Influence of 340 mT static magnetic field on germination potential and mid-infrared spectrum of wheat

Abstract

In a number of studies, a static magnetic field was observed to positively influence the growing process of various plants; however, the effect has not yet been related to possible structural changes. We investigate if the static magnetic field that improves germination of wheat also alters wheat's near-infrared spectrum. Two groups of seeds were exposed to 340 mT for 16 h cumulatively. The first group was exposed 8 days for 2 h per day, while the second group was exposed 4 h per day for 4 consecutive days. One half of each of the exposed seed groups as well as of the unexposed control groups was sown, and the other half was used for mid-infrared spectra measurements. The sown seeds were monitored for 3 weeks after sowing. Germination of the groups exposed to the magnetic field was faster compared to corresponding non-exposed groups that were grown under the same conditions. The magnetic field exposure caused the enhancement of one OH peak at 3,369 cm−1 and two CO peaks at 1,662 cm−1 and 1,740 cm−1 in the mid-infrared spectrum. The effect was more pronounced for the 4 day, 4 h/day exposure. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:533–540, 2017.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.