TY  - GEN
T1  - Benefiting nuclear technology for enhancing coconut industry
A1  - Norimah Yusof
LA  - English
PB  - Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute
YR  - 2013
UL  - http://discoverylib.upm.edu.my/discovery/Record/oai:http:--agris.upm.edu.my:0-2516
AB  - Resurging demand for coconut based product indicates the crop may once again become a major source of income to farmers. However it is essential that new technologies be applied to sustain crop productivity and competitiveness of coconut based industry, both the upstream and downstream activities. In certain aspects nuclear technology, established in Malaysia since early 1990`s, can be harnessed to benefit the industry. One important area is in genetic improvement, where mutagenesis technique, mainly by acute and chronic gamma rays can contribute in generating new varieties. Malaysian Nuclear Agency has launched more than 20 new cultivars of ornamentals, fruits and grass using this technique. Our researchers have also generated mutant varieties through a micropropagation technique using bioreactor. Tracer techniques using stable isotope of nitrogen-15 and radioisotopes of carbon-14, rubidium-86, potassium-42 and phosphorous-32 can be used to assist in improvising crop`s agronomic practices, particularly for the new varieties. In post harvest, food irradiation at less than 10 kGy can decontaminate/reduce microbial load, kill microbial pathogens and control stored product insect infestation. Our study indicates gamma ray at dose 5 kGy can be used to decontaminate hence extending the shelf life of coconut creamed powder, while in several countries irradiation has been shown to successfully disinfect desiccated coconut. Coconut fibre can be converted to compost, animal feed and composite materials using gamma and electron beam irradiator at more than 10 kGy. The nuclear facilities at Malaysian Nuclear Agency are available for technical services, attachment and short trainings. We welcome strategic partnership and collaboration in research activities, and public quest for technology transfer.
KW  - Nuclear energy
KW  - Coconuts
KW  - Agricultural industry
KW  - Mutation breeding
KW  - Chemical decontamination
KW  - Disinfestation of stored products
KW  - Application of technology
KW  - Mutagenesis
KW  - Bioreactors
KW  - Malaysia
ER  -