High Frequency Pulsatile Electromagnetic Fields and Ultrasound Pulsatile Fields Impact on Germination Dynamic at Ocimum basilicum L. and O. basilicum var. purpurascens Benth., Observed with Open Source Software

Abstract

Basil (Ocimum sp.), generally knowned as 'king of herbs' due to its pharmaceutical and culinary properties, is considered to be a native plant derived from Africa and Asia. Ocimum sp. grows in tropical and sub-tropical regions with more than 50 species knowned till present time. Germination percent of Ocimum sp. is considered to be between 85-95%. Even though Ocimum sp. are considered to have fast germination velocity index (GVI), short mean germination time (MGT) and increased seedling vigor index (SVI) values, their experimental monitoring is done with specialized software's that are expensive. Low cost scientific solutions are keen on open source software germination protocols. For observing the accuracy of open source C.A.D. software's Ocimum sp. seeds where submitted to high frequency pulsatile electromagnetic fields (300 impulses/3 peak penetrance - 293 W) and ultrasound pulsatile fields (1/2 pulses by 0.5 W/cm²). All sequence images where taken using a positive/negative photo filter enhancing differences in seed development. At the end of the experiment all images where transformed into vector formats (dwg). On the dwg extension, selective free plug-ins such as Face Centroid and Area Properties help to collect data like seed development on X/Y scale, area, perimeter, no. of germinated seeds, length of seedling root, hypocotyl length.