Effect of γ – ray irradiation on storage behaviour in garlic (Allium sativum L.)

Abstract

Experiments conducted at Rajgurunagar (Maharashtra) to study the effect of γ-ray irradiationand cold storage on storage losses in garlic (Allium sativum) indicated that   cold storage ofgarlic reduced physiological weight loss and infection due to diseases. These losses werelower than ambient stored garlic even after 5 months of storage. Un-irradiated cold storedgarlic showed rapid sprouting during post cold storage period but this low temperatureinduced sprouting was not noticed in γ-ray irradiated cold stored garlic after storage period.Overall,  γ-ray irradiation followed by cold storage minimized the storage losses by 15% to20% and increased the shelf life of garlic.