Abstract:
Sesame (Sesamum indicum)is a flowering plant used for oil production. Radiation is one source known to make a degree of activation in plant growth and productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of x-ray, gamma-ray and UV light on germination, growth , productivity parameters and oil quality of sesame. The experiment was conducted in the experimental farm, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Gadarif, July 2015. The sesame seeds were brought from Gadarif local market. sesame seeds were subjected separately to two treatments of X-ray (33.4 sec (LX) and 200.2 sec (HX), gamma ray (200 cGy (LG) and 800 cGy (HG)) and UV-light (for 30 min. (UV)). In addition to control, all irradiated seeds were grown at the same environmental conditions. Germination rates were counted for seven days, whereas the growth parameters (plant weight, height ,number of leaves, roots and branches) were recorded each 10 days till 60 days for three seasons (M1, M2 and M3). After maturation, capsule length and number of seeds, mean weight of 100 seeds were measured. seeds-oil was extracted in order to evaluate the quality characteristics of each treatment. The results of this study revealed that, growing sesame plants showed that, M3 was the most heavier (209 g), taller (133 cm) and more branched plants (10 branches/plant), also it had more roots (35 roots/plant), leaves (34 leaves/plant), capsules/plant (218), seed weight (0.0038 g) and seeds/capsule (91) and consequently high productivity (18040 kg/ha) followed by M1 and then M2. Germination rate were 49%, 78% , and 89% respectively in M1,M2 and M3. Average germination rate in HG was 77% followed by LG and UV (74%), HX (73%), LX (70%) and control (67%). Some of the physical and chemical parameters of sesame oil did not agreed with the standard limits (it mostly near to the minimum or maximum limits). Radiation enhanced growth and productivity of sesame compared to control. Further studies should be conducted in order to evaluate the effect of these sesame mutant on human before being recommended for consumption.
