Archer Labs is almost ready to launch ALPACA a low temperature agricultural technology product. We are attempting to put this technology into the hands of farmers around the world to increase their capabilities by simulating natural phenomena. Everyone asks us about how we came about this solution. It was a happy accident on a colleague’s research. If you are curious about some the underlying science, here is a quick synopsis of a 2015 article titled “Non-Thermal Plasma Treatment of Agricultural Seeds for Stimulation of Germination, Removal of Surface Contamination and Other Benefits: A Review”. Careful, this could be the first step down the rabbit hole.

-Archer Labs

The use of non-thermal plasma (NTP) for the treatment of agricultural seeds is a relatively new development in the field of seed science. NTP is a unique form of plasma that does not involve high temperatures, making it a promising alternative to traditional thermal plasma treatments. This technology has the potential to provide various benefits for the stimulation of seed germination, removal of surface contamination, and other applications.

NTP treatment can be applied to seeds in several ways, including direct exposure to the plasma, exposure through a plasma-activated solution, or exposure to plasma-activated gases. This technology works by using electrical discharge to produce a plasma that contains reactive species such as ions, radicals, and UV photons. These species interact with the seed surface and can penetrate into the seed to a certain extent, leading to various changes in the seed and its environment.

One of the main benefits of NTP treatment is the stimulation of seed germination. NTP can enhance the activity of enzymes involved in germination and can also alter the physical and chemical properties of the seed surface, making it easier for water to penetrate and activate germination. In addition, NTP treatment has been shown to reduce the levels of seed dormancy, which can result in faster and more consistent germination rates.

Another benefit of NTP treatment is the removal of surface contamination, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. NTP can effectively sterilize the seed surface by breaking down the cell membranes of contaminating organisms and inactivating their genetic material. This can lead to increased seed viability and reduced seedling diseases.

In addition to its effects on seed germination and surface contamination, NTP treatment has also been shown to have other benefits for seed health and performance. For example, NTP treatment can improve seedling growth and root development by altering the balance of hormones and other growth regulators in the seed. NTP treatment can also improve seed resistance to abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and cold.

Despite its potential benefits, NTP treatment for agricultural seeds is still in the early stages of development and more research is needed to fully understand its effects and optimize its use. There are also some potential drawbacks to NTP treatment, such as the need for specialized equipment and the potential for seed damage if the treatment is not properly controlled.

In conclusion, the non-thermal plasma treatment of agricultural seeds is a promising new technology that has the potential to provide various benefits for seed germination, surface contamination removal, and other applications. However, further research is needed to fully understand the effects of NTP treatment and to optimize its use. Despite its potential drawbacks, NTP treatment has the potential to become a valuable tool for seed scientists and farmers in the future.

L. K. Randeniya and G. J. J. B. de Groot, “Non-Thermal Plasma Treatment of Agricultural Seeds for Stimulation of Germination, Removal of Surface Contamination and Other Benefits: A Review,” Plasma Processes and Polymers, vol. 12, no. 7, pp. 608–623, Jun. 2015, doi: 10.1002/ppap.201500042.

Cool, huh? Want to bring ALPACA to your operation? email sales@thearcherlabs.com and we can right size an order.