The effect of electro-magnetic radiation on certain varieties of soybean seeds

Ever since electricity was discovered, man has attempted to study its effect on plant and animal life. Different principles and methods have been employed to improve crop plants mth electricity, but the reported results are contradictory except in the case of seed germination. An increase in rate and percent germination of seeds with hard coats, like alfalfa, due to electrical treatment have been reported by several workers. Treatment of certain other seeds including soybeans, cotton and corn have been reported to give a faster rate of germination although the final germination percent was not always affected.

Earlier studies at the University of Tennessee by the Farm Electrification Research Branch, Agricultural Research Service, indicated that electrically treated seeds of soybeans showed a higher and faster adsorption of water when placed in contact with free water than the untreated seeds. It was also reported that the treated seed germinated faster, but the final per cent germination in the laboratory and field conditions were not greatly influenced by electrical treatment. Also no difference in yield was reported.

Experiments reported here were conducted to further determine the effects of electrical treatment of soybean seed and to determine the response of various varieties of soybeans to electrical treatment including seed germination, respiration, and growth.