Variable Magnetic Field Effects on Seed Germination of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.)

This study was conducted to determine the effect of variable magnetic fields (VMF) on broccoli seeds (Brassica oleracea L.) pre-imbibed for 1h to improve their germination and early growth. The experiment was conducted at IPN - ESIME Zacatenco, Mexico DF, between October and November 2013.Seeds were treated with variable magnetic fieldat17, 24and 55mT for 1, 5, 7.5 and 10min.Final germination percentage, germination velocity index, fresh and dry weight and average hypocotyl length were evaluated. The magnetic field treatment of 17mT for 7.5min significantly increased fresh and dry weight by 5.7 and 8% respectively, and got on final germination percentage and germination velocity index, a positive effect but without significant differences compared to control and other treatments. However, at 55mT for 5min fresh and dry weight significantly diminished to 11.7% and 8.2% respectively, getting the lowest variables of growth compared to control and other treatments. At 17mT for 7.5min, fresh and dry weight obtained were the highest. Meanwhile, the stimulation with 55mT for 5 min showed the highest inhibition, in fresh and dry weight. It can be concluded that variable magnetic field treatment can be a suitable option to increase some germination and early growth variables of broccoli seeds.