The Approach Influence of Microwave Radiation Exposure on Germination and Seedling Development of Wheat Plants

Purpose: Investigate the induction or inhibition effect of radiation exposure period on germination, growth, and some metabolic activities during seedling growth stage of wheat plant which is considered as a very essential economic plant in Egypt. Methods: Wheat grains grown for 8 days in petri dishes under different periods of radiation exposure (30 seconds, 1 minute, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 3 hours and 5 hours) and a control sample (C) without irradiation. Results: The growth criteria (Fresh, dry matter and length) were decreased at low periods of radiation exposure (30 seconds and 1 minute), while there was a marked enhancement in these criteria at 30 minutes and 1 hour compared with control plants and the other corresponding radiation times. In contrast, a huge accumulation was observed in soluble sugar, soluble protein, proline, potassium, and phosphorus contents at 30 seconds and 1 minute compared with normal plants, while at high periods of radiations (1, 3 and 5 hours) especially at 5 hours; a reduction was exhibited in most cases in these contents compared with control and the other radiation periods. Conclusion: Non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation has biphasic roles on growth and metabolic compounds of wheat plant; where short exposure (30 sec.–1 min.) inhibits growth while moderate exposure (30 min–1 hour) enhances it, and prolonged exposure (3–5 hours) negatively impacts growth. This nuanced finding needs further agricultural and environmental research.