Plasma Treatment – A Tool to Improve Seed Quality – A Review
Journal Title: Advances in Research - Year 2017, Vol 12, Issue 4
Abstract
Plasma is a partially ionized gas composed of positive and negative ions, electrons, neutrals, molecules, photons and UV-light. It is the “fourth state of matter”. There are number of pre-sowing treatments that are employed to enhance seed quality viz., seed priming, coating and biological seed treatments, etc. In recent times, a new technique namely plasma treatment is evolved for this purpose. The plasma can be generated in many ways however for seed treatment the glow discharge method is commonly used due to its properties like seed quality improvement, seed enhancement and decontamination of pathogens present on seed coat surface. In glow discharge method plasma is formed by passage of electric current through a low pressure gas (argon). It is created by applying a voltage between two electrodes in a glass tube containing argon gas. A glow discharge is plasma formed by the passage of electric current through a gas. It is often created by applying a voltage between two electrodes in a glass tube containing a low-pressure gas. When the voltage exceeds a value called the striking voltage, the gas ionization becomes self-sustaining, and the tube glows with a colored light. The color depends on the gas used. Glow discharges are used as a source of light in devices such as neon lights, fluorescent lamps, and plasma-screen televisions. Analyzing the light produced with spectroscopy can reveal information about the atomic interactions in the gas, so glow discharges are used in plasma physics and analytical chemistry. They are also used in the surface treatment technique called sputtering. When the voltage exceeds a certain value, the gas in the tube ionizes, transforms into plasma. The ionized gas begins the conducting of electricity, causing it to glow. Plasma can be generated either under low pressure or at atmospheric pressure. However, the electric current is just the result of plasma formation; furthermore, the description is more adequate for capacitive plasma, however plasma can be induced – one of the upmost examples is ICP, Inductively Coupled Plasma. Plasma pre-treatment of seeds stimulates their germination and leads to suppression of fungal and bacterial plant pathogens. Crop yields are improved by treating the seeds in a low temperature plasma discharge generated between spaced electrodes connected to a source of high frequency electrical power.
Authors and Affiliations
Ravinder Kumar, Pradeep Singh, Sunil Kumar
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP319270
- DOI 10.9734/AIR/2017/36703
- Views 130
- Downloads 0
Analysis of Carbide Tool Wear of EN38 Steel
This research work analyzed carbide tool wear of the single point cutting tool used in the turning operation of EN38 steel. Sixteen experiments were conducted, to determine how feed rate, depth of cut and spindle speed o...
Service Implementation Framework in Manufacturing Firms: A Case Study
The culture and the operational methods of service management have become a formidable competitive weapon even for manufacturing firms. The term "service factory" has been proposed for identifying that particular integra...
Vascularised Free Fibular Graft for Reconstruction of Extensive Bone Defect in Nigeria Using Simple Basic Tools: How Feasible and Review of the Literature
Background: Segmental defects in long bones from any cause often present significant challenge to trauma reconstruction and orthopaedic surgeons. Various options for bridging extensive segmental bone defects have been tr...
Principal Dimensions of Regional Agricultural & Socio-economic Disparities in Haryana
The present study is an attempt towards identification of principal agricultural and socio-economic dimensions in Haryana using principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical correlation analysis techniques. Principal...
Rewarding the Factory Workers: How to Select the Right Measures for an Effective Pay-for-Performance System
Aims: A Performance related pay (PRP) plan rewards employees with a financial payment, either consolidated or non consolidated, following an assessment of their performance and, typically, the achievement of objectives....