Effect of electrical field on barley seed germination stimulation

Abstract

The present paper provides the data on seed germination stimulation in the corona disharge field and energy content conveyed to seed. The effect of physical treatment on seed germination is discussed in the rewiew of literature. Abundant experimental evidence suggests that the methods of physical treatment used at optimal doses have a positive impact on seed viability. However, many authors do not indicate the initial seed germination and viability. Tests were carried out with barley seed following active experimental planing procedures for three factors - field strength, time from treatment to sowing and seed moisture. In compliance with the standard methodology germination tests were done in four replications, 100 seed per replication. Seed viability tests were conducted in two replications, 100 seed per replication. Statistically processed experimental data suggest that the effect of electrical field in the first fraction of the electric separator significantly increased seed germination, compared with the untreated control. The difference between the seed germination in the second fraction and in the control was insignificant. It was also identified that viability and germination differences between the seed in the first fraction of the electric separator and in the control were significant. Experimental evidence indicates that the content of energy conveyed to seed depends on the strength of the electrical field and electrical properties of seed.