Interesting observations were made concerning the susceptibility to mod fungi of germinating seeds with different orientations in the magnetic field. The seeds oriented with their radilces to the North Magnetic Pole were more readily attacked by molds than those oriented toward the South Magnetic Pole. This indicates that the polarity significantly affects the interrelationships between plants and microorganisms.
The above facts indicate that changes in the electric and magnetic properties of a living system caused by various factors are reflected in the diverse processes associated with the life activities of the organisms.
A more thorough and comprehensive study of these phenomena should prove to be of considerable practical importance.
1. It was established that the geomagnetic field definitely affects growth processes in plants.
2. It was shown that the effects of magnetic fields, both of the Earth and of permanent magnets, on the life activities of sprouts was most pronounced when the seeds— in dry state— were oriented with their radicles toward the magnetic poles.
3. A new phenomenon was discovered and designated magnetotropism; it involves oriented growth of roots in the direction of the Earth's South Magnetic Pole of artificial magnets. It was shown that magnetotropism is
accompanied with changes in the rhythm of growth of both root and stalk. The growth of both was enhanced in sprouts from seeds whose radicles were oriented toward the South Magnetic Pole, and weakened when oriented in the opposite direction.
4. The phenomenon of magnetotropism suggests that polarity, which is a fundamental property of living matter, derives from the magnetic proper ties of substances.
5. It was established that gibberellin acts on germinating seeds accord ing to the orientation of the radicles with respect to the magnetic poles.
6. The state of polarity is manifested by the differences in susceptibility of the sprouts to fungal infections. In this connection polarity assumes considerable importance in the interrelationships between plants and microorganisms.
7. Further studies of magnetotropism and polarity will make possible a new approach to biological investigations, and to the elaboration of methods designed to regulate the life activities of organisms.