Abstract:In order to explore the feasibility of taro preservation by radiation technology, here we investigated the effects of different irradiation dose treatment on the germination rate, germinal growth and edible quality of taro to develop a desired storage method, with storage temperature (5 to 15, 15 to 20, 22 to 28℃) and species (Jingjiang taro, Fujian taro, Yunnan taro, Zhejiang taro) considered. The results showed that germination rate of the control group was up to 80.0% and the maximum germinal length was 20.2 mm at the 75th day while the taro treated with irradiation rate at 0.2 kGy had a much lower germination rate of 2.0% at the 75d and a maximum germinal length of 0.2 mm at the 32 to 38d. When the irradiation dose were at 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0 kGy, no bud head was found in treatment group. The commodity characteristics of taro treated with irradiation dose at 0.2 and 0.5 kGy remained good after 75 d under storage temperature of 5 to 28 ℃, with sensory evaluation scores 7.5 and 8.0, respectively. The largest germination rate of four species of taro treated by irradiation dose of 0.2kGy after 75d was only 6.2%, while that with 0.5 kGy was 0. In summary, 0.2 to 0.5 kGy is the best irradiation dose for taro’s preservation. This research provided a feasible technology for taro storage.