Effect of stationary magnetic field on seed germination and crop yield in spinach ( spinacia oleracea l.)

Abstract

This study was carried out with the aim of investigating the effects of different doses and periods of stationary magnetic field (0, 150 mT - 1 h, 150 mT - 24 h, 300 mT - 1 h, 300 mT - 24 h) on the parameters of germination percentage, germination index, mean germination time, mean time to germination, coefficient of velocity of germination, germination energy, mean daily germination, speed of germination and time to 10, 30, 50, 70 and 90% germination in the seeds of spinach cv. Matador, as well as on further plant development and yield. According to the research results, different magnetic field treatments had statistically significant effects on the germination parameters mentioned above. Magnetic field treatment of 150 mT-1 h gave the best results in general, however, the values obtained with this treatment were in the same statistical group with control values, regarding the parameters of germination percentage, germination index and mean daily germination. Plant yield was also positively affected by the same magnetic treatment in spring growing, whereas it was found ineffective in fall growing. Other magnetic field treatments (150 mT 24 h, 300 mT - 1 h and 300 mT - 24 h), generally had adverse effects on the germination parameters. As a result, it was concluded that subjecting the seeds to 150 mT stationary magnetic field for 1 h may be recommended for improving germination characteristics and the resulting yield, especially for spring-sown spinach seeds.