Disinfection of seeds and sprout inhibition of potatoes with low energy electrons

Electrons at acceleration voltages of 170-190 kV reduced microbial count of seeds of adzuki bean, pot herb mustered and black gram to undetectable lev els without any detrimental effects on the germination ability. However, el ectrons at 200 kV or higher affected the growing of black gram sprouts. The energies of electrons at the surface of seed (15 cm distance from the acce lerator's window) at acceleration voltages of 170-190 kV were estimated to be 60-90 kV, based on the stopping powers of titanium and air. Electrons at acceleration voltages of 250 kV or higher inhibited sprouting of potato tu bers of various cultivars. The results suggest the efficacy of low energy e lectron treatment for disinfection of seeds and sprout inhibition of potato es. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.