SINUSOIDAL MAGNETIC-FIELDS - EFFECTS ON THE GROWTH AND ERGOSTEROL CONTENT IN MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI

The effects of weak, extremely low-frequency magnetic fields on the gr owth and membrane lipid ergosterol of mycorrhizal fungi Pisolithus tin ctorius were studied. Two types of media were used: solid (pH 6) and l iquid (pH 3). The homogeneous sinusoidal magnetic field, generated by a pair of Helmholtz coils with magnetic flux density 0.025 and 0.1 mT and frequency 50 Hz, enhanced the growth of mycelia at early stages of development. The same field at 0.01 mT, 46 Hz had no observable effec ts. Analysis of the fungi-specific membrane constituent ergosterol by high-performance liquid chromatography revealed a slightly increased c ontent of ergosterol in the mycelia (along with the observation of sti mulated growth). The results indicate some importance of the membrane which is probably the acceptor of electromagnetic signals, as has been revealed by many studies with animals. However, the exact mechanisms for the explanation of these effects are not known yet.