The effect of magnetic field on the seed germination and seedling growth in stone pine (Pinus pinea L.)

The success of afforestation studies is economically and biologically related to a lot of conditions. Most importants of these conditions, in besides seed source and seed quality, are the seedling breeding tecniques, climate conditions, afforestation area, planting time and planting technique and soil conditions. In this study, the effect of Magnetic Field on germination and seedling growth in Pinus pinea was investigated in order to get stronger and more succesfull seedlings in plantation area and then the seeds were exposed to magnetic field with 9,4 mT for 15, 30 and 45 min. The seeds from control group and the other seeds exposed to magnetic field for 15, 30 and 45 minutes were sowed on seed bed, in April, in the Greenhouse of Bartın University. At the end of the growing season, all seeedlings were uprooted from seed bed. Seedling height (SH), collar diameter (CD), stem fresh (StFW) and dry weight (StDW), root fresh (RFW) and dry weight (RDW) were measured in the laboratory of Sylviculture, after the all seedlings' roots were cleaned slightly from soil. In addition, sturdiness value, shoot-root ratio and seedling water percent were calculated by using theirs' formulas. According to data, if the treatments were effective on germination and seedling growth was tested statistically by ANOVA at Statgraphics Packed Programme and then, Duncan Test was also performed at 5% probability level to compare the means of the tested parameters. Finally, it was found that the application of magnetic field was effective on germination and seedling growth. The application of magnetic field for 45 minutes had firstly the best effects on seed germintion, seedling height, collar diameter, seedling fresh and dry weight, sturdiness value, root lenght and also secondly the application of magnetic field for 30 minutes.