Influence of corona disharge field on seed viability and dynamics of germinationm

Abstract

Literature sources state that an electromagnetic field causes physiological changes in seeds. Water assimilation becomes faster, breathing of a germinating seed intensifies and its viability improves. Having reviewed the data about using electromagnetic fields in stimulating seed viabillity by different authors, it becomes obvious that research of seed germination dynamics is scarce. In addition, viability of ill-condition seeds is rarely indicated. The research reported herein was performed with carrot, radish, beet, beetroot and barley seeds, using corona discharge electric field of continous current. During the research it was established that the germination density function of the seeds affected by corona disharge field is described by lognormal distribution and that of the non-affected seeds - by normal distribution. This fact shows that the seeds affected by corona disharge field germinate faster than those non-effected, and their germination dynamics is greater. Due to the influence of the stimulating field, carrot seed viability increased by 24%, that of radish and beetroot - by 12%, beet seeds - 7%, and barley seeds - 9%. Viability increase was also substantial.