Use of ESR for the detection of irradiated dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.)

One variety (Aple) of Libyan dry dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) was irradiated in a 60Co source to absorbed doses of 0.8, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 kGy. Unirradiated date stone contains a radical with a single line g = 2.0045, feature A. Irradiation to a dose of 2.0 kGy (the recommended dose for fruits in U.K.) induces the formation of additional radicals with signals g = 1.9895 and 2.0159, feature C. The single line having g = 2.0045 decays in both unirradiated and irradiated samples whereas the additional signals g = 1.9895 and 2.0159 remain almost unchanged over a period of time 15 months stored at room temperature and 4 degrees C.