Primary root growth rate of Zea mays seedlings grown in an alternating magnetic field of different frequencies

We have studied the effect of an alternating magnetic field on the growth rate of primary roots in Zea mays. Corn seedlings were grown in the dark, under constant conditions of temperature (25°C) and humidity (100%). They were also subjected to a 5 mT magnetic field, alternating at frequencies of either 5, 10, 20 or 40 Hz. The rate of primary root growth, in plants grown at each frequency, was measured and compared to a control group. Control plants were grown under similar conditions, in the absence of the magnetic field. The growth rate of primary roots in seedlings grown at each of the magnetic field frequencies used, was increased compared to the control group. The highest growth rate was seen in seedlings exposed to a magnetic field alternating at 10 Hz.