Influence of the Static Magnetic Field and Algal Extract on the Germination of Soybean Seeds

Abstract

This study examines the effect of a separate static magnetic field (SMF) and algal extract and their synergistic effect on soybean seeds germination. To our knowledge, this is the first time these kinds of factors were used for the biostimulation of soybean seeds germination. Soybean – Glycine max (L.) Merrill variety ‘Merlin’ was used in the present study. The exposure of seeds to the magnetic field was applied for 3, 6 and 12 min. The algal extract, produced from a freshwater green macroalga – Cladophora glomerata using an ultrasonic homogenizer, was used directly to the paper substrate at a dose of 10%. The highest germination ability of soybean seeds was observed in a group, where the magnetic field (12 min.) was used together with 10% of algal extract. However, it was very low – only 21%, which may have resulted from the seed dormancy. Future experiments on soybean seeds are required to confirm the stimulation effect of the magnetic field (various induction values) and algal extract on seeds germination.

Keywords

• soybean seeds
• germination
• static magnetic field
• algal extract