Soybean (Glycine max) germination response to Static Magnetic Field treatment

Soybean (Glycine max) germination response to Static Magnetic Field treatment | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Article Soybean (Glycine max) germination response to Static Magnetic Field treatment Tharuna Sree, Katarzyna Niemczyk, Izabela Michalak, Sylwia Lewandowska This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8146765/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 12 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Soybean ( Glycine max (L.) Merrill) is known as the plant-based protein source for human and animal consumption. Its high protein content emphasizes to meet recent demands to achieve higher yields and more protein production in a organic manner to reduce the usage of chemicals in agriculture. So, the focus of present research is to look over the effect of the static magnetic field (SMF) treatment on soybean seeds, to get a greater number of germinated seeds and improved growth parameters. It is assumed that the application of magnetic field helps to overcome seed dormancy. The parameters examined in this experiment were germination percentage (GP), seedling growth (root and shoot length) and chlorophyll content. Four different soybean cultivars of various earliness (Abelina, Adelfia, Adessa, and Pamela) were tested. The exposure time of seeds to the static magnetic field was 3 and 12 min, whereas the dose of the magnetic induction applied directly to seeds was 250 and 500 mT. The following combinations were tested on seeds: 250 mT + 3 min, 250 mT + 12 min, 500 mT + 3 min, 500 mT + 12 min and control group (seeds not subjected to any treatment). Among the soybean tested varieties, Abelina showed the best results in terms of germination percentage for all tested groups, while Adelfia variety recorded significantly the highest increase in the percentage of germinated seeds − 79% (for the group 500 mT + 3 min) compared to the control group (55%). In the same group (500 mT + 3 min), Adelfia seedling growth parameters and chlorophyll content found positive results in relation to all tested groups and untreated seeds (control). The application of a static magnetic field as a physical treatment to plant seeds is a promising approach for improving emerging parameters such as germination percentage, seedling growth and development, and chlorophyll content. Biological sciences/Physiology Biological sciences/Plant sciences Soybean genotypes Seed treatment Magnetic field Exposure time Germination percentage Chlorophyll content Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Introduction Soybean is one of the legume plants which is highly adaptable, nutritious and crucial in commercial usage 1 . This soybean is native to East Asia and becoming one of the greatly shaped modern agriculture in the world 2 . What is more, it has been an important nutritional part of the diet of many people living in China, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and Indonesia, among others, through various types of products such as milk, tofu, and cheese. Soybeans provide all nine of the essential amino acids due to its unique kind of plant-based complete protein. Beyond food, soybean also contributing to the worlds edible oil production (25%) and biggest contributor of about two-thirds of protein used in animal feed worldwide 3 . It is worth mentioning that soybean has developed into the fourth most important and fastest growing crop in the world, after rice, wheat, and corn, in terms of global production. According to the estimation of the International Grains Council-IGC 2024, it can be observed that the global soybean cultivation, which reached 357 million tons in the 2021/22 season, has gained 10 million tons in the 2022/23 season, giving a total of 367 million tons 4 . It was speculated that this trend will carry over until the 2023–2024 season, when the production is expected to be superior to current levels 4 . To satisfy the demand for soybean growing in the future, high-quality seeds are needed to achieve maximum germination rates and to continue an increase in plant production. According to Lewandowska et al. 19 , soybean cultivation for many farmers is considered as "godsend" for correcting imbalanced crop rotations, which typically consist of cereals, maize, and rapeseed, but also a crop with some fascinating hidden attributes. This plant has another amazing feature that can fix atmospheric nitrogen by symbiotic association with soil bacteria ( Bradyrhizobium japonicum ), reducing the need for nitrogen mineral fertilizers and promoting soil health. In addition, soybean is a nutritious crop and also provides food for humans and feed for farm animals. Nowadays one of the major challenges in the seed production sector is to eliminate the use of chemicals in agriculture to protect nature but also to get higher yields and better germination percentage. Still one of the major environmental problems that the world is facing at present is the increasing chemicalization of agriculture that through long-term consumption in food may lead to dangerous health problems 5 , 27 . Such practices not only harm the soil responsible for being incapable of producing nutritious crops, but also contaminate food, gradually poisoning both humans and animals with harmful chemicals. In the 21st century, modern agriculture is facing the challenge of using natural resources wisely in the process of finding safe ways to improve crop quality. One of the key factors to boost crop yields is the preparation of seed material by using safe conditioning methods. This helps to improve plant germination and makes seedlings stronger, more efficient for growing. Nowadays soybean seeds are often treated with insecticides, pesticides, beneficial bacterial to improve nitrogen fixation and protect against pathogens. However, Sartori’s 68 recent study, provided that agrochemical seed treatments might disturb the rhizobial survival, nodulation process, and limits consequently plant health and yield 68 . The most important step in establishing healthy seedlings for successful crop production is the process of seed germination 4 . Seed quality plays a significant role in crop growth affected by environmental factors during germination, plant growth, maturation, and storage after harvest. Germination is a complex physiological process that starts when seeds absorb water and ends with the radicle emergence 6 . Increasing the germination rate is at present a challenge for modern farming. As a result, seed companies are constantly looking for new solutions to improve seed germination, vigour, seedling strength, and crop yield. This has led to more studies into different seed improvement methods. Since soybean is very popular, researchers continue to explore new techniques for promoting and stimulating its growth. One of the ways to enhance the seed production sector involves the use of physical stimulation factors. Physical methods used for improving seed quality include exposure to electromagnetic induction (such as infrared, ionizing, laser, or ultraviolet) or the application of various types of fields including magnetic, electric, or electromagnetic 7 . The main goal of this research is to look for alternative and safe solutions for soybean growth stimulation that will not cause negative effects on nature or significantly reduce them. According to Kataria et al. 8 treating the seeds with a magnetic field before sowing is considered as eco-friendly technology that is healthy for both the environment and plants. Analysing various types of magnetic field, static magnetic field is constant and unchanging in nature. What is more, SMF can stimulate seed germination by affecting only the seeds, hence emergency dynamics are enhanced and protecting seedling growth. The outcomes of such treatments include greater plant vigor, emergence and higher yield 8 , 9 . Also, in Radhakrishnan’s research pointed out the interest of magnetic field (MF) applications particularly in agricultural science, where studies have examined MF's influence on seed germination, biochemical and hormonal changes, plant development, and final crop yield. Although a more research is necessary to clarify the underlying cellular and tissue-level mechanisms of magnetic action 16 . However, examples from many scientists demonstrate the positive impact of static magnetic fields on soybean seeds and other legume species (Table 1 ). Table 1 Effect of SMF on different legume plant species. Magnetic Induction [mT] Exposure Time Plant Species Effects on plants Ref. 200 mT 1 h soybean ( Glycine max ) improved growth, carbon and nitrogen fixation in soybean; improvement in seedling growth, development and production of soybean (F) as compared to control (10) 400 mT + E 3 min soybean ( Glycine max ) enhanced germination percentage (86%) as compared to control (83%) (L) (11) 250 mT 3 min soybean ( Glycine max ) increased germination percentage (90%), seedlings length and weight, and pigments content in leaves over control (85%) (L) (9) 0.1 mT 20 min for the next 5 days soybean ( Glycine max ) significant increase in optimum values of germination emergence time, stem growth, chlorophyll content, early flowering time, fresh weight of 10 seeds, and productivity (F) as compared to control (13) 400 mT + E 12 min soybean ( Glycine max ) positive results in terms of mean germination percentage (21%) as compared to control (9%) (L) (12) 200 mT 60 min soybean ( Glycine max ) improvement in rate of photosynthesis (L) as compared to control (8) 200 mT 60 min soybean ( Glycine max ) pre-treatment of seeds with a SMF influenced on seedlings growth and development (root length, plant height, biomass accumulation, rate of photosynthesis) which eventually results in high crop yield (F) as compared to control (18) 500 mT 3 min soybean ( Glycine max ) increased root, epicotyl, hypocotyl, and chlorophyll content (L) as compared to control (9) 100 mT 2 h chickpea ( Cicer arietinum ) better result observed in root and shoot length, dry matter of root and shoot, and seedling vigor were significantly increased (L) as compared to control (14) 100 mT 1 & 2 h chickpea ( Cicer arietinum ) increased all germination-related characteristics such as germination percentage (94%), speed of germination, shoot and root length, seedling dry weight and vigor indices compared to control (85%) (L) (22) 100 mT 1 h chickpea ( Cicer arietinum ) exposure of seeds to MF showed higher germination percentage (95%), seedling root and shoot length and dry weight; enhanced root and shoot growth parameters compared to control (88%) in the greenhouse experiment (L) (15) Where: Control-untreated seeds, L - laboratory experiment, F - field experiment, P - pot experiment, MF - magnetic field, SMF - static magnetic field, E - extract of algae, mT - Millitesla The aim of this research was to examine the effect of static magnetic field treatment on seed germination, early growth and development of four cultivars of soybean ( Glycine max ) – Adelfia, Adessa, Pamela and Abelina coming from growing season 2023. It was hypothesized that the physical factor, which is SMF would significantly improve soybean germination and early growth parameters under laboratory conditions. Materials and methods Soybean seeds Soybean seeds ( Glycine max ), cv. Adelfia, Adessa, Pamela, and Abelina (not genetically modified) of uniform size were used in the present study. The seeds were obtained in 2023 from SAATBAU Polska plant breeding station located in Poland. They were certified. Different genotypes were chosen of varied maturity groups: Adelfia — according to breeders — is a medium late variety, rich in protein and oil content, with high growth potential in low-yielding plants. Adessa is a very early and early variety. It is distinguished by its high fat and protein content, very high early vigor, tolerance to cold weather and resistance to lodging. It also has very good resistance to pod cracking. Pamela is an early to mid-early cultivar, so it is recommended for cultivation throughout the country - Poland with a guarantee of ripening at the optimum time. It has been confirmed in official and breeding experiments about its high yield potential, high-set of first pod, and excellent health (as per the manufacturer’s information). The last tested variety - Abelina belongs to the group of early varieties and is distinguished by its high yield potential and exceptional percentage over years. It is a purple flowering variety with a dark stigma that reaches very early maturity. Due to its very intensive early vigor, Abelina obtains a medium to high density of plants and is regarded as the best yielding genotype in relation to the length of the vegetation period. In terms of quality, it is a variety with a very high-fat content and a high protein yield. Exposure of soybean seeds to a static magnetic field Before stimulation with SMF, soybean seeds were grouped by 100 pcs. Next stimulation with a MF was carried out using SMF with an induction of 250 mT and 500 mT. Permanent NdFeB magnets were used in the experiment. During the stimulation process a special container was used, which allowed to ensure a constant value of the magnetic field vector on the seeds during the magnetization process. Exposure times of 3 and 12 min were used for seed stimulation. Differences in the exposure times result from literature reports and are close to those in which the best positive effects were recorded 55 , 56 , 57 , 59 – 61 . After stimulations the seeds were delivered to the laboratory for sowing on paper substrate. The experimental groups examined in the present study are listed in Table 2 . Table 2 Tested experimental groups. Group Treatments (N = 4) 1. Soybean seeds-Control (C) 2. Soybean seeds-SMF 250 mT + 3 min 3. Soybean seeds-SMF 250 mT + 12 min 4. Soybean seeds-SMF 500 mT + 3 min 5. Soybean seeds-SMF 500 mT + 12 min Preliminary test of soybean seeds In order to check general germination percentage of raw soybean seeds (without treatment), preliminary tests were conducted before the main experiment. 50 seeds from each soybean variety were sown using two different methods of filter paper substrate – between paper (BP) and pleated paper (PP) to choose the best option. The substrate was soaked in the distillated water. Preliminary test showed the visible germination and seedling growth in pleated paper method over between paper (Fig. 1 ). Figure 1 presents germination process based on selected variety-Abelina. The same tests were performed for other three varieties and results were the same as for Abelina (PP was a better substrate than BP). Germination tests The germination test of soybean seeds was assessed according to the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) methodology. These tests were performed under laboratory conditions in a growth chamber (FITO, Biogenet, Poland) at a constant temperature of 25°C. A pleated paper substrate was used to conduct the germination experiment, which was carried out in 4 replications for each analysed variety. Each replication contained 100 soybean seeds. According to ISTA, the first counting (energy of seedlings) was done after 5 days and the second one (germination of seedlings) after 8 days. Based on ISTA rules, after 8 days seeds were segregated into normal seedlings and abnormal seedlings (Fig. 2 ). Seed germination was calculated and expressed in percentage. The minimum germination limit for soybean is 80% (in accordance with ISTA regulation). Soybean germination is considered as epigeal because cotyledons are pulled above the soil. The hypocotyl (part of the stem below the cotyledon) elongates while the length of the epicotyl (part of the stem above the cotyledon) remains the same. The following parameters were analysed in germination tests based on 30 seedlings selected randomly from each repetition: root length, hypocotyl length and chlorophyll content (SPAD). The soybean seedling is regarded as normal, when the primary root is undamaged or has minor damage in the form of discoloration, cracks, spots or splits. Besides, a seedling can be classified as normal even when the primary root is damaged or missing, but normal secondary roots are developed enough. Tiny defects or undamaged seedlings are accepted like discoloration, spots, splits and surface cracks,. The cotyledons are undamaged or have small defects (according to the current 50% rule, no more than 50% of the total surface might be damaged), there may be even three cotyledons or only one normal cotyledon, provided that it is not damaged and healthy. What is more, the first leaves are undamaged or have small defects (in accordance with the current 50% rule, no more than 50% of the total surface may be damaged), there might be three leaves or only one normal leaf provided that it is not damaged. It is worth adding that the top bud should not be damaged. A seedling is defined as abnormal (with defects) if it is broken, deformed, de-structured, white or yellow, glassy, or rotten as a result of primary infection. Abnormal seedlings are always rejected for biometrical analysis and in natural conditions will never develop in a well-structured plant. The main purpose of this research is to check whether seeds exposure to a SMF (1) enhances soybean germination and seedling growth compared to untreated seeds, (2) better stimulates the soybean tested parameters (3) and which varieties from tested plant species are showing the best biometric parameters. Statistical analysis Statistica version 13.0 (TIBCO Software Inc., Tulsa, Ok, USA) was used to elaborate the obtained results statistically. Basic statistical analysis (mean and standard deviation) of all tested groups was carried out. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to estimate the normality of the experimental results distribution and the Brown and Forsythe test to estimate the homogeneity of the variances. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey multiple comparison test (assuming normal distribution and equal variances homogeneity) was used in determining the differences between groups. In case of normal distribution and homogeneity of variances are not met, Kruskal-Wallis test (non-parametric test) was used. p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results and Discussion Present research focused on exposure of soybean seeds to static magnetic fields to increase germination percentage, growth parameters (root and shoot length), and chlorophyll content in leaves. Figure 3 shows the results of the study on how static magnetic field stimulation influenced soybean seeds in comparison with control. In crop production, seed germination is a crucial phase because most of the time seed faces dormancy that slows germination 53 , 61 , 62 . Dormancy may be broken by traditional chemical methods and improve germination, but repeated use harms soil, microorganisms, the environment, and human health 54 , 63 , 64 , 44 . According to Hu et al. 26 , Pawelek et al. 27 and Sarraf et al. 28 , stated that SMF is one of the physical factors, which gives promising results on plant seedling growth and development 26 _ 28 . Recent years, physical methods like static magnetic fields have been working as a safe, eco-friendly alternatives 40 , 44 . SMF may impact seed structurally, genetically, and biochemically, depending on parameters like intensity, duration, and plant type 16 , 40 , 44 . SMF treatments have been shown to improve germination, seedling growth, and chlorophyll content in many crops such as barley, soybean, cucumber, wheat, and maize 4 , 6 , 8 , 9 , 38 , 39 . Effect of SMF on soybean seeds germination percentage Figure 4 shows the effect of different exposure times (3 and 12 minutes) of soybean seeds to a static magnetic field with different magnetic induction values (250 and 500 mT) on seeds germination percentage. Generally, in all tested experimental groups (250 mT + 3 min, 250 mT + 12 min, 500 mT + 3 min, 500 mT + 12 min), the percentage of seed germination of all tested soybean varieties was higher than in the control group (except for the Abelina variety in 250 mT + 12 min group). Among the soybean tested varieties, the highest seed germination percentage for all tested groups (with exception of the 250 mT + 12 min group) was achieved for the Abelina variety, followed by Adessa, Pamela, and Adelfia. For almost all experimental groups, the order of seed germination was the same for the different soybean varieties: Abelina, then Adessa, Pamela, and Adelfia. Only in the 250 mT + 12 min group, three soybean varieties – Abelina, Adessa, and Pamela – had similar seed germination percentage and the highest value of germination percentage was obtained for Adessa cultivar. Overall, Adelfia seeds had the lowest germination percentage (55%) in the control group, nonetheless a significant increase in seeds GP for this variety was noted among tested groups, especially with stimulation at 250 mT + 12 minutes (79%). The effect of exposure time on soybean seed germination for a constant magnetic induction value of 250 mT When comparing the seed exposure time of 3 and 12 min to the magnetic field (250 mT), the germination percentage of the seeds of the Adelfia, Adessa and Pamela varieties was comparable, and for the Abelina variety a significantly higher GP was obtained for the exposure time of 3 min than for 12 min. The effect of exposure time on soybean seed germination for a constant magnetic induction value of 500 mT Differences in the percentage of germinated seeds depending on the exposure time – 3 and 12 minutes for a constant magnetic induction value of 500 mT were more visible than for an induction of 250 mT. Higher GP values ​​were obtained for the 3-minute exposure time compared to the 12-minute time for all tested soybean varieties. Generally, it was observed that a shorter seed stimulation time with a magnetic field of a given induction (250 or 500 mT) determines higher GP values ​​than a longer seed exposure time to this factor. The effect of the magnetic field induction value on the soybean seed germination for an exposure time of 3 min With shorter exposure times of seeds to a static magnetic field, the magnetic field induction value does not significantly affect GP. For the Adessa, Pamela, and Abelina varieties, GP results for 3-minute exposure time and inductions of 250 and 500 mT are comparable. Only for the Adelfia variety, higher results were obtained for the 500 mT SMF. The effect of the magnetic field induction value on the soybean seed germination for an exposure time of 12 min For a 12-minute exposure time of soybean seeds to a magnetic field, the GP was higher for 250 mT magnetic induction than for 500 mT for three tested varieties, except for Abelina. Based on the conducted research, the Adelfia variety can be recommended for further research and pre-sowing seed stimulation with a magnetic field with a magnetic induction of 500 mT for 3 minutes. Similarly, in the work of Dziergowska et al. 9 the influence of SMF (250 mT + 3 min) on the process of soybean seeds germination showed significantly better germination stage (90%) compared to control (85%) 9 . Lewandowska et al. 12 used a 400 mT magnetic field induction and exposure time for 3 min along with macroalgal extract to soybean seeds and showed that GP was increased in comparison with control. Pre-treatment of chickpea seeds with SMF (100 mT for 1 h) significantly enhanced GP and growth parameters (root and shoot length, and vigor indices) under different levels of salinity 51 . Chickpea seeds also showed improvement in germination rate and seedling growth after being treated with SMF with induction of 100 mT for 1 h 15 . Katsenios et al. 25 treated durum wheat seeds with MF (12.5 mT for 45 min), while the author Luo et al. 17 research explained that the brown rice seeds exposed to SMF (10 mT for 60 mins) has increased (81%) 25 of its GP in comparison with control 17 . Few researchers also proved that speed of seeds germination and germination percentage increased by using magnetic field as a seed treatment in crops like barley 66 and wheat 67 . Moreover, high- intensity magnetic field treatment (250 mT for 20 min) on tomato seeds found positive results of germination percentage (95%) than untreated seeds 41 , which the authors explained in their research that the reason was an improved absorption of nutrients and then enhanced use of food reserves and more efficient water uptake when the seeds were exposed to high magnetic induction 41 . Effect of SMF on soybean growth parameters: root length (RL), shoot length (SL) and chlorophyll content in leaves Table 2 presents that the magnetic intensity had a great impact on seedling growth characteristics. Among all the tested groups (250 mT + 3 min, 250 mT + 12 min, 500 mT + 3 min, 500 mT + 12 min), the length of seedling’s root was higher than untreated groups (control) in except for low inductions (250 mT) for Abelina and high inductions (500 mT) for Pamela cultivar. The longer roots were measured in the varieties like Abelina and Pamela under lower exposure time (3 min) than in the control groups of tested varieties. In the case of the shoot length (SL) parameter, significantly higher shoot lengths were observed in the experimental groups compared to the control group, with the exception of the group 250 mT + 12 min of the Abelina variety, which showed shorter lengths than in the control group. The longest SL was found for lower exposure time (3 min) in few cases for Adessa (250 mT + 3 min and 500 mT + 3 min), and Abelina (250 mT + 3 min and 500 mT + 3 min) varieties. Whereas, Adelfia does not show any significant differences between the control and tested groups. In the case of chlorophyll content, the higher chlorophyll content was found almost for all the tested groups than in the control group. But in some cases, lower chlorophyll content was noted especially for lower exposure time (3 min) of Pamela and Adessa seeds with the intensity of 250 and 500 mT. Unfortunately, Abelina variety did not react in any of the tested groups compared to control. Table 3 Root length (RL), epicotyl length (EL), hypocotyl length (HL), shoot length (SL) and chlorophyll content in leaves of different soybean cultivars grown from seeds treated with SMF - interaction effects. Interaction effect (Treatments* variety) Root length (cm) Hypocotyl length (cm) Epicotyl length (cm) Shoot length (Hypocotyl + Epicotyl) (cm) Chlorophyll content mean ± SD Control*Adelfia 9.0 ± 2.8 f 5.6 ± 0.9 gh 1.0 ± 0.7 h 6.6 ± 1.4 h 37.19 ± 11.44 cd Control*Adessa 10.7 ± 3.1 cdef 5.2 ± 1.3 h 2.0 ± 0.9 efg 7.1 ± 1.7 gh 30.13 ± 6.53ef g Control*Pamela 12.4 ± 4.2 abc 6.1 ± 1.5 fg 1.0 ± 0.7 h 7.1 ± 2.0 gh 24.82 ± 7.07f gh Control*Abelina 11.6 ± 4.0 abcd 7.4 ± 1.5 d 2.6 ± 0.7 cde 10.0 ± 1.9 d 28.67 ± 6.73 efg SMF 250 mT + 3 min*Adelfia 9.2 ± 3.6 ef 7.2 ± 1.3 de 2.4 ± 1.2 de 9.7 ± 2.2 d 43.60 ± 11.20 bc SMF 250 mT + 3 min*Adessa 11.0 ± 3.8 cdef 8.6 ± 1.5 c 4.4 ± 2.0 b 13.0 ± 2.9 b 32.18 ± 9.39 de SMF 250 mT + 3 min*Pamela 13.4 ± 5.2 a 9.4 ± 1.7 b 2.2 ± 1.9 ef 11.6 ± 2.9 c 23.89 ± 6.30 gh SMF 250 mT + 3 min*Abelina 11.4 ± 3.5 abcd 11.2 ± 1.4 a 2.9 ± 1.1 cd 14.1 ± 2.0 b 20.92 ± 5.85 h SMF 250 mT + 12 min*Adelfia 10.9 ± 4.5 cdef 6.9 ± 1.0 de 3.0 ± 1.6 cd 9.9 ± 2.3 d 41.90 ± 11.62 c SMF 250 mT + 12 min*Adessa 10.9 ± 3.8 cdef 5.7 ± 1.0 gh 2.4 ± 1.0 de 8.1 ± 1.6 fg 39.17 ± 6.16 c SMF 250 mT + 12 min*Pamela 13.2 ± 4.8 ab 6.7 ± 1.1 ef 1.4 ± 1.3 fgh 8.2 ± 1.9 fg 31.27 ± 8.43d ef SMF 250 mT + 12 min*Abelina 11.2 ± 4.1 bcde 6.6 ± 1.1 ef 1.9 ± 0.6 efg 8.5 ± 1.4 ef 26.62 ± 7.72 efgh SMF 500 mT + 3 min*Adelfia 11.1 ± 4.0 bcde 7.3 ± 1.0 de 2.5 ± 1.3 cde 9.8 ± 1.9 d 49.48 ± 11.32 ab SMF 500 mT + 3 min*Adessa 10.7 ± 3.1 cdef 9.5 ± 1.3 b 6.2 ± 3.0 a 15.7 ± 3.4 a 24.94 ± 6.31 fgh SMF 500 mT + 3 min*Pamela 9.9 ± 3.6 def 8.2 ± 1.5 c 1.4 ± 1.0 gh 9.6 ± 2.2 de 23.23 ± 9.14 gh SMF 500 mT + 3 min*Abelina 13.4 ± 4.7 a 10.9 ± 1.7 a 2.5 ± 1.2 de 13.3 ± 2.4 b 24.78 ± 9.63 fgh SMF 500 mT + 12 min*Adelfia 9.0 ± 3.1 f 6.2 ± 1.0 fg 1.4 ± 2.4 gh 7.6 ± 2.8 fgh 53.04 ± 13.15 a SMF 500 mT + 12 min*Adessa 10.0 ± 3.4 def 5.3 ± 0.7 h 2.5 ± 1.3 cde 7.9 ± 1.6 fg 40.29 ± 7.60 c SMF 500 mT + 12 min*Pamela 10.4 ± 4.0 cdef 7.5 ± 1.7 d 2.0 ± 1.2 efg 9.5 ± 2.6 de 31.54 ± 7.03 def SMF 500 mT + 12 min*Abelina 11.9 ± 4.2 abcd 8.2 ± 1.3 c 3.3 ± 0.9 c 11.5 ± 1.8 c 28.09 ± 7.63 efg Where: a, b, c…- differences statistically significant for p < 0.05 The effect of exposure time on soybean root length, shoot length and chlorophyll content for a constant magnetic induction value of 250 mT Root length (RL) for seedlings of Adessa, Pamela and Abelina varieties of seeds were exposed to 250 mT SMF for 3 and 12 min was similar, but RL for Adelfia cultivar was slightly higher in the group exposed to 12 min of irradiation than to 3 min. In terms of SL, the maximum length of shoot was found in the 3 min exposure time for Adessa, Pamela and Abelina than 12 min. Adelfia variety exhibited almost the same results for both exposure times (3 and 12 min). The chlorophyll content in the leaves of Adessa, Pamela and Abelina was significantly high in the group with a longer exposure time (12 min). Whereas, Adelfia variety has almost equal chlorophyl content in both groups (SMF 250 mT + 3 min and SMF 250 mT + 12 min), but it was higher for 3 min than for 12 min. The effect of exposure time on soybean root length, shoot length and chlorophyll content for a constant magnetic induction value of 500 mT For the application of 500 mT SMF, the results were almost the same for both seed exposure times to SMF but were higher for 3 min than for 12 min in Adelfia, Adessa, and Abelina varieties. In the case of Pamela variety, the length of root was higher in the group in which seeds were irradiated for 12 min than for 3 min. Regarding SL, the results were very clear that the dominating exposure time (the highest value of SL) was 3 min over 12 min for all the tested varieties especially in Adessa (significant differences observed). The application of SMF with the induction of 500 mT for 12 min to seeds, increased the chlorophyll content in seedlings in all tested soybean varieties in comparison with the exposure time for 3 min. Longer exposure time (12 min) of seeds to SMF resulted in significantly higher chlorophyll content in seedlings than for shorter time (3 min), due to its potential to trigger the hormonal changes that promote chloroplast development 78 , upregulate chlorophyll biosynthesis genes 77 , and enhance photosynthetic efficiency 77 . The effect of the magnetic field induction value on the soybean root length, shoot length and chlorophyll content for an exposure time of 3 min In general, comparing the results of RL of soybean cultivated in the groups treated with 250 and 500 mT SMF for 3 min, were almost parallel to each other in the tested groups. Within the tested varieties, the Adelfia and Abelina variety showed longer roots at high induction (500 mT), whereas Pamela and Adessa variety at 250 mT. For SL, no significant differences were observed between two exposure times but SL of Adelfia and Adessa varieties was higher at 500 mT over 250 mT. For Pamela and Abelina varieties, SL increased in the group treated with SMF at 250 mT in comparison with 500 mT. The dependencies for chlorophyll content were the same as for RL between the tested varieties– For Adelfia and Abelina varieties, higher chlorophyll content was found in the groups treated with higher SMF induction (500 mT), whereas for Pamela and Adessa varieties in the groups with lower induction (250 mT). Notably, statistically significant differences for a given parameter are between two groups (500 mT + 3 min) in Adelfia followed by (250 mT + 3 min) in Adessa. The effect of the magnetic field induction value on the soybean root length, shoot length and chlorophyll content for an exposure time of 12 min In the case of longer exposure time of soybean seeds to the magnetic field, the length of roots was higher in the group treated with lower induction (250 mT) than in the case of higher induction of 500 mT for the three tested varieties, except Abelina for which the results were opposite. For SL, Adelfia and Adessa varieties responded well in the groups with 250 mT in comparison with 500 mT but for a Pamela and Abelina, it was opposite. Chlorophyll content in the soybean leaves was higher in the groups treated with SMF with a higher induction (500 mT) than lower (250 mT) for four tested varieties. In conclusion, based on the conducted experiment, pre-sowing seed stimulation with a magnetic field with a magnetic induction of 500 mT for 3 minutes can be recommended to increase seedling growth and chlorophyll content. The exact mechanism of growth changes in response to static magnetic fields is not clear, but the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their scavengers might play an important role in plants’ responses to magnetic treatment 20 , 21 , 17 . ROS contain oxygen and act as a highly reactive molecules. In fact excess ROS accumulation leads to damaging cells and oxidative stress. However, it functions as an essential signaling roles in plant growth and stress responses when it is balanced 20 . Plant seeds could respond differently to SMF, may vary depending on the plant variety and specific conditions, such as the induction and duration of SMF exposure. Generally, many researchers have conducted experiments on magnetic fields and reported that the magnetic seed treatment can explain how electromagnetism affects plants by influencing light, heat, and chemical processes 30 , 33 , 34 . Seeds stimulated by electric or magnetic fields can either help or harm their growth. Electric fields cause the movement of water and nutrients in plants, thereby enhancing growth. Similarly, magnetic fields can improve seed sprouting and seedling length by affecting particles (such as ions: Ca², K, H, and Cl, as well as electrons and free radicals, which in turn influence metabolism, water movement, and growth processes) 69 in plant cells 44 . But, too much exposure to fields can stress plants and slow their seedling growth as mentioned in the research of Morillo-Coronado 44 . So, according to Morillo-Coronado et al. 44 low magnetic exposure improved seed germination and seedling growth of onion seeds stimulated with magnetic field (21 mT and 10 mT for 1h). Statistically significant differences were observed for examined parameters in all tested groups as compared to control 44 . Having longer roots, especially with many lateral roots, are beneficial for up-taking nutrients which are located in the soil 34 . So far, studies suggest that static magnetic fields significantly improve root length due to its inherent potential making more resistant to environmental stresses. A deep rooting system enables plants to get water, which is quite beneficial in a drought situation 35 , 36 . Previous studies proved that application of SMF (200 mT for 1 h) on soybean seeds improved the root growth 40 . Likewise, studies on the exposure of magnetic induction on seeds like maize ( Zea mays L.) 43 and sun flower ( Helianthus annus ) 48 showed that there was a significant improvement in root length compared to untreated seeds (control) under laboratory conditions 43 , 48 . According to the author 43 , root length of maize was increased doubled under pre-sowing exposure of seeds to magnetic fields (200 mT for 1 h) in comparison with the control. Similar results were obtained for maize ( Zea mays L.) and barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.), where seed treatment with SMF (200 mT for 1 h) in maize and (125 mT) in barley caused the significant increase in the length of the root system, root diameter and root dry weight 42 , 47 . The increase in root length in plants grown from seeds treated with SMF is consistent with the results of previous studies, which showed the enhancement of the growth of plant in species such as soybean 56 and lentils 20 . Research results indicate that treating seeds with a magnetic field affects the shoot length. Magnetically stimulated seeds with lower exposure time (3 min) had the better results in terms of shoot length of soybean seedlings compared to control 9 . Corresponding results were observed in a current study that static magnetic fields boost up the shoot growth in soybean seedlings, when seeds were exposed to a shorter time (3 min). Same as in chickpea seeds stimulated with different doses and exposure time of SMF, has significant differences in terms of shoot length interaction with shorter exposure time 22 . According to Maffei 45 , high exposure magnetic fields can slow down shoot growth in plants because it disrupts important processes inside plant cells: like cell division and cell elongation 45 . Seeds stimulated by strong MF intensities can cause oxidative stress, which leads to an increase in harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species 20 , 21 . These molecules act against growth and plant cells. For example, strong magnetic fields find difficulties with the distribution of auxins (the hormones that help plants grow), which leads to stunted shoot development 28 . Moreover, longer duration can interact with the movement of nutrients and water inside the plant, further slowing down growth 28 , 45 , 44 . Chlorophyll is necessary in the development of seedlings growth and health. It directly influences the germination percentage to absorb energy from sunlight (photosynthesis process). Moreover, higher chlorophyll content in the leaves nurture better growth and structure of the plant. Chlorophyll content in the leaves after seed treatment with an SMF has been an area of interest in plant physiology, as chlorophyll is vital for photosynthesis and plant growth 46 . Ercan et al. 47 used the magnetic fields of 20, 45, 125, 250 mT, in which 20 mT improved the chlorophyll content of barley ( Hordeum vulgare ) in comparison with untreated seeds. In this case, the highest chlorophyll content was observed in low magnetic induction of 20 mT, whereas the lowest content for 250 mT 47 . However, in few publications and present research observed that chlorophyll content was higher in the leaves of soybean ( Glycine max ) 9 , 11 , maize ( Zea mays ) 48 , sunflower ( Helianthus annus ) 48 , sugar beet ( Beta vulgaris L.) 49 , lupin ( Lupinus angustifolius ) 50 under higher magnetic inductions based on plant species, size of seed, when compared to control. Because, higher magnetic inductions are responsible for enhancing metabolic activities, then they lead to increase chlorophyll synthesis in the leaves 77 , 78 . Hence, current experiment presents that the different level of intensities (high and low) clearly show that not every genotype x treatment interaction has a positive effect, sometimes it can be negative. This can possibly indicate an unproductivity of using the magnetic exposure and the too much or inappropriate laboratory conditions leads to suppress the gemination, seedling growth and chlorophyll content in leaves in delicate genotypes 52 . The mechanism of action of the magnetic field on seeds Exposure of seed to MF can cause biological effects depending on the application. Figure 5 presents that the MF triggers several interrelated processes that ultimately increase germination percentage from the seed. Magnetic intensities directly penetrate into the plant tissues and influence several cellular structures and processes in plants. Energy needed for seed germination and cellular growth was coming through mitochondrial respiration and ATP production 70 . The cell membrane is also affected, mostly can modify ion transport and membrane permeability, influencing on the important ions such as potassium (K), calcium (Ca²), and hydrogen (H) by magnetic fields 69 , 71 . Moreover, MF applied to seeds affects various metabolic reactions, leading to changes in proteins and enzymes 28 . Furthermore, magnetic fields can induce variations in DNA transcription or replication activity 72 , which leads to the potentiality of gene expression patterns that result into increased growth and enhanced stress tolerance in plants 72 . Seeds treated with MF lead to significant physiological and biological changes in plants 73 . Enhanced metabolism improves since due to faster enzymatic activity, promotes metabolic pathways, providing energy and materials needed for germination. Magnetic treatment also improves uptake of water through making seeds more hydrophilic, enables absorption during imbibition 73 . Also produces enzymes such as amylase and? it promotes quicker activation of enzymes such as amylase (degrades stored starch into sugars), which is important for seed growth 24 . In addition, hormonal regulation is balanced by auxins and gibberellins to promote cell elongation and division, which supports early development 73 , 74 , 75 . As a result of these processes (physiological and biological), the germination percentage of seeds sown in the substrate (e.g., soil) is improved. They then need less time for sprouting and germinate faster, which ensures the successful development of seedlings 74 . Besides, the seedlings developed are more likely to be more vigorously, as they tend to have stronger root and shoot systems, which make them more resilient and productive 76 . Therefore, the effectiveness of MF depends on factors like intensity, exposure time, and field orientation because too weak can be ineffective, while too strong may be stressful. Conclusion This study investigated the effects of static magnetic field stimulation on germination percentage, seedling growth, and chlorophyll content in soybean leaves, which is completely regarded as an eco-friendly and non-invasive method to enhance seedling growth and development. The best soybean variety in terms of germination percentage was found to be Abelina (97%) in the group (250 mT + 3 min) in comparison with control (92%), while the variety Adelfia exhibited significant and impressive results in germination and seedling growth compared to the control. The Adelfia cultivar showed a significant increase in germination rate from 55% (control) to 79% following exposure to a 500 mT SMF for 3 minutes. Seedling growth traits also improved under the treatment SMF (500 mT + 3 min), whereas higher chlorophyll content was observed with longer exposure time (12 min). The results from the present experiment suggest that MF treatment is an effective method to break seed dormancy for improving seed performance, and we recommend that magnetic induction should be further assessed on a larger scale farming. Cultivating plants under static magnetic field treatment may serve as a potential approach for crop improvement in future agricultural practices due to its promising nature, which improves seedling growth. Declarations Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests. Funding This work was funded by PhD student grant of the Doctoral School of the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences (Poland) under the program Doctoral Student Grant. Agreement No. N020/00022/24. The APC is financed by Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences. Author Contribution S.L., conceptualization; S.L., K.N., methodology; S.L., T.S., K.N., investigation; S.L., T.S., visualization; S.L., T.S., K.N., writing—original draft; S.L., T.S., I.M., writing review & editing; K.N., T.S., S.L., statistical analysis; S.L., I.M., supervision. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. Acknowledgments The authors gratefully acknowledge SAATBAU Polska plant breeding station for providing the soybean seeds used in this study and Wrocław University of Science and Technology (Poland) for cooperation in the meaning of seed stimulation. We also thank the technicians from the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences (Poland) for their valuable assistance with the seedling measurements. Data Availability All relevant data are included in this article. References Mishra, R., Tripathi, M. K., Sikarwar, R. S., Singh, Y. & Tripathi, N. Soybean ( Glycine max (L.) Merrill): A Multipurpose Legume Shaping Our World. 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11:32:33","extension":"xml","order_by":12,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":185476,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"609ecc09499b403988f4cf20e842c08f1structuring.xml","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8146765/v1/b6a3eeaaeda1972affd19d7e.xml"},{"id":97900942,"identity":"047b3e32-f7fd-4054-bfb7-5ad6b77a6e06","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-10 15:46:09","extension":"html","order_by":13,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":199428,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"earlyproof.html","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8146765/v1/49cd0942964b6291d75a9831.html"},{"id":97900818,"identity":"44ad5675-03e1-4d9a-83b2-7b8f5118c945","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-10 15:45:56","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":217937,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eSelection of the best substrate for soybean experiment within (a) between paper method (BP) and (b) pleated paper method (PP) based on preliminary results (Photo: T. Sree).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"image1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8146765/v1/e27acbb1020e702b83ff56a7.png"},{"id":97900806,"identity":"311933b2-1c97-4d5d-b1f2-09bec1d82cba","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-10 15:45:55","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":133546,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eSegregation of soybean into (a) normal seedlings and (b) abnormal seedlings based on the main experiment (Photo: T. Sree).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"image2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8146765/v1/c422ced5908e5f602c60d25b.png"},{"id":97877162,"identity":"6717e6b8-e19f-429c-acbe-f8d1f97702c7","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-10 11:32:33","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":819372,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eImpact of SMF on treated seeds from seed to seedling stage compared to control. Visible differences were seen from Adelfia variety between untreated seeds [Control group - 1(a), 2(a), 3(a), 4(a), 5(a)] and treated seeds [SMF 500 mT+3 min - 1(b), 2(b), 3(b), 4(b), 5(b)], the end of germination – 6(a) (Photo: T. Sree).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"image3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8146765/v1/4bf586f1a18a096c1f0ed367.png"},{"id":97877160,"identity":"4117b40e-229d-4e74-8b47-4209a515029c","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-10 11:32:33","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":52504,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eThe effect of Static Magnetic Field on soybean seeds germination percentage with 4 varieties (mean±SD).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8146765/v1/3343454500240af850a04425.png"},{"id":97877163,"identity":"dab74f1a-ee57-4282-98ad-1be3a57d3853","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-10 11:32:33","extension":"png","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":469852,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eFlow chart of mechanistic pathways linking magnetic field intensity to seed germination.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"image4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8146765/v1/bb71befff98c176defebeb58.png"},{"id":97903475,"identity":"de8753c7-9841-4c74-8286-b140551dcce0","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-10 15:55:39","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":3326861,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8146765/v1/97613a7d-d1f6-4ffd-b6d8-d54ff9ce7674.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Soybean (Glycine max) germination response to Static Magnetic Field treatment","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eSoybean is one of the legume plants which is highly adaptable, nutritious and crucial in commercial usage\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. This soybean is native to East Asia and becoming one of the greatly shaped modern agriculture in the world\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. What is more, it has been an important nutritional part of the diet of many people living in China, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and Indonesia, among others, through various types of products such as milk, tofu, and cheese. Soybeans provide all nine of the essential amino acids due to its unique kind of plant-based complete protein. Beyond food, soybean also contributing to the worlds edible oil production (25%) and biggest contributor of about two-thirds of protein used in animal feed worldwide\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is worth mentioning that soybean has developed into the fourth most important and fastest growing crop in the world, after rice, wheat, and corn, in terms of global production. According to the estimation of the International Grains Council-IGC 2024, it can be observed that the global soybean cultivation, which reached 357\u0026nbsp;million tons in the 2021/22 season, has gained 10\u0026nbsp;million tons in the 2022/23 season, giving a total of 367\u0026nbsp;million tons\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. It was speculated that this trend will carry over until the 2023\u0026ndash;2024 season, when the production is expected to be superior to current levels\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. To satisfy the demand for soybean growing in the future, high-quality seeds are needed to achieve maximum germination rates and to continue an increase in plant production. According to Lewandowska et al.\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e19\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, soybean cultivation for many farmers is considered as \"godsend\" for correcting imbalanced crop rotations, which typically consist of cereals, maize, and rapeseed, but also a crop with some fascinating hidden attributes. This plant has another amazing feature that can fix atmospheric nitrogen by symbiotic association with soil bacteria (\u003cem\u003eBradyrhizobium japonicum\u003c/em\u003e), reducing the need for nitrogen mineral fertilizers and promoting soil health. In addition, soybean is a nutritious crop and also provides food for humans and feed for farm animals.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNowadays one of the major challenges in the seed production sector is to eliminate the use of chemicals in agriculture to protect nature but also to get higher yields and better germination percentage. Still one of the major environmental problems that the world is facing at present is the increasing chemicalization of agriculture that through long-term consumption in food may lead to dangerous health problems\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Such practices not only harm the soil responsible for being incapable of producing nutritious crops, but also contaminate food, gradually poisoning both humans and animals with harmful chemicals. In the 21st century, modern agriculture is facing the challenge of using natural resources wisely in the process of finding safe ways to improve crop quality. One of the key factors to boost crop yields is the preparation of seed material by using safe conditioning methods. This helps to improve plant germination and makes seedlings stronger, more efficient for growing. Nowadays soybean seeds are often treated with insecticides, pesticides, beneficial bacterial to improve nitrogen fixation and protect against pathogens. However, Sartori\u0026rsquo;s\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e68\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e recent study, provided that agrochemical seed treatments might disturb the rhizobial survival, nodulation process, and limits consequently plant health and yield\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR68\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e68\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe most important step in establishing healthy seedlings for successful crop production is the process of seed germination\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Seed quality plays a significant role in crop growth affected by environmental factors during germination, plant growth, maturation, and storage after harvest. Germination is a complex physiological process that starts when seeds absorb water and ends with the radicle emergence\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Increasing the germination rate is at present a challenge for modern farming. As a result, seed companies are constantly looking for new solutions to improve seed germination, vigour, seedling strength, and crop yield. This has led to more studies into different seed improvement methods.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSince soybean is very popular, researchers continue to explore new techniques for promoting and stimulating its growth. One of the ways to enhance the seed production sector involves the use of physical stimulation factors. Physical methods used for improving seed quality include exposure to electromagnetic induction (such as infrared, ionizing, laser, or ultraviolet) or the application of various types of fields including magnetic, electric, or electromagnetic\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe main goal of this research is to look for alternative and safe solutions for soybean growth stimulation that will not cause negative effects on nature or significantly reduce them. According to Kataria et al.\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e8\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e treating the seeds with a magnetic field before sowing is considered as eco-friendly technology that is healthy for both the environment and plants. Analysing various types of magnetic field, static magnetic field is constant and unchanging in nature. What is more, SMF can stimulate seed germination by affecting only the seeds, hence emergency dynamics are enhanced and protecting seedling growth. The outcomes of such treatments include greater plant vigor, emergence and higher yield\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Also, in Radhakrishnan\u0026rsquo;s research pointed out the interest of magnetic field (MF) applications particularly in agricultural science, where studies have examined MF's influence on seed germination, biochemical and hormonal changes, plant development, and final crop yield. Although a more research is necessary to clarify the underlying cellular and tissue-level mechanisms of magnetic action\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. However, examples from many scientists demonstrate the positive impact of static magnetic fields on soybean seeds and other legume species (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEffect of SMF on different legume plant species.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMagnetic Induction [mT]\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eExposure Time\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlant Species\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEffects on plants\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRef.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e200 mT\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1 h\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003esoybean (\u003cem\u003eGlycine max\u003c/em\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eimproved growth, carbon and nitrogen fixation in soybean; improvement in seedling growth, development and production of soybean (F) as compared to control\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(10)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e400 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;E\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3 min\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003esoybean (\u003cem\u003eGlycine max\u003c/em\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eenhanced germination percentage (86%) as compared to control (83%) (L)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(11)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e250 mT\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3 min\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003esoybean (\u003cem\u003eGlycine max\u003c/em\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eincreased germination percentage (90%), seedlings length and weight, and pigments content in leaves over control (85%) (L)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(9)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1 mT\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20 min for the next 5 days\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003esoybean (\u003cem\u003eGlycine max\u003c/em\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003esignificant increase in optimum values of germination emergence time, stem growth, chlorophyll content, early flowering time, fresh weight of 10 seeds, and productivity (F) as compared to control\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(13)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e400 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;E\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12 min\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003esoybean (\u003cem\u003eGlycine max\u003c/em\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003epositive results in terms of mean germination percentage (21%) as compared to control (9%) (L)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(12)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e200 mT\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e60 min\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003esoybean (\u003cem\u003eGlycine max\u003c/em\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eimprovement in rate of photosynthesis (L) as compared to control\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(8)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e200 mT\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e60 min\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003esoybean (\u003cem\u003eGlycine max\u003c/em\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003epre-treatment of seeds with a SMF influenced on seedlings growth and development (root length, plant height, biomass accumulation, rate of photosynthesis) which eventually results in high crop yield (F) as compared to control\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(18)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e500 mT\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3 min\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003esoybean (\u003cem\u003eGlycine max\u003c/em\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eincreased root, epicotyl, hypocotyl, and chlorophyll content (L) as compared to control\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(9)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e100 mT\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2 h\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003echickpea (\u003cem\u003eCicer arietinum\u003c/em\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ebetter result observed in root and shoot length, dry matter of root and shoot, and seedling vigor were significantly increased (L) as compared to control\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(14)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e100 mT\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1 \u0026amp; 2 h\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003echickpea (\u003cem\u003eCicer arietinum\u003c/em\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eincreased all germination-related characteristics such as germination percentage (94%), speed of germination, shoot and root length, seedling dry weight and vigor indices compared to control (85%) (L)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(22)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e100 mT\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1 h\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003echickpea (\u003cem\u003eCicer arietinum\u003c/em\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eexposure of seeds to MF showed higher germination percentage (95%), seedling root and shoot length and dry weight; enhanced root and shoot growth parameters compared to control (88%) in the greenhouse experiment (L)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(15)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"5\"\u003eWhere: Control-untreated seeds, L - laboratory experiment, F - field experiment, P - pot experiment, MF - magnetic field, SMF - static magnetic field, E - extract of algae, mT - Millitesla\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe aim of this research was to examine the effect of static magnetic field treatment on seed germination, early growth and development of four cultivars of soybean (\u003cem\u003eGlycine max\u003c/em\u003e) \u0026ndash; Adelfia, Adessa, Pamela and Abelina coming from growing season 2023. It was hypothesized that the physical factor, which is SMF would significantly improve soybean germination and early growth parameters under laboratory conditions.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Materials and methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSoybean seeds\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSoybean seeds (\u003cem\u003eGlycine max\u003c/em\u003e), cv. Adelfia, Adessa, Pamela, and Abelina (not genetically modified) of uniform size were used in the present study. The seeds were obtained in 2023 from SAATBAU Polska plant breeding station located in Poland. They were certified. Different genotypes were chosen of varied maturity groups: Adelfia \u0026mdash; according to breeders \u0026mdash; is a medium late variety, rich in protein and oil content, with high growth potential in low-yielding plants. Adessa is a very early and early variety. It is distinguished by its high fat and protein content, very high early vigor, tolerance to cold weather and resistance to lodging. It also has very good resistance to pod cracking. Pamela is an early to mid-early cultivar, so it is recommended for cultivation throughout the country - Poland with a guarantee of ripening at the optimum time. It has been confirmed in official and breeding experiments about its high yield potential, high-set of first pod, and excellent health (as per the manufacturer\u0026rsquo;s information). The last tested variety - Abelina belongs to the group of early varieties and is distinguished by its high yield potential and exceptional percentage over years. It is a purple flowering variety with a dark stigma that reaches very early maturity. Due to its very intensive early vigor, Abelina obtains a medium to high density of plants and is regarded as the best yielding genotype in relation to the length of the vegetation period. In terms of quality, it is a variety with a very high-fat content and a high protein yield.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eExposure of soybean seeds to a static magnetic field\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore stimulation with SMF, soybean seeds were grouped by 100 pcs. Next stimulation with a MF was carried out using SMF with an induction of 250 mT and 500 mT. Permanent NdFeB magnets were used in the experiment. During the stimulation process a special container was used, which allowed to ensure a constant value of the magnetic field vector on the seeds during the magnetization process. Exposure times of 3 and 12 min were used for seed stimulation. Differences in the exposure times result from literature reports and are close to those in which the best positive effects were recorded \u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR55\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e55\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR56\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e56\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR57\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e57\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR60\" citationid=\"CR59\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e59\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR61\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e61\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. After stimulations the seeds were delivered to the laboratory for sowing on paper substrate. The experimental groups examined in the present study are listed in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTested experimental groups.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"2\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGroup\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTreatments (N\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSoybean seeds-Control (C)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSoybean seeds-SMF 250 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;3 min\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSoybean seeds-SMF 250 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;12 min\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSoybean seeds-SMF 500 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;3 min\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSoybean seeds-SMF 500 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;12 min\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePreliminary test of soybean seeds\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn order to check general germination percentage of raw soybean seeds (without treatment), preliminary tests were conducted before the main experiment. 50 seeds from each soybean variety were sown using two different methods of filter paper substrate \u0026ndash; between paper (BP) and pleated paper (PP) to choose the best option. The substrate was soaked in the distillated water. Preliminary test showed the visible germination and seedling growth in pleated paper method over between paper (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). Figure\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e presents germination process based on selected variety-Abelina. The same tests were performed for other three varieties and results were the same as for Abelina (PP was a better substrate than BP).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGermination tests\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e The germination test of soybean seeds was assessed according to the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) methodology. These tests were performed under laboratory conditions in a growth chamber (FITO, Biogenet, Poland) at a constant temperature of 25\u0026deg;C. A pleated paper substrate was used to conduct the germination experiment, which was carried out in 4 replications for each analysed variety. Each replication contained 100 soybean seeds. According to ISTA, the first counting (energy of seedlings) was done after 5 days and the second one (germination of seedlings) after 8 days. Based on ISTA rules, after 8 days seeds were segregated into normal seedlings and abnormal seedlings (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). Seed germination was calculated and expressed in percentage. The minimum germination limit for soybean is 80% (in accordance with ISTA regulation). Soybean germination is considered as epigeal because cotyledons are pulled above the soil. The hypocotyl (part of the stem below the cotyledon) elongates while the length of the epicotyl (part of the stem above the cotyledon) remains the same. The following parameters were analysed in germination tests based on 30 seedlings selected randomly from each repetition: root length, hypocotyl length and chlorophyll content (SPAD).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe soybean seedling is regarded as normal, when the primary root is undamaged or has minor damage in the form of discoloration, cracks, spots or splits. Besides, a seedling can be classified as normal even when the primary root is damaged or missing, but normal secondary roots are developed enough. Tiny defects or undamaged seedlings are accepted like discoloration, spots, splits and surface cracks,. The cotyledons are undamaged or have small defects (according to the current 50% rule, no more than 50% of the total surface might be damaged), there may be even three cotyledons or only one normal cotyledon, provided that it is not damaged and healthy. What is more, the first leaves are undamaged or have small defects (in accordance with the current 50% rule, no more than 50% of the total surface may be damaged), there might be three leaves or only one normal leaf provided that it is not damaged. It is worth adding that the top bud should not be damaged. A seedling is defined as abnormal (with defects) if it is broken, deformed, de-structured, white or yellow, glassy, or rotten as a result of primary infection. Abnormal seedlings are always rejected for biometrical analysis and in natural conditions will never develop in a well-structured plant.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe main purpose of this research is to check whether seeds exposure to a SMF (1) enhances soybean germination and seedling growth compared to untreated seeds, (2) better stimulates the soybean tested parameters (3) and which varieties from tested plant species are showing the best biometric parameters.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eStatistical analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eStatistica version 13.0 (TIBCO Software Inc., Tulsa, Ok, USA) was used to elaborate the obtained results statistically. Basic statistical analysis (mean and standard deviation) of all tested groups was carried out. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to estimate the normality of the experimental results distribution and the Brown and Forsythe test to estimate the homogeneity of the variances. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey multiple comparison test (assuming normal distribution and equal variances homogeneity) was used in determining the differences between groups. In case of normal distribution and homogeneity of variances are not met, Kruskal-Wallis test (non-parametric test) was used. \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 was considered as statistically significant.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Results and Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003ePresent research focused on exposure of soybean seeds to static magnetic fields to increase germination percentage, growth parameters (root and shoot length), and chlorophyll content in leaves.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFigure \u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e shows the results of the study on how static magnetic field stimulation influenced soybean seeds in comparison with control. In crop production, seed germination is a crucial phase because most of the time seed faces dormancy that slows germination\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR53\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e53\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR61\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e61\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR62\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e62\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Dormancy may be broken by traditional chemical methods and improve germination, but repeated use harms soil, microorganisms, the environment, and human health\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR54\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e54\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR63\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e63\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR64\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e64\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. According to Hu et al.\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e26\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, Pawelek et al.\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e27\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e and Sarraf et al.\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e28\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, stated that SMF is one of the physical factors, which gives promising results on plant seedling growth and development\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e_\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Recent years, physical methods like static magnetic fields have been working as a safe, eco-friendly alternatives\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR40\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e40\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. SMF may impact seed structurally, genetically, and biochemically, depending on parameters like intensity, duration, and plant type\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR40\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e40\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. SMF treatments have been shown to improve germination, seedling growth, and chlorophyll content in many crops such as barley, soybean, cucumber, wheat, and maize\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e39\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEffect of SMF on soybean seeds germination percentage\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFigure \u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e shows the effect of different exposure times (3 and 12 minutes) of soybean seeds to a static magnetic field with different magnetic induction values (250 and 500 mT) on seeds germination percentage.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGenerally, in all tested experimental groups (250 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;3 min, 250 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;12 min, 500 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;3 min, 500 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;12 min), the percentage of seed germination of all tested soybean varieties was higher than in the control group (except for the Abelina variety in 250 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;12 min group). Among the soybean tested varieties, the highest seed germination percentage for all tested groups (with exception of the 250 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;12 min group) was achieved for the Abelina variety, followed by Adessa, Pamela, and Adelfia. For almost all experimental groups, the order of seed germination was the same for the different soybean varieties: Abelina, then Adessa, Pamela, and Adelfia. Only in the 250 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;12 min group, three soybean varieties \u0026ndash; Abelina, Adessa, and Pamela \u0026ndash; had similar seed germination percentage and the highest value of germination percentage was obtained for Adessa cultivar. Overall, Adelfia seeds had the lowest germination percentage (55%) in the control group, nonetheless a significant increase in seeds GP for this variety was noted among tested groups, especially with stimulation at 250 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;12 minutes (79%).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe effect of exposure time on soybean seed germination for a constant magnetic induction value of 250 mT\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen comparing the seed exposure time of 3 and 12 min to the magnetic field (250 mT), the germination percentage of the seeds of the Adelfia, Adessa and Pamela varieties was comparable, and for the Abelina variety a significantly higher GP was obtained for the exposure time of 3 min than for 12 min.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe effect of exposure time on soybean seed germination for a constant magnetic induction value of 500 mT\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDifferences in the percentage of germinated seeds depending on the exposure time \u0026ndash; 3 and 12 minutes for a constant magnetic induction value of 500 mT were more visible than for an induction of 250 mT. Higher GP values ​​were obtained for the 3-minute exposure time compared to the 12-minute time for all tested soybean varieties. Generally, it was observed that a shorter seed stimulation time with a magnetic field of a given induction (250 or 500 mT) determines higher GP values ​​than a longer seed exposure time to this factor.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe effect of the magnetic field induction value on the soybean seed germination for an exposure time of 3 min\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWith shorter exposure times of seeds to a static magnetic field, the magnetic field induction value does not significantly affect GP. For the Adessa, Pamela, and Abelina varieties, GP results for 3-minute exposure time and inductions of 250 and 500 mT are comparable. Only for the Adelfia variety, higher results were obtained for the 500 mT SMF.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe effect of the magnetic field induction value on the soybean seed germination for an exposure time of 12 min\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor a 12-minute exposure time of soybean seeds to a magnetic field, the GP was higher for 250 mT magnetic induction than for 500 mT for three tested varieties, except for Abelina.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBased on the conducted research, the Adelfia variety can be recommended for further research and pre-sowing seed stimulation with a magnetic field with a magnetic induction of 500 mT for 3 minutes.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSimilarly, in the work of Dziergowska et al.\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e9\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e the influence of SMF (250 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;3 min) on the process of soybean seeds germination showed significantly better germination stage (90%) compared to control (85%)\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e9\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Lewandowska et al.\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e12\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e used a 400 mT magnetic field induction and exposure time for 3 min along with macroalgal extract to soybean seeds and showed that GP was increased in comparison with control. Pre-treatment of chickpea seeds with SMF (100 mT for 1 h) significantly enhanced GP and growth parameters (root and shoot length, and vigor indices) under different levels of salinity\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR51\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e51\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Chickpea seeds also showed improvement in germination rate and seedling growth after being treated with SMF with induction of 100 mT for 1 h\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e15\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Katsenios et al.\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e25\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e treated durum wheat seeds with MF (12.5 mT for 45 min), while the author Luo et al.\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e17\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e research explained that the brown rice seeds exposed to SMF (10 mT for 60 mins) has increased (81%)\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e25\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e of its GP in comparison with control\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Few researchers also proved that speed of seeds germination and germination percentage increased by using magnetic field as a seed treatment in crops like barley\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR66\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e66\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e and wheat\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR67\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e67\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Moreover, high- intensity magnetic field treatment (250 mT for 20 min) on tomato seeds found positive results of germination percentage (95%) than untreated seeds\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR41\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e41\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, which the authors explained in their research that the reason was an improved absorption of nutrients and then enhanced use of food reserves and more efficient water uptake when the seeds were exposed to high magnetic induction\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR41\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e41\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEffect of SMF on soybean growth parameters: root length (RL), shoot length (SL) and chlorophyll content in leaves\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e presents that the magnetic intensity had a great impact on seedling growth characteristics. Among all the tested groups (250 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;3 min, 250 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;12 min, 500 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;3 min, 500 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;12 min), the length of seedling\u0026rsquo;s root was higher than untreated groups (control) in except for low inductions (250 mT) for Abelina and high inductions (500 mT) for Pamela cultivar. The longer roots were measured in the varieties like Abelina and Pamela under lower exposure time (3 min) than in the control groups of tested varieties. In the case of the shoot length (SL) parameter, significantly higher shoot lengths were observed in the experimental groups compared to the control group, with the exception of the group 250 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;12 min of the Abelina variety, which showed shorter lengths than in the control group. The longest SL was found for lower exposure time (3 min) in few cases for Adessa (250 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;3 min and 500 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;3 min), and Abelina (250 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;3 min and 500 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;3 min) varieties. Whereas, Adelfia does not show any significant differences between the control and tested groups. In the case of chlorophyll content, the higher chlorophyll content was found almost for all the tested groups than in the control group. But in some cases, lower chlorophyll content was noted especially for lower exposure time (3 min) of Pamela and Adessa seeds with the intensity of 250 and 500 mT. Unfortunately, Abelina variety did not react in any of the tested groups compared to control.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRoot length (RL), epicotyl length (EL), hypocotyl length (HL), shoot length (SL) and chlorophyll content in leaves of different soybean cultivars grown from seeds treated with SMF - interaction effects.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eInteraction effect (Treatments* variety)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRoot length (cm)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHypocotyl length (cm)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEpicotyl length (cm)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eShoot length (Hypocotyl\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;Epicotyl) (cm)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eChlorophyll content\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003emean\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eControl*Adelfia\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.8\u003csup\u003ef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.6\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.9\u003csup\u003egh\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.7\u003csup\u003eh\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.6\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.4\u003csup\u003eh\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e37.19\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;11.44\u003csup\u003ecd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eControl*Adessa\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.7\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.1\u003csup\u003ecdef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.2\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.3\u003csup\u003eh\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.9\u003csup\u003eefg\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.1\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.7\u003csup\u003egh\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e30.13\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.53ef\u003csup\u003eg\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eControl*Pamela\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.2\u003csup\u003eabc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.1\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.5\u003csup\u003efg\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.7\u003csup\u003eh\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.1\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.0\u003csup\u003egh\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24.82\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7.07f\u003csup\u003egh\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eControl*Abelina\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.6\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.0\u003csup\u003eabcd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.5\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.6\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.7\u003csup\u003ecde\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.9\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e28.67\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.73\u003csup\u003eefg\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSMF 250 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;3 min*Adelfia\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.2\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.6\u003csup\u003eef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.2\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.3\u003csup\u003ede\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.2\u003csup\u003ede\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.7\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.2\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e43.60\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;11.20\u003csup\u003ebc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSMF 250 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;3 min*Adessa\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.8\u003csup\u003ecdef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.6\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.5\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.0\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.9\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e32.18\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;9.39\u003csup\u003ede\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSMF 250 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;3 min*Pamela\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.2\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.7\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.2\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.9\u003csup\u003eef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.6\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.9\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23.89\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.30\u003csup\u003egh\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSMF 250 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;3 min*Abelina\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.5\u003csup\u003eabcd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.2\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.4\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.9\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.1\u003csup\u003ecd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.1\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.0\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20.92\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.85\u003csup\u003eh\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSMF 250 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;12 min*Adelfia\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.9\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.5\u003csup\u003ecdef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.9\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.0\u003csup\u003ede\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.6\u003csup\u003ecd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.9\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.3\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e41.90\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;11.62\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSMF 250 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;12 min*Adessa\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.9\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.8\u003csup\u003ecdef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.7\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.0\u003csup\u003egh\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.0\u003csup\u003ede\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.1\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.6\u003csup\u003efg\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e39.17\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.16\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSMF 250 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;12 min*Pamela\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.2\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.8\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.7\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.1\u003csup\u003eef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.3\u003csup\u003efgh\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.2\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.9\u003csup\u003efg\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31.27\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8.43d\u003csup\u003eef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSMF 250 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;12 min*Abelina\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.2\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.1\u003csup\u003ebcde\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.6\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.1\u003csup\u003eef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.9\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.6\u003csup\u003eefg\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.4\u003csup\u003eef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26.62\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7.72\u003csup\u003eefgh\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSMF 500 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;3 min*Adelfia\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.1\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.0\u003csup\u003ebcde\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.3\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.0\u003csup\u003ede\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.3\u003csup\u003ecde\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.8\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.9\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e49.48\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;11.32\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSMF 500 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;3 min*Adessa\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.7\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.1\u003csup\u003ecdef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.3\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.2\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.0\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15.7\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.4\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24.94\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.31\u003csup\u003efgh\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSMF 500 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;3 min*Pamela\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.9\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.6\u003csup\u003edef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.2\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.5\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.0\u003csup\u003egh\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.6\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.2\u003csup\u003ede\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23.23\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;9.14\u003csup\u003egh\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSMF 500 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;3 min*Abelina\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.7\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.9\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.7\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.2\u003csup\u003ede\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.3\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.4\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24.78\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;9.63\u003csup\u003efgh\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSMF 500 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;12 min*Adelfia\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.1\u003csup\u003ef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.2\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.0\u003csup\u003efg\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.4\u003csup\u003egh\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.6\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.8\u003csup\u003efgh\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e53.04\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;13.15\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSMF 500 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;12 min*Adessa\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.4\u003csup\u003edef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.3\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.7\u003csup\u003eh\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.3\u003csup\u003ecde\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.9\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.6\u003csup\u003efg\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e40.29\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7.60\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSMF 500 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;12 min*Pamela\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.0\u003csup\u003ecdef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.7\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.2\u003csup\u003eefg\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.6\u003csup\u003ede\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31.54\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7.03\u003csup\u003edef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSMF 500 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;12 min*Abelina\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.9\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.2\u003csup\u003eabcd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.2\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.3\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.3\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.9\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.8\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e28.09\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7.63\u003csup\u003eefg\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"6\"\u003eWhere: a, b, c\u0026hellip;- differences statistically significant for \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe effect of exposure time on soybean root length, shoot length and chlorophyll content for a constant magnetic induction value of 250 mT\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRoot length (RL) for seedlings of Adessa, Pamela and Abelina varieties of seeds were exposed to 250 mT SMF for 3 and 12 min was similar, but RL for Adelfia cultivar was slightly higher in the group exposed to 12 min of irradiation than to 3 min. In terms of SL, the maximum length of shoot was found in the 3 min exposure time for Adessa, Pamela and Abelina than 12 min. Adelfia variety exhibited almost the same results for both exposure times (3 and 12 min). The chlorophyll content in the leaves of Adessa, Pamela and Abelina was significantly high in the group with a longer exposure time (12 min). Whereas, Adelfia variety has almost equal chlorophyl content in both groups (SMF 250 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;3 min and SMF 250 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;12 min), but it was higher for 3 min than for 12 min.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe effect of exposure time on soybean root length, shoot length and chlorophyll content for a constant magnetic induction value of 500 mT\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor the application of 500 mT SMF, the results were almost the same for both seed exposure times to SMF but were higher for 3 min than for 12 min in Adelfia, Adessa, and Abelina varieties. In the case of Pamela variety, the length of root was higher in the group in which seeds were irradiated for 12 min than for 3 min. Regarding SL, the results were very clear that the dominating exposure time (the highest value of SL) was 3 min over 12 min for all the tested varieties especially in Adessa (significant differences observed). The application of SMF with the induction of 500 mT for 12 min to seeds, increased the chlorophyll content in seedlings in all tested soybean varieties in comparison with the exposure time for 3 min. Longer exposure time (12 min) of seeds to SMF resulted in significantly higher chlorophyll content in seedlings than for shorter time (3 min), due to its potential to trigger the hormonal changes that promote chloroplast development\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR78\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e78\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, upregulate chlorophyll biosynthesis genes\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR77\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e77\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, and enhance photosynthetic efficiency\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR77\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e77\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe effect of the magnetic field induction value on the soybean root length, shoot length and chlorophyll content for an exposure time of 3 min\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn general, comparing the results of RL of soybean cultivated in the groups treated with 250 and 500 mT SMF for 3 min, were almost parallel to each other in the tested groups. Within the tested varieties, the Adelfia and Abelina variety showed longer roots at high induction (500 mT), whereas Pamela and Adessa variety at 250 mT. For SL, no significant differences were observed between two exposure times but SL of Adelfia and Adessa varieties was higher at 500 mT over 250 mT. For Pamela and Abelina varieties, SL increased in the group treated with SMF at 250 mT in comparison with 500 mT. The dependencies for chlorophyll content were the same as for RL between the tested varieties\u0026ndash; For Adelfia and Abelina varieties, higher chlorophyll content was found in the groups treated with higher SMF induction (500 mT), whereas for Pamela and Adessa varieties in the groups with lower induction (250 mT). Notably, statistically significant differences for a given parameter are between two groups (500 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;3 min) in Adelfia followed by (250 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;3 min) in Adessa.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe effect of the magnetic field induction value on the soybean root length, shoot length and chlorophyll content for an exposure time of 12 min\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the case of longer exposure time of soybean seeds to the magnetic field, the length of roots was higher in the group treated with lower induction (250 mT) than in the case of higher induction of 500 mT for the three tested varieties, except Abelina for which the results were opposite. For SL, Adelfia and Adessa varieties responded well in the groups with 250 mT in comparison with 500 mT but for a Pamela and Abelina, it was opposite. Chlorophyll content in the soybean leaves was higher in the groups treated with SMF with a higher induction (500 mT) than lower (250 mT) for four tested varieties.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn conclusion, based on the conducted experiment, pre-sowing seed stimulation with a magnetic field with a magnetic induction of 500 mT for 3 minutes can be recommended to increase seedling growth and chlorophyll content.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe exact mechanism of growth changes in response to static magnetic fields is not clear, but the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their scavengers might play an important role in plants\u0026rsquo; responses to magnetic treatment\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. ROS contain oxygen and act as a highly reactive molecules. In fact excess ROS accumulation leads to damaging cells and oxidative stress. However, it functions as an essential signaling roles in plant growth and stress responses when it is balanced\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Plant seeds could respond differently to SMF, may vary depending on the plant variety and specific conditions, such as the induction and duration of SMF exposure. Generally, many researchers have conducted experiments on magnetic fields and reported that the magnetic seed treatment can explain how electromagnetism affects plants by influencing light, heat, and chemical processes\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Seeds stimulated by electric or magnetic fields can either help or harm their growth. Electric fields cause the movement of water and nutrients in plants, thereby enhancing growth. Similarly, magnetic fields can improve seed sprouting and seedling length by affecting particles (such as ions: Ca\u0026sup2;, K, H, and Cl, as well as electrons and free radicals, which in turn influence metabolism, water movement, and growth processes)\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR69\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e69\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e in plant cells\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. But, too much exposure to fields can stress plants and slow their seedling growth as mentioned in the research of Morillo-Coronado\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. So, according to Morillo-Coronado et al.\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e44\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e low magnetic exposure improved seed germination and seedling growth of onion seeds stimulated with magnetic field (21 mT and 10 mT for 1h). Statistically significant differences were observed for examined parameters in all tested groups as compared to control\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHaving longer roots, especially with many lateral roots, are beneficial for up-taking nutrients which are located in the soil\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. So far, studies suggest that static magnetic fields significantly improve root length due to its inherent potential making more resistant to environmental stresses. A deep rooting system enables plants to get water, which is quite beneficial in a drought situation\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Previous studies proved that application of SMF (200 mT for 1 h) on soybean seeds improved the root growth\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR40\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e40\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Likewise, studies on the exposure of magnetic induction on seeds like maize (\u003cem\u003eZea mays\u003c/em\u003e L.)\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e43\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003eand sun flower (\u003cem\u003eHelianthus annus\u003c/em\u003e)\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e48\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e showed that there was a significant improvement in root length compared to untreated seeds (control) under laboratory conditions\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR43\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e43\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e48\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. According to the author\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR43\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e43\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, root length of maize was increased doubled under pre-sowing exposure of seeds to magnetic fields (200 mT for 1 h) in comparison with the control. Similar results were obtained for maize (\u003cem\u003eZea mays\u003c/em\u003e L.) and barley (\u003cem\u003eHordeum vulgare\u003c/em\u003e L.), where seed treatment with SMF (200 mT for 1 h) in maize and (125 mT) in barley caused the significant increase in the length of the root system, root diameter and root dry weight\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR42\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e42\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR47\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e47\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The increase in root length in plants grown from seeds treated with SMF is consistent with the results of previous studies, which showed the enhancement of the growth of plant in species such as soybean\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR56\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e56\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e and lentils\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eResearch results indicate that treating seeds with a magnetic field affects the shoot length. Magnetically stimulated seeds with lower exposure time (3 min) had the better results in terms of shoot length of soybean seedlings compared to control\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Corresponding results were observed in a current study that static magnetic fields boost up the shoot growth in soybean seedlings, when seeds were exposed to a shorter time (3 min). Same as in chickpea seeds stimulated with different doses and exposure time of SMF, has significant differences in terms of shoot length interaction with shorter exposure time\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. According to Maffei\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR45\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e45\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, high exposure magnetic fields can slow down shoot growth in plants because it disrupts important processes inside plant cells: like cell division and cell elongation\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR45\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e45\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Seeds stimulated by strong MF intensities can cause oxidative stress, which leads to an increase in harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. These molecules act against growth and plant cells. For example, strong magnetic fields find difficulties with the distribution of auxins (the hormones that help plants grow), which leads to stunted shoot development\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Moreover, longer duration can interact with the movement of nutrients and water inside the plant, further slowing down growth\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR45\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e45\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eChlorophyll is necessary in the development of seedlings growth and health. It directly influences the germination percentage to absorb energy from sunlight (photosynthesis process). Moreover, higher chlorophyll content in the leaves nurture better growth and structure of the plant. Chlorophyll content in the leaves after seed treatment with an SMF has been an area of interest in plant physiology, as chlorophyll is vital for photosynthesis and plant growth\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR46\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e46\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Ercan et al.\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e47\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e used the magnetic fields of 20, 45, 125, 250 mT, in which 20 mT improved the chlorophyll content of barley (\u003cem\u003eHordeum vulgare\u003c/em\u003e) in comparison with untreated seeds. In this case, the highest chlorophyll content was observed in low magnetic induction of 20 mT, whereas the lowest content for 250 mT \u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e47\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. However, in few publications and present research observed that chlorophyll content was higher in the leaves of soybean (\u003cem\u003eGlycine max\u003c/em\u003e)\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, maize (\u003cem\u003eZea mays\u003c/em\u003e)\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e48\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, sunflower (\u003cem\u003eHelianthus annus\u003c/em\u003e)\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e48\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, sugar beet (\u003cem\u003eBeta vulgaris\u003c/em\u003e L.)\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e49\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, lupin (\u003cem\u003eLupinus angustifolius\u003c/em\u003e)\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR50\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e50\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e under higher magnetic inductions based on plant species, size of seed, when compared to control. Because, higher magnetic inductions are responsible for enhancing metabolic activities, then they lead to increase chlorophyll synthesis in the leaves\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR77\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e77\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR78\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e78\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHence, current experiment presents that the different level of intensities (high and low) clearly show that not every genotype x treatment interaction has a positive effect, sometimes it can be negative. This can possibly indicate an unproductivity of using the magnetic exposure and the too much or inappropriate laboratory conditions leads to suppress the gemination, seedling growth and chlorophyll content in leaves in delicate genotypes\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR52\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e52\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe mechanism of action of the magnetic field on seeds\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExposure of seed to MF can cause biological effects depending on the application. Figure\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e presents that the MF triggers several interrelated processes that ultimately increase germination percentage from the seed.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMagnetic intensities directly penetrate into the plant tissues and influence several cellular structures and processes in plants. Energy needed for seed germination and cellular growth was coming through mitochondrial respiration and ATP production\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR70\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e70\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The cell membrane is also affected, mostly can modify ion transport and membrane permeability, influencing on the important ions such as potassium (K), calcium (Ca\u0026sup2;), and hydrogen (H) by magnetic fields\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR69\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e69\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR71\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e71\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Moreover, MF applied to seeds affects various metabolic reactions, leading to changes in proteins and enzymes\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Furthermore, magnetic fields can induce variations in DNA transcription or replication activity\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR72\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e72\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, which leads to the potentiality of gene expression patterns that result into increased growth and enhanced stress tolerance in plants\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR72\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e72\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSeeds treated with MF lead to significant physiological and biological changes in plants\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR73\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e73\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Enhanced metabolism improves since due to faster enzymatic activity, promotes metabolic pathways, providing energy and materials needed for germination. Magnetic treatment also improves uptake of water through making seeds more hydrophilic, enables absorption during imbibition\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR73\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e73\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Also produces enzymes such as amylase and? it promotes quicker activation of enzymes such as amylase (degrades stored starch into sugars), which is important for seed growth\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. In addition, hormonal regulation is balanced by auxins and gibberellins to promote cell elongation and division, which supports early development \u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR73\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e73\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR74\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e74\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR75\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e75\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs a result of these processes (physiological and biological), the germination percentage of seeds sown in the substrate (e.g., soil) is improved. They then need less time for sprouting and germinate faster, which ensures the successful development of seedlings\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR74\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e74\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Besides, the seedlings developed are more likely to be more vigorously, as they tend to have stronger root and shoot systems, which make them more resilient and productive\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR76\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e76\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Therefore, the effectiveness of MF depends on factors like intensity, exposure time, and field orientation because too weak can be ineffective, while too strong may be stressful.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study investigated the effects of static magnetic field stimulation on germination percentage, seedling growth, and chlorophyll content in soybean leaves, which is completely regarded as an eco-friendly and non-invasive method to enhance seedling growth and development. The best soybean variety in terms of germination percentage was found to be Abelina (97%) in the group (250 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;3 min) in comparison with control (92%), while the variety Adelfia exhibited significant and impressive results in germination and seedling growth compared to the control. The Adelfia cultivar showed a significant increase in germination rate from 55% (control) to 79% following exposure to a 500 mT SMF for 3 minutes. Seedling growth traits also improved under the treatment SMF (500 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;3 min), whereas higher chlorophyll content was observed with longer exposure time (12 min). The results from the present experiment suggest that MF treatment is an effective method to break seed dormancy for improving seed performance, and we recommend that magnetic induction should be further assessed on a larger scale farming. Cultivating plants under static magnetic field treatment may serve as a potential approach for crop improvement in future agricultural practices due to its promising nature, which improves seedling growth.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFunding\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis work was funded by PhD student grant of the Doctoral School of the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences (Poland) under the program Doctoral Student Grant. Agreement No. N020/00022/24. The APC is financed by Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eS.L., conceptualization; S.L., K.N., methodology; S.L., T.S., K.N., investigation; S.L., T.S., visualization; S.L., T.S., K.N., writing\u0026mdash;original draft; S.L., T.S., I.M., writing review \u0026amp; editing; K.N., T.S., S.L., statistical analysis; S.L., I.M., supervision. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgments\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors gratefully acknowledge SAATBAU Polska plant breeding station for providing the soybean seeds used in this study and Wrocław University of Science and Technology (Poland) for cooperation in the meaning of seed stimulation. We also thank the technicians from the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences (Poland) for their valuable assistance with the seedling measurements.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eData Availability\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll relevant data are included in this article.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMishra, R., Tripathi, M. K., Sikarwar, R. S., Singh, Y. \u0026amp; Tripathi, N. Soybean (\u003cem\u003eGlycine max\u003c/em\u003e (L.) Merrill): A Multipurpose Legume Shaping Our World. \u003cem\u003ePlant. Cell. Biotechnol. Mol. Biology\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cb\u003e25\u003c/b\u003e (3\u0026ndash;4), 17\u0026ndash;37 (2024).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSharma, A. et al. Qualitative trait-based Vari percentage among soybean genotypes. \u003cem\u003eActa Sci. 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Rep.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e9\u003c/b\u003e (1), 14384 (2019).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"scientific-reports","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"scirep","sideBox":"Learn more about [Scientific Reports](http://www.nature.com/srep/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"","title":"Scientific Reports","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Scientific Reports","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Soybean genotypes, Seed treatment, Magnetic field, Exposure time, Germination percentage, Chlorophyll content","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8146765/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8146765/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eSoybean (\u003cem\u003eGlycine max\u003c/em\u003e (L.) Merrill) is known as the plant-based protein source for human and animal consumption. Its high protein content emphasizes to meet recent demands to achieve higher yields and more protein production in a organic manner to reduce the usage of chemicals in agriculture. So, the focus of present research is to look over the effect of the static magnetic field (SMF) treatment on soybean seeds, to get a greater number of germinated seeds and improved growth parameters. It is assumed that the application of magnetic field helps to overcome seed dormancy. The parameters examined in this experiment were germination percentage (GP), seedling growth (root and shoot length) and chlorophyll content. Four different soybean cultivars of various earliness (Abelina, Adelfia, Adessa, and Pamela) were tested. The exposure time of seeds to the static magnetic field was 3 and 12 min, whereas the dose of the magnetic induction applied directly to seeds was 250 and 500 mT. The following combinations were tested on seeds: 250 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;3 min, 250 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;12 min, 500 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;3 min, 500 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;12 min and control group (seeds not subjected to any treatment). Among the soybean tested varieties, Abelina showed the best results in terms of germination percentage for all tested groups, while Adelfia variety recorded significantly the highest increase in the percentage of germinated seeds \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;79% (for the group 500 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;3 min) compared to the control group (55%). In the same group (500 mT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;3 min), Adelfia seedling growth parameters and chlorophyll content found positive results in relation to all tested groups and untreated seeds (control). The application of a static magnetic field as a physical treatment to plant seeds is a promising approach for improving emerging parameters such as germination percentage, seedling growth and development, and chlorophyll content.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Soybean (Glycine max) germination response to Static Magnetic Field treatment","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-12-10 11:32:28","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8146765/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2026-02-13T15:55:58+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-02-10T13:08:23+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-02-10T07:23:09+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"191863850733741570907134740279777026721","date":"2026-02-03T09:57:21+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"255884554521861546313178086283115286195","date":"2026-02-03T06:47:57+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-12-14T12:24:15+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"280145144475911807296535255060020611172","date":"2025-12-11T08:54:28+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-12-08T00:59:19+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"","date":"2025-11-30T23:23:58+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-11-22T08:48:56+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-11-22T08:48:10+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Scientific Reports","date":"2025-11-18T14:36:17+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"scientific-reports","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"scirep","sideBox":"Learn more about [Scientific Reports](http://www.nature.com/srep/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"","title":"Scientific Reports","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Scientific Reports","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"ebb17abf-4141-4b16-a892-b2ca23a13d0a","owner":[],"postedDate":"December 10th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[{"id":59371476,"name":"Biological sciences/Physiology"},{"id":59371477,"name":"Biological sciences/Plant sciences"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-05-15T07:13:18+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-12-10 11:32:28","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-8146765","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-8146765","identity":"rs-8146765","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}