The influence of AC electromagnetic fields on the initial radicle growth rate of phaseolus vulgaris L.

Abstract

Objectives: To determine if AC electromagnetic fields can be used to improve growth of food crops. This would reduce and minimize contamination of yield that is associated with application of fertilizers to promote plant growth and chemicals to control pests and diseases. Methodology and results: Alternating 50Hz electromagnetic fields generated by Helmholtz coil of 0, 5, 10, 30 and 60mT were applied to germinated Rosecoco bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seedlings. For a given sample, seedlings were exposed to AC electromagnetic field for 3, 4.5 and 6h per day. The radical length of beans was measured after every 12h over a 4 days incubation period. Linear regression analysis showed that the incubation period significantly influenced bean radicle elongation with mean optimum rate of 0.088cm/hr after incubation for 66h. Exposure period and strength of electromagnetic field did not significantly influence the initial rate of radicle elongation of Rosecoco beans. Conclusion and application of findings: Beans growing naturally have a more uniform increase in length than those exposed to AC electromagnetic fields. The growth regulators (hormones) are accelerated after exposure to magnetic field hence higher elongation of radicle. Further research on this need to be done especially if the pretreatment of seeds will give the same results so that it can be used in developing better quality and fast growing bean seed.