ABSTRACT
In the last decade work with magnetic fields (MF), has become a common practice in modern life. The ability of a magnetic field to penetrate everything around its source, including living cells, has become a central point of the research. Studies show that MF affects biochemical processes and increases ion uptake, which leads to better plant growth. The goal of this study was to determine if the type of magnetic field, used in magnetic resonance imaging, has the potential to induce useful effects on plant nutrition. Seedling of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) established on filter paper for 15 days were exposed to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with an intensity of 1500 mT for 0, 1, 5, 10 and 15 min. After treatment, seedlings were grown in soil for 4 weeks. Tissue samples were then analyzed for their elemental composition using inductive couple plasma spectroscopy (ICP). The elements measured were Mg, Ca, Na, P, K, Fe, Mn and Zn. The results showed that increasing exposure, from 1 to 15 min increased the concentration of Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Na and Zn, but decreased P concentration compared to the control. Increasing the ion content may improve date palm nutrition suggesting that MRI may have potential as a plant growth enhancer.
