Germination and growth system for seeds based on electroshock approach

Abstract

To provide a germination and growth system for seeds that is applicable to hard seeds as well as moisture-containing bulbs and capable of enhancing seed germination rates and accelerating their growth.SOLUTION: A germination and growth system for seeds includes high-voltage generation means and a grounded metal electrode. Seeds are placed on the grounded metal electrode, and the seeds are subjected to a high-voltage impulse applied through the high-voltage generation means, causing electrical discharge. The seeds placed on the grounded metal electrode are immersed in water for a predetermined period. The high-voltage generation means includes a high-voltage impulse generation circuit or a piezoelectric element. The high-voltage impulse is 1-5 kV, and at least one high-voltage impulse is applied to the seeds.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for promoting seed germination and growth. [Background technology]

[0002] Seeds require moisture, temperature, oxygen and nutrients to germinate. When seeds absorb water, they swell and awaken from their dormant state to germinate. An appropriate temperature range is required for seeds to germinate, and most seeds germinate best at their appropriate temperature. Oxygen is necessary for seed respiration and plays an important role in energy production and root growth. Seeds contain an embryo and nutrient tissue, and the nutrient tissue provides the nutrients necessary for the embryo to grow, so an adequate supply of nutrients is important for germination. In addition, for hard seeds with hard seed coats, scratching the seed makes it easier for them to germinate.

[0003] Furthermore, experiments to evaluate the effects of applying electrical stimuli on germination have been conducted for a long time, and involve the application of high voltage. High voltage can be applied either to the soil or atmosphere, or directly to the plant. When high voltage is applied to culture media such as liquid fertilizer or soil, organic and inorganic matter is ionized, and the generation of chemically active substances is thought to affect plant growth. Also, when applied directly to plant seeds, the magnitude of the current that flows is thought to have an effect.

[0004] Examples of high voltage applications include spark discharge and continuous current flow. Spark discharge, where a high voltage current of 25-60kV is applied for a short period of 1-3μS, is said to be effective for weeding, thinning, and promoting fruit ripening. Continuous current flow, for example, is used to prune trees and kill the leaves of root vegetables by applying a high voltage of 15kV, 54kW to electrodes directly in contact with the plant.

[0005] It is also used for the germination of plant seeds. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of using a device for improving the germination rate of seeds, which includes a power supply unit that generates a high voltage and a treatment device having a discharge electrode and a ground electrode to which the generated high voltage is applied, and in which a seed is placed between the electrodes of the treatment device and a pulse streamer discharge is generated between the electrodes, in which the seed is placed between the electrodes, a pulse streamer discharge is generated, the seed is treated for a predetermined period of time, and then the seed is germinated under germination conditions.

[0006] The applied voltage is 50 kV (possible range: 50 to 60 kV), pulse rise time: 40 to 50 nS (possible range: 30 to 100 nS), pulse width: 80 to 100 nS (possible range: 40 to 400 nS), and treatment times: 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, and 15 minutes.

[0007] Patent Document 2 discloses a method for promoting flowering in Crocus plants, in which a bulb voltage application device is used to place multiple bulbs before they sprout on a grounding stand, and an electrode to which a predetermined potential is applied from a power source is brought into contact with the tops of the bulbs to apply a voltage to the saffron bulbs, and then the bulbs are planted, thereby promoting flowering.

[0008] The applied voltages were DC 0.5kV, 1.0kV, 2.0kV, and 3.0kV (positive voltage application group); -0.5kV, -1.0kV, -2.0kV, and -3.0kV (negative voltage application group); and 60Hz AC 0.5kV, 1.0kV, and 1.5kV (AC application group). The effect is more evident when the voltage is applied directly to the top of the bulb or its surrounding area for about one second. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-136812 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2016-202040 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] Various methods have been proposed for improving the germination rate or promoting germination of plant seeds, but they are mainly effective for specific seeds. For example, the seeds used in Patent Document 1 are so-called hard seeds such as brown rice, vegetable and fruit seeds, and flower seeds, and the applied voltage is high at 50 kV. Patent Document 2 targets seeds of Crocus plants, and the applied voltage is 0.5 to 3 kV, which is lower than that of Patent Document 1, but cannot be applied to hard seeds.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a seed germination and growth system that can improve the germination rate and promote the growth of seeds, which can be applied to both hard seeds and moist bulbs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention uses the following technical means.

[0013] (1) A seed germination and growth system comprising a high voltage generating means and a grounded metal electrode, a seed being placed on the grounded metal electrode, a high voltage impulse being applied to the seed by the high voltage generating means to discharge the seed, and the seed placed on the grounded metal electrode being immersed in water for a predetermined period of time. (2) The high voltage generating means includes a high voltage impulse generating circuit or a piezoelectric element. (3) The high voltage impulse is 1 to 5 kV, and at least one high voltage impulse is applied to the seed. Effect of the Invention

[0014] The seed germination and growth system of the present invention can improve the germination rate and promote the growth of a wide range of seeds, from bulbs to hard seeds. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a seed germination and growth system according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a specific example showing a high voltage generating means. [Diagram 3] 1A to 1C are diagrams for explaining how to handle the piezoelectric gun 30 and how discharge is performed on the seed 20. [Figure 4] An example carried out using okra as the seed 20 is shown. [Diagram 5] In contrast to Example 1, an example is shown in which 20 okra seeds were confirmed as 30 seeds. [Figure 6] An example is shown in which French beans were used as seeds 20. [Figure 7] In contrast to Example 3, an example is shown in which 20 French bean seeds were confirmed to be 18 grains. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 shows an overall picture of kidney beans sprouting and growing into seedlings after 12 days under the electric shock method and normal conditions. [Figure 9] An example carried out using pumpkin as the seed 20 is shown. [Figure 10] An example carried out using broccoli as the seed 20 is shown. [Figure 11] An example carried out using watermelon as the seed 20 is shown. [Figure 12] An example carried out using eggplant as the seed 20 is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The present invention is a "seed germination and growth system using an electric shock method" that stimulates seeds after soaking in water to germinate and grow after germination. The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the components in this embodiment can be appropriately replaced with existing components, and various variations are possible by combining them with other existing components. Therefore, the description of this embodiment does not limit the content of the invention described in the claims.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a seed germination and growth system according to the present invention. The seed germination and growth system 10 includes a high voltage generating means 12 and a grounded metal electrode 18. A seed 20 is placed on the grounded metal electrode 18, and a high voltage impulse generated by the high voltage generating means 12 is discharged from the discharge pin 16 to the seed 20. Discharging the high voltage impulse generated by the high voltage generating means 12 from the discharge pin 16 is called an electric shock method. The seed 20 placed on the grounded metal electrode 18 is immersed in a container 22 containing water 24 for a predetermined time, and then placed on the grounded metal electrode 18. The immersion time of the seed 20 is about 5 to 6 hours, depending on the type of the seed 20. If the seed contains moisture, such as bulbs, the immersion time may be shorter.

[0018] The high voltage impulse generated by the high voltage generating means 12 is preferably 1 to 5 kV. The high voltage generating means 12 includes a high voltage impulse generating circuit combining electronic elements, or a piezoelectric element that generates a high voltage by impact. This allows a high voltage impulse to be generated instantaneously.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a specific example showing a high voltage generating means. The high voltage generating means 12 is a piezoelectric element, hereinafter referred to as a piezoelectric element gun 30. FIG. 2(A) is a diagram showing the entire piezoelectric element gun 30. The piezoelectric element gun 30 is a modified piezoelectric ignition type lighter. FIG. 2(B) shows the internal structure of the piezoelectric element gun 30 with the side cover removed. Of the wires connected to the piezoelectric element 34, the one connected to the metal part of the nozzle is removed and extended, and a clip 36 is attached to the tip. This clip 36 can be used to connect to a metal plate or tray, i.e., the ground metal electrode 18. The trigger 32 of the piezoelectric element gun 30 is a switch for momentarily shocking the piezoelectric element, and pulling the trigger 32 generates a high voltage impulse.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining how to handle the piezoelectric gun 30 and how it discharges electricity to the seed 20. FIG. 3(A) shows the state in which the piezoelectric gun 30 is held in the hand and the thumb is placed on the trigger 32. A seed 2 is placed on the grounded metal electrode 18, and a clip 34 of the piezoelectric gun 30 is connected to it. When the discharge pin 16 is brought close to the seed 20 and the trigger 32 is pressed, a high voltage impulse is generated and electricity is discharged between the seed 20. The distance between the trigger 32 and the seed 20 is 5 to 6 mm, and a voltage of 1 to 2 kV is generated.

[0021] 3(B) is a diagram showing a state where a discharge occurs between the discharge pin 16 and the seed 20. Four discharge examples are shown here, with the second discharge example from the right being enlarged to show the discharge state. The discharge stream between the tip of the discharge pin 16 and the seed 20 appears in white.

[0022] The electric shock type seed germination and growth system 10 according to the present invention is carried out in the following manner. (1) Prepare the required amount of plant seeds. (2) The prepared seeds 20 are placed in a container 22 containing water 24 and soaked for 5 to 6 hours. (3) Prepare the required number of pots and fill them with soil. (4) The seeds 20 soaked in water 24 for 5 to 6 hours are placed on the grounded metal electrode 18 and subjected to an electric shock with the piezoelectric gun 30, i.e., a high voltage impulse is applied from the discharge pin to the seeds to cause discharge. The electric shock is performed two or three times to ensure reliability. (5) After the electric shock, the seeds 20 are planted in a pot and the soil is watered 24 . (6) Water 24 is essential for germination, so water the seeds in the morning and evening using a spray bottle or similar to allow the soil to soak in enough water 24. (7) Observe germination and subsequent growth. EXAMPLES

[0023] FIG. 4 shows an example carried out using okra as the seeds 20. To confirm the effect of the electric shock method, an experiment was also carried out in which okra seeds 20 were sown in a normal state in which no electric shock was applied after soaking in water. Nine seeds 20 were planted for each seed. FIG. 4 shows the number of days after sowing, photographs and conditions at the time of the experiment. In the photographs at the time of the experiment, the left side shows the normal state, and the right side shows the state using the electric shock method. The conditions show the number of germinations, germination rate, and size after germination (average value) in the normal state and the state using the electric shock method.

[0024] As a result of the observation, 20 seeds sprouted 3 days after sowing, and 7 seeds germinated in the electric shock condition, with a germination rate of 77.8%, while 2 seeds germinated in the normal condition, with a germination rate of 22.2%. The size of the seeds at this time was 1.5 cm in the electric shock method and 0.5 cm in the normal condition. After 4 days, 9 seeds germinated in the electric shock method, with 100% germinating.

[0025] In the normal condition, 3 seeds germinated after 4 days with a germination rate of 33.3%, and 6 seeds germinated after 5 days with a germination rate of 66.7%, but the remaining 20 seeds did not germinate after that. The results showed that the seeds germinated earlier than in the normal condition and had a higher germination rate of 100%, demonstrating the effectiveness of the electric shock method.

[0026] The growth after germination in the electric shock method was 4.0cm after 4 days, 7.0cm after 5 days, 10.0cm after 6 days, 12.0cm after 7 days, and 15.0cm after 8 days, whereas in the normal condition it was 1.0cm after 4 days, 1.5cm after 5 days, 2.0cm after 6 days, 7.0cm after 7 days, and 10.0cm after 8 days. Clearly, the growth after germination in the electric shock method was promoted compared to the normal condition. EXAMPLES

[0027] FIG. 5 shows an example in which 30 okra seeds 20 were used for Example 1. In order to confirm the effect of the electric shock method, 30 okra seeds 20 were also sown in a normal state in which no electric shock was applied after soaking in water. FIG. 5 shows the number of days after sowing, photos and conditions at the time of implementation. In the photos at the time of implementation, the left side shows the normal state, and the right side shows the state after the electric shock method. The conditions show the number of germinations, germination rate, and size after germination (average value) in the normal state and the state after the electric shock method.

[0028] As a result of the observation, after sowing the seeds 20, 17 seeds (56.7%) germinated in the electric shock method after 3 days, and 7 seeds (23.3%) germinated after 4 days in the normal state. After 4 days, 26 seeds (86.6%) germinated in the electric shock method, and after 5 days, all 30 seeds (100%) germinated. After 5 days, 14 seeds (46.7%) germinated in the normal state, 22 seeds (73.3%) germinated after 6 days, and 24 seeds (80%) germinated after 7 days, but the remaining seeds 20 did not germinate. The result was a germination rate that was almost the same as when there were 9 seeds 20, and while the normal state had a germination rate of 80.0%, the seeds germinated early and had a germination rate of 100%, and the effect of the electric shock method is clear.

[0029] Regarding growth after germination, in the electric shock method, the average size was 0.5 cm on the day after germination 3, 2.5 cm on the day after germination 4, 7.0 cm on the day after germination 5, 9.0 cm on the day after germination 6, 11.0 cm on the day after germination 7, and 14.0 cm on the day after germination. In the normal condition, the average size was 0.7 cm on the day after germination 4, 2.0 cm on the day after germination 5, 4.0 cm on the day after germination 6, 7.0 cm on the day after germination 7, and 9.0 cm on the day after germination. Almost the same as in the case of 9 seeds per 20 seeds, the growth after germination in the electric shock method was clearly promoted compared to the normal condition. EXAMPLES

[0030] FIG. 6 shows an example carried out using French beans as the seeds 20. In order to confirm the effect of the electric shock method, an experiment was also carried out in which okra seeds 20 were sown in a normal state in which no electric shock was applied after soaking in water. Nine seeds 20 were planted for each type. FIG. 5 shows the number of days after sowing, photographs and conditions at the time of implementation. In the photographs at the time of implementation, the left side shows the normal state, and the right side shows the state using the electric shock method. The conditions show the number of germinations, germination rate, and size after germination (average value) in the normal state and the state using the electric shock method.

[0031] The observation results showed that when 20 seeds were planted using the electric shock method, 5 seeds (55.6%) had germinated 2 days after sowing, while under normal conditions, 3 seeds (33.3%) had germinated after 4 days. After 3 days, 8 seeds (88.9%) had germinated, and after 5 days, 9 seeds (100%) had germinated. After 5 days under normal conditions, 5 seeds (55.6%) had germinated, but after 6 days, no new seeds had germinated and the rate remained at 5 seeds (55.6%). The results showed that while under normal conditions the germination rate was 80.0%, seeds under the electric shock method germinated early and had a 100% germination rate, demonstrating the effectiveness of the electric shock method.

[0032] Regarding growth after germination, the average size of the seeds in the electric shock method was 3.0cm 2 days after germination, 8.0cm 3 days after germination, 12.0cm 4 days after germination, 15.0cm 5 days after germination, and 21.0cm 6 days after germination. In the normal condition, the average size was 2.0cm 4 days after germination, 3.0cm 5 days after germination, and 5.0cm 6 days after germination. Clearly, growth after germination in the electric shock method was promoted compared to the normal condition. EXAMPLES

[0033] FIG. 7 shows an example in which 18 French bean seeds 20 were used for Example 3. In order to confirm the effect of the electric shock method, 30 okra seeds 20 were also sown in a normal state in which no electric shock was applied after soaking in water. FIG. 7 shows the number of days after sowing, photos and conditions at the time of implementation. In the photos at the time of implementation, the two pots on the left side are in a normal state, and the two pots on the right side are in a state using the electric shock method. The conditions show the number of germinations, the germination rate, and the size (average value) after germination in a normal state and in a state using the electric shock method.

[0034] As a result of the observation, after sowing the seeds 20, 3 seeds (16.7%) germinated in 2 days in the electric shock method, and 7 seeds (23.3%) germinated in 4 days in the normal condition. Germination rate in the electric shock method was 10 seeds (55.6%) after 3 days, 14 seeds (77.8%) after 4 days, 14 seeds (77.8%) after 5 to 6 days, and 15 seeds (83.3%) after 7 days. In the normal condition, 11 seeds (61.1%) after 5 days, 12 seeds (66.7%) after 6 days, and 12 seeds (66.7%) after 7 days. The result was that the germination rate in the normal condition was 66.7%, while the germination rate in the electric shock method was 83.3%, which was a good germination rate and germinated early. The effect of the electric shock method is clear.

[0035] The growth after germination was as follows: under the electric shock method, the average size was 0.5 cm on the day after germination 2 and 3 days later, 2.0 cm on the day after germination, 4.0 cm on the day after germination, 10.0 cm on the day after germination, and 14.0 cm on the day after germination. Under normal conditions, the average size was 0.7 cm on the day after germination 4, 2.0 cm on the day after germination, 4.0 cm on the day after germination, and 7.0 cm on the day after germination.

[0036] Figure 8 shows an overall view of the state of kidney beans germinated and grown into seedlings in the electric shock method and normal conditions after 12 days. The seedlings were removed from the pots and washed with water. The seedlings grown by the electric shock method had an average size of 35.0 cm above the soil surface for the two seedlings, and 37.0 cm from the seed 20. In contrast, the seedlings grown by the normal condition had an average size of 22.0 cm above the soil surface for the two seedlings, and 24.0 cm from the seed 20. It was clear that growth after germination in the electric shock method was promoted compared to the normal condition. EXAMPLES

[0037] FIG. 9 shows an example carried out using pumpkin as the seeds 20. To confirm the effect of the electric shock method, pumpkin seeds 20 were also sown in a normal state where no electric shock was applied after soaking in water. Eight seeds 20 were planted for each seed. FIG. 9 shows the number of days after sowing, photographs and conditions at the time of the experiment. In the photographs at the time of the experiment, the left side shows the normal state, and the right side shows the state using the electric shock method. The conditions show the number of germinations, germination rate, and size after germination (average value) in the normal state and the state using the electric shock method.

[0038] The observation results showed that when 20 seeds were planted using the electric shock method, 4 seeds (50.0%) had germinated 2 days after sowing, while under normal conditions, 2 seeds (25.0%) had germinated 2 days after. After 3 days, 8 seeds (100%) had germinated using the electric shock method. Under normal conditions, 5 seeds (62.5%) had germinated 3 days after sowing, with no germinat- ing after the 4th day. The results showed that the germination rate for the electric shock method was 100%, better than the 62.5% germination rate for the normal conditions, and the seeds germinated early. The effectiveness of the electric shock method is clear.

[0039] The growth after germination in the electric shock method was 3.0cm on average 2 days after germination, 6.0cm on average 3 days after germination, 12.0cm on average 4 days after germination, 15.0cm on average 5 days after germination, and 19.0cm on average 6 days after germination. In the normal condition, the growth after germination was 2.0cm on average 2 days after germination, 4.0cm on average 3 days after germination, 7.0cm on average 4 days after germination, 8.0cm on average 5 days after germination, and 13.0cm on average 6 days after germination. Clearly, the growth after germination in the electric shock method was promoted compared to the normal condition. EXAMPLES

[0040] FIG. 10 shows an example carried out using broccoli as the seeds 20. To confirm the effect of the electric shock method, pumpkin seeds 20 were also sown in a normal state in which no electric shock was applied after soaking in water. Thirty seeds 20 were planted for each seed. FIG. 10 shows the number of days after sowing, photographs and conditions at the time of implementation. In the photographs at the time of implementation, the left side shows the normal state, and the right side shows the state using the electric shock method. The conditions show the number of germinations, germination rate, and size after germination (average value) in the normal state and the state using the electric shock method.

[0041] The observation results showed that when 20 seeds were planted using the electric shock method, 18 seeds (60.0%) had germinated four days later, while under normal conditions, only 9 seeds (30.0%) had germinated after four days. After five days, 24 seeds (80.0%) had germinated under the electric shock method, with no further germinants thereafter. After five days, 17 seeds (56.7%) had germinated, and after six days, 25 seeds (83.3%) had germinated, with no further germinants after six days. The results showed that the germination rate under the electric shock method was 83.3%, better than the 60.0% germination rate under normal conditions, and the seeds germinated early. The effectiveness of the electric shock method is clear.

[0042] The growth after germination in the electric shock method was 0.8cm on average 4 days after germination, 2.0cm on average 5 days, 7.0cm on average 6 days, 10.0cm on average 7 days, and 11.5cm on average 8 days. In the normal condition, the growth after germination was 0.5cm on average 4 days after germination, 1.5cm on average 5 days, 5.5cm on average 6 days, 8.0cm on average 7 days, and 10.0cm on average 8 days. It was clear that the growth after germination in the electric shock method was promoted compared to the normal condition. EXAMPLES

[0043] FIG. 11 shows an example carried out using watermelon as the seeds 20. To confirm the effect of the electric shock method, an experiment was also carried out in which watermelon seeds 20 were sown in a normal state in which no electric shock was applied after soaking in water. Ten seeds 20 were planted for each seed. FIG. 11 shows the number of days after sowing, photographs and conditions at the time of the experiment. In the photographs at the time of the experiment, the left side shows the normal state, and the right side shows the state using the electric shock method. The conditions show the number of germinations, germination rate, and size after germination (average value) in the normal state and the state using the electric shock method.

[0044] The observation results showed that when 20 seeds were planted using the electric shock method, 5 seeds (50.0%) had germinated 4 days after sowing, while under normal conditions, 3 seeds (30.0%) had germinated 4 days after. After 5 days, 10 seeds (100%) had germinated using the electric shock method. After 5 days, 7 seeds (70.0%) had germinated under normal conditions, but no germinated thereafter. The results showed that the germination rate under the electric shock method was 83.3%, better than the 70.0% germination rate under normal conditions, and the seeds germinated early. The effectiveness of the electric shock method is clear.

[0045] The growth after germination in the electric shock method was 1.0cm on average 4 days after germination, 7.0cm on average 5 days after germination, 10.0cm on average 6 days after germination, and 13.0cm on average 7 days after germination. In the normal condition, the growth after germination was 0.7cm on average 4 days after germination, 3.0cm on average 5 days after germination, 8.0cm on average 6 days after germination, and 10.0cm on average 7 days after germination. Clearly, the growth after germination in the electric shock method was promoted compared to the normal condition. EXAMPLES

[0046] FIG. 12 shows an example carried out using eggplant as the seeds 20. To confirm the effect of the electric shock method, an experiment was also carried out in which eggplant seeds 20 were sown in a normal state in which no electric shock was applied after soaking in water. Ten seeds 20 were planted for each experiment. FIG. 12 shows the number of days after sowing, photographs and conditions at the time of the experiment. In the photographs at the time of the experiment, the left side shows the normal state, and the right side shows the state using the electric shock method. The conditions show the number of germinations, germination rate, and size after germination (average value) in the normal state and the state using the electric shock method.

[0047] The observation results showed that when 20 seeds were planted using the electric shock method, 9 seeds (90.0%) had germinated 6 days after sowing, whereas under normal conditions, 3 seeds (30.0%) had germinated after 6 days. After 7 days, 10 seeds (100%) had germinated. Germination under normal conditions remained unchanged from 6 days onwards, with 3 seeds (30.0%) having germinated. The results showed that the germination rate under the electric shock method was 100%, better than the 30.0% germination rate under normal conditions, and the seeds germinated early. The effectiveness of the electric shock method is clear.

[0048] The growth after germination in the electric shock method was 0.8cm on average 6 days after germination, 3.0cm on average 7 days after germination, 4.0cm on average 8 days after germination, 5.5cm on average 9 days after germination, 6.5cm on average 10 days after germination, and 7.0cm on average 11 days after germination. In the normal condition, the growth after germination in the electric shock method was 0.5cm on average 6 days after germination, 1.5cm on average 7 days after germination, 3.0cm on average 8 days after germination, 4.5cm on average 9 days after germination, 5.0cm on average 10 days after germination, and 6.0cm on average 11 days after germination. It was clear that the growth after germination in the electric shock method was promoted compared to the normal condition.

[0049] The germination of the seed 20 begins with cell division and cell elongation through respiration and energy generation, the radicle pushing the outer seed coat and starting to grow downward in the soil, the radicle forming root hairs that absorb water and inorganic salts, and once the radicle settles, the bud begins to emerge and germinate. It is presumed that the electric shock method of the present invention stimulates cells electrically to promote cell division and cell elongation. From the series of examples, it is believed that the most effective timing for imparting an electric stimulus to cells is the initial stage when cell division and cell elongation begin by immersing the seed 20 in water. It is believed that this will produce an effect with at least one electric shock, improving the germination rate and promoting growth.

[0050] The effect of electrical stimulation on the germination rate of seeds20 varies depending on the type of plant, but the results showed that the germination rate improved in all cases. Of course, the voltage, current intensity, and length of stimulation also affect the effect. It is important to select the appropriate voltage, current intensity, and stimulation time.

[0051] The effect of electrical stimulation is also evident in the growth of plants after germination. Plant growth depends on the absorption of water and nutrients through the roots. Water absorption is achieved through osmotic pressure generated by the difference in solution concentration between the inside and outside of the root cells. The cell membrane of a plant's roots is a type of semipermeable membrane, and because the concentration of ions and organic acids inside the root cells is higher than that of the external soil solution, it maintains a lower water potential than the soil, generating osmotic pressure, which causes the water in the soil solution to pass through the root cell membrane and enter the root cells.

[0052] Nutrient absorption by plant roots is a separate process from water absorption. Roots can only absorb nutrients in a positive ionic state. These ionic nutrients are taken up by ion channels and ion transporters present in the cell membrane of root cells. Both are made up of proteins. Nutrients in a positively charged ionic state must pass through these ion transport proteins. The ionic nutrients taken up by the root cells enter the root xylem and are supplied to the stems and leaves along with water.

[0053] The ionic nutrients are produced by electric current-producing bacteria such as Shewanella and Geobacter. Electric current-producing bacteria are found everywhere in the soil, and they decompose organic matter, releasing electrons and turning it into positive ions. The ionic nutrients produced by these electric current-producing bacteria are what make plants grow. The decomposition of organic matter by the electric current-producing bacteria is unrelated to the electric shock applied to the seeds 20, and it is believed that the electric shock method has an effect on plant growth by activating the plant's ability to absorb the ionic nutrients.

[0054] An effective timing for providing electrical stimulation to cells was found to be by immersing the seeds 20 in water at the early stage of germination when cell division and cell elongation begin, and it appears that this also has an effect on plant growth, and the results show that this effect is sustained.

[0055] It has become clear that the electric shock method according to the present invention is effective for germination and growth when the seeds 20 are immersed in water and electric shock is administered at the early stage when cell division and cell elongation begin.

[0056] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 10 Seed germination and growth system 12 High voltage generating means 14 Piezoelectric element 16 Discharge pin 18 Ground metal electrode 20 seeds 22 Container 24 water 30 Piezoelectric Gun 32 Trigger 34 clips

Claims

1. A high voltage generating means; A grounded metal electrode; Equipped with placing a seed on the grounded metal electrode and applying a high voltage impulse to the seed by the high voltage generating means to discharge the seed; the seeds placed on the grounded metal electrode are immersed in water for a predetermined period of time; A seed germination and growth system characterized by:

2. The high voltage generating means comprises a high voltage impulse generating circuit or a piezoelectric element; 2. The seed germination and growth system according to claim 1 .

3. The high voltage impulse is 1 to 5 kV, and at least one high voltage impulse is applied to the seed; A seed germination and growth system according to claim 1.

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