New Gamma Irradiator to address threats to crop yields and public health in Jamaica

A new gamma irradiator has been constructed at the International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Science (ICENS), a research facility of the University of the West Indies. The irradiator was procured by the IAEA through its technical cooperation programme.

The irradiator is being used for the development of crops that have greater resistance to fungi and insects with the aim of increasing yields and improving food security and export revenue

“In the short term, this facility will be integral to our efforts in crop improvement and integrated vector management [for insect pests],” said Charles Grant, Director General of ICENS. “In the medium to long term, the multi-purpose irradiator will also be utilized for the shelf-life extension of seasonal crops and, in the health sector, we intend to make arrangements with the University Hospital of the West Indies to start sterilizing medical equipment and to assist with research on improving skin graft technologies.”

Further details are available at this link to the IAEA news item →