Effect of X-ray, Ultraviolet, and Microwave Radiation on the Seed Germination and Growth of Phaseolus vulgaris

CSEF · 2018 Plant Biology

Overview

Objectives/Goals We are exposed to a large number of electromagnetic waves such as Ultraviolet (UV), Microwaves, and X-ray radiations. This experiment is testing the effect of these radiations on seed germination and plant growth. Methods/Materials Materials: 4 bags Miracle-Gro potting soil, 84 containers, water, X-ray machine, UV emitter, Microwave emitter, Phaseolus vulgaris seeds.To perform my experiment, I used kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) seeds. I divided the seeds into several groups. First group was marked as Control. Second group of beans was irradiated with the X-rays. Third group of seeds received UV radiation exposure. Fourth group received microwaves radiation exposure. The seeds were planted in potting soil and watered on alternate days. The day of germination and the length of the plants were recorded for 30 days. Results During the first few days, the x-ray plants grew the fastest. Most of the X-ray exposed plants were taller than the control. Finally, in microwave group, few seeds germinated only in 10 seconds (s) and 20s exposure group and growth was stunted. The results of the experiment show the X-rays actually simulated the initial plant growth, especially in low intensity X-ray exposure group. Also, the UV radiation, delayed the plant seed growth, and then stimulated it to go faster. The only form of radiation that inhibited the growth was the microwaves. Conclusions/Discussion The results of the experiment show Microwave radiation has deleterious effect on seed germination and plant growth. UV and low-intensity X-ray stimulated seed germination and enhanced plant growth.

Summary statement

The project showed X-ray and UV radiations enhance plant growth and microwaves inhibit plant growth compared to control.

Help received

I set up and performed the experiment myself. X-ray irradiation was performed by licensed professional at Premier Valley medical Group, Bakersfield, CA.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2018 Plant Biology · Entry S1902

Resources

Related projects

Closest projects by meaning, across every fair and year in the corpus.

Browse more like this

Source: California Science & Engineering Fair public projects

Save projects to your library

Sign in with Google to keep track of projects you find interesting, organized into folders. An account also raises your daily allowance for “Has this been done?”, and lets you create a key for the MCP server with a much higher limit than anonymous use. Browsing stays public.

Continue with Google