The Influence of Low-intensity Millimeter-Wave Radiation on the Growth of Cress Roots

Abstract

Abstract An inhibition of growth in cress roots (Lepidium sativum L.) by irradiation with low-intensity millimeter-waves was found using a computer controlled optical system which is capable of measuring nearly continuously the length of the roots to an accuracy of ± 2 jam. The effect is reversible and, for a power density of 6 mWcm-2, results in completely halting the root growth. It occurs within about 100 s after the onset of irradiation. The microwave-induced temperature increase at the surface of the root tip was found to be less than 0.3 °C at this power density. The effect did not show a sharp frequency dependence however it depended strongly on the polariza­tion of the microwaves with respect to the root orientation. The sensitivity of the root growth to the ambient temperature was examined. Only a weak temperature dependence was found which could not explain the observed effects. However simulating the microwave-induced temperature increase at the surface of the root tip with (incoherent) far-infrared light (λ≥20 μm) resulted in similar effects as with microwaves. Hence one can conclude that the observed effects are primarily caused by the small local irradiation induced thermal gradients across the surface of the root tip.