Attributes of non-ionizing radiation of 1800 MHz frequency on plant health and antioxidant content of Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum) plants

Abstract

Overview

The increasing development in the telecommunications field has led to a rise in non-ionizing radiation, impacting all living beings, including plants near communication base stations. This study investigates the physiological and biochemical changes in tomato plants exposed to high-frequency radiation.

Findings

• Exposure to radiation significantly reduced plant height, leaf size, root length, and germination rate.
• Photosynthetic pigment content in leaves also showed significant reductions.
• Higher H2O2 content was observed in exposed plant leaves compared to controls, indicating stress.
• Morphological changes like curling of leaves, discoloration, and size reduction were more pronounced with increased exposure.
• Significant declines were seen in total phenolic content (37.06%), flavonoid content (71.38%), Vitamin C content (72.45%), and DPPH (59.32%) as well as total antioxidant assays (71.89%).
• The lycopene content increased by 73.13% after 120 hours of radiation exposure, indicating harmful effects on fruit skin and tissue softening.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the detrimental effects of electromagnetic radiation on the quality of tomato plants. Mobile communication installations should be restricted on agricultural lands due to their negative impact on plant health. This research emphasizes the need for further examination into metabolic pathways activated in response to this type of radiation, especially with the impending proliferation of 5G technologies.