EFFECTS OF VERY SMALL DOSES OF IONIZING RADIATION AND HYPOMAGNETIC FIELD CHANGE PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF HIGHER PLANT SEEDS.

Effects of a 40-times weakened geomagnetic field and its combination with low a- and y-radiation doses on the physiological characteristics of higher plant seeds and water redox properties were studied. Germination rate was found decreased and seedlings development retarded equally when exposure to the hepomagnetic field was direct or mediated by water. Besides, water-mediated irradiation by low y-doses moderated and by low a-doses augmented the negative HMF effect on seeds growth. In other words, ionizing radiation dominated in this combination. The redox potential of water (ROP) was noted to rise due to low-intensity a-radiation (9Pu) that was nonlinear and polymodal. Comparing to a-irradiation, the range of ROP changes due to y-irradiation ('37Cs) was narrow which was reflected in growth processes in seeds. Water ROP increases as the magnetic field induction attenuates which implies a natural reduction of water molecules internal energy and bettering of water oxidative qualities. In our view, this was the cause for retarded seed germination. Water is believed to be the determinant for the factors in this study as their effects on seeds were modified by changes in water qualities and structure.