Priyanka N. and V. Manimozhi
Abstract
Amarantus dubius is a multipurpose, drought resistant, C4 plant that grows well even at adverse climatic changes. The leaves contain low calories, high nutraceutical potential and anti-inflammatory property. The leaves also contain high tocopherol (vitamin E) which has anti cancerous, neuroprotective and hypocholesterolemic properties. In spite of innumerous therapeutic values, the Amaranth are categorized as an underprivileged crop and neglected when compared to other exotic crop utilization. Appropriate production methods, novel crop production system, inventive processing techniques, effective processing and storage are the hindrance for proper utilization of Amaranth crop. Hence the present study concerns on seeds of A. dubius which on exposure to cobalt-60, one of the most common source of gamma irradiation with four different radiation doses at 50, 100, 150 & 200 Gy. The acute and chronic effects of gamma irradiation and changes in physiological parameters such as germination of seeds, height of shoot, height of root, total carotenoids content and total chlorophyll content were recorded. Thus the study emphasizes this medicinally important indigenous food crop as an ingredient by enhancing the crop utility through innovative technologies which could ameliorate the livelihood of the impoverished status.