Egyptian Study Uses 9.88 GHz Microwaves as Physical Mutagen on Wheat Seeds — Short Exposures Boost Growth, Long Ones Cause Chromosomal Damage

An Egyptian lab team exposed wheat (Triticum aestivum) grains to 9.88 GHz microwaves at 1 cm from the emitter (4.6 mW) for 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 minutes to test the technique as a physical mutagen for plant breeding. Short exposures stimulated germination, mitotic index and growth, but longer exposures reduced germination, cut mitotic index and produced chromosomal abnormalities — with the highest share of aberrant cells at the 60-minute dose.

"Using microwave irradiation in seed treatment as a physical mutagen is one of the promising technologies in plant breeding that seeks to increase plant productivity and improve their quality."

— Khalaf et al.

"The percentage of germinated grains as well as mitotic index increased for seeds exposed to microwave radiation with short exposure periods."

— Khalaf et al.

"However, germination percentage and values of mitotic index were significantly decreased with increasing exposure periods of microwave."

— Khalaf et al.

"Some types of chromosomal abnormalities were observed in the examined cells, and the highest percentage of aberrant cells were recorded in grains irradiated for 60 min."

— Khalaf et al.

"Growth parameters, including root and shoot length, were stimulated by short-term exposure but inhibited by long-term exposure."

— Khalaf et al.

📄 Underlying Research

Effect of non-ionizing radiation on the growth of wheat plant

Khalaf et al. (2026) Discover Applied Sciences Journal Level 1ⓘ

🔗 DOI

🇪🇬 Egyptian Study Uses 9.88 GHz Microwaves as Physical Mutagen on Wheat Seeds — Short Exposures Boost Growth, Long Ones Cause Chromosomal Damage

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📄 Underlying Research

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