Sensitization of Aspergillus flavus spores to gamma radiation by halogens

Abstract

Survival curves for spores of Aspergillus flavus Link var. columnaris Raper and Fennell were obtained after their irradiation with gamma rays in the presence of Na+, K+, and Ca2+ halogens. Halogens of Na+ and K+ sensitized the spores to the radiation and enhanced sensitization occurred as the dose of radiation was increased. Halogens of Ca2+ protected the spores against a radiation dose of 25 krad but at higher doses although CaCl2 was protective, CaBr2 and CaI2 were radiosensitizers, with CaI2 the most efficient radiosensitizer.