Induction of primary root curvature in radish seedlings in a static magnetic field.
Primary roots of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) seedlings were exposed to an inhomogeneous static magnetic field generated by a permanent magnet, during continuous rotation on a 0.06 rpm clinostat, thereby reducing the unilateral influence of gravity. The roots responded tropically to the static magnetic field with the tropism appearing to be negative. These roots responded significantly (P < 0.05) to the south pole of the magnet. The significant tropic response was found for a magnetic flux density of 13-68 mT, for a field gradient of 1.8-14.7 T/m, and for the product of magnetic field and field gradient of 0.023-1.0 T(2)/m. A small, but insignificant, response of the roots to the north pole has also been found.
Graduate School of Science and Technology, Chiba University, Matsudo, Chiba, Japan. yano@midori.h.chiba-u.ac.jp
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Yano
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Hidaka
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Fujiwara
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Iimoto
D019607:Brassicaceae / Q000254:growth & development / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000254:growth & development / Q000528:radiation effects*