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Int.Agrophysics,2009,23,45-49
INTERNATIONAL
Agrophysics
www.international-agrophysics.org

Germination of tomatoseeds(Lycopersiconesculentum L.)undermagneticfield

E.Martínez1 ,MVCarbonell1 *,M.Flórez1 ,JMAmaya1 ,andR.Maqueda2
1Department ofPhysicsandMechanics,CollegeofAgriculturalEngineering,TechnicalUniversity,CiudadUniversitarias/n,
28040Madrid,Spain
2Environmental,RuralandMarineMinistry,SpanishOfficeofVegetableVarieties,Madrid,Spain

ReceivedSeptember10,2008;acceptedOctober22,2008

A bstrac t. Magnetic field is an inescapable factor for fects observed on seedlings magnetically treated under
plants on the Earth; however its impact on plants growth is different conditions, which depend on the specific
not well understood. Magnetic and electromagnetic treatments
magnetic treatment applied such as time of exposure,
are being used in agriculture, as a non-invasive technique, to
magnetic field strength, stationary or alternating,
improve the germination of seeds and increase crops and
frequency etc. These ef-fects include increases of food
yields. The effects of a stationary magnetic field on the
germination and initial stages of growth of tomato seeds reserve utilization, better absorption and assimilation of
(Lycopersicon esculentum L.) have been studied. The seeds nutrients by plants (Kavi, 1977) and photosynthetic activities (Lebedev
were exposed to a magnetic field strength (125 or 250 mT) for In this study the germination and growth of
different times as different treatments (doses D1 to D12). To magnetically treated tomato seeds have been evaluated.
evaluate germination number of germinated seeds (G), mean In previous studies, the authors have found that
germination time (MGT), and the time required for 1 to 90% of magnetic treatment produces a biostimulation on initial
the seeds to germinate (T1, T10, T25, T50, T75, and T90) were
growth stages and an early sprouting of several seeds
determined. Parameter T10, which is closely related to the
(Amaya et al., 1996). Carbonell et al. (2000) concluded
early ger-mination and latent period of seeds, was reduced
when seeds were exposed to a magnetic field. The MGT was that a stationary magnetic field acts as a non-invasive external stimula
also reduced compared to control when seeds were exposed Data obtained showed that the exposure to 125 or 250
to magnetic field The germination parameters recorded for mT magnetic field generated by magnets for the first 20
each treatment were lower than corresponding control values, then
mingermination rateincreases
after seeding of treated seeds is higher
the rate than the control.
and percentage of
K eywords: magnetic stationary field, Lycopersicon germi-nation of rice seeds vs. unexposed seeds. Chronic
escu-lentum L., germination, seedlings exposure to the same artificial magnetic field strength
also increased the germination over the sprouting stage.
INTRODUCTION
The increase in germination when seeds were
In general, the living systems are being influenced magnetically treated could be explained by better availability and abso
by the Earth's magnetism. The processes of life take A stimulatory effect on the first stages of growth of
place in an electromagnetic context result from an barley plants exposed to 125 mT stationary magnetic
interactive conjunction between the vital magnetism field has been found by Martínez et al. (2000). Chronic
and geomagnetic field which is an important global exposure to 125 and 250 mT had a significant stimulatory
component of the average outside. It is evident that, effect on the initial stages of growth of wheat plants, Martínez et al. (20
when an interaction process, take place, any type of Increases on growth of signalgrass seeds were also
modification will repel some form in the set of vital obtained, (Carbonell et al., 2004). Flórez et al.(2004)
processes. Magnetic and electromagnetic treatments observed a higher germination rate of treated seeds
are being used in agriculture, as a non-invasive according to a higher length and weight of rice plants
exposed to 125 or 250 mT stationary
technique, to improve the germination of seeds and increase crops and yields. References summarize magneticthefield for different
beneficial ef- period

© 2009 Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences

*Correspondingauthor's-mail:victoria.carbonell@upm.es
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46 E.MARTÍNEZ etal.

varying from 10 min to chronic exposure. Increases in rate of germination was assessed by determining the
rate of germination and growth were also obtained for following parameters expressed
maize seeds; treated plants grew higher and heavier in days: – mean germination time (MGT) calculated by
than control, the greatest increased were obtained for integration of the fitted curve and propernormalization³
plants exposed for 24 h and continuously exposed, – T1, time required for 1% of the seeds to germinate, it de-
Flórez et al. (2007). Recently, Carbonell et al. (2008) have finestheonsetofgermination;
carried out a study about magnetic treatment of grass – T10, time required for 10% of the seeds to germinate,
seeds: Festuca arundinacea Scheb and Lolium perenne it is closely related to the early germination and latent
L. They found that the mean germination was significantly period of seeds;
reduced by more than 10% related to controls; the time – T25, T50 and T75: time required for 25, 50 and 75 % of the
required to the onset of germination was also reduced. seedstogerminate.
The roots of treated grass seedlings were longer than Germination curves were plotted for each treatment
those of untreated seeds when seeds were per-manently exposed. and the statistical analysis was performed using the
Seedcalcu-lator software specifically developed for seed
MATERIALANDMETHODS germination data analysis by Plant Research International
(Wageningen, The Netherlands).
Two kinds of experiments were carried out in order The second experiment was carried out to
to evaluate the effect of a stationary magnetic field on corroborate the observed effect in the first one. Magnetic
germi-nation of tomato seeds (Lycopersicon esculentum, treatment (D12) was applied with a view to evaluate the
L.) and growth of seedlings. The study was carried out percentage of germination, length and weight of tomato
under laboratory conditions, with natural light and an plants on the 4, 7, and 10th day after seeding. The seeds
average room temperature of 182ºC. Magnetic treatment were glued to filter paper with non-toxic adhesive stick, with their long
of seeds was carried out by exposing them to magnetic Each filter paper with seeds was rolled and placed in a
field for different time of exposure. Ring magnets with vessel containing distilled water. Ten replicates, included
magnetic induction 125 mT (D1-D6) and 250 mT (D7-D12) 16 seeds, were arranged, each replicate; Thus, groups
were used. Their geometric characteristics are 75 mm of 160 seeds were subjected to magnetic treatment and
external diameter, 30 mm internal diameter, 10 mm high analogous groups were used as control. The magnet
or 15 mm high respectively. Magnetic field applied was was placed at the top of the vessel for magnetic treatment
far higher than 0.042 mT corresponding to the local (Fig. 1). All the rolls were placed into their magnets
geomagnetic field in the laboratory measured by an EGandGGeometricsG-866magnetometer.
simultaneously and vessels were labeled with numbers
Doses applied was obtained as follows: D1 exposure and randomly located to carry out the experiment. In
to 125 mT for 1 min, D2 for 10 min, D3 for 20 min, D4 for order to evaluate the initial stages of growth, the length
1 h, D5 for 24 h and D6 for all period of germination test. of the same seedlings were measured on the 3rd, 7th,
Similarly, dose D7 was obtained by the exposure to 250 and 10th day. Analogous rings like the ring magnets,
mT for 1 min, D8 for 10 min, D9 for 20 min, D10 for 1 h, manufactured with the same material but without magnetic induction a
D11 for 24 h and D12 for all period of germination test. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS for
Non exposed seeds were used controls (C). Windows (version 11.0). After testing the normality of
Seeds were placed on filter paper soaked with 12 ml of distilled the data distribution, the variance analysis (ANOVA) was
water in Petri dishes. Four replicates with 25 seeds in each Petri used to test the main effects of magnetic field (MF)
dish was used in the experimental design, thus groups of 100 treatment and their interaction. Kolmogorov-Smirnov
seeds were subjected to each magnetic treatment and analogous and Levene tests were carried out to check normality of data and homo
groups were used as control. To obtain each magnetic dose, Petri
dishes were placed on the magnet for the corresponding period of
time. Germination tests were performed according to the guidelines Roll with seeds
issued by the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA, 1999) Magnet
with slight modifications. Petri dishes with seeds were labeled and N
randomly located; The distance between any two dishes was at
Location of seeds
least 25 cm to avoid the influence of each magnet on the other Yes

dishes around. All doses and control run simultaneously, and

consequently, under identical light and temperature conditions.
Vessel with water
Number of germinated seeds was scored four times per day for the
time necessary to achieve the final number of germinated seeds
(G). Seeds were considered as germinated when their radicle
showed at least 2 mm. The Fig. 1. Vessel containing distilled water, roll of filter paper
with seeds inside the hollow cylindrical magnet.
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MAGNETICTREATMENTFTOMATOSEEDS 47

of variance respectively. Means were compared using Tukey test meters (T1 -T90 and MGT) recorded for each treatment were lower
(multiple comparison) and Dunnet test to detect differences than corresponding control values (C), consequently the
between results from treated plants vs. control. germination rate of treated seeds was higher than the untreated
seeds.
RESULTSANDDISCUSSION The MGT was significantly reduced compared to control
when seeds were exposed to magnetic field except doses D1 and
The germination parameters determined for each treatment, D7. The most significant differences were found for D12 (107.76 h),
expressed as mean of the four replicates and their standard error
D11 (108.48 h), D10 (113.29 h), D6 (110.40 h), D5 (111.36 h) and for
are provided in Table 1. Data were compared by the Seedcalculator
D3 (109.92 h) vs. control (117.60 h).
software in order to establish the significant differences between
The time taken for 50% of seeds to germinate (T50) is close to MGT
each treatment and the control. The results indicate that germination
and a reduction of this parameter for all doses ap-plied vs. control
was affected by the magnetic treatment. In general, the germination
was also observed. Statistical analysis
para-

Table 1. Germination parameters determined for tomato seeds exposed to 125 and 250 mT stationary magnetic field, expressed as mean and standard
error

Numberof Time(hour)errorstandard
Exposure
Dose germinated
times T1 T10 T25 T50 T75 T90 MGT
seeds(%)

Exposedto125mTstationarymagneticfield
c unexposed 90.00 86.88 97.92 105.12 115.20 129.36 117.60
±1.00 ±1.68 ±0.72 ±1.44 ±2.40 ±3.36 ±1.44

D1 1min 91.00 88.32 96.96 102.96 111.12 124.32 114.00

±2.52 ±1.20 ±0.96 ±0.72c ±0.72c ±4.08 ±1.20b

D2 10min 89.00 89.76 98.16 103.92 111.60 124.08 113.04

±1.00b ±0.48c ±0.72 ±0.96 ±1.20c ±2.64 ±1.44b

D3 20min 90.00 84.96 94.56 101.40 109.44 121.68 109.92

±4.16 ±1.20 ±0.96b ±1.68b ±2.16c ±3.60c ±1.68a

D4 1h 90.00 84.96 94.80 101.52 111.12 126.96 114.00

±3.46 ±0.96 ±0.96b ±1.20b ±2.16c ±5.28 ±2.16c

D5 24h 92.00 82.80 92.64 99.36 108.48 122.64 111.36

±1.00 ±2.16 ±0.48a ±1.20a ±2.16b ±2.16c ±0.96a

D6 chronic 91.00 88.32 94.80 99.60 106.32 118.32 110.40

exposure ±1.91 ±0.96 ±0.72b ±0.72a ±0.72a ±1.20a ±1.20a

Exposedto250mTstationarymagneticfield
c unexposed 90.00 86.88 97.92 105.12 115.20 129.36 162.24 117.60
±1.00 ±1.68 ±0.72 ±1.44 ±2.40 ±3.36 ±5.76 ±1.44

D7 1min 91.00 83.04 94.56 102.72 114.00 132.48 – 117.60

±1.91 ±1.44c ±0.48a ±0.96c ±2.40 ±5.52 ±2.40

D8 10min 92.00 86.40 94.80 100.56 108.48 120.72 169.44 111.36

±3.65 ±1.44 ±1.20b ±1.20b ±1.92b ±4.80c ±37.20 ±1.92b

D9 20min 95.00 85.68 94.56 100.56 108.72 120.44 143.52 111.84

±3.00 ±1.92 ±0.48a ±1.20b ±2.16b ±3.84c ±34.00 ±0.96a

D10 1h 94.00 87.36 95.76 101.52 109.44 121.44 153.84 113.28

±2.00 ±0.72 ±0.96c ±1.20b ±1.68b ±1.68b ±37.92 ±0.48b

D11 24h 90.00 84.72 92.40 97.92 105.6 118.56 – 108.48

±2.58 ±2.40 ±1.20a ±1.20a ±1.44a ±2.40b ±2.64a

D12 chronic 95.00 87.60 93.84 98.16 103.92 112.80 135.12 107.76
exposure ±1.00c ±0.96 ±0.72a ±0.48a ±0.72a ±1.92a ±19.68 ±1.68a

Upperlettersindicateddifferences vs. control:a–p<0.001,b–p<0.01,c–p<0.05.

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48 E.MARTÍNEZ etal.

showed significant differences p<0.001 for D6, D11 and when plants and other living systems are exposed to a
D12; p<0.01 for D5, D8, D9 and D10, and p<0.05 for D1, magne-tic field are not as well known yet, but several
D2, D3 and D4. Parameter T10, which is closely related theories have been proposed, including biochemical
to the early germination and latent period of seeds, was changes or altered enzyme activities. Boe et al. (1963,
reduced when seeds were exposed to a magnetic field. 1968) proposed a possible mechanism associated with
The T10 value for treatments D3 to D12, varying from magnetism to accelerate tomato ripening. Dayal and
94.56 h (D3) to 92.40 h (D11) was significantly lower than Singh (1968) exposed tomato seeds to different magnetic fields varying
97.92 h needed for the control seeds; this reduction
implies an earlier onset of germination process. The
to
time taken for 75% of treated seeds to germinate (T75)
was reduced for all doses except D7. Parameter T75 of
control seeds was 129.36 h while the T75 of D12 was
112.80 h, this value involves the 87.19% of time required
for control seeds. Number of germinated seeds (G)
oscillated from 90 to 95 %, which corroborates the high
quality of seeds. Results indicate that magnetic treatment Germination
improves germination of tomato seeds; parameters T10
– T90 and the mean germination time, were reduced for
all the magnetic doses applied. Then, germination rate of treated seeds is higher than the control.
Figure 2a shows germination curves for the
treatments D3, D5, D6 and C; Fig. 2b shows the
germination curves for doses D9, D11 and D12 and
b
control. Curves located left of control, indicate earlier
sprouting, then magnetically treated seeds, plotted in
Figs 2a and b, showed that the germination rate of treated seeds was higher than the untreated seeds (C).
Figure 3 shows the total length for tomato plants
chronically exposed to 250 mT stationary magnetic field
(D12) and control (C) measured the 4, 7, and 10th day.
Significant differences (p <0.001) on total length between
plants subjected to magnetic field and control ones were Germination

obtained; We can observe that magnetic treatment

produces an increase in the first stages of growth of tomato plants.
References about the biological effects of magnetic
field have demonstrated that magnetic field can cause
or alter a wide range of phenomena, but the wide diversity Time(days)
of the reported effects remains the greatest problem for Fig. 2. Germination curves of tomato seeds: a – seeds exposed
this research. Basic hypotheses concerning magneto- to 125 mT for 20 min (D3), 24 h (D5), chronic exposure (D6)
sensing and consequent signal transduction, especially and control; b – seeds exposed to 250 mT for 20 min (D9), 24
that involving calcium, are considered (Belyavskaya, h (D11), chronic exposure (D12) and control.
2004). Studies carried out by Aksyonov et al., 2001
showed that 15 min treatment of wheat seeds by 30 mT Total length (mm)

magnetic field followed by 17 h imbibitions, when they

40
initiated root growth, increased the root formation by
nearly 25%; the length of 6 day seedlings displayed a40%increase. 30
Our results are in agreement with those reported by
twenty

Pittman (1963) who observed an increase on rate of

length
(mm)

10
Total

germination of cereal seeds exposed to magnetic field.

Alexander and Doijode (1995) noted that the application 0
of an external magnetic field as a pregermination Day 4 Day 7 Day 10
treatment improved the germination and seeding vigor
Control D12
of low viability rice and onion seeds. Similar results
were obtained by Murphy (1994) and Phirke et al. Fig. 3. Total length for tomato plants chronically exposed to
(nineteen ninety six). Further, Pietruszewski (1996) re- 250 mT stationary magnetic field (D12) and control (C)
ported greater albumin, gluten and starch contents in wheatmeasured
seeds exposed
on 4, 7 andto a10th
magnetic
day. field. The mechanisms at work
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MAGNETICTREATMENTFTOMATOSEEDS 49

for different exposure time and they observed an increase inCarbonell MV, Martínez E., Flórez M., Maqueda R., López-Pintor
height and number of primary branches in treated plants. A., and Amaya JM, 2008. Magnetic field treatment-ments
Garcia et al. (2001) observed that lettuce seeds previously improve germination and seeding growth in Festuca
arundinacea Schreb. and Lolium perenne L. Seed Sci.
treated in a stationary magnetic field of 1-10 mT
Technol.,36,31-37.
germinated earlier than the untreated, which could be due to an
Dayal S. and Shing RP, 1986. Effect of seed exposure to mag-
increase in water uptake rate. Podleœny et al. (2004) netic field on the height of tomato plants. Indian J. Agric.
published the positive effect of magnetic treatment on Sci., 56,483-486.
the germination and emergence of two broad bean cultivars.Flórez Similar
M., Carbonell MV, and Martínez E., 2004. Early
effects were observed on cucumber seedlings by Yinan et al. sprouting and first stages of growth of rice seeds exposed to
(2005). Soltani et al. (2006 a, b) have published the positive a magnetic field. Electromagnetic Biol.Med., 23(2), 167-176.
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