Experimental investigation of corona discharge as a green technology for improving sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench seed germination
¹Laboratory of Renewable Energies and Electrical Systems, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Abdelhamid Ibn Badis, Mostaganem, 27000, Algeria
²Laboratory of Science and Technology of Water, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Mustapha Stambouli, Mascara, 29000, Algeria
³Laboratory of Biological Systems and Geomatics Research, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Mustapha Stambouli, Mascara, 29000, Algeria
*Correspondence: mourad.bardadibendaha@univ-mosta.dz
Abstract:
Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench is a vital cereal crop widely cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions due to its notable drought tolerance and adaptability. Enhancing germination efficiency is crucial for improving crop establishment and overall productivity. This study explores the effects of negative DC corona discharge treatment (a non-thermal plasma-based seed priming method) on the germination. Sorghum seeds were exposed to voltages of 14, 18, 22, and 26 kV for durations of 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes, with germination monitored over five days. After 24 hours, treatment at 22 kV for 15 minutes resulted in a 500% increase in germinated seeds compared to the control (18 vs. 3). By 48 hours, 18 kV for 15 minutes led to 40 germinated seeds versus 15 in the control group, marking a 166.7% improvement. The trend continued at 72 hours, with 44 seeds germinated under 22 kV for 15 minutes compared to 25 in untreated samples (76% increase). The 96-hour observation showed 44 germinated seeds at 22 kV for 5 minutes versus 28 in control (57.1% increase), while by 120 hours, 14 kV for 15 minutes produced 48 seeds compared to 32 in the control (50% increase). These results demonstrate that corona discharge treatment effectively accelerates early germination and enhances seed vigor, particularly under moderate voltage (14–22 kV) and exposure durations of 10–15 minutes, highlighting its potential as an eco-friendly strategy to boost sorghum crop performance.
Key words:
corona discharge, food security, germination enhancement, seed priming. sorghum bicolor, sustainable agriculture