Effect of rf Plasma Treatment on the Germination and Phytosanitary State of Seeds

Optical spectroscopic techniques are used to study the spectral and energy characteristics and to determine the gas temperature of rf discharges for treating cereal and legume seeds. It is shown that active plasma particles produce a change in the morphology of seed coats. The optimal conditions for plasma processing prior to planting, such that its biological effectiveness is greatest, are realized for a specifi c discharge power of ~0.35 W/cm3 and an exposure time of 5–7 min.