Changes in elemental composition and fatty acids of Acanthoscelides obtectus adults and the common bean seeds irradiated with gamma radiation

PURPOSE: adults and common bean seeds caused by gamma radiation were assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: adults and common bean seeds exposed to four irradiation doses (50, 100, 150, and 200 Gy) were examined. RESULTS: irradiated males reduced at most irradiation doses with the exceptions of Ca at 50 Gy, Mg at 100 Gy and P at 200 Gy. On the contrary, sulfur (S), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) increased compared to the control except for Zn at 200 Gy. In contrast, the relative percentages of Mg and K in irradiated females increased at most irradiation doses. Conversely, P, S, Ca, Cu and Zn decreased compared to the control except for P at 150 Gy and Zn at 150 and 200 Gy. Gamma irradiation significantly affected the elemental composition of the seeds. Most elements increased after irradiation, whereas N, Cu, and Zn generally decreased, with some dose-specific exceptions. Also, the total unsaturated fatty acids decreased in irradiated adult males and increased in irradiated females compared with the control. While the irradiation doses increased the total saturated fatty acids (SFAs) in irradiated adult males and declined in females and the oleic and palmitic acids are dominant in both adult sexes. Furthermore, the total SFAs of irradiated common bean seeds also increased in comparison with the control. Moreover, irradiation did not significantly affect starch, protein, fat, moisture, or ash contents, whereas fiber content increased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: irradiated adults may affect the biological activity of insects.