Role of pulsed electromagnetic field on enzyme activity, germination, plant growth and yield of durum wheat

Researchers have focused their efforts on the use of magnetic field as a pre-sowing method, as it is an inexpensive, environmentally friendly technique. This study provides a holistic approach of an agricultural cultivation that can lead to the comprehension of the exact mechanism of magnetic field effect on plant and lead to the appropriate application of magnetic fields. Pulsed electromagnetic field was used for 0, 15, 30 and 45 min as a pre-sowing treatment in durum wheat seeds in a field experiment for three years. The experiment followed a completely randomized design, with four treatments (Control, MF-15, MF-30 and MF-45), two cultivars and three replications. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of magnetic field exposure on durum wheat seeds, covering a complete range of agronomic characteristics. The results obtained in this three-year experiment showed a positive impact of pulsed electromagnetic field, in durum wheat cultivation. Magnetic field has been found to enhance germination, tillering, dry weight, leaf area, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance and yield of two durum wheat cultivars. Duration of 30 and 45 min of pre-sowing magnetic field treatment gave the best results. Regarding yield measurement, all magnetic field treatments (MF-15, MF-30 and MF-45) gave statistically significantly higher values compared to control. In addition, alpha-amylase activity measurements showed that magnetic field affects enzymes and this could possibly explain the improved germination. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.