Effect of Plasma Treatment of Soybean Seeds on Their Quality and Development of Seedlings

Abstract

The effect of treatment with a low-temperature argon plasma of atmospheric pressure and dielectric barrier discharge plasma on MK100 variety soybean seed was studied under field and laboratory conditions of the All-Russia Scientific Research Institute of Soybean. Positive results on the biochemical composition and sowing qualities of soybean seeds have been obtained. In soybean seeds treated with plasma, protein enzymatic systems were activated and content of protein decreased by 1.3–1.5%. Under the influence of argon plasma, the number of abnormally germinated seedlings decreased by 1–5%, and the length of seedlings increased by 2.3–2.5 cm compared to the control. The positive effect of low-temperature argon plasma on seed germination promoted even sprouts under field conditions and increased the plant resistance to external stressors. The use of short-term treatment by plasma flow with gentle parameters provided an increase in germination and germinative power of soybean seeds and contributed to the increase in preservation of plants under field conditions, which guarantees the increase in harvest of seeds.