Behaviour of lipase activity of the gamma‐irradiated groundnut during germination

Lipase activity of gamma‐irradiated groundnut has been reported. The dosage levels: 10, 30, 50, 70, 90 and 120 Kiloroentgen (kr) units have different effects on lipase. Radiation levels of 50 kr units and above induced damage to the active centers. Lipase activity was found to decrease during the initial stages of germination, and to increase in later stages. After reaching maximum value, the activity decreased. The lipase of control seeds doubled during germination in light. Increase in irradiated seeds was about 1.5‐fold. Maximum activity for seeds treated under different conditions was attained at different periods of germination. Plant growth and the behaviour of lipase has been explained on the basis of other metabolic factors such as: ascorbic acid oxidase, amino acids and free fatty acids liberated during germination, and their mutual effects.