Effect of Gamma Radiation on Growth Factors, Biochemical Parameters, and Accumulation of Trace Elements in Soybean Plants (Glycine max L. Merrill)

The toxicity of iron, copper, and zinc was studied in soybean seeds of the NE 3297 variety irradiated at different dosages of gamma rays. After cultivating in plastic boxes for 14 days, the average plant heights, fresh weight, and chlorophyll content decreased in inverse proportion to radiation dose. As the radiation dose increased, the concentrations of iron, copper, zinc, soluble protein, and malondialdehyde increased, but the activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase enzymes activities were significantly decreased. The activities and the number of the superoxide dismutase isoenzymes also varied depending on the irradiation dosages.