Effects of electromagnetic fields on the quality of onion (Allium cepa l.) seeds

The aim of this paper was to establish whether electromagnetic fields (EMF) with a super low frequency (SLF) have a negative effect on onion seed quality. Three sectors were separated on the device emitting electromagnetic fields: „E” – sector emitting electromagnetic radiation with the predominance of the electrical component, „EM” – sector emitting electromagnetic radiation without domination of its components and „M” – sector with a predominance of magnetic component. Seed germination and vigour were evaluated at 20 C in darkness. Mycological analysis was performed using a agar plate method. Exposure of seeds to electromagnetic fields did not affect Gmax. Treated seeds were characterized with significantly lower germination capacity and higher percentage of deformed abnormal seedlings than untreated seeds. Electromagnetic radiation with the predominance of electrical component (E), and electromagnetic radiation with the predominance of magnetic component (M) also significantly decreased the germination energy. The effect of electromagnetic fields on the speed of germination was ambiguous. Seeds treated with the electromagnetic field with predominance of magnetic component (M), and electromagnetic field without domination of its components (EM) germinated significantly less uniformly than control. Generally, exposure of seeds to electromagnetic fields did not influence the incidence of fungi.