Method for enhancing germination
AssigneeUniversity of Iowa Research Foundation
InventorsJohn D. Shors, David R. Soll, Karla J. Daniels, Donovan P. Gibson
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Abstract
A method of enhancing the germination of seed by immersing the seed in an aqueous solution including dissolved inert gas and sonicating the seed at a frequency preferably of between about 15 kHz and about 30 kHz and an energy density of between about 1 watt/cm.sup.2 and about 10 watts/cm.sup.2 for a period of between 1 minute and about 15 minutes. The sonicated seed exhibits enhanced germination by a reduction in the time required for germination, an increase in the percentage of total seeds that germinate, and an increase in the percentage of seeds that germinate at reduced temperatures. Plants grown from the treated seeds exhibit improved characteristics.
Claims18
A method of enhancing germination of seed, comprising the steps of:
- (a) immersing said seed in a liquid solution that includes a dissolved gas;
- (b) introducing into said liquid solution sound energy at a frequency and energy density sufficient to create cavitation in said liquid;
- and
- (c) sonicating said seed for a period of time sufficient to result in an improved rate of germination of said seeds.
A method of enhancing germination of seed, comprising the steps of:
- (a) immersing said seed in a solution including water and one or more inert elemental gases;
- (b) introducing sound energy into said solution at a frequency of between about 15 kHz and about 30 kHz and at an energy density of between about 1 watt/cm.sup.2 and about 10 watts/cm.sup.2 ;
- and
- (c) sonicating said seed for between about 1 minute and about 15 minutes.
A method for producing an improved plant from a seed, comprising the steps of:
- (a) immersing said seed in an aqueous solution including one or more dissolved inert elemental gases;
- (b) introducing sound energy into said solution at a frequency of between about 15 kHz and about 30 kHz and at an energy density of between about 1 watt/cm.sup.2 and about 10 watts/cm.sup.2 ;
- (c) sonicating said seed for between about 1 minute and about 15 minutes;
- and
- (d) cultivating said seed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.