Overcoming Low Germination and Low Quality of Flax Seeds (Linum usitatissimum L.) in Unfavorable Storage Using Static Magnetic Fields

Abstract

Flax seeds stored in unfavorable conditions were exposed to static magnetic fields (SMFs) of 50–350 mT for 20–120 min to overcome low germination and quality. Seed germination increased slightly with increasing strength of SMF and duration of treatment. Seed germination from 89% to 100% was achieved in SMF treatments of 150 mT (120 min), 200 mT (80–120 mT), 250 mT (60–120 min), 300 mT (40–120 min), and 350 mT (40–120 min). In these treatments, germination was 2.78- to 3.12-fold higher than in the control after 10 days. Treatments with 350 mT for 100 and 120 min showed the best results in germination (100%), as well as a 26.81-fold increase in vigor I, 28.69-fold increase in vigor II, 1-fold increase in chlorophyll a, 0.84-fold in chlorophyll b, 0.46-fold increase in carotenoid content, and 2.63-fold increase in catalase activity compared to the control after 10 days. Also, SMF treatment of 350 mT (20–120 min) reduced cell leakage and electrical conductivity by 1-fold compared to the control. SMF is a healthy, biologically safe, and environmentally friendly treatment and can be a tool for overcoming problems of low germination and quality of seeds stored under unfavorable conditions.