LAUSR

Applications of microwave energy in agriculture have increased over the past 50 years.1 The range of microwave frequency is between 300 MHz 300 GHz.2,3 Due to their high frequency and short wavelength, microwaves are desirable for communication and radar applications. Microwaves are an interesting research subject, even in the 21st century. Some research has been done on the effects of microwave on seed germination in species such as wheat (Triticum aestivum), Bengal gram (Cicer arietinum), green gram (Vigna radiate), and moth bean (Vigna aconitefolia), under microwave conditions. It has been reported that a threshold level of microwave energy and exposure time can improve seed germination and seedling vigour in plant species,4 while further increases in microwave frequency, energy or density caused a reduction in SGP and seedling vigour.4 Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the most popular vegetables grown throughout the World, especially in South-East Asian countries such as Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Peppers are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and calcium compounds with anti-oxidant and anti-carcinogenic activities.5 Mature fruit also contain high concentrations of anti-oxidant phenolic compounds.5