Accelerator application in agriculture

As an application of accelerators for nuclear technology application equipment in agriculture, there are three main areas in which commonly used economic benefits have been apparent:

1) Irradiation breeding

The application of accelerators in irradiation breeding is mainly to use the high-energy electrons, X-rays, fast neutrons or protons produced by it to irradiate crop seeds, buds, embryos or grain pollen, etc., to change the genetic characteristics of crops and make them along the optimized direction. development of. Breeding of improved varieties through radiation mutation has played a significant role in improving yield, improving quality, shortening growth period, and enhancing stress resistance. Potato, wheat, rice, cotton, soybean and other crops can have high yields, early maturity, short stems, resistance to pests and diseases, etc. after radiation breeding.

2) Radiation preservation

Radiation preservation is a new preservation technology developed after traditional methods of heat preservation, dehydration, refrigeration, and chemical processing. For example, irradiation treatment of potatoes, garlic, onions, etc. can inhibit germination and prolong the storage period; irradiation treatment of dried fresh fruits, mushrooms, sausages, etc. can extend the supply period and shelf life.

3) Irradiation, insecticide, sterilization

At present, chemical fumigation is widely used in the sterilization and sterilization of agricultural products, foods, etc., due to the residual toxicity caused by the use of chemical fumigation methods such as methyl bromide and ethylene oxide, and the destruction of the atmospheric ozone layer. According to the Montreal Convention, it must be global in 2005. It is forbidden to use methyl bromide in the range. Therefore, the use of accelerators for the irradiation of agricultural products, foods, etc., kills insects and sterilizes rapidly. Using high-energy electrons or X-rays generated by accelerators can kill parasites and pathogens in agricultural products, foods, and the like. This can not only reduce the food loss caused by corruption and pests, but also improve the food grade and added value.