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Re: food irradiation stuff (radiation biology lesson?)
On Tue, 17 Feb 1998 Martin_Haas@notes.ymp.gov wrote:
>
> ...This has to do with the germination potential of seeds
> within food. If the food radiation levels are sufficient to kill bacteria,
> and higher organisms, won't it also kill whatever germ cells are in seeds
> that may accompany fruit...
>
> Martin_haas@notes.ymp.gov
>
Absolutely. Although there is a large variation in absorbed dose
necessary to kill seeds (render them non-germinating), acute doses as low
as 50 GY can decrease germination rate in some species. Others take acute
doses as high as 1 kGy or more to render all of the seeds sterile.
But then, try germinating some bean seeds after they have been cooked.
Les Fraley
les@lamar.colostate.edu