INFLUENCE OF THE ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD IN MAIZE SEED VIGOR

Abstract

Electromagnetic energy acts on matter and interacts with biological organisms during each stage of development, seed germination being no exception. Thus, electromagnetic irradiation could use be as a valid, low-cost seed enhancement technique for improving seed quality. The effect of electromagnetic irradiation on the physiological quality of maize (Zea mays L.) seed was studied, using experimental hybrid ‘CL-11 x CL-12’. Twelve different magnetic field intensities of 160 and 560 mT and seven exposure periods of 0, 30, 60, 120, 240, 360 y 480 min, under a completely randomized experimental block design with four replications were tested. Results showed that on the 4th day after emergence started, there were significant effects on seedling emergence rate, seedling establishment and seedling dry weight was significantly different by day 17^th. Positive biostimulation with exposure of 30 and 60 min at intensities of 560 and 160 mT (dosages of 705.6 and 27.42 KJ m^-3 s^-1,respectively) was observed. A dosage of 705.6 K J m^-3 s^-1 produced significant increases of 69.2 % on seedling emergence rate, of 90.5 % on seedling emergence and of 36.6 % on seedling dry weight compared with the control.