The influence of 16 Hz and 50 Hz frequent magnetic field on the germination of seed of different agricultural crops (spring wheat, soybean and maize) under the stress condition (temperature 5°C or 10°C) was examined. The acceleration of germination and decrease of Pieper'si coefficient of seeds treated with frequent magnetic fiels in comparison with untreated seeds was found.
Review of papers dealing with the influence of magnetic fields on seeds and plants grown from them, was presented. The influence of geomagnetic field and different weather phenomena were discussed. The effects of static magnetic field of different magnetic flux density and low frequency alternative magnetic fields were also presented. Finally, the role of high frequency electromagnetic fields and their application in agricultural practice were described.
Nowadays, the organic farmers use untreated seeds, which are produced under organic farm conditions. However the varieties originating from conventional breeding programmes are not quite suitable for organic production systems. They require high level of agrochemical input for successful growth and high yielding. Therefore, the special breeding programmes should be developed for organic farming. Such breeding programmes have to include new germplasm resources, new selection criteria and approved methods of breeding and reproduction. Farmers should be involved in the breeding process through identification of desirable traits and variety testing in organic farms. Paper presents a review of literature on organic plant breeding.
Paper presents a literature review concerning conventional methods of seed quality improvement. There are briefly described the methods of seed vigour improvement through breeding and affecting matemal plants. Post-harvest methods were divided into the following groups: selection of most vigorous seeds, methods of sowing facilitation and precision of seed distribution, seed dressing, methods accelerating germination and improving seedlings vigour.
Paper reviewed recent literature concerning the influence of different physical factors on seeds and plants grown from them. The effects of laser and ultraviolet radiation, visible light, electric and magnetic fields of different frequencies and ionizing radiation were discussed.