Response Surface Methodology for optimization of gamma irradiation of faba bean (Vicia faba L.)

Creating new mutants of faba bean for improving crop was carried out using gamma rays irradiation. The effect of operational parameters such as dose, dose rate and post irradiation storage time was studied using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to optimize the conditions of maximum rate germination of faba bean. Optimal operating conditions were determined to be 150Gy dose, 18 Gy min-1 dose rate, and 1 to 2 days post irradiation time, respectively. After several tests, the desired mutants were found, and RSM techniques were able to predict the optimal rate germination of faba bean as a function of irradiation process condition.