Effects of gamma rays on rusts, yield and seed quality of some wheat genotypes

Abstract

Application of physical modification techniques such as the radiation of gamma rays could induce rust resistance and improve the performance of wheat plants through the development of new products. During the growing seasons of 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, two field experiments were done to see how well five types of bread wheat (NING MAI 50-0CHN, SAKHA 93, GIZA 168, SIDS 12, and SKAUZ) did when they were exposed to 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 Kr of gamma rays. The experiments looked at how well the rust was controlled, how much yield was produced, and how the seedlings grew. Results showed that wheat genotypes significantly differed in rust infection and other parameters in both seasons at different gamma-ray ratios. Sakha 93 gave high resistance to yellow rust with high seedling dry weight and seedling vigor index 2, but Giza 168 gave the highest leaf rust resistance with increased doses of gamma rays. On the other hand, the SKAUZ genotype surpassed other genotypes in germination percentage and grain yield in both seasons. A dose of 25 kr was the most beneficial for rust resistance and yield attributes in comparison to the control, while a dose of 5 kr caused improvement in seedling parameters. Results exhibited that the interaction effect between wheat genotypes and gamma rays was significant on all studied traits in both seasons. Finally, it is concluded that gamma rays play an important role in inducing rust resistance and improving grain yield.