Studies on the effects of gaseous ions on plant growth. I. The influence of positive and negative air ions on the growth of Avena sativa.

Exposure of Avena sativa seedlings to unipolar ionized atmospheres of either charge produced statistically significant stimulation of growth as measured by mean stem length, integral elongation, and dry weight. The extent of growth increase was related to the atmospheric ion density and this in turn determined the magnitude of current flow to ground. The minimal current measured in the ground circuit and capable of producing a measurable difference in growth was 4.3 to 4.6 x 10(-13) amp/plant.