Impact of Coherent Laser Irradiation on Germination and Mycoflora of Soybean Seeds—Innovative and Prospective Seed Quality Management

Anna Ślizowska,Joanna Dłużniewska,Agnieszka Klimek-Kopyra,Jan Wincenty Dobrowolski

doi:10.3390/agriculture10080314

Anna Ślizowska, Joanna Dłużniewska + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10080314

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Abstract

Laser irradiation is considered a new technology in agriculture; however, the success of irradiation depends on the selection of precise parameters for the light source and exposure. In this study, the impact of laser stimulation on germination and the occurrence of mycoflora in soybean seeds was assessed. The following factors were considered: (1) irradiation using blue and red coherent lights, (2) irradiation of seeds only (a), use of Bradyrhzobium japonicum vaccine only (b), and irradiation of the seeds plus the Bradyrhzobium japonicum vaccine (c). The germination index, seedling weight and seeds infected by fungus were determined. It was found that the laser treatment of seeds increased germination and seedling weight. Laser irradiation affected the abundance of species Phoma glomerata, Botrytis cinerea, Rhizopus nigricans and Gliocladium roseum. The use of blue laser (LB—514 nm) reduced the number of the non-pathogenic species, R. nigricans and G. roseum.

Highlights

Agricultural sustainability and food security are a priority within the European policy framework, and on a global scale
The application of empirically selected algorithms of laser irradiation and a Bradyrhzobium japonicum vaccine on soybean seeds led to a significant increase in germination
Irradiation of the vaccine with 514 nm laser light resulted in the greatest enhancement in soybean seedling biomass

Summary

Introduction

Agricultural sustainability and food security are a priority within the European policy framework, and on a global scale. Laser technology is mainly used for pre-sown seed exposure in order to achieve better and faster germination in various, often unfavourable, habitat conditions. The scientific literature has confirmed that it has various bio-stimulation effects (positive, negative, neutral), which are conditioned by the physical parameters of the laser, including radiation dose and exposure time, and the selection of plant material [2,3,4]. Podleśna et al [9] studied the effect of pre-sowing laser radiation of pea seeds on seed biochemical processes, germination rate, seedling emergence, growth rate, and yield. The authors showed that treatment of pre-sown pea seeds with He-Ne laser light increased the concentration of amylolytic enzymes and the content of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in pea seeds and seedlings

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