The influence of an alternating magnetic field of 1 to 14 millitesla on the growth and ontogenesis of Zea mays L.

Kornienko V. O., Kotyuk P. F., Yaitsky A. S.

Article gives the results of effects of an alternating magnetic field on the Zea mays L. seeds as a method of pre-sowing treatment of agricultural crops. It was found that irradiating Zea mays L. with by in an alternating magnetic field (B) of 3 mT (millitesla) for 1 hour, yields maximum stimulating effect on plant development (of 25% compared to the control group). Amplitudes of 2, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 14 mT gave an inhibitory effects. Biggest inhibitory effect (with a value of about 35% decline from the normal organism development) was given by amplitudes of 2, 11 and 13 mT. By means of evaluating of plants morphometric parameters it was established that, compared of the control group, which was not affected by an alternating magnetic field, the following amplitudes yields stimulating effects on length (L) and diameter (D) on the corn ears: 9 mT (L = 19%; D = 18%), 1 mT (L = 15%; D = 3%), 4 mT (L = 9%; D = 15%), 3 mT (L = 8%), 8 mT (D = 9%). A neutral effect was detected at B equal to 5 and 6 mT. Inhibitory effects were shown by amplitudes of 2, 7 and 10 mT. Evaluation of root systems at different amplitudes of alternating magnetic field showed that underground part of the plant is less susceptible to the exposure effects. 4 millitesla field had stimulating effect. With this value of magnetic induction the length of the root system was 25% better developed than in the control group, and the diameter was 8% bigger. At B = 9 mT field strength the length of the root was 10% longer compared to the control.

Keywords:Zea mays L.; pre-sowing treatment; alternating magnetic field; magnetic induction; germination energy; ontogenesis; morphometry.