USE OF ATMOSPHERIC PLASMA IN GERMINATION OF Hybanthus calceolaria (L.) Schulze-Menz SEEDS

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-21252018v31n311rc

Keywords:

Germination accelerator. Cold plasma. Soaking. Surface treatment.

Abstract

Plasma technology is a fast, cost-effective, and pollution-free method that can be used in place of conventional methods to overcome seed dormancy. The goal of the present study was to determine the effect of different application times of atmospheric plasma on soaking and germination of Hybanthus calceolaria seeds in order to accelerate these processes. Helium plasma jet produced by dielectric barrier discharge was used to treat H. calceolaria seeds with applications of 1, 5, and 10 minutes. The treated seeds were characterized considering their weight variation during soaking, changes in electrical conductivity, and pH. It was found that germination depended on the plasma application time. The treatment of H. calceolaria seeds with atmospheric plasma for 1 minute provided 3.5 times greater germination in comparison to untreated seeds. Atmospheric plasma technology obtained by dielectric barrier discharge had potential of being used as a germination accelerant in H. calceolaria seeds. The treatment of H. calceolaria seeds using atmospheric plasma for 1 minute favored germination.

Author Biography

  • Dinnara Layza Souza da Silva, Laboratory of Plasma Applied in Agriculture Health and the Environment. Center of Exact and Natural Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Mossoró, RN
    Bolsista Desenvolvimento Técnico Industrial do CNPQ

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Published

28-05-2018

Issue

Section

Agronomy