Empowering the Future of Farming: Harnessing the Power of Plasma to Boost Seed Health and Drive Eco-Friendly Growth
Published by Sepehr Achard for iGrowNews – Wednesday
Welcome to our editorial exploring the exciting world of seed treatment technology through Plasma! In this issue, we explore the innovative approach of using Plasma to enhance agricultural productivity and seed quality.
Learn about the work of Zayndu, a groundbreaking company that has developed the world’s first ‘activated air’ seed processing system, and their remarkable impact on crop yields. Additionally, we will discuss the market potential for seed treatment technologies and the challenges faced due to regulatory frameworks.
Join us as we uncover the future of sustainable and efficient food production with plasma seed treatment technology!
Seed treatment technology through Plasma
The use of plasma technology to treat seeds is a cutting-edge approach that has emerged as a promising solution for enhancing agricultural productivity and seed quality. Plasma, often called the fourth state of matter, is an ionized gas containing a mixture of charged particles such as electrons, ions, and neutral molecules. Plasma can induce various chemical and physical processes that lead to beneficial changes in seed characteristics when exposed to seeds.
Plasma treatment of seeds involves subjecting them to low-temperature or non-thermal Plasma, which can be generated using various methods such as dielectric barrier discharge, atmospheric pressure plasma jets, and Plasma in a vacuum chamber. The application of Plasma creates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) that interact with the seed surfaces. These reactive species can alter the seed coat’s properties, facilitating increased water uptake, accelerated germination rates, and improved overall seed vigor. Additionally, the interaction of Plasma with seeds can produce reactive species with antimicrobial properties, reducing seed-borne pathogens and improving seed health.
Moreover, plasma treatment can also impact seed metabolism by influencing the expression of various genes responsible for growth and stress responses. This can improve resistance to environmental stressors like drought and temperature fluctuations and enhance nutrient uptake and utilization. Ultimately, these changes at the molecular level translate into higher crop yields and improved agricultural productivity. By employing plasma technology for seed treatment, researchers and agricultural companies like Zayndu are unlocking the potential for more sustainable and efficient food production in the face of global challenges, such as climate change and a growing population.
Zayndu, a groundbreaking company originating from Loughborough as a spin-out in 2019, has revolutionized the agricultural industry with the world’s first ‘activated air’ seed processing system. This innovative technology was developed by Prof. Iza, a researcher specializing in various plasma applications. Under the leadership of CEO Ralph Weir, Zayndu developed a proof-of-concept with the support of Innovate UK. Initially focusing on vertical farming, the company has since expanded into Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), with the potential to branch out into other agricultural sectors, as explained by Mickey Clarke, Head of Business Development at Zayndu.
Today, Zayndu’s cutting-edge system has demonstrated yield improvements across 35 plant species, ranging from classic leafy greens to various trees and vegetables. According to Alberto Campanaro, the company’s Head of Plant Science, the yield improvements vary between plant species, with an average increase of 15-20%. Some outliers have even shown enhancements from 6% to 70%. Following the success of their prototype, Zayndu received scale-up funding in March 2021, securing the support of significant seed companies within the industry. As a result, the company has developed its first product, the Aurora Z10, which promises to deliver improved seed health and increase productivity yields by up to 25%.
Alberto elucidates that the technology possesses two essential characteristics: a dehydrated treatment process (eliminating moisture, stickiness, and mold growth) and a low electricity requirement, even less than operating a kettle. This leads to a cascade of advantageous effects, including reduced labor and incremental costs.
The market for seed treatment technologies
The global market for seed treatment technologies has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable agriculture practices and the need to enhance food production to meet the nutritional requirements of a growing population. As the world faces challenges like climate change, diminishing arable land, and water scarcity, farmers increasingly seek innovative solutions to optimize crop yields while minimizing environmental impact. Seed treatment technologies, such as plasma treatment, can address these challenges by improving seed health, enhancing germination rates, and increasing resistance to biotic and abiotic stressors.
“We are witnessing remarkable growth in both the United States and the United Kingdom,” remarked Mickey Clarke, Head of Business Development at Zayndu.
One major factor contributing to the market potential of seed treatment technologies is the growing interest in reducing the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. These conventional agricultural inputs can lead to soil degradation, water pollution, and adverse effects on human health and ecosystems. Seed treatment technologies provide an alternative, eco-friendly approach to improving crop productivity while mitigating the environmental impact. By incorporating advanced seed treatments into their operations, farmers can minimize the need for chemical inputs, reduce costs, and contribute to sustainable agriculture practices. Furthermore, seed treatment technologies can be integrated into various agricultural sectors, including conventional farming, vertical farming, and controlled environment agriculture, creating diverse opportunities for market expansion.
Alberto comments, “As we explore various seeds, we broaden the range of plants that can benefit from our system. By adapting the protocol based on the customer’s location and the specific seeds being treated, we ensure a fully versatile solution, which in turn helps us expand our reach and market potential. Ultimately, we aim to cultivate better, bigger, affordable crops.”
Supportive government policies and investments in research and development further bolster the market potential for seed treatment technologies. Governments worldwide are increasingly recognizing the importance of sustainable agriculture and are implementing policies to encourage the adoption of innovative solutions, such as seed treatment technologies. Research initiatives, public-private partnerships, and funding from agencies like Innovate UK serve to drive advancements in the field and facilitate the commercialization of new technologies. As the global demand for food continues to rise, the market for seed treatment technologies is expected to flourish, playing a crucial role in addressing food security and sustainability challenges.
“The UK agrisystem ranks among the world’s best, as we can capitalize on the extensive support provided by the government. They have prioritized food security and are investing significantly in new technologies to reduce dependence on other countries. Furthermore, we can also forge partnerships with local universities to advance plant science research, “Mickey added.
What the future holds
Developing and adopting seed treatment technologies can be hindered by tight regulations in the agricultural sector, which aim to ensure these innovations’ safety, efficacy, and environmental sustainability. Regulatory frameworks may vary across countries, leading to complex approval processes and potential delays in commercializing new seed treatment technologies. These restrictions may require extensive testing, documentation, and evaluation to demonstrate that the technology poses no significant risk to human health, the environment, or biodiversity. Additionally, the cost of compliance can be substantial, particularly for smaller companies and startups, potentially limiting their ability to innovate and compete in the market. While such regulations are necessary to maintain safety standards and protect ecosystems, they can also act as barriers to the rapid development and deployment of novel seed treatment technologies, potentially slowing down progress in addressing global food security and sustainability challenges.
Alberto mentions, “We do not fear the development of other technologies such as seed breeding as our solution enhances seeds regardless of whether it’s genetically modified. As a company, our mission is to be an extra option available to users to further enhance their productivity without using harmful chemicals.”
The CEA market has been in contraction for recent weeks/months as companies have been restructuring, filing for bankruptcies, or shifting markets. “Most of the seeds we’ve treated have seen double-digit yield increases, which means that users have improved their revenue with very little cost increase as our product consumes as much energy as a kettle.” Comments Alberto “a 20% increase in revenue without increasing your costs can shift the dial for some growers struggling to break-even.”