Effect of γ-radiation of lettuce seeds (Lactuca sativa L.) for the yield and removal of macronutrients by plants

Abstract

The effect of pre-sowing treatment with different doses of γ-radiation 60Co on the development and yield of lettuce plants has been studied. For this purpose, the seed material was irradiated with ionizing radiation 60Co in doses of 1-6 Gy; vegetation experiment was laid to determine the weight of plants, as well as the accumulation of dry matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium. The values of stimulating and inhibitive doses have been established. It was determined that radiation hormesis was observed for lettuce plants at doses of 1 and 2 Gy: there was an increase in crop yield and maximum accumulation of the main elements of mineral nutrition. A dose of 6 Gy inhibited the growth and development of lettuce plants; at this dose of radiation, not only a decrease in yield occurred, but also a decrease in phosphorus and potassium removal.