Investigation effect of pulsed magnetic fields on pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) plant growth

Abstract

Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) plants are extensively utilized in culinary and spice industries, rendering their cultivation pivotal in agricultural production. Enhancing their growth and yield is a critical research area for producers and horticulturists. Recent investigations have delved into the use of pulsed magnetic fields (PMFs) as a potential growth stimulant. Unlike static magnetic fields, PMFs are characterized by transient, high-intensity magnetic bursts, potentially eliciting varied responses in plants. To assess PMFs' impact on pepper plants, several experiments were setup comprising two solenoids, each wound around an 18-cm-diameter rigid plastic pipe but with differing coil turns, one with 40 and the other with 80 turns. These solenoids were utilized to generate PMFs at a frequency of 1 kHz with two intensities: 17 micro-Tesla (µT) and 34 µT. The pepper plants were situated within the PMF zone under controlled conditions, ensuring consistency in light, temperature, and moisture levels. The experimental design included three plant groups: a control group with no PMFs exposure except that of the Earth’s magnetic field, and two groups subjected to 17 µT and 34 µT PMFs intensities with Earth’s magnetic field, ranging between 25-65 µT. The treatment spanned 15 days, involving 6 hours of daily continuous exposure. Key growth indicators such as plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, and fresh and dry weights of both shoot and root systems were measured and analyzed. This analysis revealed significant increases in plant height, leaf area, and fresh and dry weights of the shoot, but not in root systems. Further research is warranted to deepen the understanding of PMFs' effects on pepper plants.