Wheat seeds (Triticumaestivum L.) were exposed to two different types of lasers, a He-Ne laser (633 nm) and an argon laser (514.5 nm), to study their effects on growth, germination, and physiological and biochemical characteristics such as the amounts of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids. A significant increase in the growth characteristics was monitored and studied keeping in view the length as well as fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots. Similarly, plant pigment contents such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids were significantly changed. These significant alterations led to an increase in growth and germination compared with unexposed (control) wheat seeds. The experimental results of this in vitro study clearly demonstrate that different lasers like He-Ne laser and argon laser at low power significantly enhance the growth and germination of wheat seeds (Triticumaestivum L.) by positively influencing its physiological and biochemical characteristics.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of short and long term exposure to N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (glyphosate) on the photosynthetic activity of Ocimum basilicum L. (basil) plants. Photosynthetic pigment content, chlorophyll fluorescence, and laser-induced chlorophyll fluorescence spectra of basil plants treated for 30, 50, or 70 days with either 0,1, 2, or 3 ml/L (H2O) glyphosate were measured. The ratio of the two fluorescence intensity maxima was calculated by evaluating curve-fitted parameters. Findings revealed that after 30 days of treatment, 1 ml/l (H2O) of glyphosate stimulated, whereas 2 and 3 ml/l (H2O) of glyphosate inhibited, photosynthetic activity of basil plants. In contrast, all tested concentrations of glyphosate became inhibitory after 50 and 70 days of treatment. This study clearly showed that at high concentrations (> 1 ml/l (H2O)), glyphosate is highly toxic to basil. This finding may be helpful for determining the optimal dose of glyphosate in agricultural practices.