Magnetic field eff
Magnetic field effects on seed
germination and activities of some enzymes in cumin
Majid Asadi Samani1*,
Latifeh Pourakbar2 and Nafiseh Azimi3
1 Medical Plants Research Center, Shahrekord
University of Medical Sciences, Sharekord, Iran.
2 Department of Biology, Faculty
of science, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
3 Department of Biology, Science and
Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
*
Corresponding author. Tel.:
+983813349509; E-mail address: [email protected],
PO Box
88155-137, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
Abstract: Failure of germination among Apiaceae family
seeds, e.g. cumin (Cuminum cyminum), has been reported by many
investigators. Until now few works have been done on seed germination and
seedling growth of cumin. In this research the effects of the exposure of cumin
seeds to magnetic fields on seed germination, early growth, and enzyme activity
have been studied under laboratory conditions. Seeds were magnetically exposed
to one of three magnetic field strengths, 25, 50 and 75 mT for different
periods of time (15, 30, and 60 min). The germination test was performed
according to the guidelines issued by the International Seed Testing
Association. Enzymes related to the germination process in magnetically exposed
and unexposed germinating cumin seeds were assayed after 24 hours of
imbibitions in distilled water. Exposure of cumin seeds to different
intensities of magnetic fields prior to germination significantly increased
germination-related characters. The increase in germination, speed of
germination, shoot length, root length, total seedling length, seedling fresh
weight, and seedling dry weight was , respectively, 14–17%, 14–57%, 8–27%,
25–62%, 16–39%, 10–29%, and 17–49% compared to untreated control seeds. The
calculated vigor indices I and II also increased by 33–73% and 38–72%,
respectively. In germinating seeds, enzyme activities of α-amylase,
dehydrogenase, and protease were significantly higher in treated seeds in
contrast to controls and the maximum value was 50 mT for 60 min exposures. The
higher enzyme activity in magnetic-field-treated cumin seeds could trigger fast
germination and early vigor of seedlings.
[Majid Asadi Samani, Latifeh Pourakbar and Nafiseh
Azimi. Magnetic field effects on seed
germination and activities of some enzymes in cumin. Life Sci J 2013;10(1):323-328].
(ISSN: 1097-8135).http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 53
Keywords: Magnetic Field, Cumin, Germination, Enzyme
activity Full Text 53
