Physio-anatomical responses of drought stressed tomato plants to magnetic field

This investigation aimed to study the effects of magnetic treatments (normal seeds irrigated with tap water, magnetized seeds irrigated with tap water, normal seeds irrigated with magnetized water and magnetized seeds irrigated with magnetized water) on growth, water relations, photosynthetic pigments, proline and water use efficiency as well as anatomical characters of tomato plants grown under three levels of water deficit (80%, 60% and 40% field capacities) beside the control 100% Field capacity. Pot experiments were conducted during 2009 and 2010 seasons under the natural conditions of the greenhouse of the Agriculture Faculty, Menufiya University, Shibin El-Kom, Egypt. Water deficit at 60 and 40% FC significantly decreased all growth, most physiological and anatomical characters. Tomato seeds irrigated with magnetized water and magnetized seeds irrigated with magnetized water treatments were the best treatments for overcoming the bad effects of water deficit on tomato plant growth characteristics, water relations, proline concentration and photosynthetic pigments, as well as anatomical structure of some organs of tomato plants. The positive effects were more pronounced at the levels of 60% and 40% field capacities. This study suggests that the effects of magnetic treatments act as a protective factors against water deficit.

► Magnetized seeds and irrigation water enhanced growth parameters of tomato plants.
► Magnetic treatments overcome the bad effects of water deficit.
► Proline and chlorophyll contents were increased.
► The positive effects were more pronounced at 40% and 60% of field capacity.