Achieve Quicker Germination with Increased Water Absorption Rates

Seed germination depends heavily on the uptake of water, also known as imbibition, which initiates the metabolic processes necessary for growth. There are several factors that influence the rate of water absorption by a seed coat—such as its size, thickness, and composition—as well as the seed’s permeability and the availability of water in its environment.…

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Achieve Quicker Germination with Increased Water Absorption Rates

Seed germination depends heavily on the uptake of water, also known as imbibition, which initiates the metabolic processes necessary for growth. There are several factors that influence the rate of water absorption by a seed coat—such as its size, thickness, and composition—as well as the seed’s permeability and the availability of water in its environment.

For CEA growers, the impermeable properties of the seed coat are a constraint, slowing down production, which can take its toll on overall profitability.

In addition to the factors listed above, ActivatedAir could significantly enhance this process. ActivatedAir increases the rate of water absorption and therefore decreases the time taken to germinate by modifying the seed coat and making it more hydrophilic.

Understanding ActivatedAir

Figure 1. Average Time Taken for Untreated and ActivatedAir-Treated Peas To Absorb 5microlitres Of Water and Methylene Blue
Figure 1. Average Time Taken for Untreated and ActivatedAir-Treated Peas To Absorb 5microlitres Of Water and Methylene Blue. 3 untreated and ActivatedAir-Treated peas were administered 5microlitres of water and methylene blue mix and time recordings were taken for each seed to absorb the solution. This demonstration was repeated three times.
Figure 2. Time-Lapse video of Untreated and ActivatedAir-Treated Peas Absorbing 5microlitres of Water and Methylene-Blue. 5microlitres of water with blue dye was administered to untreated and ActivatedAir-Treated peas, and the subsequent absorption was filmed for time calculations.

5 microlitres of the solution were administered to three untreated peas and three ActivatedAir-treated peas. Using a camera, we calculated the process of water droplet absorption and assessed the differences between the untreated and ActivatedAir-treated peas.

From the moment the water was placed on the top surface of the seed to when the entire droplet was absorbed, we observed a 13% reduction in the time taken for the ActivatedAir-treated peas to absorb the water.

What Does This Mean?

Simply put, the faster the water uptake in a seed, the reduced time in overall germination. This leads to faster growth—with more cycles per year—which equals higher efficiency and profitability.

Figure 3. Time-Lapse video of Untreated and ActivatedAir-Treated Peas Absorbing 5microlitres of Water. 5microlitres of water was administered to untreated and ActivatedAir-Treated peas, and the subsequent absorption was filmed.

In another demonstration, we added the same amount of water, without the dye, to the seeds to calculate the difference in absorption.

Again, the ActivatedAir-treated seed highlights how the difference in seed coat can promote imbibition and therefore give seeds an overall head start in growth.

Find Out More

To see the next stages of growth, visit our blog to view the displayed benefits our customers currently get with their crops. If you’re interested in seeing more about germination or yield, or aren’t too sure if your facility will qualify, reach out to us at info@zayndu.com.

Research by: Alberto Campanaro and Sam Gee