In an initial joint project, the international consortium has already shown that plasma-based treatments can have a positive effect on the germination rate of selected tree species. In addition, plasma-treated air proved to be an efficient method for decontaminating seeds.
Plasma is an energy-rich gas that specifically modifies the surface of seeds. It makes the seed coat more permeable to water and oxygen, which accelerates water uptake and helps to overcome natural dormancy. The reactive species contained in the plasma also stimulate biological growth. At the same time, plasma treatment acts as an environmentally friendly disinfectant, reducing pathogens on the seed surface and thus minimising failure rates in nurseries.
Dr Thalita Nishime, project manager at INP, explains: "Our results show that we can use plasma to specifically intervene in natural germination processes without damaging the seeds." With regard to practical application, she adds: "Planning is particularly important for nurseries. If seeds germinate more reliably, cultivation processes can be planned more effectively and resources used more efficiently."
Ten tree species in focus
In this new joint project, ten tree species native to Northern Europe are being studied, including rowan, wild cherry, lime, hornbeam and elm. Many of these species have a pronounced seed dormancy. This means that their seeds only germinate after prolonged periods of warm and cold conditions. This natural delay makes reliable production in nurseries difficult.
The tree seeds for the project are supplied by British partners Elsoms Seeds and Elsoms Trees. They are exposed to plasma-treated air in various ways at the INP in Greifswald and at the British plasma specialist Zayndu. High-throughput 3D X-ray phenotyping is used by the German partner phenoLytics to precisely evaluate the effect. This method allows the internal structure of the seeds to be analysed non-destructively. This enables the quality, development stage and germination potential to be systematically recorded.
The combination of plasma technology and modern imaging is intended to contribute to more efficient use of seeds and reduce losses. This is particularly important in the context of ambitious reforestation programmes for climate protection.
The project is funded by the UK's Tree Production Innovation Fund (TPIF) and will run until spring 2028. With this second joint project, the INP is further expanding its international cooperation in the field of plasma agriculture and strengthening the transfer of plasma-based processes into forestry applications.
