Impacts of Radio-Frequency Electromagnetic Field (RF-EMF) on Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)—Evidence for RF-EMF Interference with Plant Stress Responses
Authors not listed · 2023
In field conditions, RF-EMF exposure caused a significant decrease in photosynthetic efficiency, accelerated flowering, and down-regulation of the stress-related genes VDE and ZEP in lettuce.
Plain English Summary
The study examined RF-EMF effects on lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in indoor and outdoor settings using DECT (1890–1900 MHz) and Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) frequencies. Under greenhouse conditions, RF-EMF had only a minor impact on fast chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics and did not affect flowering time. In field conditions, RF-EMF exposure significantly reduced photosynthetic efficiency, accelerated flowering, down-regulated VDE and ZEP genes, and lowered FV/FM and NPQ under light stress.
Why This Matters
The authors note that increasing wireless technology has raised RF-EMF exposure for all living organisms, including plants. They conclude that RF-EMF may interfere with plant stress responses and reduce stress tolerance.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Show BibTeX
@article{impacts_of_radio_frequency_electromagnetic_field_rf_emf_on_lettuce_lactuca_sativaevidence_for_rf_emf_interference_with_plant_stress_responses_ce3061,
author = {Unknown},
title = {Impacts of Radio-Frequency Electromagnetic Field (RF-EMF) on Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)—Evidence for RF-EMF Interference with Plant Stress Responses},
year = {2023},
doi = {10.3390/plants12051082},
}