Effect of magnetic fields on seedling growth and cyto-morphogenesis in Sinapis alba L.

Abstract The magnetic treatment presented in this study could be included among cultivation procedures aimed at a better utilisation of plant species. The treatment enhances seedling growth (expressed in fresh weight or in length of the hypocotyl) stimulates morphogenic events (premature differentiation of the reticulate xylem elements, increased wall thickness, reduction of the xylem diameter, increase of acid phosphatases) and renders the seedling batches more homogeneous. Our study demonstrates that exposure to weak (30 mT) magnetic fields for short periods (15, 30, 60 seconds) stimulates seedling growth.