The stimulated growth of tissue cultured banana and slipper orchid as exposed to extremely low frequency electromagnetic field

Abstract

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) naturally occurs in the environment as the use of electricity become more intense, thus affecting the life of all organisms includes plants, both positive and negative way. The study of to determine the real effect of EFL-EMF was conducted using tissue culture plants in two different plants, banana (Musa acuminata cv. Barangan) and orchid (Paphiopedilum rothscildianum). Banana and orchid plantlets were exposed to 6 and 12 mT ELF-EMF for 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 hours. Four weeks after exposure, the growth and biochemical parameters were investigated. The results showed that 6 mT ELF-EMF had significantly promoted the growth and development of both banana and orchid plantlets for 0.5 and 4 hours duration of exposures, respectively. The long period of exposure of banana plant to ELF-EMF reduced the growth and antioxidant enzyme activities. On the other hand, the orchid exposed to 12 mT ELF-EMF for 4 hours produced the highest shoot number.