Summary
The influence of ascorbic acid, potassium permanganate and caffeine on the postirradiation seedling injury of dry barley seeds was studied, irradiated (350 Gy 60Co γ-rays) in vacuo and post-hydrated with varying oxygen concentrations in the soaking medium. The oxygen concentration in the post-hydration medium (OCHG) was adjusted at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 80% and 100%. A linear response between the seedling injury and O2 concentration in the range of 0–80% was observed. These chemicals potentiated, protected or exerted no effect, depending upon the OCHG. Thus, ascorbic acid did not exert any effect on seeds post-hydrated at OCHG of ⩽ 30%, but afforded radio-protection at OCHG of ⩾ 50%. Caffeine, on the other hand, potentiated the postirradiation injury at OCHG of ⩽ 30%, exerted no influence at OCHG of ∼ 50% and afforded radioprotection at OCHG of ⩾ 80%. Potassium permanganate enhanced the injury at OCHG of ⩽ 10%, exerted no effect at OCHG of ∼ 30% and afforded radioprotection at OCHG of ⩾ 50%. The possible radiation-chemical events in the dry irradiated seeds following their post-hydration containing different OCHG and the three test chemicals which are known free radical scavengers are discussed.