Optimization of soybeans as a biofuel resource through germination studies under electromagnetic fields

Abstract

Soybean seeds codenamed Magellan that can be used as future resources of biofuels were separated into five groups and exposed with electromagnetic fields inside the test chamber with different intensity levels of power, frequency, and time. Seeds after exposure treatments were germinated according to the procedures established by the American Association of Seed Analysts. A hundred seeds from each group were germinated according to these procedures and the percent germination was recorded. Another ten seeds from each treatment, including controls, were manually crushed and placed in separate test tubes for fatty acid analyses. The processed results from the greenhouse confirm effects of electromagnetic fields on the soybean germination. In addition, it is possible that soybean lines with different genetic backgrounds may respond differently to electromagnetic fields in terms of percent seed germination.