The role of gamma radiation on the productivity of sesame plants and potassium efficiency under different rates of potassium fertilization

Abstract

EED irradiation is considered one of nuclear techniques used purpose for improving plant growth and enhancing fertilizer use efficiency. Thus, the present study aims at evaluating the response of sesame plants exposed to different doses of gamma radiation, i.e. 0, 50, 100, and 200 Gy, to different K rates (0, 57, 76 and 95 kg K ha -1 ) and impact of interaction on crop yield, K recovery (KR), and efficiency (KUE). Therefore, a field experiment was conducted on sandy soil during the summer season of 2021 under drip irrigation system. The experiment was set up using a random complete block design. The results indicated that the high rate of K fertilization (95 kg ha -1 ) with a proper dose of gamma irradiation (100 Gy) significantly increased the dry yield and K uptake of different sesame organs. Furthermore, the KR of seed yield significantly increased under 50, 100 Gy for gamma irradiation, while KUE was significantly increased under 50 Gy for gamma irradiation with a high K rate. On the other hand, a high gamma dose reflected a negative effect on yield, K uptake, recovery, and efficiency of sesame plant organs with K fertilization. These results implied that the gamma radiation may increase K uptake and efficiency and thus increase the productivity of sesame plants. It seems that plants exposed to irradiation become more efficient in absorbing K from soil comparing to the non-irradiated plants.