Enhanced physiological performance and induced genetic variation in radish (Raphanus sativus L.) under gamma irradiation via silver chromate/aluminum-organic framework application

This study investigates the unconventional effects of gamma irradiation and/or metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) on Raphanus sativus. Silver chromate/aluminum-based MOFs were applied to both irradiated and non-irradiated R. sativus seeds. The evaluation was based on physiological characteristics—including phenotypic measurements and the content of ascorbic acid and total phenols—alongside genetic variation analysis using Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) markers. Improved growth parameters, including shoot height, root length, leaves number, and leaf area, were observed in the Al-MOF, Ag2CrO4/Al-MOF, and/or irradiation treatments. Notably, at 9 days after spray (DAS), plants from irradiated seeds and those treated with Ag2CrO4/Al-MOF exhibited enhanced phenotypic development (four leaves) compared to non-irradiated controls with noticeable, varying changes in leaf area. Conversely, chlorophyll content was not significantly affected. Furthermore, all treatments led to a significant increase in ascorbic acid and total phenol content relative to the control. By the conclusion of the experiment, MOFs perform effectively in conjunction with gamma irradiation (10 Gy) synergistically to enhance R. sativus features. Genetic analysis via SCoT revealed that MOFs in conjunction with gamma irradiation induced DNA variations. Specifically, when irradiation accompanied by Ag2CrO4/Al-MOF resulted in six negative unique markers, leading to genetic variants and instability relative to the control. These SCoT results remain complex and warrant further investigation. These findings promote the application of MOF products alongside irradiation in agriculture to optimize resource use. However, further research is required, particularly regarding the long-term effects of Al3+-MOFs.