Effect of ultrasound waves and magnetic field on germination, growth and yield of Carum copticum (L.) C. B. Clarke) in lab and field conditions

Seed priming includes very simple methods that could be effective in improving seed germination and establishment of seedling. Seed treatment with ultrasound waves and magnetic field are considered as biophysical and seed priming methods. The production and processing of this species in the world is of outmost importance regarding the medicinal effects of Carum copticum (Carum copticum (L.) C. B. Clarke)، belonging to the Apiaceae family. This research was aimed to study the effects of ultrasound waves and magnetic field on germination of Ajowan in laboratory conditions at the University of Agriculture and Natural Resources of Ramin in 2010. In addition، increasing the percentage of seed germination and velocity، and increasing the resistance of seedlings to the environmental stresses such as drought، cold، heat، as well as diseases and pests were investigated. The seeds were treated with an ultrasound of 22 kHz frequency in two times of two and five minutes (U2، U3) and a magnetic field intensity of 5000 gauss in three different times of 15، 30، 45 minutes (M2، M3&M4) at a temperature of 30°C. A factorial experiment in a complete randomized design with four replications was carried out. Results showed that seed germination and vigor increased in response to the magnetic field and ultrasonic wave treatments. According to the obtained results، a magnetic field for 30 minutes and in some cases 45 minutes with ultrasound waves for five minutes had the greatest impact on this species. Despite the high sensitivity to both plant diseases and pests، no trace of disease and pest was found in the field.