Pre-sowing seed magnetic field treatment influence on germination, seedling growth and enzymatic activities of melon (Cucumis melo L.)

Pre-sowing seed magnetic field (MF) treatment effects on germination, seedling growth, chlorophyll contents and enzymatic activities of a melon cultivar were evaluated. Melon seeds were exposed to MF strength of 100 mT and 200 mT for 5-20 min under laboratory conditions. MF pre-sowing treatment enhanced the melon seed germination (%), root and shoot lengths, vigor indices I and II, seedling fresh and dry masses, leaf area, alpha amylase, protease, catalase, chlorophyll "a" and "b" up to 14.6%, 36.4%, 22.8%, 40.6%, 28.8%, 9.6%, 12.9%, 50.0%, 80.0%, 92.5%, 36.5%, 50.4% and 80.9%, respectively. Moreover, the mean germination time (MGT) was reduced by 6.7% in response to MF pre-sowing seed treatment. Pre sowing MF treatment can improve melon germination, seedling growth and related attributes and could possibly enhance productivity. In future research the MF pre-sowing seed treatment needs to be tested at the field level. If the trials on actual producing farms with full farmer participation are conducted, then it will help in linking of farmer-based results with the research-based results. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.