Scientists from South Ural State University (SUSU), together with researchers from China, have proposed a technology for wheat protection that combines cold atmospheric plasma and natural biostimulants. Pre-sowing seed treatment increases their resistance to diseases and accelerates growth, the university's press service told TASS.
The technology is two-stage: first, seeds are treated with non-thermal plasma, which disinfects the surface and triggers protective mechanisms. Then, potassium humate and urea are applied – they enhance growth processes and biochemical resistance. In experiments, seedlings showed increased leaf area, mass, and activity of an enzyme that neutralizes toxic metabolic products. Plasma destroys pathogens and activates the seed, while biostimulants help the plant build biomass faster.
The technology was tested on two varieties of soft spring wheat. The optimal plasma treatment mode was found to be 10 minutes – without damaging the embryo. Traditional plant protection methods are not always effective and environmentally friendly, so the new technology offers a cleaner alternative. The next stage is large-scale field trials in different climatic zones of Russia. The research was supported by the Russian Science Foundation.