Sensitivity of Artemia Eggs to the γ-irradiation III. The Sensitivity and the Duration of Hydration

Abstract

This investigation was carried out to clarify the relationship between radiosensitivity and the water content of the hydrated eggs. Prior to γ-irradiation the water content of Artemia eggs was modified by hydrating at 0°C and 27°C for one to seven hours. At three hours after hydration, the water content reached a plateau at both temperatures.

The eggs became more radiosensitive in the wet state than in the dried state. By irradiation with 100 kr, the hatchability of eggs hydrated at 0°C and 27°C did not show noticeable difference by prolonged hydration. On the other hand, the radiosensitivity of eggs irradiated with 200 kr steeply increased after one hour hydration at both temperatures. Further hydration at 0°C maintained this level of radiosensitivity, but at 27°C showed the complex pattern. The patterns of increased sensitivity is related to the temperature of the steeping water and may be associated with physiological or developmental stage of the treated eggs.