Evaluation of the effect of electromagnetic treatment on the sowing qualities of triticale seeds
Kiril Sirakov, José Álvarez and Angelina Muhova
Abstract: The fact of applying energy stimulation is an excellent opportunity to search for alternative environmentally friendly methods and technologies to increase the yields of main crops.
Pre-sowing electromagnetic treatment of triticale seeds of the cultivar Boomerang was performed according to a threefactor experiment and the symmetrical composition plan B3. The controllable factors of the treatment used, were voltage or tension (U), kilovolts (kV) between electrodes of the treatment device, exposure time (τ) in seconds and duration (T) in days of seed pre-treatment before sowing in laboratory conditions.
In order to determine the optimal growth environment, which would lead to an overall positive impact on seed performance, a mathematical processing of the results obtained was carried out and mathematical models of all observed variables were built. Based on these, their corresponding surfaces and lines of response were compiled, and by using them, the optimal limits of the controllable factors for maximum stimulation of the sowing qualities of the pre-sowing treated seeds, were determined. Based on the determined levels of controllable factors of pre-sowing electromagnetic treatment, studied variables were stimulated: germinating vigor up to 3.0% and germination up to 6.0%, number of roots up to 9.4%, root length up to 33.0%, sprout length up to 7.6%, and fresh and dry masses up to 35.6% and 37.0%, respectively.
The proposed electromagnetic treatment of triticale seeds could be applied both in conventional and organic farming to improve the seed sowing qualities and subsequently to accelerate the growth and development of plants and increase the yield.
Pre-sowing electromagnetic treatment of triticale seeds of the cultivar Boomerang was performed according to a threefactor experiment and the symmetrical composition plan B3. The controllable factors of the treatment used, were voltage or tension (U), kilovolts (kV) between electrodes of the treatment device, exposure time (τ) in seconds and duration (T) in days of seed pre-treatment before sowing in laboratory conditions.
In order to determine the optimal growth environment, which would lead to an overall positive impact on seed performance, a mathematical processing of the results obtained was carried out and mathematical models of all observed variables were built. Based on these, their corresponding surfaces and lines of response were compiled, and by using them, the optimal limits of the controllable factors for maximum stimulation of the sowing qualities of the pre-sowing treated seeds, were determined. Based on the determined levels of controllable factors of pre-sowing electromagnetic treatment, studied variables were stimulated: germinating vigor up to 3.0% and germination up to 6.0%, number of roots up to 9.4%, root length up to 33.0%, sprout length up to 7.6%, and fresh and dry masses up to 35.6% and 37.0%, respectively.
The proposed electromagnetic treatment of triticale seeds could be applied both in conventional and organic farming to improve the seed sowing qualities and subsequently to accelerate the growth and development of plants and increase the yield.
Keywords: electromagnetic treatment; germination; primary root system; response; triticale
Date published: 2021-08-25
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