Gamma Radiation Effects (Cs¹³⁷) on the Local Variety Culture of Corn (Zea mays L.) Under Ecological Conditions of Kenge

The aim of the present study was to study the effects of gamma radiation (Cs137) on the local variety of maize (Zea mays L.) usually cultivated at KENGE for possible track of its improvement. The approach consisted of irradiating the corn seeds at the doses ranging from 0 to 300 Gy at intervals of 100 each using the CONSERVATOME LISA I irradiator. The irradiated seeds were sown on a plot of 176.40 m2 of surface area according to a device in completely random blocks. In the field, some cultural precautions for consequent yield have been taken (weeding, ridging at the same time as weeding, mulching, and watering). Different cultivation parameters were determined such as germination rate, crown diameter, plant size and number of leaves / maize plant from one part and, from another part, the length of the cobs, the ear diameter, number of kernels/ear, 100 kernel weights and yield per plot. From the results obtained it turned out that the dose of 100 Gy with average values such as 67% for the germination rate, 220.80 cm for the length of the plants, 1505 seeds per plant ear and 327.25 g per 100 seeds behaved well in relation to the witness and the irradiated persons. The dose of 300 Gy gave values far lower than those of 100 Gy (19%, 67.66 cm, 713 and 90.13 g). From these analyzes, it is possible to recommend an in-depth study in the improvement of local corn with the LD50 of 169.33 Gy.