Seed pre-treatment with electromagnetic field (EMF) differentially enhances germination kinetics and seedling growth of maize (Zea mays L.)

Pre-sowing treatment of seeds with different intensities and exposure times to electromagnetic fields (EMF) has proved to be beneficial in increasing the productivity of crops. The purpose of the recent study was to evaluate the effects of electromagnetic fields applied prior to cultivation to seeds of two maize genotypes namely FH-1046 and YH-5427. Sterilized seeds were exposed to three doses of EMF and sown in six treatments levels i.e. T0 (as control), T1 (60mT for 3 min.), T2 (120mT for 3 min.), T3 (180mT for 3 min.), T4 (60mT for 6 min.), T5 (120mT for 6 min.), and T6 (180mT for 6 min.). There were three replicates in each treatment. Results showed EMF exposure as an augmenting factor as it caused up to 50 % improvement in seed germination performance. The EMF exposure increased germination kinetics and triggered enhancement in morphological characteristics i.e., higher leaf area, plant height, more fresh and dry weight; higher concentration of physiological pigments like chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoids; upregulated antioxidative enzymatic activities; and, higher mineral ions concentration such as Na+, K+, and Ca2+. A growth promotory effect of all doses of electromagnetic field was observed on crop performance, however, T3 (180mT for 3 min.) and T5 (120mT for 6 min.) resulted in the highest germination indices, vegetative proliferations and biochemical assays. Of the two genotypes of maize, FH-1046 proved to be more sensitive the EMF as compared to YH-5427. It was concluded that maize growth and grain yield might be directly enhanced through the useful aspects of EMF by its analytical and sustainable utilization at the large scale of agricultural farming.