Development and evaluation of an electromagnetic device to improve the physiological properties of some crop seeds

Abstract

This research aims to develop an eco-friendly technique for treating seeds before sowing and improving their physiological features. The developed technique depends on utilizing synchronized electro-magnetization and microwave radiation. An electromagnetic device was evaluated to provide multiple treatment ranges. The treatments are regulated electronically according to the seeds' physiological properties and storage duration. The device was designed to accommodate small and medium seeds for a variety of strategic crops, including wheat, barley, etc. Three different treated wheat varieties were tested and compared to the control. Also, eight different levels of synchronized electro-magnetization and microwave radiation were tested. The treated wheat seeds' vegetative properties, such as germination percentage, germination rate index, germination speed coefficient, and vigour indexes, were highly significant compared to the control. The treated wheat seeds' physiological properties were highly significant. The device productivity ranged from 0.023 to 0.059 Mg.h-1 with minimum energy consumption rates of 0.396 to 0.018 kWh.Mg-1, while the operating costs decreased to 11.53-44.13 USD.Mg-1.

Keywords

• chlorophyll
• frequency
• radiation
• sowing
• vigour
• wheat