Effects of (ELF) extremely low frequency (50 Hz)AC and DC magnetic fields on lentil germination and seedings growth

In this study the effects of different intensities of AC (2.7 mT and 3.5 mT) and DC (3.7 mT and 4.5 mT) magnetic fields and exposure times (30, 60 and 90 min) on germination and primary growth of lentil seeds have been investigated. The treated and untreated seeds were cultivated under an identical condition of the water-bedded Petridish in a temperature, lighting and relative humidity. Growth indices were measured every day at the same time for a week. It was found that the magnetic fields have no effect on the percentage of germination rates of the treated lentil seeds compared with that of the untreated seeds. The length of roots were increased about 16-31 % in AC magnetic field intensities of 2.7 mT and 3.5 mT and 10-13 % in DC magnetic field intensities of 3.7 mT and 4.5 mT different in exposure times compared with controls. The stem’s length were increased about 29-35 % in 2.7 mT and decreased about 3-15 %, in higher intensities of 3.5 mT, 3.7 mT and 4.5 mT compared with controls. According to the results, magnetic fields can affect the early growth of lentil seeds and these effects are altered with different intensities and times of exposure.