Table 4. Effects of ionizing radiation on fresh fruits and vegetables
|
Dose (kGy) |
Observed effects |
|
0.05-0.15 |
Sprout inhibition in tuber, bulb, and root vegetables; inhibition of growth in asparagus and mushroom |
|
0.15-0.75 |
Insect disinfestation |
|
0.25-0.50 |
Delayed ripening of some tropical fruits such as banana, mango, and papaya |
|
>1.75 |
Control of postharvest disease |
|
1.00-3.00 |
Accelerated softening; development of off-flavors in some commodities |
|
>3.00 |
Excessive softening; abnormal ripening; incidence of some physiological disorders; impaired flavor |
1 kilogray (kGy) = 1000 gray (Gy), which is the SI unit of energy absorbed (1 joule/kg) from ionizing radiation. 1 Gy = 100 rad (1 rad = 100 erg/g), and 1 kGy=100 krad