Germination and initial growth of triticale seeds under stationary magnetic fields

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to determine the effects of 125 mT and 250mT magnetic treatment on the germination and initial growth of triticale seeds. This objective has a practical application in agriculture science: early growth of triticale. An increase in the percentage and rate of germination of seeds and a stimulation of growth of seedlings as positive response to magnetic field treatment in rice, wheat, maize and barley seeds have been found in previous studies. Germination tests were carried out under laboratory conditions by exposing triticale seeds to magnetic field for different times. The effect was studied by exposure of seeds prior sowing. The mean germination time were reduced for all the magnetic treatments applied. Most significant differences were obtained for time of exposure of 1 and 24 hours and maximum reductions was 12%. Furthermore, seedlings from magnetically treated seeds grew taller than control. The longest mean total length was obtained from seedlings exposed to 125 and 250 mT for 24 hours. External magnetic fields are assumed to enhance seed vigor by influencing the biochemical processes by stimulating activity of proteins and enzymes. Numerous studies suggested that magnetic field increases ions uptake and consequently improves nutrition value.