Abstract
The chickpea (Cicer arietinum) seeds were exposed to the electric field at 270, 470, 670, 870 and 1070 V/cm for 15 min duration at a constant temperature (13°C). The effect of electric treatment on germination, seedling growth and water uptake was investigated. Electrically treated seeds have shown a delay in water absorption as compared to the control (unexposed); hence, there was an increase in mean germination time and transition time. Maximum delay was observed at 470 V/cm with 15 min exposure. Rate of water uptake was calculated experimentally. It increased at all field values. A new water uptake model was used to find water content absorbed by the seed at any instant as a function of the electric field at a constant temperature (13°C). Among the various treatments, 470 V/cm for 15 min yielded the peak performance (for root and shoot lengths). Key words: Germination time, electric-treatment, water-uptake model, ferroelectric effect.
Highlights
Magnetic field treatment has been proved as a promising technique for agricultural improvements (Fischer et al, 2004; Florez et al, 2007; Rochalska et al, 2007; Podleoeny et al, 2005; Marks et al, 2010)
There is a positive effect of magnetic field on seed germination whereas there is no clear view about the impact of the electric field on the plant growth
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) which is known as Gram seeds were treated with magnetic field and has been studied by many authors (Das et al, 2006; Mahajan et al, 2011, 2012; Vashisth et al, 2008) but up to date no author has studied the effects of low static electric field on Chickpea seeds
Summary
Magnetic field treatment has been proved as a promising technique for agricultural improvements (Fischer et al, 2004; Florez et al, 2007; Rochalska et al, 2007; Podleoeny et al, 2005; Marks et al, 2010). There is a positive effect of magnetic field on seed germination whereas there is no clear view about the impact of the electric field on the plant growth. The aim of the present study was to find the effect of low electric field (0 to 1200 V/cm) on germination, growth and water uptake of chickpea seeds at a constant temperature of 13°C. Another aspect of the present study is to explore a cause for change in germination and water uptake by the electrically treated seeds
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