Effects of Fast Neutron irradiation on Yield Parameters of Two Nigerian Sesame Cultivars

Abstract

The effects of Fast Neutron Irradiation (FNI) using an Americium-beryllium source with a flux of 1.5 × 104 ncm-2s -1 on the yield parameters of two cultivars of sesame (Ex- Sudan and E-8) were studied. Seeds of each of the cultivars were irradiated for 30, 60, 90 and 120 min (that is, 4, 8, 12 and 16 μSv doses of FNI) before they were sown with their respective controls in order to assess the effects of the different irradiation treatments on their yield parameters. While each of the two cultivars showed significant differences among the doses in terms of oil content at p<0.01, E-8 did not show any significant difference (p≥0.05) except for weight per capsule. Ex- Sudan on the other hand, showed significant differences (p<0.05) in yield parameters among the doses tested. Correlations between irradiation doses and the yield parameters also varied and they were generally higher in Ex-Sudan than in E-8 suggesting that Ex-Sudan was more sensitive to Fast Neutron Irradiation (FNI). FNI therefore, could serve as a valuable tool for the improvement of yield of the crop.