Nexus - 0219 - New Times Magazine-pages

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this writer). Seeds were subjected to a variety of simulated atmospheric conditions that are known to benefit plant devel- opment and growth. The seeds were conditioned and rejuve- nated, which resulted in more rapid germination, increased vigour and improved yields. The combined influences of the several different treatments incorporated in the Intertec machine results in a severalfold increase in plant germination, growth and yields! The inventors, A. Zaderej and C. Corson, published a description and explanation of “Electrogenic Applications to Plant Growth" (1977). Seeds are first sprayed with a solution of minerals and enzymes which are implanted into the lipids (seed coat) by high-voltage negative-ion bombardment—a process known as electrophoresis, This accelerates chromosomatic activity. A second exposure to negative ion flux increases the implan- tation of the nutrient solution.. Then the seeds are exposed to infra-red radiation which reduces the hard-seed dormancy and increases the metabolism of ATP. The next stage instills an electrostatic charge of cathodic protection that considerably reduces the mortality rate of seeds by providing a source of electrons to buffer the reaction with free-radical nutrient ions. Seeds must be moist when treated by cathodic protection. Dry seeds may be damaged by this treatment, but damaged’ seeds may be repaired some- what if they are moist. Cathodic protection increases viabili- ty and germination up to twice that of control seeds. In an electrostatic ficld of 36 kV/m, the negative pole above the plant enhances germination. The positive pole above the seeds inhibits germination. The final step also treats seeds with select radio frequencies which stress the memory of DNA molecules, charge the mitochondria and intensify other metabolic processes. Radiofrequency treatment of seeds has been found to increase the degree of water absorption, electrical conductivity and oxygen uptake. The frequencies range between 800 kHz and 1.5 MHz with a field intensity of 3.2 watts/sq. cm. Oddly, if not surprisingly, the seeds needed to be treated near where they were to be sown. The effects of Electrogenic Seed Treatment did not travel well, so seeds could not be shipped to it: the unit had to travel to the field. SOUND The growth of plants can be strongly stimulated by sound. The effect continues above the ultrasonic threshold of 20 kHz and levels off above 50 kHz. Frequencies of 4 kHz to 5 kHz in particular have been found to increase perolaaiion, enzyme activity and respiration. Normally, the streaming movement of protoplasm in plant cells slows down in the early morning and evening, but this streaming can be accelerated by an audio frequency generator or electronic tuning fork used for 10 minutes at a distance of about five feet from the plants. The result is increased growth rate. Morcover, plants should not be stimulated more than three hours daily during photoperiods, or the plants are rather liable to die within a month depending on the quality and intensity of the sound. The classical music of Europe and of Asia evoke the greatest response from plants. Very high frequen- cies and high volume cause cellular disruption and death. Rock and roll music has similar fatal effects in some circum- stances. (Ref.: Dorothy Retallak, The Sound of Music and Plants, De Vorss & Co., Santa Monica, CA, USA, 1973.) Dan Carlson, a plant-breeding scientist from Blaine, Washington, uses a 3 kHz tone and a foliar spray of trace mincrals and amino acids in a process he calls "Sonic Bloom". [See NEXUS vol. 2, nos. 17 and 18.] Using this LT = =—