Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effect of magnetic fields on yield and growth in strawberry 'Camarosa' med./bio.

By: Esitken A
Published in: J Hortic Sci Biotechnol 2003; 78 (2): 145-147
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

To investigate the effects of extremely low frequency magnetic fields on the fruit yield and growth of the strawberry 'Camarosa' in greenhouse conditions.

Background/further details

At the end of June 2001, the strawberry plants were planted in the greenhouse. Magnetic field treatment began in November 2001 and ended in June 2002 until the end of the experiment. Matured fruits were harvested twice a week. At the end of the experiment, the plants were uprooted and examined.
The plants were randomly subjected to a control group or to one of the three experimental groups (magnetic flux densities of 96, 192 and 384 mT). For every treatment four replicates (10 plants, respectively) were performed.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: November 2001 to June 2012

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Exposure duration November 2001 to June 2012
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup For the different magnetic field strength, increasing numbers of the electrical wires were fixed about 30 cm above the plants; the electric wires carried alternating current at 220V and 50 Hz; a 40 W bulb was attached to the end of electric wires
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 96 mT - measured - -
magnetic flux density 192 mT - measured - -
magnetic flux density 384 mT - measured - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • during exposure
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

In plants exposed to a magnetic flux density of 96 mT and 192 mT, the yield per plant was significantly higher compared to the control group. However, no significant difference in the yield was observed between the strongest magnetic field exposed group (384 mT) and the control group. In all magnetic field exposed groups, the average fruit weight was significantly increased compared to the control group.
At the end of the experiment, the exposed plants had significantly more leaves and showed a significantly increased fresh and dry weight of the roots, while number of crowns and leaf area were not significantly altered.
The authors conclude that extremely low frequency magnetic fields with a certain magnetic flux density could have a positive effect on both fruit yields and growth.

Study character:

Study funded by

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