Influence of Microwave Exposure on the Developmnent of Phaseolus vulgaris L. Plants

Seeds and sprouts of Phaseolus vulgaris L. were exposed to 2.45 GHz electromagnetic field (EMF) corresponding to a SAR of 40 mW/g. A The effects were assessed on the above-ground growth of mature plants. Seeds exposed to EMF showed a significant higher germination time in soil compared to control. No significant differences were observed in some growth parameters (total height, number of leaves and leaf expansion) between plants developed from seeds exposed to EMF and plant controls. On the contrary, when bean sprouts were exposed to EMF a significant decrease of the growth parameters was evident in plants developed from sprouts exposed to EMF compared to those obtained from sprouts not exposed.