Wi-Fi Radiation Negatively Influences Plant Growth and Biochemical Responses of Capsicum annuum L var. Pusa Jwala

Abstract

Background:: Internet browsing has become an indispensable part of day-to-day life. Computers and internet have occupied almost all sectors of human life. However, it is artificial source of electromagnetic radiation, which has adverse effects on all living things in dose dependant manner. Objective:: To understand the impact of such electromagnetic radiations on plants, Capsicum annuum L. var. Pusa jwala was grown in the close vicinity of electromagnetic radiations emitted by Wi-Fi routers. Methods:: For germination experiment, Chilli seeds were kept in close vicinity (5 cm) from Wi-Fi router for 10 days. For growth and biochemical analysis different growth and biochemical attributes were studied after 21 days of exposure. Control seeds/plants were kept in another room with almost identical conditions like light, temperature etc. Plant growth was measured in terms of fresh weight, shoot length, root length, Leaf Length, Leaf breadth and Leaf area index. In Biochemical analysis, chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, total chlorophyll, soluble protein, lipid peroxidation and proline contents were measured as per standard protocols. Results:: The seed germination in vicinity of Wi-Fi router was reduced to 75% and other growth related parameters like root and shoot length, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area index and fresh weight were significantly reduced. In Biochemical analysis, Chlorophyll pigments (Chl. a, b and total chlorophyll) were reduced by 4.8, 7.2 and 5.7 fold respectively and protein content reduced by 1.5 fold under influence of electromagnetic radiations. The product of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) (18 fold) and proline content (10 fold) was increased synergistically. Conclusion:: The electromagnetic radiations emitted by Wi-Fi router have negative influence on growth and biochemical response in Chilli plants.