Influence of UV radiation in pre-sowing treatment of seeds of crops

Abstract

The object of research is the seeds of crops: wheat, barley, rapeseed and carrots. The effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on seeds of agricultural enterprises of crops in pre-sowing treatment (germination energy and germination capacity) is investigated, which is aimed at solving the problem of the agro-industrial complex, namely increasing the quantity and quality of the crop. In the course of experimental work, low-pressure ultraviolet discharge lamps are used, in which the radiation maximum falls at 254 nm. To measure doses of UV radiation, a Tensor-31 radiometer (Ukraine) is used, which provides measurements in the wavelength range of 200-400 nm. The research results of growth processes (germination energy and germination) showed that for seeds of winter soft wheat, the optimal UV dose is 400-600 J/m², at which the germination energy increases by 7–12 %, and the germination capacity by 9–15 %. For winter barley, the optimal dose is 250 J/m², at which the germination capacity increases by 23 % compared with control samples, and for spring barley, 900–1000 J/m², at which the increase in germination capacity is 80 %. When seeds are irradiated, the maximum indicators of germination energy and seed germination capacity are observed at doses of 80–100 J/m², at which the germination energy increases by 20–26 %, and the germination capacity by 16 %. When comparing the effect on rapeseeds of different spectral regions of the UV range of 200–400 nm, an increase in germination energy and germination capacity of 6–9 % for area C is noted. When treating carrot seeds, it is found that UV irradiation stimulates growth processes: seed germination capacity increased by 27–29 % at doses of 120–150 J/m². This pattern of positive effect of UV irradiation on the growth processes of crops is observed in the process of growth, which contributes to an increase in yield.