Studies on gamma radio-sensitivity and identification of seed-borne pathogens in beans

Abstract

A study investigated radio-sensitivity (LD50) and seed-borne pathogens in five Tanzanian common bean varieties (UYOLE 16, SELIAN 13, TARIBEAN 6, JESCA, and CALIMA UYOLE) and two Pakistani mung bean genotypes (MH20106 and AVMV8601). Seeds were irradiated at doses of 0, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 Gy and planted in a wire house under a Completely Randomized Design at the Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB) in Faisalabad, Pakistan. The LD50 values for common bean varieties were 219 Gy (UYOLE 16), 192 Gy (SELIAN 13), 190 Gy (TARIBEAN 6), 196 Gy (JESCA), and 154 Gy (CALIMA UYOLE). For mung bean, LD50 was 223 Gy (MH20106) and 218 Gy (AVMV8601). Overall, LD50 values ranged from 150 to 250 Gy for both types. Additionally, fungal pathogen isolation revealed that TARIBEAN 6 was infected with Rhizoctonia solani, while the mung bean showed infection from Macrophomina phaseolina. Pathogenicity tests confirmed susceptibility in common bean varieties TARIBEAN 6, JESCA, and CALIMA UYOLE. These findings underscore the importance of using fungicides on seeds and selecting tolerant varieties for improved cultivation outcomes.