Asian Journal of Biology

Aims: This study explores the difference in the germination dynamics of Brassica rapa seeds as exposed to different magnetic field orientation during magnetopriming.

Place and Duration of Study: Central Mindanao University (Bukidnon, Philippines) and Cebu Normal University (Cebu, Philippines), between September to October 2024.

Methodology: Seeds of B. rapa were exposed to either north or south magnetic poles of neodymium magnets (87.2 mT) for 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h (150 seeds per treatment and for control); these seeds were then germinated and were assessed for growth parameters. Microscopic assessments were made after 24 h and 48 h, while daily root and shoot length measurements were taken daily from day 3-7. Analysis of variance as well as Tukey’s post hoc analysis were employed in determining statistical difference.

Results: Results showed that north-primed seeds had longer hypocotyls and primary roots in the first 48 h, particularly those exposed for 6 h and 12 h. Though there were multiple changes in the dynamics of shoot and root lengths between days 3 through 7, 12 h north-primed and 24 h south-primed seeds were consistently shorter throughout this timeframe. These changes in dynamics were traced to be statistically significant. Also, more significant measurement changes in roots than shoots in the first four days, while it reverses in the last two days.

Conclusion: The differences between various treatments and control groups implies that magnetic orientation and time exposure can influence the dynamics of developmental changes at this growth stage in B. rapa which can further implicate that such approach can be efficient in improving crop yield. Changes in the seeds’ biomolecular structures when exposed to magnetic fields are the primary causes of the observed differences in magnetically treated seeds. Similar studies using different crops are hereby recommended.