Relationship of 60-Hz electric-field parameters to the inhibition of growth of Pisum sativum roots.

Roots of Pisum sativum were chronically exposed to 60-Hz electric fields ranging from 215--430 V/m and current densities from 1.5--2.7 mA/cm2. Adjustments of the exposure medium's conductivity (0.035--0.14 mho/m) allowed for distinction between a field or a current induced perturbation in root growth rates. Inhibition of root growth rates was directly related to the magnitude of the applied field and not the current density. The results are consistent with the postulate that the applied field acts upon the cell membrane and perturbs its function.