UHF Slide on electric and electromagnatic seed

Endophytic bacteria provide nutrients and stimulate systemic resistance during seed germination and plant growth and development, and their functional properties in combating various stresses make them a powerful tool in green agricultural production. In this paper we explored the function of the endophyte community in buckwheat seeds in order to provide a theoretical basis for the application and scientific research of endophytes in buckwheat cultivation. We used pulsed electric field (PEF) technology to treat buckwheat seeds, monitored the effect of high-voltage pulse treatment on buckwheat seed germination, and analyzed the diversity of endophytic bacteria in buckwheat seeds using the amplicon sequencing method.PEF treatment promoted root development during buckwheat seed germination. A total of 350 Operational taxonomic units (OTUs) that were assigned into 103 genera were obtained from control and treatment groups using 16SrRNA amplicon sequencing technology. Additionally, PEF treatment also caused a significant decrease in the abundance of Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. The abundance of 28 genera changed significantly as well: 11 genera were more abundant, and 17 were less abundant. The number of associated network edges was reduced from 980 to 117, the number of positive correlations decreased by 89.1%, and the number of negative correlations decreased by 86.6%.Plant endophytic bacteria communities are rich in diversity and provide a treasure trove of microbial resources to the plants themselves. Endophytic bacteria promote plant health when plants are stressed abiotically or biotically and thus help plants cope better with environmental stress [1]. Endophytic bacteria also play an important role in seed germination and plant growth and development, and their functional properties in combating multiple stresses by providing nutrients or stimulating systemic disease resistance make them a powerful tool in green agricultural practices [2]. The main types of plant endophytes were Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria, but the core community structure of and roles they play differ between plants [3,4,5].

In recent years emerging technologies such as cold plasma, pulsed electric fields (PEF), ultrasound, and chemical methods have been applied to the endophyte research [6,7,8]. Research on the electro-biological effects generated by PEF actually began in the 18th century. The first researchers to do this treated more than 20 varieties of seeds such as barley, corn, rice, cotton, and rapeseed with PEF, and the effects of PEF on seed viability, seed germination, seedling growth, and plant development were analyzed in turn [9]. They found that PEF treatment had significant effects in improving seed germination rate, inhibiting seed degradation, shortening plant growth cycle, increasing yield, and enhancing plant stress resistance.PEF treatment can improve water absorption rate, germination rate, and seed

1. ELECTRIC AND ELECTROMAGNETIC SEED TREATMENT Submitted to:- Dr. Rohit Verma Submitted by:- Shalvi H-2023-68-M

2. Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry Introduction to Seed Treatment Techniques Overview of Seed Treatment Methods: Chemical treatment:  Applying fungicides, insecticides, and bactericides to protect seeds from disease-causing organisms and insect pests. Pelleting:  Coating seeds with nutrients, growth promoters, and protective materials to enhance germination and seedling establishment. Priming:  Controlled hydration and temperature conditioning to stimulate physiological processes within seeds, leading to faster and more uniform germination. Stratification:  Mimicking natural winter conditions by exposing seeds to cold temperatures to break dormancy and improve germination. Scarification:  Mechanical or chemical methods to weaken seed coats, facilitating water and oxygen uptake for faster germination. Electric and Electromagnetic Seed Treatment Techniques: Pulsed electric fields : Applying short, high-voltage pulses to seeds to activate physiological processes. Radiofrequency (RF) waves:  Exposing seeds to low-intensity RF waves to promote cell division and improve germination. Magnetic fields:  Treating seeds with static or oscillating magnetic fields to influence enzyme activity and potentially enhance stress tolerance.

3. Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry Importance of Seed Enhancement In the intricate dance between farmer and field, the seed holds the potential for a bountiful harvest or a disheartening fallow. Seed enhancement emerges as a crucial step in this choreography, fine-tuning the seeds themselves to become engines of agricultural success. Improved Seed Quality:  Enhancement techniques can elevate the physical and physiological characteristics of seeds, ensuring greater uniformity in size, shape, and weight. This leads to better planting precision, efficient resource allocation, and ultimately, higher yields. Enhanced Viability:  By employing seed treatments like priming and stratification, we can break dormancy, boost germination rates, and ensure a strong start for seedlings. This translates to reduced seed wastage, more robust stands, and ultimately, increased crop productivity. Boosted Performance:  Seed enhancement can go beyond just germination. Techniques like nutrient pelleting and growth promotion treatments can equip seeds with the tools they need to thrive. This translates to improved seedling vigor, better stress tolerance, and ultimately, enhanced crop resilience and yield potential.

4. Electric Seed Treatment Electric seed treatment, a novel and exciting approach in agriculture, is revolutionizing how we nurture the seeds that feed the world. Unlike traditional chemical methods, this technique uses carefully controlled electrical pulses to stimulate seeds and unlock their full potential. How it Works: Imagine seeds as tiny batteries waiting to be activated. Electric pulses act like a jumpstart, triggering a cascade of metabolic and physiological changes within the seed. These changes include: Enhanced Membrane Permeability:  The electrical field increases the permeability of the seed coat, allowing water and nutrients to be absorbed more efficiently. This translates to faster and more uniform germination. Stimulated Enzyme Activity:  The pulses activate enzymes crucial for energy production and cell division, leading to increased vigor and growth in seedlings. Uptake of Nutrient Reserves:  Electrical treatment can help mobilize stored nutrients within the seed, providing seedlings with a readily available energy source for early development.

5. The Benefits: Improved Germination Rates:  Studies have shown that electric pulses can significantly increase germination rates, leading to denser and more uniform stands. Boosted Seedling Vigor : Treated seedlings often exhibit enhanced root and shoot growth, leading to stronger, healthier plants better equipped to withstand environmental stresses. Potential for Disease Resistance:  Emerging research suggests that electrical stimulation might trigger stress response mechanisms in seeds, potentially enhancing their resistance to pathogens and environmental challenges. Environmentally Friendly:  Unlike chemical treatments, electric seed treatment is non-toxic and has minimal environmental impact. Parameters and Optimization: The effectiveness of electric seed treatment depends on several parameters, including: Voltage : The strength of the electrical pulse plays a crucial role in stimulating the desired effects. Experimentation is key to finding the optimal voltage for specific seed types and desired outcomes. Duration : The length of time the seeds are exposed to the electrical field also impacts the outcome. Finding the sweet spot between insufficient and excessive stimulation is crucial. Frequency : The number of pulses applied can also influence the results. Tailoring the frequency to the specific needs of the seeds and treatment goals is essential. The Future of Seed Treatment: Electric seed treatment is still in its early stages, but its potential for sustainable and efficient agriculture is undeniable. As research continues and technology advances, we can expect to see this technique become a mainstay in seed production and agricultural practices worldwide.

6. Process of Electric Seed Treatment 1. Seed Preparation: Selection : Choose high-quality seeds that are clean, dry, and free from pathogens. Pre-cleaning : Remove any dust, debris, or adhering plant material to ensure optimal contact with the electrodes. Moisture Optimization : Some methods, like soaking, may require adjusting seed moisture content for better conductivity. 2. Treatment Method Selection: The two main methods of electric seed treatment are: Soaking : Seeds are submerged in a conductive solution (often water with electrolytes) and exposed to continuous or pulsed electrical current. Pulsing : Seeds remain dry or barely moist and receive short, high-voltage electrical pulses directly through electrodes. 3. Setting the Parameters: Voltage : Experimentation is key to finding the optimal voltage for your specific seed type and desired outcome. Start with lower voltages and adjust gradually to avoid damaging the seeds. Frequency and Duration : Adjust these parameters based on the chosen method and seed type. Generally, shorter pulse durations with higher frequencies are used for pulsing, while longer durations with lower frequencies are common for soaking methods.

7. Electrode Configuration : Depending on the equipment and seed size, use appropriate electrodes to ensure uniform delivery of the electrical field. 4. Treatment Application: Soaking : Immerse the prepared seeds in the conductive solution and apply the chosen voltage, frequency, and duration based on your set parameters. Pulsing : Place the seeds between appropriate electrodes and deliver the selected number of pulses with the specific voltage and duration settings. 5. Post-treatment Care: Rinsing : For soaking methods, rinse the seeds thoroughly with clean water to remove any residual electrolytes. Drying : Dry the seeds to their optimal moisture content for storage or sowing. Germination and Monitoring : Monitor the germination rates and seedling growth of treated seeds compared to untreated controls to assess the effectiveness of the chosen parameters.

8. Electromagnetic Seed Treatment Electric seed treatment isn't the only way to give your seeds a little nudge. Electromagnetic (EM) seed treatment opens a whole new spectrum of possibilities, utilizing various wavelengths to influence seeds at a deeper level. Let's delve into this exciting technology and explore the diverse wavelengths used to enhance seed quality and growth. Types of EM Waves in Seed Treatment : Radiofrequency (RF) waves:  These low-intensity waves (10 kHz to 10 GHz) can stimulate cell division, improve germination rates, and enhance seedling vigor. Microwaves:  Operating at higher frequencies (2.45 GHz), microwaves can induce thermal effects within seeds, promoting faster water uptake and potentially reducing dormancy. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation:  Short-wavelength UV (280-400 nm) can modify seed coat permeability and trigger stress responses, potentially improving disease resistance. Visible light:  Specific wavelengths of visible light (blue and red) can influence hormone balance and stimulate seed germination and seedling growth. Benefits of EM Seed Treatment : Increased Germination Rates:  Stimulating cell division and improving water uptake can lead to faster and more uniform germination. Enhanced Seedling Vigor:  EM waves can promote root and shoot development, resulting in stronger seedlings better equipped for early growth.

9. Potential Disease Resistance:  UV radiation and other EM treatments might trigger defense mechanisms, potentially enhancing resistance to pathogens. Environmentally Friendly : Compared to chemical methods, EM seed treatment is a non-toxic and sustainable approach. Challenges and Future Prospects: Optimization and Dosage : Finding the optimal wavelength, frequency, and exposure time for different seed types and desired outcomes is crucial. Mechanism Elucidation:  Understanding the exact mechanisms by which EM waves influence seeds is still ongoing research. Scalability and Cost-Effectiveness : Developing cost-effective and scalable technologies for large-scale EM seed treatment is essential for wider adoption.

10. Applications and Benefits Enhanced Seed Quality: Faster and Uniform Germination:  EM waves, like radiofrequency and visible light, stimulate cell division and improve water uptake, leading to faster and more uniform emergence of seedlings. Increased Seedling Vigor:  Microwaves and specific wavelengths of light promote root and shoot development, resulting in stronger seedlings with better nutrient uptake and early growth. Improved Seed Coat Permeability:  UV radiation can modify seed coat permeability, facilitating water and oxygen absorption for faster germination and enhanced seedling health. Stress Tolerance: Enhanced Defense Mechanisms:  UV radiation and some EM treatments trigger stress responses within seeds, potentially boosting their resistance to pathogens and environmental challenges like drought or salinity. Improved Antioxidant Activity:  EM waves can stimulate the production of antioxidant enzymes, protecting seeds and seedlings from oxidative damage. Increased Adaptability:  By activating stress response pathways, EM treatment might help seeds adapt to diverse environmental conditions, leading to improved resilience in the face of climate change. Unlocking Yield Potential: Higher Seedling Survival Rates:  Stronger seedlings with enhanced stress tolerance have a higher chance of survival in the field, leading to denser and more productive crops.

11. Improved Nutrient Utilization:  EM treatment can optimize nutrient uptake and utilization within plants, maximizing resource efficiency and boosting yield potential. Reduced Dependence on Chemical Inputs:  By enhancing seed quality and stress tolerance, EM technology can potentially reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, promoting sustainable agriculture practices.

12. Process and Techniques EM seed treatment offers a fascinating array of options for enhancing seed quality. Let's delve deeper into the procedure and explore the diverse wavelengths used to unlock the potential within each seed. Types of Electromagnetic Radiation Used: Radiofrequency (RF) waves (10 kHz - 10 GHz):  These low-intensity waves stimulate cell division and improve water uptake, leading to faster and more uniform germination. They are often applied in soaking methods where seeds are submerged in a conductive solution. Microwaves (2.45 GHz):  Operating at higher frequencies, microwaves induce thermal effects within seeds, promoting faster water uptake and potentially breaking dormancy. However, precise control is crucial to avoid damaging seeds. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation (280-400 nm):  Short-wavelength UV can modify seed coat permeability and trigger stress responses, potentially improving disease resistance. Precise timing and dosage are crucial, as excessive exposure can damage seeds. Visible light (blue and red):  Specific wavelengths of blue and red light influence hormone balance and stimulate seed germination and seedling growth. Controlled exposure in chambers or greenhouses is necessary.

13. Treatment Procedure: The specific procedure varies depending on the chosen wavelength and equipment. Here's a general outline: Seed Preparation : Clean and dry seeds are typically used. Some methods, like soaking for RF waves, may require adjusting moisture content. Treatment Method Selection : Choose the appropriate wavelength and treatment apparatus based on your desired outcome and seed type. Parameter Setting : Adjust the intensity, duration, and frequency of the chosen wavelength based on research and manufacturer's recommendations. Treatment Application : This can involve soaking seeds in a conductive solution for RF waves, passing seeds through a microwave chamber, exposing them to UV lamps, or placing them under specific light sources. Post-treatment Care:  Rinse seeds after soaking, dry them to optimal moisture content, and store or sow as needed. Monitoring and Evaluation:  Compare germination rates and seedling growth of treated and control groups to assess the effectiveness of the chosen parameters. Important Considerations: Dosage and Timing:  Finding the optimal intensity, duration, and frequency for each wavelength and seed type is crucial for maximizing benefits and avoiding damage. Equipment Selection:  Specific equipment is needed for each type of radiation, and calibration is essential for accurate treatment. Seed Compatibility:  Not all seeds respond equally to EM treatment. Researching the suitability of different wavelengths for your specific crop is essential.

14. Comparative Analysis Similarities: Non-chemical:  Both techniques offer a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical treatments, minimizing environmental impact and potential harm to seeds. Enhanced Germination:  Both electric and EM treatments can stimulate cell division and improve water uptake, leading to faster and more uniform germination. Increased Seedling Vigor:  Both methods can promote root and shoot development, resulting in stronger seedlings with better stress tolerance. Potentially Reduced Chemical Dependence:  By enhancing seed quality and stress tolerance, both techniques might decrease reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the long run. Differences: Mechanism of Action:  Electric treatment uses direct electrical pulses to trigger metabolic and physiological changes within seeds, while EM treatment utilizes various wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation to influence cellular processes. Equipment and Methods:  Electric treatment typically involves soaking seeds in a conductive solution or applying pulses directly through electrodes, while EM treatment uses specialized equipment like microwave chambers, UV lamps, or specific light sources. Control and Optimization:  Electric treatment offers more precise control over pulse voltage, duration, and frequency, while EM treatment requires careful tuning of intensity, exposure time, and specific wavelengths for optimal results.

15. Target Effects:  Electric treatment primarily focuses on boosting germination and seedling vigor, while EM treatment offers a wider spectrum of potential benefits, including enhanced stress tolerance and disease resistance depending on the chosen wavelength. Specific Advantages: Electric Treatment: More precise control over treatment parameters. Potentially lower equipment cost compared to some EM methods. Effective for stimulating cell division and improving germination rates. EM Treatment: Wider range of potential benefits, including stress tolerance and disease resistance. No need for a conductive solution, simplifying the process for some seeds. Can be used to target specific physiological processes by choosing appropriate wavelengths.

16. Future Prospects And Conclusion Electric and electromagnetic (EM) seed treatment offer a thrilling glimpse into the future of sustainable agriculture, but their journey isn't without its challenges. Let's chart a course, optimizing application for maximum impact and exploring the exciting possibilities on the horizon. Challenges: Finding the precise voltage, frequency, or wavelength for each seed type and desired outcome. Scaling up for large-scale use, making these techniques cost-effective and accessible. Fully understanding the intricate cellular mechanisms behind these treatments. Identifying compatible seed varieties to avoid negative effects. Optimizing Application: Tailor treatment parameters through research and experimentation. Invest in scalable equipment and streamlined processes. Share knowledge through workshops and farmer-to-farmer training. Prioritize resilient and compatible seed varieties. Future Directions: Fine-tune treatment parameters with AI-powered systems. Explore hybrid approaches combining electric and EM techniques with other methods.

17. Investigate novel wavelengths and their potential benefits. Role in Sustainable Agriculture: Reduce reliance on chemical inputs, promoting healthier ecosystems. Boost food security by enhancing seed quality and stress tolerance. Promote agricultural resilience in the face of climate change. Key Takeaways: Electric and EM seed treatment offer immense potential for a sustainable future. Optimizing application and addressing challenges is crucial for unlocking their full impact. These innovative tools can empower our seeds to nourish the world and cultivate a resilient agricultural landscape.

18. Thank You