Solar-powered Plasma Technology for Improving Seed Germination

[deluxestogie]

Solar-powered plasma technology offers a sustainable solution for seed germination challenges

Solar-powered plasma technology offers a sustainable solution for seed germination challenges

Seed aging is a critical challenge for seed banks and agricultural industries, significantly reducing germination rates and seedling vigor. This decline not only leads to economic losses but also undermines efforts to preserve genetic diversity.

phys.org

"The researchers developed a novel corona dielectric barrier discharge (cDBD) microreactor that produces plasma-activated water (PAW) using solar energy. This innovative system effectively enhances seed germination by modifying the chemical and hormonal environment essential for seed development."
...
The treatment lowers water pH, increases oxidation-reduction potential, and elevates nitrate levels, creating an ideal environment for germination. Furthermore, PAW influences key plant hormones, such as gibberellins and abscisic acid, to break seed dormancy and promote growth."

I don't understand exactly what this treatment of water actually accomplishes. A curious question is whether or not simply a slight acidification of the germination water, alone, might improve germination rates.

This study uses spinach seed. Might it apply also to tobacco seed? I can't answer that.

Bob

 

[ShiniKoroshi]

Link in the footnote Compact solar-powered plasma water generator: enhanced germination of aged seed with the corona dielectric barrier discharger.
Its a fundraising article with very little actual science.

 

[deluxestogie]

Its a fundraising article with very little actual science.

There is definitely science there. (View the methodology and the results sections.) Hypothesis; develop a meaningful methodology; test; evaluate the validity of the hypothesis. How valid it may be is another issue.

As for "fundraising", that is an allegation that can be made about the majority of published science articles worldwide, in even the most prestigious journals. Most academics hang their tenure and careers upon the traction of their published articles or books.

Bob