The Use of Electrostatic Field to Improve Soybean Seed Germination in Organic Production

Abstract

Soybean production in the system of organic agriculture is not very demanding, and this has been well documented both through experimental results and commercial production. However, one of the biggest problems in organic production is the lack of adequate pre-sowing treatments. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of the electrostatic field. This is a physical treatment that was first used for seed treatment in the 18th century but has mostly been neglected since then. Seeds of five soybean genotypes with differently colored seed coats (yellow, green, dark green, brown, and black) were included in this study. The seeds were exposed to different values of direct current (DC) with the following voltages: 0 V (control), 3 V, 6 V, and 9 V, to which the seeds were exposed for 0 min (control), 1 min, and 3 min. After exposing the seeds to the electric field, the physiological properties of seeds and seedlings at the first stage of growth were evaluated. The results show that the effect of the electrostatic field on seed quality depends on the genotype, voltage, and exposure time. The application of DC can be a suitable method for improving seed germination and the initial growth of soybean seedlings. In addition, the results indicate that it is necessary to adjust the DC treatment (voltage and duration of exposure of seeds) to particular genotypes since inadequate treatments may reduce the quality of seeds.

Determining the effects of LFHV-PEF treatment on the water distribution and vigor of aged rice seeds using LF-NMR

“…During seed germination [11,12] , water plays an important role in maintaining the functioning and activity of seeds [13] . The state and distribution of water can affect the catalytic functions of various enzymes [14,15] , which in turn can alter the metabolic rates of biological macromolecules, such as carbohydrates, starch, lipids, and proteins, consequently [16] , affecting seed germination and emergence rates [17][18][19][20][21] . Research on the patterns of changes in the internal enzymes of seeds treated with HV-PEF has been conducted extensively and has produced remarkable results.…”

Systematic Review - State of the Art: strategies for vigor evaluation and production of high-vigor soybean seeds

“…The survey indicates a trend of studies related to the application of biological products in the seed, microorganisms isolated from the soil with rooting and nutrient-fixing action, promoting plant growth (PGPR) and their respective effects on germination, emergence, and seedling performance under ideal conditions or some type of environmental stress (Gregorio et al, 2017;Nazari et al, 2019;Khomari et al, 2018;Queiroz Rego et al, 2018;Tavanti et al, 2020;Abati et al, 2020;Paul and Rakshit, 2021;Sheteiwy et al, 2021). The studies grouped by physical treatments revealed the potential of new technologies such as electromagnetic field, laser, and the use of plasma to treat the seed or treat the water in which the seed will be soaked (Asghar et al, 2017;Kataria et al, 2017;Porto et al, 2018;Michalak et al,2019;Foroughbakhch et al, 2019;Pérez-Pizá et al,2019;Švubová et al, 2021;Mamlic et al, 2021).…”

Study on the effect of different high-voltage electric field polarization process parameters on the vitality of dried chili pepper seeds

“…Among them, the high-voltage electrostatic field treatment of seeds based on electromagnetobiology has triggered much research. Relevant studies have shown that: Reasonable electric field strength and polarisation treatment time can improve crop germination and seedling quality 10 – 13 . Altering endogenous hormone levels during seed germination 14 , 15 .…”