The effect of magnetic and plasma treatment on enzymatic activity and germination of Triticum aestivum

Abstract

Background. The use of physical effects on seeds instead of chemical stimulants will allow obtaining environmentally friendly products. The article presents the results of experiments on the treatment of spring wheat seeds with an installation of simultaneous exposure to a magnetic action and ozonation based on a plasma discharge. The work objective of the research is to establish the effect of combined physical effects on sowing qualities and physiological processes in germinating seeds. Materials and methods. The effect on the seed material was carried out by a magnetoplasma installation, which includes a powerful magnetic inductor that creates a gradient magnetic field with an adjustable magnetic induction level from 100 to 500 Gs (0.01–0.05 T), as well as an electric diffuse discharge emitting ultraviolet with a wavelength of λ = 248–577 nm. Ozone is formed in the air under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. The magnetic field has a stimulating effect on seed germs and suppresses insect larvae. Ultraviolet destroys bacteria on the surface of seeds and decomposes the preservative elements in the seed cover. Ozone has a general disinfecting bactericidal action. Results. A stimulating effect on germination power and germinability has been established. The study of enzymatic activity revealed a stimulating effect of treatment on plant catalase and amylase. Phyto inspection of seeds shows that conducted treatments reduce the signs of helminthosporiosis in seeds. Conclusions. The proposed method of magnetic and plasma seed treatment has a stimulating effect on enzymatic activity and seed germination, and also reduces the number of seeds with helminthosporiosis.

Keywords

• spring wheat
• seed treatment
• seedlings
• magnetic seed treatment
• seed ozonation
• catalase
• amylase
• phyto inspection of seeds