Effect of microwave irradiation on seeds of lentils (Lens culinaris, Med.).

Abstract

This paper presents the investigation of the influence of microwave irradiation treatment on the development of lentil seeds (Lens culinaris, Med.). A magnetron OM75P(31) emitting radiation with frequency 2.45 GHz has been used as a source of microwaves for the experiment. The exposure time varied from 0 s, 30 s, 60 s, 90 s, and 120 s. The germination energy (GE) and germination (G) of seeds in %, as well as the length of stems (SL) and roots (RL) in mm at 7 and 14 day after sowing, and the total weight (TW) at 14 day have been measured aiming to estimate the influence of microwave treatment. Best results have been obtained for variants with exposure time 30 s and output power 450 W – SL measured at 7 day is 10% longer than the control one, RL – 7%, and TW at 14 day is 16% higher. Longer exposure times have an inhibition effect on plant development as well as higher output power of microwave irradiation. Obtained results have been explained by the hypothesis that bigger energy absorbed by molecules at higher output power and longer exposure time could destroy cell functions and stimulation effect could not be achieved.