ELECTRON-PARAMAGNETIC RESONANCE STUDIES OF GAMMA-IRRADIATED CORN

Gamma-irradiated corn samples in the range 0.1-2.0 kGy dose range were studied by the EPR technique. The signal consists of one structureless line with a width of 0.82 +/- 0.02 mT and a g-factor of 2.004 +/- 0.002. The intensity of this line shows a linear dependence in this dose range. The com samples were ground prior to irradiation. Before grinding the samples did not show any EPR signal. After grinding they present a free radical EPR line with the same characteristics as that produced by the gamma rays. The stability of these centers as a function of the temperature and time after irradiation was investigated. Analysis of these results suggest the presence of only one type of radical produced by both the mechanical and irradiation processes.