What question did this study set out to answer?

To investigate the effects of different magnetic field strengths on wheat growth and physiological responses.

March 21, 2026

Magnetic Field Effects on the Growth and Physiology of Wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) by Modulation of Photosynthetic Activity and Gene Expression

Key Points

To investigate the effects of different magnetic field strengths on wheat growth and physiological responses.
Applied varying magnetic field strengths (20, 40, 120, and 250 mT) to wheat plants.
Measured physiological indices such as seed germination, root and shoot growth, and photosynthetic activity.
Utilized confocal and scanning electron microscopy to observe cellular changes.
Quantified gene expression levels associated with metal homeostasis and antioxidant defense via RT-PCR.
Found significant increases in germination (18.75%), root growth (41%), and shoot growth (110%) at lower MF strengths.
Observed enhanced electron transport rates and photosynthetic yields at 20-40 mT.
Higher MF strengths (≥ 120 mT) caused cell membrane damage and root deformation.
Noted upregulation of genes related to metal transport and antioxidant activity with low MF application, while some growth-related genes were downregulated.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Magnetic field (MF) treatment is a promising approach in boosting plant growth and yield. Although it is an eco‐friendly and safe practice, research on the optimal MF strength, magnetic sensing, and MF‐induced molecular response mechanisms in plants is limited. In this study, we investigated the effects of different MF strengths (20, 40, 120, and 250 milliTesla‐mT) on key physiological indices (seed germination, tissue growth, physiological indicators, cell membrane integrity, photosynthetic activity, and pigmentation) in wheat. Confocal and scanning electron microscopies were used to observe cellular and morphological changes. Relative expression levels of key genes associated with metal homeostasis, antioxidant defense, and hormone metabolism ( YSLA , NRAMP , FER1 , CAT , HSP70 , GPX , and PSIK ) were quantified by RT‐PCR. The results showed that MF treatment remarkably enhanced germination (18.75%), root (41%) and shoot (110%) growth. While lower MF strength acted as a biostimulant, higher intensities caused damage. A significant increase in the electron transport rate (ETR), photosynthetic yield (Y(II)), and pigmentation at 20–40 mT indicates effective conversion of light into chemical energy. Conversely, higher MF strengths (≥ 120 mT) induced cell membrane injury and caused root deformation. Significant upregulation of genes related to metal homeostasis ( YSLA , NRAMP ) and antioxidant activity ( CAT ), and downregulation of genes related to hormone regulation‐associated gene ( PSIK ) were demonstrated. These findings suggest that MF, particularly at high intensities, is perceived as a potent abiotic stressor by wheat seedlings. This perception activates metal transporters while suppressing growth‐related signaling. On the other side, low‐power MF (20–40 mT) can be effectively applied to promote plant growth.

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