Changes in Teak Germination and Seedling Growth Induced by Pre-Sowing Seed Treatment with Electromagnetic Field and Microwave Radiation

Aims: The effect of teak (Tectona grandis Linn. f) drupes treatment with electromagnetic field and microwave radiation on germination and seedling growth were studied.

Study Design: Completely randomized block design.

Place and Duration of Study: Division of Seed Science and Technology, Central Institute for Cotton Research, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu and Seed Science and Technology laboratory, Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, TNAU, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu.

Methodology: Teak drupes have been exposed to the electromagnetic field of 750nt 5 hrs. per day for 15 days, 1500nt 5 hrs. per day for 15 days and 750 + 1500nt each 5 hrs. per day for 15 days and microwave radiation of 2450 MHz for 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 sec. The treated and control drupes were placed for germination in the sand filled earthen pots.

Results: At 28 days after sowing the results revealed that electromagnetic treatment 1500nt 5 hrs. per day for 15 days recorded highest germination of 28.4 %, number of seedlings/100 drupes (32), minimum days required for initial emergence (13 days), root length of 8.3 cm, shoot length of 7.1 cm, dry matter production (49 mg) and vigour index (437). Microwave radiation of 2450 MHz for 30 sec recorded highest germination of 25.2 %, number of seedlings/100 drupes (30), minimum days required for initial emergence (12 days), root length of 8.5 cm, dry matter production (47 mg) and vigour index (373).

Conclusion: It is concluded that, electromagnetic field and microwave radiation treatments may be considered as an alternative method to enhance germination of fresh teak drupes.