Influence of 340 mT static magnetic field on germination potential and mid‐infrared spectrum of wheat

In a number of studies, a static magnetic field was observed to positively influence the growing process of various plants; however, the effect has not yet been related to possible structural changes. We investigate if the static magnetic field that improves germination of wheat also alters wheat's near‐infrared spectrum. Two groups of seeds were exposed to 340 mT for 16 h cumulatively. The first group was exposed 8 days for 2 h per day, while the second group was exposed 4 h per day for 4 consecutive days. One half of each of the exposed seed groups as well as of the unexposed control groups was sown, and the other half was used for mid‐infrared spectra measurements. The sown seeds were monitored for 3 weeks after sowing. Germination of the groups exposed to the magnetic field was faster compared to corresponding non‐exposed groups that were grown under the same conditions. The magnetic field exposure caused the enhancement of one OH peak at 3,369 cm−1 and two CO peaks at 1,662 cm−1 and 1,740 cm−1 in the mid‐infrared spectrum. The effect was more pronounced for the 4 day, 4 h/day exposure. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:533–540, 2017.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.