Investigation of pulsed electromagnetic field as a novel organic pre-sowing method on germination and initial growth stages of cotton

Abstract

Two different pre-sowing techniques have been investigated for their influence in an important industrial plant, namely cotton. Priming methods are very useful for agricultural practices because they improve crop seedling establishment, especially when environmental conditions are not optimum. Pulsed electromagnetic fields have been found to promote germination and improve early growth characteristics of cotton seedlings. Such priming techniques are especially valuable in organic cultivation, where chemical compounds are prohibited. PEG treatment showed an enhancement in some measurements, however in some cases the results were not statistically different compared to control plants. In addition, PEG treatment is a sophisticated method that is far from agricultural practices and farmers. In this research, two different ages of seeds were used (1- and 2-year-old) in order to investigate the promotory effects of priming techniques. Magnetic field treatment of 15 min was found to stimulate germination percentage and to promote seeds, resulting in 85% higher values than control seeds under real field conditions. Furthermore, seeds that were treated with magnetic field performed better in terms of early-stage measurements and root characteristics.

Use of Magnetized Water and Compost Tea to Improve Peach Productivity Under Salinity Stress of North Sinai Conditions, Egypt

“…The obtained results are in agreement with those of Bilalis et al (2012), who stated that the electromagnetic fields could replace and activate hormones in vegetative growth of oregano as found by Podlesny et al (2005), who recorded that magnetic treatment improved emergence and growth of two pea varieties. Also, Zuhair (2010) showed that spraying strawberry with licorice extract (2 g/L) gave a significant increase in average leaf area, and Qaraghouli and Jalal (2005) found that spraying apple with licorice extract improved all growth parameters and Sheren and Eman (2015) proved that licorice extracts improved growth of Le-Conte "pear".…”

Effects of Presowing Pulsed Electromagnetic Treatment of Tomato Seed on Growth, Yield, and Lycopene Content

“…The increase in germination when seeds were magnetically treated could be explained by better availability and absorption of nutrients. Pulsed electromagnetic fields have been found to promote germination and improve early growth characteristics of cotton seedlings [22]. In pea, the investigation of optimal magnetic field doses showed that low magnetic field strength for the longer time of exposure and high magnetic field strength for shorter duration were found to be the most effective in enhancing the growth and yield in the pea cultivar [23].…”

Physical Methods for Seed Invigoration: Advantages and Challenges in Seed Technology

“…Low-vigor seeds can be improved using a wide range of treatments, some of them well characterized such as hydropriming and osmopriming. In the context of seed technology, physical methods have showed several advantages over conventional osmopriming protocols ( Bilalis et al, 2012 ). One of the most investigated physical pre-sowing seed treatments in agriculture is based on the use of MFs ( Aguilar et al, 2009 ).…”

“…One of the most investigated physical pre-sowing seed treatments in agriculture is based on the use of MFs ( Aguilar et al, 2009 ). MFs have been described as eco-friendly, cheap, and non-invasive technique ( Bilalis et al, 2012 ; Efthimiadou et al, 2014 ). Additionally, the impact of other types of physical treatments, such as, gamma (γ), and X ionizing, UV, and microwave (MW) radiation will be addressed in this review.…”