Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Exposure of maize seeds to stationary magnetic fields: effects on germination and early growth med./bio.

By: Florez M, Carbonell MV, Martinez E

Published in: Environ Exp Bot 2007; 59 (1): 68-75

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To examine the effect of exposure of maize seeds and seedlings to magnetic fields on the germination and early growth.

Background/further details

Three groups were examined: 1.) control group, 2.) exposure to 125 mT and 3.) exposure to 250 mT. The exposure duration was 1 minute, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 1 hour, 24 hours or continuous.

Endpoint

germination rate; growth of seedlings

Exposure

- static magnetic field

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: DC/static Exposure duration: 1 min, 10 min, 20 min, 1 h, 24 h or continuously	magnetic flux density: 125 mT (at the core of the magnet)
Exposure 2: DC/static Exposure duration: 1 min, 10 min, 20 min, 1 h, 24 h or continuously	magnetic flux density: 250 mT (at the core of the magnet)

General information

values for the magnetic field have been provided by the manufactors and have been confirmed by measurements

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	DC/static
Type	magnetic field
Exposure duration	1 min, 10 min, 20 min, 1 h, 24 h or continuously

Exposure setup

Exposure source	e: ring magnet d: Ring-Magnet
Chamber	magnet was placed at the top of the vessel and rolls of paper carrying the seeds were placed in the hole of the magnet
Setup	magnet was placed at the top of the vessel
Additional info	local geomagnetic field 42 µT

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
magnetic flux density	125 mT	-	measured	-	at the core of the magnet

Exposure 2

Main characteristics

Frequency	DC/static
Type	magnetic field
Exposure duration	1 min, 10 min, 20 min, 1 h, 24 h or continuously

Exposure setup

Exposure source	same setup as exposure 1

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
magnetic flux density	250 mT	-	measured	-	at the core of the magnet

Exposed system:

plant
maize/Ramda variety

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

germination rate (number of germinated seeds); length of seedlings adter 7 and 10 days (total length (stem + root), stem length); weight of seedlings after 10 days (total fresh weight (stem + root) and stem fresh weight)

Investigated system:

investigation on living organism

Time of investigation:

after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Seeds and seedlings exposed to a magnetic field for 24 hours or continuously were significantly taller and heavier than their untreated controls. The germination rate of exposed seeds was significantly enhanced when compared to the control group (the longer exposed the earlier germinated).
The authors conclude that exposure of maize seeds and seedlings to magnetic fields could promote the germination and the early growth.

Study character:

medical/biological study
experimental study
full/main study

Study funded by

not stated/no funding

Iqbal M et al. (2012): Effect of presowing magnetic treatment on properties of pea
Naz A et al. (2012): Enhancement in the germination, growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) using pre-sowing magnetic treatment of seeds
Grewal HS et al. (2011): Magnetic treatment of irrigation water and snow pea and chickpea seeds enhances early growth and nutrient contents of seedlings
Shine MB et al. (2011): Enhancement of germination, growth, and photosynthesis in soybean by pre-treatment of seeds with magnetic field
Costanzo E (2011): Influence of extremely low-frequency electric fields on the growth of Vigna radiata seedlings
Javed N et al. (2011): Alleviation of adverse effects of drought stress on growth and some potential physiological attributes in maize (Zea mays L.) by seed electromagnetic treatment
Cakmak T et al. (2010): Acceleration of germination and early growth of wheat and bean seedlings grown under various magnetic field and osmotic conditions
Vashisth A et al. (2010): Effect on germination and early growth characteristics in sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seeds exposed to static magnetic field
Marks N et al. (2010): Impact of variable magnetic field stimulation on growth of aboveground parts of potato plants
Zepeda-Bautista R et al. (2010): Electromagnetic field and seed vigour of corn hybrids
Vashisth A et al. (2008): Exposure of seeds to static magnetic field enhances germination and early growth characteristics in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Racuciu M et al. (2008): Plant growth under static magnetic field influence
Aladjadjiyan A (2002): Study of the influence of magnetic field on some biological characteristics of Zea mais

Exposure of maize seeds to stationary magnetic fields: effects on germination and early growth med./bio.

Aim of study (acc. to author)

Background/further details

Endpoint

Exposure

General information

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Exposure setup

Parameters

Exposure 2

Main characteristics

Exposure setup

Parameters

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Study funded by

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