Effect of Extremely Low Power Time‐Varying Electromagnetic Field on Germination and Other Characteristics in Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica) Seeds

Abstract

The ability of extremely low, time‐varying electromagnetic field (EMF) to improve germination efficacy was studied in Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) seeds using response surface methodology. An optimal factorial central composite design was chosen to optimize the EMF with three critical factors, viz. frequency, intensity, and duration. The adequacy of the model and fitness was evaluated by analysis of variance and regression coefficients. This model suggested that the factors, frequency, and intensity had a significant impact on germination. Optimal conditions for germination were observed to be 10 Hz frequency, 30,007 nT intensity, and 30‐min duration with an observed germination percentage of 93.0, and a predicted germination percentage of 92.92. Magneto‐priming was found to increase the germination efficacy (15.66%), shoot length (27.78%), total seedling length (20.30%), seedling dry mass (26.49%), and water uptake (34.48% at 80 min) showing significant output when compared with the control and positive controls. Remarkable improvements were observed in germination parameters such as vigor index‐1 (39.14%), vigor index‐2 (46.28%), speed of germination (27.52%), and emergence index (12.50%). Magneto‐priming was found to reduce the levels of germination‐specific enzymes, viz. α‐amylase, protease, and dehydrogenase, while it enhanced the levels of antioxidant enzymes, viz. catalase (114.63%) and superoxide dismutase (19.62%), triggering fast germination and early vigor of seedlings. This study clearly showed that EMF priming significantly improved the germination effect and other characteristics of Foxtail millet seeds. Bioelectromagnetics. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society

Appraisal of foliar spray of iron and salicylic acid under artificial magnetism on morpho-physiological attributes of pea (Pisum sativum L.) plants

“…Electromagnetic treatment effects on various plants are well documented in various studies with remarkable findings, especially under various abiotic stresses; drought [ 6 ], salinity [ 3 ], and temperature [ 7 ]. Seed germination gets stimulated under an optimal electromagnetic field [ 8 ]. The magnetic field increases seed energy and disperses the energy to biomolecules that stimulate the metabolism, thereby increasing germination [ 8 ].…”

“…Seed germination gets stimulated under an optimal electromagnetic field [ 8 ]. The magnetic field increases seed energy and disperses the energy to biomolecules that stimulate the metabolism, thereby increasing germination [ 8 ]. Magnetic and electric treatments tend to improve seed vigor, improve seed germination and growth by stimulating the activity of proteins, and enhance antioxidant enzymes [ 9 – 11 ].…”

Assessment of Foliar Spray of Iron and Salicylic Acid under Artificial Magnetism on Various Metabolites of Pisum sativum

“…Scientists have noted beneficiary effects of magnetism on various crops in their research with amazing results particularly against different abiotic sufferings such as salinity [3], drought [6] and temperature [7]. An electromagnetic field stimulates seed germination below an optimum treatment [8]. An electromagnetic field increases the efficiency of seed and plays important role in the dispersion of energy to activate bio molecules, stimulating the process of metabolism, hence, enhancing the germination [8].…”

“…An electromagnetic field stimulates seed germination below an optimum treatment [8]. An electromagnetic field increases the efficiency of seed and plays important role in the dispersion of energy to activate bio molecules, stimulating the process of metabolism, hence, enhancing the germination [8]. Electromagnetic and magnetic treatments leads to enhance vigor of seed, enhance the germination of seeds and growth by vitalizing the protein activities [9][10][11].…”

Treatment of Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Seeds with Electromagnetic Field Influences Germination and Phytohormone Balance Depending on Seed Size

“…Presowing treatment of seeds is a common method used in modern agriculture. Various types of magnetic fields (MF) have been applied in agricultural research on plants [5][6][7][8].…”