Results of studies on the application of UV radiation for disinfecting the surface of soybean seeds from pathogenic microflora

Belgorod State Agricultural University named after V. Gorin, 308503 Maisky, Russia

Abstract

The results of studies on the use of UV treatment for the disinfection of soybean seeds from pathogenic microflora before sowing are presented. The research is devoted to the development of a technology for preparing seeds before sowing, which involves pre-treatment of seeds with UV radiation, followed by treatment with traditional chemical and biological means of protecting seeds from pathogenic microflora. The research was aimed at establishing the relationship between the parameters of UV treatment and the effectiveness of surface disinfection of seeds. The object of experimental studies was the seeds of soybean variety «Nezhegol». The influence of such influencing factors as the energy illumination of the surface under UV irradiation and the duration of UV irradiation was studied. As a function of the response to UV exposure, the total number of microbial cells (CFU/g) after treatment was taken. It has been established that seed treatment with UV radiation provides effective disinfection of the seed surface. The number of microbial cells on the soybean surface after UV treatment decreased by 99% compared to the control. For the disinfection of soybean seeds, it is possible to recommend a treatment mode with an energy illumination of UV irradiation of 9 W/m² and a minimum duration of UV irradiation of 30 s. Specific energy costs for UV treatment range from 1.16·10^-4 kW·h/m² to 2.25·10^-4 kW·h/m².