Abstract
In this study, the effect of the plasma treatment on corn seeds is investigated. Corn seeds were treated uniformly without burning or blackening by three kinds of plasma apparatus: RF plasma in vacuum, microwave-driven atmospheric-pressure plasma, DBD atmospheric-pressure plasma, and two other treatments: vacuum exposure only, and using plasma-activated water in the seed coating process, to investigate growth rate changes under realistic conditions. Each treatment was performed on a total of 1512 corn seeds. Seeds from each experimental condition were treated with the recommended rate of Poncho/VOTiVO with Acceleron, a commercial biological seed treatment that helps to protect the seeds from fungus, insects, and nematodes after planting. The 1512 seeds were divided evenly into three replications with 84 seeds planted for each replication at six unique locations across central Illinois. The results for germination, growth, and product yield over the 2017 growing season is presented. Overall no statistically significant difference in the yield of corn harvested was found between the control and any of the five treatments. This is likely due to the already near-100% germination rate of the corn hybrid used in the study and the use of the Poncho/VOTiVO protective coating on every sample.
Highlights
About 35% of the world corn production now is harvested[1] from more than 80 million acres in the United States, mostly in Illinois, Iowa and Indiana[2]
To find out if there is an effect from plasma treatments on hybrid corn seeds, as seen in the lab environment done by other groups[8,9,14], it is required to investigate a variety of seed treatments on an industrial agriculture scale and measure actual crop yields
In April 2017, all plasma-treated corn seeds were prepared to plant in real fields as follows; (i) control, (ii) Plasma Activated Water (PAW) treated, (iii) Microwave Atmospheric Plasma (MAP) treated, (iv) Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma treated, (v) Radio Frequency (RF) plasma treated and (vi) just vacuum treated
Summary
About 35% of the world corn production now is harvested[1] from more than 80 million acres (about 323,749 km2) in the United States, mostly in Illinois, Iowa and Indiana[2]. This means the corn harvest rate influences the economy in the US and globally, increased yield, even by a small fraction, is highly desired. The work from other groups show that plasma-related treatments can have a positive effect on speed of germination, plant heights, early vigor, growth rate, etc. These markers are expected to have a positive effect on yield at the end of the year since the corn plants would be exposed to sunlight sooner and have a longer growing season available. The results of product yield over the 2017 growing season in six separate locations of Illinois is presented here
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
