Effects of 7.83 Hz and 528 Hz Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on Early Growth of Turnip Greens Brassica rapa var. rapa

Abstract Extremely low-frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields are known to interact with biological systems, but their effects on plant development remain incompletely characterized. This study examined the influence of weak ELF electromagnetic fields on the early growth of Brassica rapa var. rapa (turnip greens). Seeds were germinated under controlled environmental conditions and exposed for 60 minutes per day over five consecutive days to alternating electromagnetic fields at 7.83 Hz or 528 Hz, generated by solenoidal coils. Germination rates were not significantly affected by either treatment. However, seedlings exposed to both frequencies exhibited significantly greater shoot elongation compared with unexposed controls. These findings indicate that weak ELF electromagnetic fields can promote early vegetative development in B. rapa var. rapa. without altering germination success. Further studies involving multiple species, improved field characterization, and molecular assays are warranted to clarify the mechanisms underlying these effects. Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. Footnotes This version of the manuscript has been revised to correct and clarify the description of the electromagnetic exposure system. The original text referred to a bifilar pancake (scalar) coil configuration, which was later found to be unsuitable for controlled experimental replication. The present version removes all references to that setup and accurately describes the use of a solenoidal coil driven by a low frequency alternating current source. This configuration provides a conventional and reproducible electromagnetic field consistent with previously published ELF exposure studies. No new data were collected for this revision, and all numerical results, statistical analyses, and conclusions remain unchanged. The revision focuses on methodological transparency and technical accuracy in the Materials and Methods section. Minor edits were also made throughout the Introduction, Discussion, and Future Work sections to ensure consistency with the corrected coil design and to remove contextual references that implied multiple coil geometries or scalar field generation. The Abstract has been rewritten for clarity and conciseness, reflecting the corrected methodology and preserving the main finding that exposure to weak extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (7.83 Hz and 528 Hz) enhanced early shoot elongation in Brassica rapa var. rapa without significantly affecting germination rates. The title has been updated to better represent the revised experimental design and avoid any reference to unconventional or unverified field configurations. Overall, this revision improves the technical accuracy, readability, and reproducibility of the manuscript while maintaining the integrity of the original data and conclusions. No conflicts of interest or funding declarations have changed.