Abstract

Overview

The increased use of wireless technology raises concerns about the exposure of all living organisms, including plants, to radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). There is a growing need to understand the impacts of RF-EMF on plant life and their physiological processes.

Findings

The study investigated the effects of RF-EMF on lettuce in both controlled (greenhouse) and natural (field) environments, using frequencies typical of DECT and Wi-Fi technology:

• In the greenhouse, RF-EMF exposure showed minimal impact on fast chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics and had no effect on flowering time.
• In field conditions, significant adverse effects were observed including a decrease in photosynthetic efficiency and an acceleration of the flowering process in comparison to unexposed plants.
• Significant down-regulation of stress-related genes (VDE and ZEP) was noted, possibly indicating an interference by RF-EMF with the plant's natural stress response mechanisms.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that RF-EMF could potentially disrupt plant stress responses, reducing their ability to cope with environmental stressors, which may reflect broader ecological implications and warrants further attention in other living organisms.