Journal of Plant Process and Function

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During the past decade considerable evidence has been accumulated with regard to the biological effects, both in vivo and in vitro, of extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields, such as those originating from residentially proximate power lines, household electrical wiring and diagnostic apparatus and therapy devices. Also, during the evolution process, all living organisms experienced the action of the Earth^'s magnetic field, which is a natural component of their environment. Previously many scientists believed that permanent magnetic fields are not biologically active. However, the results obtained have revealed the high sensitivity of plants to permanent magnetic fields. In the present research, seeds of Almond (two specious of Amygdalus scoparia and A. eburnea) were incubated in sterile conditions. Unique seeds were selected and divided to control and treatment groups. The treatment plant groups were exposed to a 10 mT static magnetic field for 7 days, each 5 hours and then both the treated seeds and the control one were harvested, frozen with liquid N₂ and used for biochemical measurements. Exposure of seeds of almond to the static magnetic field had no significant effect on seed germination, total sugar and protein content, but increased phenolic compound and total antioxidant capacity. Magnetic field also induced catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activity.

Keywords: Antioxidants, Iranian almond, Seed germination factors, Static magnetic fields, Sugar content

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