The patented solution developed by researchers at the University of Gdańsk’s Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology along with the Medical University of Gdańsk and the Wrocław University of Science and Technology, allows for the removal of harmful bacteria from the surface of seed and seedling material, including seeds, tubers, bulbs and rhizomes.

The method uses cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) generated by barrier discharges in a helium atmosphere and is designed to protect plants at the sowing stage.

“Our method is unique due to its speed, environmental friendliness, high effectiveness, and targeted nature,” said Wojciech Śledź, PhD, from the University of Gdańsk.

He added that, in light of restrictions on the use of chemical plant protection products, the technology responds to agricultural needs in combating bacterial pathogens.

Laboratory tests carried out on mung bean seeds confirmed the effectiveness of the method.

“A one-minute exposure to barrier discharges results in the elimination of over 99.9% of bacterial cells from the seed surface,” said Agata Motyka-Pomagruk, PhD, from the University of Gdańsk.

She added that the short exposure time does not negatively affect germination and may even stimulate seedling growth.

The patented results form the basis for further research and development under the Lider XV “EcoAgroPlazm” project, implemented at the Research and Implementation Laboratory of the Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of the University of Gdańsk and the Medical University of Gdańsk.

The project includes scaling up the device, conducting field trials and analysing the economic viability of the technology.

The invention is another jointly developed patent by researchers from the University of Gdańsk and the Wrocław University of Science and Technology, who are working on cold plasma-based technologies for agriculture, environmental protection, medicine and industry. (PAP)

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