Effects of 0.2 mT magnetic field exposure on the growth of red chili (Capsicum annuum L.) infected with pathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum

Abstract

Fusarium pathogens not only affect growth but also cause death of chili plants. Our previous research using magnetic fields revealed that in tomatoes, inhibition of seed germination and growth by Fusarium infection can be restored by a 0.2 mT magnetic field. In current study we investigated whether the same 0.2 mT magnetic field exhibit the same effects on red chili plant which has infected with Fusarium oxysporum I. The experiment was arranged using a randomized block design (RCBD) with two factors. The first factor is the exposure time of 0.2 mT magnetic field namely 0 min (M0), 7 min 48 sec (M7) and 15 min 36 sec. The second factor is the soaking time of chilli seeds in F.oxysporum suspension namely 0 min (F0) and 60 min (F60). All treatment repeated 5 times. The results revealed that the inducement of 0.2 mT magnetic field for 15 min 36 sec significantly increase leaf area, total chlorophil content and dry weight of the plant at 28 days after planting (DAP). Seeds infection with F. oxysporum decreased leaf area (except for M7F60), total chlorophil content (except for M0F60), carbohydrate content (except for M7F60) and increased dry weight of the plant (except for M0F60). These data suggest that the magnetic field at the density of 0.2 mT is able to maintain the growth of chilli plants despite being infected by pathogenic Fusarium fungi.