Effects of Different Magnetic Field Strengths and Duration on Seed Germination and Bacterial Growth

Abstract

A magnetic field (MF) is an unavoidable environmental component for all organism. MF is constantly interacting with living systems and is known to influence a wide range of biological activities. Effects on organism are related to the strength and direction of the Earth's magnetic (geomagnetic) field variation. We aimed to investigate the effects of different magnetic field strength and also duration on seed germination (wheat and tomato) and bacteria growth (Bacillus and Staphylococus). The study was carried out in the presence of the magnetic resonance (MR) device. As a result of the measurements made in the MRI room, the organisms were subjected to a magnetic field of 0.2 and 1 Tesla. The seeds were exposed to the magnetic field for 4 days and the effects of each day were evaluated separately. The effect of the magnetic field varied interestingly with respect to the strength and especially by exposure time. The bacteria were exposed to two different magnetic fields continuously for 4 days. At the end of the application, morphological changes and zone diameters were determined. Seeds responded according to their genus and the magnetic field strength they were exposed to. Tomatoes were the most affected seeds in high magnetic field application, while wheat seeds were the least affected group. In bacterial growth, high tesla application increased the growth and pigment production of pigment bacteria, it was significantly reduced the growth of Staphylococcus bacteria. The findings have the unexpected implications that the germination can be effected associated with strength and exposure method. The effects and results of the magnetic field differ according to the species of organism used and even the variety and cultivars. A single paragraph of about 250 words maximum. For research articles, abstracts should give a pertinent overview of the work.