Two experiments were designed to investigate the effect of different static magnetic fields and 10%
seawater stress on seed germination of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. var. Beit Alpha), seedling vigour,
vegetative growth and some biochemical aspects. Salinity stress reduced seeds germination, seedlings
fresh mass and seedlings vigour by about 30%, 54%, and 70 % respectively. Moreover, salinity
significantly reduced the depletion in seedling dry mass in comparison with control. The magnetic fields
of 50 mT for ½ h and 100 mT for 30 s improved seed germination, seedlings fresh mass and seedlings
vigour under salinity stress by about 30%, 50% and 150%, respectively in comparison with salinity
treatment alone. Conversely, the dual treatment of 200 mT for 1/2 h and salinity stress had more
reduction effect on cucumber than salinity alone. In general, the magnetic fields of 50 mT 30 s, 100 mT
1/2 h and 200 mT 30 s had a non significant effect on seed germination. Except for 50 mT 30 s intensity
which had a promotive effect, the effect of all used magnetic fields on shoot biomass and chlorophylls
content were comparable with those for seedlings fresh mass. The positive effect of magnetic fields
seemed to be attributed to the enhancement in total amylase activity, soluble sugars, RNA, K+/Na+ ratio
and chlorophylls level. On the contrary, magnetic treatments decreased peroxidase activity, total proteins
and electrolytes leakage under salinity stress conditions. However, all magnetic intensities increased Fe
content, in spite of being independent of magnetic intensity or exposure period.