Impacts of Radio-Frequency Electromagnetic Field on Lettuce: Evidence for Interference with Plant Stress Responses

Abstract

Overview

The study assesses the influence of radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF), commonly emitted by wireless technologies, on lettuce plants. This research explores whether RF-EMF exposure affects plant stress responses under different environmental conditions.

Findings

• Investigations were performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, specifically focusing on frequencies of 1890-1900 MHz and 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz ranges.
• Under controlled greenhouse conditions, RF-EMF had minimal effect on chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics and did not alter flowering times.
• Contrastingly, outdoor exposure to RF-EMF led to a notable decrease in photosynthetic efficiency and accelerated flowering times compared to unexposed plants.
• Significant changes were observed in gene expression related to plant stress, including down-regulation of violaxanthin de-epoxidase and zeaxanthin epoxidase.
• Exposed plants also showed reduced photochemical and non-photochemical quenching capacities under light stress conditions, suggesting a compromised ability to manage stress.

Conclusion

Results indicate that RF-EMF can interfere significantly with plant stress mechanisms, primarily under uncontrolled, outdoor conditions. This interference may reduce the overall stress tolerance of plants and could have broader ecological and food security implications as environmental stressors increase.