Using the Sol–Gel Technology for the Treatment of Barley Seeds

Silica sols obtained by acidic or alkaline hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane in an excess of water or ethanol in the presence of a number of salts and/or acids are used to treat the surface of barley seeds. The surface state and the elemental composition of the seeds are studied before and after their treatment in silica sols. The conditions of the sol–gel synthesis of silica sols, their effect on the state and chemical composition of the seed surface, and the sowing characteristics are analyzed. The plant’s resistance to phytopathogen, the causative agent of root rot is studied.