Ruzic R., Gogala N. Jerman I. (1997): Sinusoidal magnetic fields: effect on the growth and content of ergosterol in mycorrhizal fungi. Electro- Magnetobiology 16(2): 129-142.
The effects of weak, extremely low-frequency magnetic fields on the growth and membrane lipid ergosterol of mycorrhizal fungi Pisolithus tinctorius were studied. Two types of media were used: solid (pH 6) and liquid (pH 3). The homogenous 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 effects. Analysis of the fungi specific membrane constituent ergosterol by high performance liquid chromatography reveals a slightly increased content of ergosterol in the mycelia (along with the observation of stimulated growth). The results indicate some importance of the membrane which is most 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.

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