Optimization of pre-sowing magnetic field doses through RSM in pea

• Published in: International Agrophysics Vol. 27; no. 3; pp. 265 - 273
• Main Authors: Iqbal, M., Ahmad, I., Hussain, S.M., Khera, R.A., Bokhari, T.H., Shehzad, M.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lublin Versita 01.09.2013; Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Agrophysics
• Subjects: Agricultural Science, Forestry and Fisheries; EARLY GROWTH; EXPOSURE; GERMINATION; Lantbruksvetenskap, skogsbruk och fiske; magnetic field; multivariable analysis; pea; photosynthesis; PLANTS; response surface methodology; SEEDLINGS; SEEDS
• ISSN: 0236-8722; 2300-8725
• DOI: 10.2478/v10247-012-0094-7

Seed pre-sowing magnetic field treatment was reported to induce biochemical and physiological changes. In the present study, response surface methodology was used for deduction of optimal magnetic field doses. Improved growth and yield responses in the pea cultivar were achieved using a rotatable central composite design and multivariate data analysis. The growth parameters such as root and shoot fresh masses and lengths as well as yield were enhanced at a certain magnetic field level. The chlorophyll contents were also enhanced significantly vs. the control. The low magnetic field strength for longer duration of exposure/ high strength for shorter exposure were found to be optimal points for maximum responses in root fresh mass, chlorophyll ‘a’ contents, and green pod yield/plant, respectively and a similar trend was observed for other measured parameters. The results indicate that the magnetic field pre-sowing seed treatment can be used practically to enhance the growth and yield in pea cultivar and response surface methodology was found an efficient experimental tool for optimization of the treatment level to obtain maximum response of interest.