Maryam Janalizadeh, Ahmad Nezami, Hamidreza Khazaie, Hassan Feizi, Morteza Goldani,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (8-2016)
Abstract
Priming of seeds by magnetic fields (magneto priming) is proposed as an ecological, useful and low-priced method for improvement of seed germination and plant emergence. In order to evaluate the germination behavior of sesame seeds affected by magnetic fields, an experiment was conducted as a completely randomized design with 22 treatments (non-exposure to magnetic fields (control) and 21 magneto priming treatments) with three replications at the college of agriculture, the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in 2014. the seed of sesame put into a plastic bag bulky and was treated with different intensity of magnetic fields (25, 50, 75 and 100 mT) for several times (10, 20, 30, 60 and 120 minutes). For assessment of germination traits of sesame under constant magnetic field conditions, magnetic tapes with three mT strength were used in each Petri dish throughout the experiment. Results showed that magnetic fields had no significant effects on final germination percentage and mean germination time and all magnetic treatments except for 75 mT at 60 minutes indicated reducing effects on germination percentage in comparison to control. Priming of seeds with magnetic fields in 50 mT strength for 20 minutes led to the increment of germination rate compared to control treatment but all levels of 100mT treatment caused a reduction in germination rate than control. The most radicle length, seedling length and seedling vigor length index belong to 75 mT at 60 minutes treatment and the most seedling dry weight and seedling vigor weight index related to 100 mT for 20 minutes treatment. Ranking of treatments showed that exposure of seeds for one hour in 75 mT and 10 minutes in 25 mT magnetic fields strength had the best outcomes.
Reza Imam Dost , Davar Molazem, Reza Taghizadeh,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: Rice (Oryza sativa L.), as one of the world's most important cereals, serves as a staple food for more than one-third of the global population. This strategic crop plays a key role in the economies of many countries. Seed priming is a biotechnological tool and a simple, practical, effective, eco-friendly, and cost-efficient approach to enhancing a plant's tolerance to various environmental stresses and improving seed germination. This study was designed and conducted to investigate the germination and physiological responses of two rice cultivars under varying intensities and durations of electromagnetic field exposures.
Materials and Methods: A factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with the factors of electromagnetic field intensity at 4 levels, time at 3 levels, and two cultivars (Tarom and Hashemi) in three replications was conducted at the Islamic Azad University, Astara Branch in 2023. Rice seeds were treated in a plastic bag under magnetic fields with intensities (0, 50, 100, and 150 mT) and times (10, 50, and 100 minutes). A plastic tray was used for the second experiment and seedling establishment. Healthy seedlings were transferred to plastic pots containing sand. After 25 days, the desired traits were measured.
Results: The analysis of variance results indicated that the effects of the magnetic field, time, cultivar, and their interactions were significant for most traits. The electromagnetic field at 100 mT for 50 minutes led to an increase in germination percentage compared with the control. In contrast, the treatment of 150 mT for 100 minutes caused a significant reduction in all germination-related traits. The highest values were observed under the 100 mT for 50-minute treatment, including germination percentage (98.8%), germination rate (12.5 seeds per day), radicle length (68.1 mm), plumule length (47.5 mm), seedling length (116 mm), radicle dry weight (0.715 mg), plumule dry weight (2.02 mg), seedling dry weight (2.74 mg), seedling length vigor index (11422), seedling weight vigor index (271), chlorophyll-a (0.846 mg g-1 FW), chlorophyll-b (0.96 mg g-1 FW), and carotenoids (0.44 mg g-1 FW).
Conclusion: The electromagnetic field had a significant effect on germination-related traits and physiological characteristics, including germination percentage, germination rate, and chlorophyll content, leading to an increase in these indices. In the present study, the 100 mT treatment for 50 minutes improved seedling vigor in terms of both length and weight. Based on these findings, magnetopriming within the studied treatment range enhances germination and improves rice plant establishment by increasing chlorophyll levels.
Highlights:
- The effect of the magnetic field on the germination and physiological characteristics of rice seeds was investigated.
- Seed priming at 100 mT for 50 minutes increased chlorophyll and carotenoid content.
