Re: food irradiation stuff (radiation biology lesson?)

[Les Fraley <les@lamar.ColoState.EDU>]

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