Effect of seed magneto-priming on flax (Linum usitatissimum) seed germination and subsequent seedling growth

Abstract

In the context of seed technology, the use of magneto-priming, as a method for increasing plant production, offers advantages in comparison to conventional treatments with chemical substances. Magneto-priming is a cheap, non-invasive technique, based on the application of magnetic fields (MF) and described as eco-friendly, with proved beneficial effects on seed germination and subsequent plant biomass yield. In this study, seeds of flax (Linum usitatissimum), placed on moist filter-paper, were treated with 100 mT MF strength, with exposure time of 0, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h and kept in dark under laboratory conditions. Seeds that were not exposed to magnetic field were used as controls. Efficacy of MF on seed germination and seedlings height, shoot and root length and biomass was evaluated. The MF promoted seed germination rate by 10%-40 %, depending of treatments, compared to control. The growth parameters were better in seedlings exposed to all magnetic treatments, with an increase of up to 60% over the control. MF treatment of 24 h had a 50% better effect than 120 h MF treatment. In addition, the best biomass yield of acclimated plants was achieved after the shortest magnetic exposure treatment. This study suggests a positive effect of stable MF on flax seed germination and subsequent growth of seedlings. Therefore, magnetic field may be useful in organic agriculture in replacing the usage of plant growth regulators.