Influence of Microwave Irradiations on Germination, Seedling Growth and Electrolyte Leakage of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Abstract

The introduction of telecommunication instruments, especially microwave, leads to a massive increase in electromagnetic pollution. The current research intends to assess the physiological effects of microwave radiations on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Barley seeds were exposed to eight different exposure periods of microwave from 0 to 600 seconds. Germination parameters were dose-dependents, the percentage of germinated seeds increased after short exposure periods to microwave recording 100% germination. Further the germination rate, relative germination coefficient were also increased after short exposure periods to microwave. Longer exposure periods reduced the percentage of germination, germination rates, and various germination indices. Morphological and growth traits showed a similar trend and were significantly decreased after longer exposure periods to microwave. Chlorophyll contents were significantly decreased with increasing exposure periods of microwave. Microwave-induced electrolyte leakage (%) was significantly increased (r=0.92*, p<0.001) following pretreatment with different exposure periods of microwave. Current research data gives spotlight on possible positive and negative effects of microwave on barley and recommended to minimize the exposure time to environmental microwave to safeguard recovering ability of biological systems. However, the positive effects of microwave are of considerable importance for improving crops.