Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Mechanism of the action of low-frequency magnetic field on the initial stages of germination of wheat seeds med./bio.

By: Aksenov SI, Bulychev AA, Grunina TY, Turovetskii VB

Published in: Biophysics 1996; 41 (4): 931-937

Journal

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the effects of low frequency magnetic field exposure on the initial stages of germination of wheat seeds. As sensitive parameters to the action of a low frequency electromagnetic field, besides the biological indices (germinating power, rate of germination, etc.), the authors chose change in pH in the direct vicinity of the seed germ and change in the hydrolytic activity of the esterase enzymes released at the early stages of germination of wheat seeds.

Background/further details

In an interval between one and 30 h after the start of wetting the plant samples were exposed to the magnetic field. Different wheat varieties of different ages were used.

Endpoint

effects on wheat seeds (germinating power, rate of germination, weight of seedlings, esterase enzyme activity, pH value)

Exposure

- magnetic field
- low frequency

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 30–33 Hz Exposure duration: continuous for 7 min to 10 min	magnetic flux density: 30 mT

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	30–33 Hz
Type	magnetic field
Waveform	sinusoidal
Exposure duration	continuous for 7 min to 10 min

Exposure setup

Exposure source	MM-5 magnetic mixer
Setup	petri dishes with seeds placed on the surface of the mixer

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
magnetic flux density	30 mT	-	-	-	-

Exposed system:

plant
wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)/Zarya (of two different harvests) and other varieties

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

effects on wheat seeds (germinating power, rate of germination, weight of seedlings, esterase enzyme activity (via fluorescein measurement), pH value measurement at the germ surface)

Investigated system:

isolated bio./chem. substance
investigation on living organism

Time of investigation:

after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Brief magnetic field exposure of the wheat seeds in the first hours of swelling had relatively little influence on the esterase enzyme activity. However, at the stage of growth in seeds with high germinating power, the magnetic field effect (increased enzyme activity) sharply increased by a factor of two and more in individual experiments. After 11 h, strong effects were noted in all tests and, starting from hours 17-18, the magnetic field only weakly influenced enzyme activity. At the same time, in old seeds, the magnetic field exposure either did not change or lowered esterase enzyme activity.
In some experiments the magnetic field exposure produced an earlier pH value shift close to the germ surface (acceleration of cell acidification process).
The germinating power and the rate of germination also sharply increased following magnetic field exposure.
The authors conclude that the data point out the high sensitivity of wheat seed in the course of their germination to exposure to a low frequency magnetic field.

Study character:

medical/biological study
experimental study
full/main study

Study funded by

not stated/no funding

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Costanzo E (2011): Influence of extremely low-frequency electric fields on the growth of Vigna radiata seedlings
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Vashisth A et al. (2010): Effect on germination and early growth characteristics in sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seeds exposed to static magnetic field
Huang HH et al. (2008): The effects of inverter magnetic fields on early seed germination of mung beans
Aksenov SI et al. (2007): [On the mechanisms of stimulation and inhibition during germination of wheat seeds in extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields]
Aksyonov SI et al. (2007): On the mechanisms of stimulation and inhibition of wheat seed germination by low-frequency magnetic field
Apasheva LM et al. (2006): Effect of alternating electromagnetic field on early stages of plant development
Rajendra P et al. (2005): Effects of Power Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on Growth of Germinating Vicia faba L., the Broad Bean
Fischer G et al. (2004): Effects of weak 16 2/3 Hz magnetic fields on growth parameters of young sunflower and wheat seedlings
Soja G et al. (2003): Growth and yield of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) near a high voltage transmission line
Martinez E et al. (2002): Magnetic biostimulation on initial growth stages of wheat (Triticum Aestivum,L.)
Aksenov SI et al. (2001): [Characteristics of low frequency magnetic field effect on swelling of wheat seeds at various stages]
Aksyonov SI et al. (2001): Effects Of ELF-EMF Treatment On Wheat Seeds At Different Stages Of Germination And Possible Mechanisms Of Their Origin
Ruzic R et al. (1998): Effects of weak low-frequency magnetic fields on spruce seed germination under acid conditions