that of the control, depending on seed condition. In the case of bottle gourd, the germination rate of 70~80% germinative seed was increased at 4-20 Gy irradiated groups. Especially, it was the highest at 4 Gy irradiated group. The germination rate of 80~90% germinative seed was the highest at 4 Gy irradiated group. The germination rate of 70~80% and 80~90% germinative seed at 4 days after sowing was increased 66% and 26% at 4 Gy irradiated group, respectively. In the case of pumpkin, the germination rate of 70~80% and 80~90% germinative seed was increased at 2 Gy and 8 Gy irradiated group, respectively. Effect of the low-dose gamma radiation on the early growth was enhanced depending on their germination enhancement. Especially, it was the highest at 2 Gy irradiated group of 70~80% gen inative seed of pumpkin. Catalase activity of bottle gourd was increased at 4 Gy irradiated group. Catalase and peroxidase activity of pumpkin were increased at 2 Gy and 8 Gy irradiated group. These results suggest that the germination, early growth and physiological activity of bottle gourd and pumpkin seeds could be promoted by the low dose gamma radiation.