Application of gamma irradiation on morphological, biochemical, and molecular aspects of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under different seed moisture contents

Nuclear technology is currently used as a tool in mutation breeding to improve crops by increasing genetic variation. The ionization of gamma rays produces large amounts of free radicals, simulating stressors in the natural environment. To avoid gamma-ray-induced oxidative stress, plants use antioxidant defense systems. Exposure of plants to irradiation can affect the germination, growth, and production of metabolites. Plants' sensitivity to irradiation depends on genetic and environmental factors such as moisture content. For this purpose, the effects of different gamma irradiation doses [0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 Gray (Gy)] and different seed moisture contents (7, 13, and 19%) on traits such as seed germination, seedling growth, molecular and biochemical alterations in antioxidant enzymes were examined in the current study. Based on the results, the highest seed germination percentage was observed in the interaction effect of seed moisture at 13% with an irradiation dose of 400 Gy (98.89%). Seedling survival percent and seedling length decreased with increasing doses of gamma irradiation at different seed moisture contents. Increasing gamma irradiation doses were reduced root and stem fresh and dry weight, and root and stem length. The highest level of catalase enzyme activity and expression was observed at 200 and 300 Gy irradiation doses at different moisture contents. The peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase gene expression were reduced at all contents of gamma irradiation doses and seed moisture compared to the control. It can be concluded that the dose of 200–300 Gy of gamma irradiation reduced plant growth by 30% in terms of fresh and dry weight and length of plants, as well as enhanced the expression of antioxidant enzymes. The results of this study could help plant breeders select an appropriate dose rate in wheat for further research.