IMPACT OF MAGNETICALLY TREATED SALINE WATER ON SEED GERMINATION, GROWTH PROPERTIES AND PRODUCTIVITY OF GREENHOUSE CUCUMBER.

The current study was designed to investigate the effects of the magnetically treated saline water technique and different socking times on seed germination, growth performance, yield, and production of cucumbers. Magnetically treated saline water (at 14500 gausses) was used compared with non-magnetic water for experimental seeds, which were treated with four different stocking periods: fast, 2, 4, and 6 hours. Three experiments were carried out under plastic greenhouse conditions at different growing stages. The results indicated that soaking the seeds in magnetized water resulted in increased germination percentage and reduced the required time for seed germination compared with non-magnetized water. Using magnetic water enhanced seedling growth parameters, i.e., number of leaves, length, diameter, root length, and chlorophyll. Magnetic water led to early flowering compared to nonmagnetic saline water, where the control treatment delayed flowering. Significant increases in fruit length, diameter, and weight were detected, resulting in increased production of cucumbers when magnetized water was used. Furthermore, the nutrient content (N, P, K and Ca) in leaves significantly increased in the plants magnetically treated saline water more than untreated control. On the contrary, the highest concentrations of Na and Cl in plant leaves were found in untreated plants. In conclusion, soaking cucumber seeds in magnetized water for 2 hours and using magnetized irrigation water during growing seasons enhanced germination rate, growth, and yield under salinity conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]