Investigating the Long‒Term Exposure Effects of 2850 MHz EMF-r on Growth, Physiology and Carbohydrate Metabolism of Triticum aestivum L.

Abstract

In recent decades, the widespread adoption of wireless electronic devices, notably cell phones, has led to a considerable rise in environmental electromagnetic field radiations (EMF‒r). The EMF-r has potential to interact and interfere with the living organisms. Therefore, it is essential to examine how these radiations affect biological systems, including plants which are immobile in nature and may remain continuously exposed to these radiations. The present study investigated the long-term exposure effects of 2850 MHz EMF‒r on 30 and 60‒days old wheat (Triticum aestivam L.) crop, focusing on their growth, photosynthetic pigments, and carbohydrate metabolism. The findings of the study revealed that the EMF‒r exposure leads to a decline in root length, shoot length, and plant biomass along with a marked reduction in photosynthetic pigments. Moreover, a significant reduction in carbohydrate‒metabolizing enzyme activity, water‒soluble carbohydrate, and reducing sugars content was observed in EMF‒r irradiated samples. The study suggests that EMF‒r exposure adversely affects the plant growth, photosynthetic pigments, and carbohydrate metabolism, highlighting the need for effective management to prevent productivity losses.