Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
(eISSN: 2229-4473)
Irradiation of Capsicum annuum seeds with non-thermal microwave radiation enhances seed germination and early seedling growth
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Research Articles | Published: 06 September, 2026
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Keywords: Microwave radiation, n Capsicum annuumn , ?-1,3-Glucanase, Germination, Specific absorption rate
Abstract
The present work was undertaken to investigate the potential benefits of non-thermal microwave radiation on the germination and growth of Capsicum annuum plant. Pre-soaked capsicum seeds of four varieties i.e. Pusa Capsicum, California Wonder, Yamuna and NS-282 were irradiated with microwave radiation for 0–12 h where 0 h seeds were considered as control. The seedlings were exposed to a 9.8 GHz field. The microwave irradiation to the seeds led to increase in germination percentage, germination index as well as germination rate. The derived specific absorption rate value for Pusa Capsicum and California Wonder was found to be 1.14 mW/Kg and 2.29 mW/Kg respectively. Additionally, the microwave irradiation increased ?-1,3-glucanase activity. The FTIR spectroscopy indicated that the microwave-irradiated capsicum seedlings had greater amounts of pectin, lignin, protein, carbohydrate, and lipid. However, overexposure above optimal thresholds reverse these benefits. These results show that non-thermal microwave stimulation can affect the biochemical composition and germination physiology of capsicum seedlings, indicating its potential as a new and cost-efficient method of seed invigoration when used under carefully controlled exposure conditions.
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Author Information
Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapith, Tonk, India