Influence of 50 Hz electromagnetic fields on recurrent embryogenesis and germination of cork oak somatic embryos

TitleInfluence of 50 Hz electromagnetic fields on recurrent embryogenesis and germination of cork oak somatic embryos
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1998
AuthorsCelestino, C., & Picazo M. L.
JournalPlant cell, tissue and …
Volume54
Pagination65-69
Keywordsbioelectromagnetism, elf magnetic fields, germination, Quercus Suber L, Somatic embryogenesis, tissue culture
Abstract

Plant tissue culture techniques are carried out under environmentally controlled conditions in phytotrons. However, electric components of phytotrons generate electromagnetic fields that may act as a environmental factor influencing plant growth and morphogenesis. Isolated somatic embryos of Quercus suber, picked from embryogenic lines, were chronically exposed to a 50 Hz and 15 µT electromagnetic field generated in a Helmholtz-coil system for 8 weeks, in order to examine if the extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field (MF) affected the morphogenic behaviour of embryogenic cultures during recurrent embryogenesis. Germination of somatic embryos from genotype G7.1 was carried out under the same electromagnetic field, and also under conditions in which the local geomagnetic field was suppressed. The ELF MF did not influence the growth of embryogenic clumps of the assayed genotypes, but reduced the number of detachable embryos produced by genotype G3.27. The ELF MF did not modify the percentages of germination or plant formation of somatic embryos. However, somatic embryos had better germination when cultured under the suppressed geomagnetic field condition.