Structural evidence for electromagnetic resonance in plant morphogenesis

Abstract

How a homogeneous collective of cells consistently and precisely establishes long-range tissue patterns remains a question of active research. This work explores the hypothesis of plant organs as resonators for electromagnetic radiation. Long-range structural patterns in the developing ovaries and male flower buds of cucurbit plants (zucchini, acorn, and butternut squash), in addition to mature cucurbit fruits (acorn, butternut, and zucchini squash; watermelon, and cucumber), were investigated. A finite element analysis (FEA) model was used to determine resonant EM modes for models with similar geometric and electrical parameters to those of developing organs. Main features of the developing ovaries (i.e. shape of placental lines, ovum location, definition of distinct tissue regions), male flower buds (i.e. early pollen tube features), and mature fruits (i.e. septa placement, seed location, endocarp and mesocarp) showed distinct correlations with electric and magnetic field components of electromagnetic resonant modes. On account of shared pattern signatures in developing organs and the EM resonant modes supported by a modelled structure with similar geometric and electrical properties to those of cucurbit organs, experimental investigations are warranted. The concept of a developing organ as an EM dielectric resonator may extend to a variety of morphogenetic phenomena in a number of living systems.