ENHANCEMENT OF ZINNIA SEED GERMINATION AND SEEDLING EMERGENCE THROUGH MAGNETIC SEED STIMULATION

Poor seed germination is a main hindrance to the commercial cultivation of Zinnia (Zinnia elegans Jacq.). Seed enhancement is a useful strategy to improve germina-tion of major agronomic and horticultural crops. A lab study was conducted to investigate the potential of magnetic seed stimulation as a seed enhancement tool and its influence on germination and emergence capacity of zinnia. Magnetic seed treatment with 50, 100 and 150 mT strength each for 5, 10 and 15 min was compared with control (untreated). Mag-netic seed stimulation reduced time to 50% germination and mean germination time and increased final germination percentage, germination energy and germination index. Root length, shoot length, seedling fresh and dry weight was also increased as a result of mag-netic seed stimulation. Furthermore, magnetic field treatment also enhanced α-amylase activity, total soluble sugars and reducing sugars levels. Among all seed treatments, mag-netic field with strength of 100 mT for 15 min was the most effective physical treatment for improving seed germination and seedling growth of zinnia.