MECHANISM AND EFFICACY EVALUATION OF ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE DBD PLASMA TREATMENT FOR FORAGE GRASS SEEDS
面向牧草种子应用的常压DBD等离子体种子处理机制与效能评估
DOI : https://doi.org/10.35633/inmateh-79-49
Authors
Abstract
High-quality forage seeds serve as the foundation for ecological restoration and the development of agriculture and animal husbandry. However, due to the characteristics of dense surface structure, poor water permeability, and inherent dormancy, mass-produced forage seeds often exhibit low field germination rates and irregular emergence. To address the limitations of traditional physical or chemical treatments, such as low efficiency, potential embryo damage, and environmental pollution, low-temperature plasma technology has provided a green and novel approach within the field of Plasma Agriculture. This study aimed to screen the optimal plasma generation mode suitable for the continuous treatment of forage seeds under atmospheric pressure and to systematically evaluate its efficacy and potential Plasma Seed Treatment Mechanism. Through a comparative analysis of the uniformity, stability, and safety of various discharge forms, including corona, spark, gliding arc, and Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD), it was clarified that DBD can generate large-area, low-temperature, and uniform plasma in atmospheric air. Taking Leymus chinensis seeds as the research object, the effects of different treatment voltages (0–16 kV) on the glume microstructure and the Electrical Conductivity of the leachate were investigated. The results of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) indicated that after DBD treatment with appropriate parameters, significant Surface Modification occurred on the seed glume; specifically, physical etching led to the formation of micropores and fissures, along with the removal of surface impurities. Furthermore, the measurement results of Electrical Conductivity revealed a distinct Dosage Effect during the treatment process. It was observed that medium-to-low voltage treatment helped maintain the integrity of the membrane system, whereas excessive voltage caused severe damage to the glume and the leakage of intracellular contents. The study confirmed that atmospheric DBD plasma, through physical etching and Surface Modification, can effectively improve the water absorption channels and physiological activity of Leymus chinensis seeds, provided that the process remains within an optimal parameter window. Consequently, these findings provide a critical technical basis and process foundation for the development of continuous, atmospheric plasma treatment equipment tailored for forage seeds.
Abstract in Chinese
