Growth alteration of Allium cepa L. roots exposed to 1.5 mT, 25 Hz pulsed magnetic field

Abstract

Overview

The interaction between plants and magnetic fields remains an area lacking full scientific understanding. This study aims to bridge this gap by focusing on the effects of pulsed magnetic fields on root growth and germination of Allium cepa.

Methodology

Onions were subjected to a pulsed magnetic field with the following characteristics: 25Hz frequency, 1.5mT intensity, over a duration of 33 hours. The generation of this pulsed field was facilitated by Helmholtz-type equipment capable of producing rectangular voltage pulses.

Findings

• Root Growth: It was noted that onion specimens exposed to the pulsed magnetic field exhibited reduced root growth. Initial measurements showed a count of 14±6 roots, which increased to 21±8 by day 4. In contrast, control specimens displayed a significantly higher growth, from 32±17 roots to 48±23.
• Root Length: The root length in treated specimens started at 4±2 mm, reaching up to 18±9 mm by the end of the experiment. For controls, lengths were 7±4 mm initially, expanding to 24±10 mm.

Conclusion

Exposure to a 25Hz, 1.5mT pulsed magnetic field over a span of 33 hours notably hampers the germination and growth of Allium cepa roots, raising potential concerns about the broader implications of electromagnetic field exposure on plant life.