Disinfestation of Basmati rice by the use of gamma-radiation

The effect of low-dose gamma -radiation on prepacked Basmati rice was studi ed in order to achieve disinfestation. Basmati rice procured from the local market was repacked in 1 kg pouches made from high-density polyethylene (H DP) and biaxially oriented polypropylene : low-density polyethylene (BOPP/L DP) laminate and irradiated at doses from 0.25 to 1.0 kGy. Within 1 month o f storage at room temperature, non-irradiated (control) Basmati rice develo ped heavy infestation. No infestation was observed in any of the irradiated samples even at 0.25 kGy and the rice could be stored for 6 months in a cl ean state. Irradiation (at 0.25 kGy) did not alter the moisture content of the rice. Likewise, no significant change was noted in the functional prope rties of irradiated rice, such as the swelling index, water absorption and in total volatile components responsible for the flavour of Basmati rice. D uring organoleptic evaluation, no significant difference was found between the acceptability of irradiated (0.25 kGy) and control rice. These results are significant in view of the high export potential of Basmati rice and th e transit losses which are at present owing to infestation.