Physiological and biochemical responses of Makhana (Euryale ferox) to gamma irradiation

The impact of gamma irradiation on growth and physiology of Euryale ferox was described in the present investigation. E. ferox is an underutilized aquatic food crop that grows in shallow-water bodies in lower Assam regions and north Bihar of India. The seeds of E. ferox were irradiated with different doses of gamma irradiation ranging from 0 to 500 Gy. It was observed that the germination and survival percentage was inhibited by increasing the irradiation dose. However, plants developed from seed exposed to an irradiation dose beyond 100 Gy did not survive more than 1 month. Further growth parameters (leaf size and number, number of thorns, root number and length, and number of flower and seeds) were also compared with respect to non-irradiated plants. Physiological parameters, viz. chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and intracellular CO₂ content was higher in the irradiation population of E. ferox. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities were observed low in irradiated population of E. ferox. The proline and glycine betaine content was enhanced with increasing the irradiation dose. The present investigation explores the potential use of gamma rays in genetic improvement of E. ferox and improves understanding of the physiological responses inflicted by gamma irradiation.