Iron biofortification and activation of antioxidant system of wheat by static magnetic field

Effect of static magnetic field (SMF) on plants is a matter of debate. In the present study plausible useful effects of SMF on wheat plant (Triticum aestivum L.) via improvement of antioxidant system and iron/ferritin fortification were evaluated. The plants were cultivated in pots and in their reproductive stages were treated with or without a 30 mT SMF for 4 days, each 5h. The activity of antioxidant system, iron and ferritin contents was evaluated. In comparison with the control groups, SMF treatment significantly increased the contents of iron, ferritin, and Fe-bound proteins in edible parts of the plants. Treatment with SMF also significantly increased catalase activity and radical scavenging capacity of wheat seeds which led in turn to decrease of membrane lipid peroxidation. The results provide us with a new approach for application of physical stimulators such as SMF in order for iron biofortification and increase of antioxidant capacity of critical crops.