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BU inks pact with BARC to study radiation impact on plants

BERHAMPUR: Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and Berhampur University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to study positive impacts of radiation on plants.

Speaking to The Hindu, Vice Chancellor Bijay Kumar Sahu said it was a prestigious project for the university. The BARC has chosen four centres in the country to take up reasearch on impact of ionizing radiation on non-human biota, especially on plants of human benefit. The four centres are IARI, New Delhi, Agricultural University, Hyderabad, BARC Mumbai and Botany department of Berhampur University.

Prof. Sahu said the project was sanctioned under the eleventh plan. The Ministry of Atomic Energy recently approved the MoU between BARC and Berhampur University. The BARC has already released Rs. 40 lakh for installation of a ‘Gamma Irradiater’ in a ‘Gamma Chamber’ to be established on the university campus.

According to Prof. Sahu this would be one of its kind installation for radiation biology research on the eastern coast. The installation of Gamma Irradiater would be completed by April 2009.

Prof Brahma Bihari Panda, coordinator of the project, said under the project they would experiment on bringing in positive mutational changes in different plant breeds beneficial to humans. Both ultra violent rays and gamma radiation affect plants. But here mutational changes would be brought in through controlled use of ionizing gamma radiation.

These experiments may bring in genetic mutant changes in major crop breeds to make them more productive, pest resistant and environment friendly. It would also provide ways to preservation capacity of different plant products, including food grains and vegetables through peaceful use of radiation.

The Gamma Chamber of the project could also be used for sterilisation of medical waste and other hazardous bio-waste. Prof. Sahu felt the Gamma unit could also be an income generator for the university as this unit could also be used by other organisations for a service charge.

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