Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Qualitative and Quantitative Characteristics of Canola (Brassica napus L.)

Abstract: In order to study the effect of cobalt 60 gamma irradiation on agronomic characteristics and quality of fatty acids of canola, an experiment was conducted by using split-plot on the basis of randomized complete block design with four replications in Agricultural Research Station of Islamic Azad University of Yasouj during 2009-2010. Main plots consisted of Tallaye and Okapy cultivars and sub plot were six levels of gamma irradiation including zero (control), 100, 200, 300 400 and 500 Gy. The results of this study showed that plant height, harvest index, 1000-seed weight, seed yield, seed oil percent, linolenic, linoleic and oleic fatty acids were affected with different levels of irradiation. With increasing irradiation up to 300 Gy the measured traits decreased and the minimum amounts were obtained in 500 Gy level. The highest seed yield (3985kg ha), oil1 percent (48.3 %), linolenic acid (11.5 %), 1000 seeds weight (5.3 g), harvest index (31), plant height (94 cm) were obtained in 100 Gy level. The highest (3998 kg ha) and the lowest (1545.81 kg/ha) seed yield were achieved1 in 100 Gy and Tallaye cultivar and 500 Gy and Okapi cultivar, respectively. Talayeh cultivar with 200 Gy and Okapi cultivar with 500 Gy produced the highest and the lowest oil percent, respectively. The highest (12.7 %) and the lowest (7.6 %) linoleic acid were also obtained in 200 Gy and Okapy cultivar and 500 Gy with Tallaye cultivar, respectively. Key words: Canola Gamma rays Fatty acids Agronomic characteristic