Effect of water activated by non-equilibrium gas-discharge plasma on the germination and early growth of cucumbers (Cucumis sativus)

The article presents the results of plasma-chemical treatment of water and studies of its effect on the germination of cucumber seeds, as well as on the dynamics of the initial growth of plants. Tap water was treated with a pulsed underwater discharge formed in vapor-gas bubbles near the surface of a graphite electrode immersed in water. The discharge burned at peak voltage values of 800 V and a discharge current of 200 mA. Oscillograms of the current and voltage on the electrodes were obtained, the values of the specific electrical conductivity of water, the pH value, the concentrations of nitrite and nitrate ions, and also hydrogen peroxide in the treated water were measured. It is shown that the application of the plasma treated water increases the seed germination, accelerates the development of the root system, the growth of stem and leaves at the early stages of plant development. © 2021 Federal Informational-Analytical Center of the Defense Industry. All rights reserved.