الملخص
Biologigal effect of short-term treatment of Peganum harmala L. Seed with extremely low frequency magnetic field [ELF-MF] was studied. The percentage of seed germination, growth and development of root and shoot system of the seedlings, wet and dry weights, total water content, total chlorophyll content and esterase activity were compared between seeds exposed to magnetic field [0.5 mT, 50 Hz] and the control. Germination percentage of Peganum harmala L. seedlings, which emerged in the low magnetic field, was slight higher [66.66%] if compared with the control [50%]. High total water content and low chlorophyll content, that, resulted in the formation of deformed seedlings, significantly characterized seedlings that have been grown in the magnetic filed. A higher esterase activity of seedling tissues exposed to ELF-MF was also recorded in comparison with the control. On the other hand, a lesser amount of beta carboline and serotonin alkaloids were found in the extracts of seedlings that grown in low frequency magnetic field, compared to sham treatment. Antimicrobial active metabolites were also decreased due to the exposure to low magnetic field. Photosensitizing potential of beta carboline alkaloids in the long wave UV light was lost from exposed seedlings and sustained in the control. The resulting effect of ELF-MF on seedling growth and secondary metabolites productivity might be attributed not only to the magnetic field but also to the induced electric field and the energy stored in the seeds due to the field