Low-amplitude, high-frequency electromagnetic field exposure causes delayed and reduced growth in Rosa hybrida

Area of Science:

• Plant biology
• Electrophysiology
• Agricultural science

Background:

• Plants are known to perceive high-frequency electromagnetic fields (HF-EMF).
• The integration of HF-EMF signals within plants and their subsequent effects on growth remain areas of investigation.
• Understanding these interactions is crucial for comprehending plant responses to environmental electromagnetic stimuli.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether high-frequency electromagnetic field (HF-EMF) exposure influences plant growth through a chain of reactions.
• To determine if plant development stage affects the response to HF-EMF exposure.
• To analyze the specific impact of HF-EMF on different types of plant organs and buds.

Main Methods:

• Rose bushes were exposed to 900MHz HF-EMF at two developmental stages (rooted cuttings and 5-leaf stage plants) and two field amplitudes (5 and 200Vm(-1)).
• Controlled experimental conditions were maintained using a Mode Stirred Reverberation Chamber and specialized culture-chambers.
• Shoot growth was monitored for over a month post-exposure, with specific attention to different axes and bud types.

Main Results:

• No growth modifications were observed in 5-leaf stage plants or on Axis I of rooted cuttings.
• Exposure to HF-EMF did not affect growth from pre-formed secondary axillary buds (Axis II at the base of Axis I).
• A significant 45% reduction and delay in growth were observed in Axis II originating from post-formed secondary buds at the top of Axis I. Specific absorption rate (SAR) measurements indicated a non-thermal effect.

Conclusions:

• HF-EMF exposure specifically impacts the development of post-formed organs in ligneous plants.
• The developmental stage and the origin of buds (pre-formed vs. post-formed) are critical factors in plant response to HF-EMF.
• The observed growth inhibition is likely a direct biological response to HF-EMF, not a thermal effect, suggesting novel mechanisms of plant perception and reaction.