THE USE OF PELEG'S EQUATION TO MODEL WATER ABSORPTION IN TRITICALE (X TRITICOSECALE WITTMACK) SEEDS MAGNETICALLY TREATED BEFORE SOAKING

The experimental study of germination and water absorption by Triticale seeds previously magnetically treated was carried out under laboratory conditions. Seeds were magnetically treated for 10 hours under 3.71 mT (milliTesla). The germination and absorption processes of treated and control seeds were studied at two different temperature levels: 10 degrees C and 20 degrees C, and the resulting hydration data were fitted to Peleg's equation. An increase in water uptake rate has been observed, probably due to the applied magnetic field, and may be the explanation for the increase in the germination rate of treated seeds also observed. At both temperature levels, the treated seeds absorbed more water than the control ones, reaching an increase of 50%. At higher temperatures, seeds absorbed more water. The adjustment of water absorption by seeds to the Peleg's model obtained at least an R-2 of 0.97. The action mechanism of magnetic fields on the germination rate is related to the water absorption by seeds during the germination process.