THE USE OF MICROWAVE IRRADIATION FOR STIMULATING SOME QUANTITATIVE TRAITS IN FLAX.

In order to emphasize the influence of microwave irradiation for stimulating some quantitative traits in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) seven varieties were took into consideration. Three cultivars are used for oil, two have mixed use, and one for fiber. The cultures were developed within the Didactical and Experimental Station Jucu, of UASVM Cluj-Napoca. A bifactorial experiment (F1 -- variety, with seven graduations represented by the flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) cultivars; F2 -- irradiation, with two graduations, irradiated and non-irradiated seed) was developed, according to randomized blocks methodology. A microwave enclosure was used to create the electromagnetic field in the laboratory, in order to irradiate the seeds, which will be used in culture. An electromagnetic field was applied, informally modulated with a frequency of 2450 MHz and 750 W with a power level of 48 %. The influence of the microwave field on some growth and productive traits in linen culture is quantified using the following indices: the emergence percentage, plant height, seed yield, and oil production. The seed irradiation has different effects on analyzed indices, function of cultivar. Majority of best performances are identified for irradiated experimental variants. The results of our study may contribute to the scientific and practical substantiation of the use in culture of an unconventional method of stimulating physiological processes in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) cultivation, which, correlated with the productive capacity of some cultivars lead to quantitative and qualitative increase of production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]