Effects of Platycodon grandiflorum seeds exposure to static magnetic field on germination and early seedling growth

Abstract

Effects of non-uniform upward (north) and downward (south) 300 mT static magnetic field (SMF) 14 days (24 h/day) treatment of Platycodon grandiflorum seeds on germination, seedling growth, enzyme activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) level and seedling chlorophyll content were investigated under laboratory conditions. Germination rate, index and potential from magnetically exposed Anhui and Hebei Platycodon grandiflorum seeds were significantly not affected (p > 0.05), however, the values of these germination variables were notably higher in Anhui Platycodon grandiflorum seeds than Hebei seeds. Treatment of Hebei Platycodon grandiflorum seeds with 300 mT SMFs increased (p < 0.05) the catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), α-and β-amylase activities and chlorophyll content significantly, the root length and MDA level of Anhui seeds were reduced, while the MDA level was had no obviously affect. The results suggest that non-uniform upward 300 mT SMF had potential to active the antioxidant enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase) and hydrolytic enzymes (α-and β-amylase activities) and increase the chlorophyll content of Platycodon grandiflorus seeds under laboratory conditions.