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

优良牧草种子是生态修复与农牧业发展的基础，但大量牧草种子因表面结构致密、透水性差及存在休眠特性，常导致田间萌发率低、出苗不整齐。传统物理或化学处理方式存在效率低、损伤胚体或环境污染等局限。低温等离子体技术为改善种子萌发性能提供了绿色新途径。研究旨在筛选适用于大气压条件下牧草种子连续处理的最佳等离子体发生方式，并系统评估其处理效能及潜在作用机制。通过对比电晕、火花、滑动电弧及介质阻挡放电（DBD）等多种放电形式的均匀性、稳定性及安全性，明确了DBD能在常压空气中产生大面积、低温、均匀等离子体。以羊草种子为对象，研究了不同处理电压（0–16 kV）对其颖壳微观结构和浸提液电导率的影响。扫描电镜观察表明，经适宜参数的DBD处理后，种子颖壳表面发生显著刻蚀，形成微孔与裂隙，并清除杂质；电导率测定结果，进一步揭示了处理的“剂量效应”，中低电压处理有助于维持膜系统完整性，而过高电压则导致颖壳过度损伤与细胞内含物外渗。研究证实，常压DBD等离子体通过物理刻蚀与表面改性，能有效改善羊草种子的吸水通道与生理活性，且存在最优处理参数窗口。该研究结果为开发适用于牧草种子的大气压、连续式等离子体处理装备提供了关键的技术依据与工艺基础。