Pulsed electromagnetic field: an organic compatible method to promote plant growth and yield in two corn types

Abstract

Pre-sowing treatment of pulsed electromagnetic fields was used in corn seeds, in both indoor and outdoor conditions, in order to investigate the effect on plant growth and yield. The results of this research showed that pulsed electromagnetic fields can enhance plant characteristics, both under controlled environmental conditions and uncontrolled field conditions. The two varieties responded differently in the duration of magnetic field. Seeds were treated for 0, 15, 30, and 45 min with pulsed electromagnetic field (MF-0, MF-15, MF-30, and MF-45). Common corn variety performed better results in MF-30 treatment, while sweet corn variety performed better in MF-45 treatment. Magnetic field improved germination percentage, vigor, chlorophyll content, leaf area, plant fresh and dry weight, and finally yields. In the very interesting measurement of yield, seeds that have been exposed to magnetic field for 30 and 45 min have been found to perform the best results with no statistical differences among them. Another interesting finding was in root dry weight measurements, where magnetic field has a negative impact in MF-30 treatment in both hybrids, however without affecting other measurements. Enhancements on plant characteristics with economic impact on producer's income could be the future of a modern, organic, and sustainable agriculture.

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

“…Pulsed electromagnetic fields showed could replace hormones in vegetative propagation of oregano, stimulating rooting process in stem cuttings [13]. Enhancements of plant characteristics with economic impact on producer's income could be the future of modern, organic, and sustainable agriculture [14]. Furthermore, the adoption of organic cultural system could reduce energy inputs [15].…”

Magnetic field effects on plant growth, development, and evolution

“…Seeds that have been exposed to MF for 30 and 45 min have been found to perform the best results with economic impact on producer's income in a context of a modern, organic, and sustainable agriculture (Bilalis et al, 2012). …”

Seed treatment with cold plasma and electromagnetic field induces changes in red clover root growth dynamics, flavonoid exudation, and activates nodulation

“…Numerous experimental evidence has suggested that such treatments can improve seed germination, increase the size and the robustness of plants, and enhance production yields (reviewed in References [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]). So far, the investigations have mostly focused on the effects of treatments on seed germination and early seedling growth; although some alterations of physiological and biochemical parameters have also been reported, such as changes in seed enzyme activities, [8][9][10] sugar content, [8,11] photosynthetic indices, [12,13] the amount of photosynthetic pigments, [14][15][16] and secondary metabolites [12,17] in seedling leaves. Long-term observations have revealed that the effects of presowing seed treatment with CP and EMF on plant growth may persist for the entire vegetation season [18][19][20][21] or even several seasons in perennials, [22,23] and the changes induced on a longer time scale can be much larger in comparison to those induced in germination.…”