Abstract

Overview

Various studies have documented diverse reactions when plants are exposed to high frequency electromagnetic fields (HF-EMF). Unlike in animals where such exposure typically induces tissue heating, in plants, the interaction causes metabolic alterations without an increase in tissue temperature.

Experimental Setup

• An exposure system utilizing a reflectometric probe and thermal imaging was utilized to monitor tissue heating following a 30-minute exposure to a 2.45 GHz electromagnetic field conveyed via a horn antenna, achieving approximately 100 V m-1 at the plant level.

Findings

No tissue heating was detected; however, significant biological changes were observed within 60 minutes of exposure. These include:

• Increased accumulation of stress-related gene transcripts (TCH1 and ZAT12 transcription factor).
• Alterations in reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, evidenced by changes in RBOHF and APX1.
• A rise in hydrogen peroxide and dehydroascorbic acid levels.
• Maintained levels of glutathione (both reduced and oxidized forms), ascorbic acid, and lipid peroxidation.

Conclusion

The study conclusively demonstrates that electromagnetic fields can induce rapid molecular and biochemical responses in plants, distinctly occurring without any increase in tissue temperature.