Comprehensive Meta-Analysis of Gamma Radiation Effects on Forage Crops: Morphological, Phenological, Biochemical, and Nutritional Attributes
摘要
Gamma radiation has emerged as a promising tool for enhancing the traits of forage crops through mutation breeding. This meta-analysis synthesizes the effects of gamma radiation on the morphological, phenological, biochemical, and nutritional attributes of forage crops, with a focus on dose-dependent responses. A systematic review of studies published between 2010 and 2024 was conducted to quantify the impact of gamma irradiation across various plant species and growing conditions. Results indicate that gamma radiation, particularly at low-to-moderate doses, significantly improves morphological traits such as plant height, tiller number, and leaf area, as well as nutritional quality, including crude protein content and nutrient uptake. These positive effects are especially pronounced under nutrient-poor or contaminated soils, highlighting the potential of gamma radiation to enhance forage resilience. However, higher radiation doses often result in negative effects, including oxidative stress, reduced reproductive success, and impaired root development. The study further reveals that environmental factors, such as soil type and crop species, modulate plant responses to gamma radiation, emphasizing the need for dose optimization. This analysis offers valuable insights for developing effective mutation breeding strategies that enhance forage crop productivity and resilience, particularly in degraded agricultural lands. Future research should focus on identifying optimal radiation doses for specific forage species and integrating gamma irradiation with other agronomic practices to maximize its benefits.