Favourable and Unfavourable Effect of Homogeneous Static Magnetic Field on Germination of Zea mays L (Maize) Seeds

The effect of homogeneous static magnetic stimulation on Zea mays L. (maize) seeds and its potential utility as a tool in biotechnological development for the improvement of maize seeds was studied. The values of magnetic flux density that influenced the biological development of some plant species of the Poaceae family were determined from a literature review. ICA V-305 variety corn seeds were exposed to seven values of magnetic flux density between 50.0 mT and 250.0 mT, with homogeneity of 98.4% and at (1.0, 3.0, 5.0 and 7.0) min exposure times. The mean germination time (MGT), index of germination speed (VGer) and germination rate (Gmax) were evaluated as responses. The magnetic flux density of 50.0 mT with a one-minute exposure time recorded the largest reduction (12.4%) in the MGT while the germination rate for the same treatment increased by 17.4% with respect to the control. No significant effects of the magnetic treatment were recorded for the Gmáx . The magnetic treatment of seeds with homogeneous static fields does not have as favourable a response as the treatments with fields with magnetic gradients, that is to say, using toroidal magnets.