Abstract

Overview of the Study

The research focused on determining the effect of Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields (ELF EMF) on the growth of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. By exposing the bacterium to specified frequency patterns, the study aimed to identify any potential inhibitory effects that could limit bacterial growth and enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics.

Experiment Details

The isolated A. tumefaciens was subjected to ELF EMF waves with a 10 MHz carrier sine wave with an amplitude of ±10 Vpp, modulated by a second wave at a modulation depth of ±2Vpp. The exposures were maintained at a constant field strength of 200 V/m in conditions set at 28 °C.

Key Findings

• Exposure of A. tumefaciens to a 1.0 Hz wave for 90 minutes resulted in a significant inhibition of growth by 49.2%.
• Post-exposure, antibiotics were more effective against the bacteria.
• DNA analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed considerable molecular and morphological changes in the bacteria.
• An in vivo study on tomato plants highlighted reduced pathogenicity in plants treated with exposed bacteria compared to those treated with non-exposed ones.

Conclusion

The study concluded that exposure to ELF EMF specific frequencies can effectively reduce the virulence and growth of Agrobacterium tumefaciens, indicating potential applications in biophysical bacterial control strategies.