Magnetic exposure improves tolerance of fig ‘Sabz’ explants to drought stress induced in vitro

Common fig (Ficus carica L.) is one of the most important horticultural crops in arid and semi-arid areas around the world. In order to study the response of fig ‘Sabz’ to drought stress, an in vitro experiment was designed. Treatments included three concentrations of polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG) 0, 3, and 6% (w/v). We also examined the possible protective effects of a static magnetic field (MF) on the fig explants against the drought conditions. The nodal explants of fig were exposed to different durations of MF (0, 15, 30, and 60 min), everyday. The results of the investigation showed that adding PEG to the media, reduced water absorbance, membrane stability index, and growth indices of the explants, whereas PEG resulted in more proline accumulation in the leaves of fig explants. With regard to above-mentioned parameters, PEG at concentration of 6% was more effective. Magnetic treatments reduced the harmful effects of PEG, and the best results were obtained with 15-min magnetic treatment. MF treatments also enhanced proline accumulation in the leaves. In conclusion, MF treatments for short durations may help plants to tolerate drought stress by absorbing more water, accumulating more proline in their leaves, and increasing the thickness of their leaves.

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► The effects of a static MF on response of fig explants under PEG drought stress induced in vitro were investigated.
► MF exposure enhanced growth of fig explants and helps them to deal with drought stress.
► We found that magnetic treatment enhances drought stress tolerance of explants by increasing water absorption, increasing WUE, and inducing proline accumulation in the leaves.
► The results showed the potential of magnetic treatments to enhance plants defensive systems against drought conditions.