Design and effectiveness of pulsed electric fields towards seed disinfection.

BACKGROUND: Seeds harbor different microorganisms on their surfaces that degrade seed quality, thus causing an economic loss. Even though different approaches are available for the disinfection of seed surfaces, there is a need to develop environmentally friendly and sustainable technologies. A bench-scale pulsed electric fields (PEF) unit was designed to inactivate microflora of eight seeds after which the resultant vigor of the treated seeds was determined.

RESULTS: Significant reductions were obtained in endogenous natural and inoculated pathogenic (Alternaria brassica and Xanthomonas campestris pathovar campestris, Drechslera graminea and Fusarium graminearum) microflora of seeds. The survival ratios of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, and total mold and yeast decreased significantly for winter wheat and barley, parsley, onion, lettuce, tomato and garden rocket with the PEF treatments of 240 and 960 J. A significant increase in germination ratio was observed for winter wheat and barley, lettuce, and tomato with 960 J. Germination energy increased for parsley with 240 J and for winter wheat and barley, lettuce, tomato, and garden rocket with 960 J. A better root development and seedling was found for winter barley.

CONCLUSION: PEF is a viable option to both disinfect the seed surface and improve the seed vigor. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.