title: Effect of γ radiation processing on fungal growth and quality characteristcs of millet grains.
abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of gamma radiation processing of millet grains on fungal incidence, germination, free fatty acids content, protein solubility, digestible protein, and antinutritional factors (tannin and phytic acid). The grains were exposed to gamma radiation at doses 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, and 2.0 kGy. Obtained results revealed that radiation of millet grains at a dose level higher than 0.5 kGy caused significant (P < 0.05) reduction on the percentage of fungal incidence and the free fatty acid of the seeds, while, no significant change in the germination capacity was observed of the grains after radiation. Additionally, the radiation process caused significant (P < 0.05) reduction on both tannins and phytic acid content and gradual increment on in vitro protein digestibility of the grains. On the other hand, the treatments significantly (P < 0.05) increased the protein solubility of the grains. Obtained results indicate that gamma irradiation might improve the quality characteristics of millet grains, and can be used as a postharvest method for disinfestations and decontamination of millet grains.
authors.affiliation: Environment and Natural Resource and Desertification Research Institute (ENDRI) National Center for Research PO Box 6096 Khartoum Sudan.
authors.forename: Nagat S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Mahmoud
authors.affiliation: Environment and Natural Resource and Desertification Research Institute (ENDRI) National Center for Research PO Box 6096 Khartoum Sudan.
authors.forename: Sahar H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Awad
authors.affiliation: Environment and Natural Resource and Desertification Research Institute (ENDRI) National Center for Research PO Box 6096 Khartoum Sudan.
authors.forename: Rayan M A
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Madani
authors.affiliation: Environment and Natural Resource and Desertification Research Institute (ENDRI) National Center for Research PO Box 6096 Khartoum Sudan.
authors.forename: Fahmi A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Osman
authors.affiliation: Sudanese Atomic Energy Commission (SAEC) Khartoum Sudan.
authors.forename: Khalid
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Elmamoun
authors.affiliation: Environment and Natural Resource and Desertification Research Institute (ENDRI) National Center for Research PO Box 6096 Khartoum Sudan.
authors.forename: Amro B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Hassan
keywords: Antinutritional factors; fungal growth; germination; millet; protein solubility; radiation