Examples of radioisotopes as radiation sources in agriculture
- Eradication of pests with sterile male technique
Radiation can cause biological effects, for example cabbage pests. In the laboratory, cabbage pests are cultivated in large quantities. The pest is then irradiated so that the male insects become sterile.
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| After that the pests are released in the affected area. It is hoped that there will be a marriage between local pests and released sterile males. Eggs resulting from such a marriage will not hatch. Thus the reproduction of these pests is disrupted and will reduce the population. |
- Plant breeding
Plant breeding or the formation of superior seeds can be done using radiation. For example, rice breeding, rice seedlings are given radiation with varying doses, from the smallest dose that does not cause an effect to the low lethal dose. The irradiated seeds are then sown and planted in groups according to the size of the radiation dose.
- Food storage
We know that food items such as potatoes and onions, if stored for a long time, will sprout. Radiation can inhibit the growth of such materials. So before the material is stored, radiation is given at a certain dose so that it will not germinate, thus it can be stored longer.