A seed soaking solution for enhancing crop seed vigor and a method for soaking crop seeds using the same solution.

Abstract

This invention discloses a seed soaking solution for enhancing crop seed vigor and a method for soaking crop seeds using the solution. The seed soaking solution is neutral or acidic low-temperature plasma-activated water with a pH value between 1.80 and 7.82, an oxidation-reduction potential between 217 and 560 mV, and a conductivity between 742 and 6693 μS / cm. In use, crop seeds are immersed in the seed soaking solution for 4 to 24 hours; the ratio of crop seeds to seed soaking solution is 1 g: 3 mL. The nitrates in the seed soaking solution of this invention, i.e., low-temperature plasma-activated water, provide nutrients to the seeds; simultaneously, the reactive oxygen and nitrogen molecules in the solution act as signaling molecules, regulating seed metabolism, which is beneficial for improving seed vigor and promoting seed germination and growth.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of seed treatment technology, specifically relating to a seed soaking solution for enhancing the vigor of crop seeds and a method for soaking crop seeds using the solution. Background Technology

[0002] Seed vigor is a key factor affecting crop yield. Sowing seeds with low vigor leads to low crop yield and poor quality, which in turn increases the use of pesticides and fertilizers during cultivation. This not only results in poor economic returns but also inevitably leaves pollutants on the crop surface, which can leach into the soil and even pollute groundwater, posing a significant threat to human health and the environment. Therefore, pre-sowing seed treatment can reduce the adverse effects of low-vigor seeds. Seed soaking is a simple and efficient seed treatment method that involves immersing seeds in a solution for a certain period of time to improve seed vigor, promote germination, and reduce pathogens and insect eggs on the seed surface. However, currently, chemical agents are often used as soaking solutions. If the dosage is not properly controlled, it can not only affect seed survival rate but also easily leave residues on the seed surface, causing environmental pollution.

[0003] Low-temperature plasma is a weakly ionized gas containing ultraviolet photons, charged particles, free radicals, and other reactive particles. Treatment with low-temperature plasma can stimulate seed germination, improve seed resistance, and thus obtain highly vigorous seeds. Compared to chemical agents, plasma treatment does not pollute the environment. However, plasma cannot act uniformly on the seed surface and may even damage the seeds. Therefore, some researchers utilize low-temperature plasma discharge on or underwater, causing the plasma particles to interact with water molecules, generating a liquid containing reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, and other active substances—this is low-temperature plasma activated water. Studies have shown that low-temperature plasma activated water not only stimulates seed germination and growth but also does not cause secondary pollution to the environment. However, existing techniques for using low-temperature plasma activated water for seed soaking often use water with low levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Using activated water alone for soaking has limited effect on improving seed vigor. To improve the treatment effect, most methods combine activated water soaking with physical techniques or add activated water for irrigation after soaking. This results in cumbersome procedures, low processing efficiency, and limitations in practical production applications. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention aims to provide a seed soaking solution for enhancing the vitality of crop seeds and its application, and to solve the technical problems of low content of active oxygen and nitrogen substances in water activated by low temperature plasma and cumbersome processing in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution:

[0006] This invention discloses a seed soaking solution for enhancing the vitality of crop seeds. The seed soaking solution is neutral or acidic low-temperature plasma activated water with a pH value between 1.80 and 7.82, an oxidation-reduction potential between 217 and 560 mV, and an electrical conductivity between 742 and 6693 μs / cm.

[0007] Preferably, the soaking solution is rich in active oxygen and nitrogen substances, with active oxygen derived from hydrogen peroxide and active nitrogen derived from nitrate and nitrite; wherein: the content of hydrogen peroxide is between 2.31 and 142.46 mg / L, the content of nitrate is between 15.79 and 251.50 mg / L, and the content of nitrite is between 0.06 and 5.05 mg / L.

[0008] More preferably, when the soaking solution is neutral low-temperature plasma-activated water, the oxidation-reduction potential is between 233 and 249 mV, the conductivity is between 868 and 875 μs / cm, the hydrogen peroxide content is between 14.10 and 23.06 mg / L, the nitrate content is between 47.73 and 65.26 mg / L, and the nitrite content is between 4.55 and 4.86 mg / L.

[0009] More preferably, when the soaking solution is acidic low-temperature plasma-activated water, the oxidation-reduction potential is between 517 and 528 mV, the conductivity is between 2139 and 4343 μs / cm, the hydrogen peroxide content is between 59.04 and 124.71 mg / L, the nitrate content is between 116.81 and 186.93 mg / L, and the nitrite content is between 0.11 and 0.28 mg / L.

[0010] The present invention also discloses a method for soaking crop seeds using the above-mentioned seed soaking solution for enhancing crop seed vigor, comprising: immersing crop seeds in the seed soaking solution for 4 to 24 hours; wherein the ratio of crop seeds to seed soaking solution is 1 g: 3 mL.

[0011] Preferably, the soaking treatment time is 12 hours.

[0012] More preferably, the soaking treatment is carried out at room temperature and in the dark.

[0013] Preferably, the crop seeds are stirred 1 to 2 times during the soaking treatment.

[0014] More preferably, the crop seeds are disinfected before soaking: after disinfecting the crop seeds in a 75% alcohol solution for 1 minute, they are rinsed with clean water 3 to 5 times and then dried.

[0015] More preferably, after soaking the crop seeds, they are air-dried until the seed coat is dry before cultivation.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] The seed soaking solution for enhancing crop seed vigor disclosed in this invention is neutral or acidic low-temperature plasma-activated water. It possesses oxidizing properties and contains a large number of soluble ions, including reactive oxygen species derived from hydrogen peroxide and reactive nitrogen species derived from nitrates and nitrites. The hydrogen peroxide content ranges from 2.78 to 134.25 mg / L, the nitrate content from 16.27 to 239.93 mg / L, and the nitrite content from 0.11 to 4.86 mg / L. The low-temperature plasma-activated water provided by this invention contains high levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which can act as signaling molecules to regulate seed metabolism and stimulate seed germination and growth. Using only the low-temperature plasma-activated water provided by this invention for seed soaking allows for direct cultivation with tap water after soaking. This not only effectively improves seed vigor but also offers advantages such as simple operation, high processing efficiency, and ease of large-scale application. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a comparison chart of the germination rate, germination potential, and germination index of wheat seeds in Examples 2-4 of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 These are comparative images of wheat seedling length, root length, and fresh weight from Examples 2-4 of this invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a comparison chart of the malondialdehyde, soluble sugar, and soluble protein content in wheat seeds after soaking treatment in Examples 2-4 of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a comparison chart of the activities of α-amylase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase in wheat seeds after soaking treatment in Examples 2-4 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0024] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0025] Example 1

[0026] The water used for low-temperature plasma activation was neutral, with a redox potential of 249±12.77mV, a conductivity of 875±10.79μs / cm, a hydrogen peroxide content of 23.06±0.29mg / L, a nitrate nitrogen content of 65.26±2.63mg / L, and a nitrite nitrogen content of 4.55±0.26mg / L.

[0027] Wheat seeds were randomly divided into two groups. The two groups of wheat seeds were soaked in tap water (control) and low-temperature plasma activated water with the above-mentioned physicochemical properties, respectively. The ratio of seed weight (g) to activated water volume (mL) was 1:3, and the soaking time was 4, 12 and 24 h, respectively.

[0028] After soaking, the wheat seeds were removed and allowed to air dry naturally. Two groups of wheat seeds, each with 50 seeds, were prepared after the surface moisture had dried. Germination was carried out in petri dishes on paper, with tap water used to keep the germination bed moist. Germination was conducted in an electrically heated constant-temperature incubator at a controlled temperature of 20℃. Seed growth was observed after 7 days of cultivation. As shown in Table 1, compared with the control group, seeds treated with the above-mentioned low-temperature plasma active water soaking for 4 hours showed an increase in germination potential of 5.33%, germination rate of 4.00%, germination index of 32.99%, seedling length of 18.99%, and fresh weight of 12.56%. Seeds treated with the above-mentioned low-temperature plasma active water soaking for 12 hours showed an increase in germination potential of 59.33%, germination rate of 7.34%, germination index of 128.9%, seedling length of 12.48%, and fresh weight of 8.65%. Seeds treated with the above-mentioned low-temperature plasma active water soaking for 24 hours showed an increase in germination potential of 31.33%, germination rate of 6.66%, germination index of 46.00%, seedling length of 11.02%, and fresh weight of 17.89%. In summary, compared with the control group, the wheat seeds treated with the above-mentioned low-temperature plasma active water soaking showed significantly improved vigor. To control time costs, soaking for 12 hours is the preferred soaking time.

[0029] Table 1. Effects of different soaking times in the same activated water on wheat seed germination.

[0030] Soaking solution - soaking time Germination potential / % Germination rate / % Germination Index Seedling length / cm Fresh weight / mg Tap water - 4h 30.67±6.11 82.67±9.02 33.10±5.60 6.74±0.35 155.83±12.59 Activated water - 4h 36.00±4.00 86.67±9.02 44.02±5.61 8.02±0.48 175.41±4.29 Tap water - 12h 34.67±8.08 91.33±1.15 38.29±4.31 7.39±0.31 181.07±11.35 Activated water - 12h 94.00±2.00 98.67±2.31 87.65±4.01 7.68±0.15 196.74±2.18 Tap water - 24h 60.67±7.02 92.67±3.06 64.71±5.38 7.62±0.15 185.55±20.95 Activated water - 24h 92.00±4.00 99.33±1.15 94.48±5.16 8.46±0.71 218.18±19.01

[0031] Example 2

[0032] The water used for low-temperature plasma activation was neutral, with a redox potential of 249±12.77mV, a conductivity of 875±10.79μs / cm, a hydrogen peroxide content of 23.06±0.29mg / L, a nitrate nitrogen content of 65.26±2.63mg / L, and a nitrite nitrogen content of 4.55±0.26mg / L.

[0033] Wheat seeds were randomly divided into two groups. The two groups of wheat seeds were soaked in tap water (control) and low-temperature plasma activated water with the above-mentioned physicochemical properties, respectively. The ratio of seed weight (g) to activated water volume (mL) was 1:3, and the soaking time was 12h.

[0034] After soaking for 12 hours, the wheat seeds were removed and allowed to air dry naturally. Two groups of wheat seeds, each with 50 seeds, were prepared after air drying. Germination was carried out in petri dishes on paper, with tap water used to keep the germination bed moist. Germination was conducted in an electrically heated constant-temperature incubator at a controlled temperature of 20℃. Seed growth was observed after 7 days of cultivation. Figure 3-4 It can be seen that, compared with the control group, the seeds treated with the above-mentioned low-temperature plasma active water soaking method showed an increase of 5.12% in α-amylase activity, an increase of 11.17% in superoxide dismutase activity, an increase of 27.54% in catalase activity, and a decrease of 29.34% in malondialdehyde content.

[0035] Example 3

[0036] The water used for low-temperature plasma activation was acidic, with a redox potential of 517±3.56mV, a conductivity of 2139±146.22μs / cm, a hydrogen peroxide content of 59.4±2.73mg / L, a nitrate nitrogen content of 116.81±2.13mg / L, and a nitrite nitrogen content of 0.28±0.02mg / L.

[0037] Wheat seeds were randomly divided into two groups. The two groups were placed in tap water (control) and low-temperature plasma-activated water with the aforementioned physicochemical properties, respectively. After soaking for 12 hours using the same method as in Example 1, the seeds were germinated on paper in petri dishes. The germination bed was kept moist with tap water, and germination was carried out in an electrically heated constant-temperature incubator at a controlled temperature of 20°C. Seed growth was observed after 7 days of cultivation. Figure 1-4 It can be seen that, compared with the control, the seeds treated with the above-mentioned low-temperature plasma active water soaking showed an increase in germination potential of 49.33%, an increase in germination rate of 6.67%, and an increase in germination index of 124.18%; an increase in seedling length of 16.89%, an increase in root length of 59.63%, and an increase in fresh weight of 10.09%; an increase in α-amylase activity of 2.13%, an increase in soluble sugar content of 10.28%, an increase in catalase activity of 44.86%, an increase in superoxide dismutase activity of 13.08%, and a decrease in malondialdehyde content of 21.34%.

[0038] Example 4

[0039] The water used for low-temperature plasma activation was acidic, with a redox potential of 528±1.53mV, a conductivity of 4343±120.55μs / cm, a hydrogen peroxide content of 124.71±5.46mg / L, a nitrate nitrogen content of 186.93±3.50mg / L, and a nitrite nitrogen content of 0.11±0.01mg / L.

[0040] Wheat seeds were randomly divided into two groups. The two groups were placed in tap water (control) and low-temperature plasma-activated water with the aforementioned physicochemical properties, respectively. After soaking for 12 hours using the same method as in Example 1, the seeds were germinated on paper in petri dishes. The germination bed was kept moist with tap water, and germination was carried out in an electrically heated constant-temperature incubator at a controlled temperature of 20°C. Seed growth was observed after 7 days of cultivation. Figure 1-4 It can be seen that, compared with the control, the seeds treated with the above-mentioned low-temperature plasma active water soaking method showed an increase in germination potential of 21.33%, an increase in germination rate of 0.67%, and an increase in germination index of 39.83%; an increase in seedling length of 26.18% and root length of 63.57%; an increase in fresh weight of 4.03%; an increase in soluble sugar content of 12.12%; an increase in catalase activity of 92.13%; an increase in superoxide dismutase activity of 4.27%; and a decrease in malondialdehyde content of 18.66%.

[0041] In summary, the above examples demonstrate that nitrates in water activated by low-temperature plasma can provide nutrients for seeds. Simultaneously, the reactive oxygen and nitrogen molecules in the water act as signaling molecules, regulating seed metabolism and thus enhancing seed vigor, germination, and growth.

[0042] The above content is only for illustrating the technical concept of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications made to the technical solution based on the technical concept proposed in this invention shall fall within the scope of protection of the claims of this invention.

Claims

1. A seed soaking liquid for enhancing the vigor of seeds of a crop plant, characterized in that, The soaking solution is neutral or acidic low-temperature plasma-activated water; wherein: When the soaking solution is neutral low-temperature plasma-activated water, the oxidation-reduction potential is between 233 and 249 mV, the conductivity is between 868 and 875 μs / cm, the hydrogen peroxide content is between 14.10 and 23.06 mg / L, the nitrate content is between 47.73 and 65.26 mg / L, and the nitrite content is between 4.55 and 4.86 mg / L. When the soaking solution is acidic low-temperature plasma-activated water, the oxidation-reduction potential is between 517 and 528 mV, the conductivity is between 2139 and 4343 μs / cm, the hydrogen peroxide content is between 59.04 and 124.71 mg / L, the nitrate content is between 116.81 and 186.93 mg / L, and the nitrite content is between 0.11 and 0.28 mg / L.

2. A method of seed soaking of crops using the seed soaking solution of claim 1, characterized in that, include: The crop seeds are immersed in the soaking solution for 4 to 24 hours; wherein the ratio of crop seeds to soaking solution is 1 g: 3 mL.

3. The method for soaking crop seeds according to claim 2, characterized in that, The soaking time is 12 hours.

4. The method for soaking crop seeds according to claim 2, characterized in that, The soaking treatment was carried out at room temperature and in the dark.

5. The method for soaking crop seeds according to claim 4, characterized in that, Stir the crop seeds 1-2 times during the soaking treatment.

6. The method for soaking crop seeds according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, Before soaking, crop seeds are disinfected: after disinfecting the crop seeds in a 75% alcohol solution for 1 minute, rinse them with clean water 3-5 times and let them air dry.

7. The method for soaking crop seeds according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, After soaking, the crop seeds are taken out and air-dried until the seed coat is dry before cultivation.

Images