Radiation and radioisotopes in fruits and vegetable production and preservation

Use of radioisotopes is being made in the mutation breeding in obtaining the varieties resistant to certain diseases and pests. Nirale and Gour (1973) found that there is an average 50 percent increase in yield of chilli, onion and lettuse, with low doses of x-ray irradiation. radiotracers show that P and K are more rapidly absorbed through leaves than roots. This technique is useful in deciding economic use of fertilizers and micronutrients. The ultraviolet light inactivates some viruses in plants. The radiation processing of foods minimises the packing costs. (author)