Catalytic-like effect of alternating electric field on the growth and germination of wheat seeds

Abstract

In this preliminary experimental study wheat seed samples were treated with AEF (in the frequency range up to 1 MHz). Obtained results suggest that AEF used in this research may enhance seed germination and its growth. Besides this catalytic-like effect, statistically significant differences were observed in important photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll a and b as well as in total chlorophyll content in wheat lives, while carotenoid pigments showed statistically insignificant differencies between control and AEF treated samples. Also some of the most commonly used vegetation indices used to monitor plant health, such as Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and Greenness Index also showed statistical significant differences between control and seeds treated with AEF. Even though future experimental research is needed to optimize the experimental conditions as well as to confirm observed effects, we believe that AEF effects in pre-sowing seed treatment may have a great potential for agricultural production in future or even to potentially improve phytoremediation processes

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