Combined effect of alternating magnetic field and low frequency vibrations on growth and development of sugar corn (Zea mays L.)

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

Article represents study results of combined effect of an alternating magnetic field and vibration on the growth and development of sugar corn (Zea mays L.). It was found that the effect of low-frequency vibration (8 Hz) creates an inhibitory effect at the early stages of ontogenesis of sugar corn, which signifiers itself in a significant decrease in growth indicators of plant’s aboveground part (−60%) and underdevelopment of its root system (−60%). Outlined mechanical vibrations appear along the highways in industrial areas of the cities, and deemed to be a vibration-acoustic pollution of a territories. In general an effect of an alternating magnetic field with an amplitude of 1 mT and a frequency range of 10–50 Hz yields a stimulating effect on the early stages of ontogenesis of sugar corn («Proletarian», elite type, from 12% to 20% depending on magnetic field frequency). A maximum amount of plant morphometry obtained under alternating magnetic field of a 30 Hz frequency (+40% of stem development; +50% of root system development). By comparison with frequencies of 10, 20 and 40 Hz a stimulating effect was only 10–20%, and at 50 Hz the development as a stem was obtained at +30% and the main root +20%. Combined effect of alternating magnetic field and low-frequency mechanical vibration (8 Hz) showed a stimulating effect during ontogenesis phases (+16…+20%). Significant stimulating effect of vibration and magnetic field was found in experimental groups of 50 Hz and 40 Hz frequencies on the morphometry of aboveground parts of the plants (+20% and +50% respectively). At the same time, an effect on the root systems was minimal (only up to +10%). The inhibitory effect was detected in the group whose plants were affected by the combined action of 10 Hz alternating magnetic field and 8 Hz vibration. The study revealed seed treatment schemes that can be recommended for pre-sowing treatment of Zea mays L. (magnetic field of 30 Hz or 50 Hz frequency; magnetic field of 40 Hz or 50 Hz frequency in combination with vibration of 8 Hz).

Keywords:sugar corn; Zea mays L.; pre-sowing treatment; alternating magnetic field; magnetic induction; vibration; ontogenesis; morphometry.