New approach to the application of ionizing radiation on vegetal products
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Brazilian Journal of Development
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The application of irradiation in food treatment aims to prevent foodborne illnesses, inactivate spoilage-causing organisms, and control or destroy insect pests. Food products can also be sterilized through exposure to substantially higher radiation levels ([https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/food-irradiation-what-you-need-know](https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/food-irradiation-what-you-need-know)). Irradiation thus serves primarily as a safety measure for both the food and pharmaceutical industries. At the same time, growing evidence highlights the role of irradiation in enhancing plant bioactive components. This effect, once considered a secondary outcome, may become commercially significant, complementing pathogen control. While high doses of ionizing radiation are harmful to plant growth, lower or moderate doses can act as physical elicitors, triggering stress responses that boost protective compounds such as antioxidants and secondary metabolites. This mechanism is applied in mutation breeding to develop new varieties with improved traits, including increased nutritional value. Irradiation can raise levels of certain plant biocomponents, such as phenolic compounds and essential oils, with effects depending mainly on dose and plant species. Among several examples, stevia—a natural zero-calorie sweetener derived from the Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant—stands out for its rich profile of bioactive compounds, particularly steviol glycosides. This article discusses the current and potential perspectives of stevia irradiation.
Como referenciar
DEL MASTRO, NELIDA L. New approach to the application of ionizing radiation on vegetal products: the stevia case. Brazilian Journal of Development, v. 12, n. 2, p. 1-20, 2026. DOI: 10.34117/bjdv12n2-011. Disponível em: https://repositorio.ipen.br/handle/123456789/49969. Acesso em: 30 Jun 2026.
Esta referência é gerada automaticamente de acordo com as normas do estilo IPEN/SP (ABNT NBR 6023) e recomenda-se uma verificação final e ajustes caso necessário.