RAJSHAHI : A research team of Rajshahi University (RU) has found very prospective impact to boost certain crops production.
Through applying plasma technology it’s possible to increase seed germination, yield, and nutritional value of rice, wheat, potato, brinjal, and spinach, they found.
Plasma technology also works effectively to reduce crop production time and controlling diseases and pests.
Mamunur Rashid, a PhD student and member of the research team said the research was conducted at Plasma Science and Technology Laboratory of the university's Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) by giving special importance to increase micronutrients in food.
Success has been found in germination, increase production, reduce production time and disease control by using different types of plasma sources for seed processing and plasma-activated water application, he said.
It’s possible to increase the amount of zinc by up to 59 percent in rice, 204 percent in potato, and 88 percent in brinjal by applying plasma technology, he said.
The research also found that after applying plasma technology, the germination rate of rice seeds increased from 75 percent to 96 percent, wheat from 75 to 95 percent, brinjal from 50 to 80 percent, and spinach from 70 to 92 percent.
It’s possible to reduce crop production time by about 10 to 20 percent using this technology.
In the case of rice, the possibility of reducing production time by 15 to 20 days.
Due to the increased germination rate, relatively less seed may be required for the same amount of land.
Researchers have also highlighted the potential of this technology for increasing production. They found production of rice, wheat, potato, brinjal and spinach can increase significantly with the application of plasma technology.
Researchers said use of plasma-activated water can effectively control various pathogens, opening up a possibility of reducing dependence on chemical fertilizer.
Professor Dr. Mamunur Rashid Talukder of the Department of EEE and leader of the team said the real benefits of the research would yield result if it reaches to the farmers.
After proving the effectiveness of the technology in the lab, it’s now important to apply the technology at field level and making it accessible to farmers.
Necessary funding, equipment and institutional cooperation are necessary to make it happen.
