The first objective this project is to improve soybean growth and yield using plasma-activated water. Plasma is an ionized medium containing many active components including electrons, ions, free radicals, reactive molecules, photons, UV, as well as heat, electric and magnetic fields. Researchers have found that plasma-activated water can sterilize and refresh soil and soybean plants. Researchers will also test whether plasma-activated water can reduce soybean sudden death and charcoal rot. Plants will be inoculated with Fusarium virguiliforme, and M. phaseolina. Symptoms will be assessed to see if host colonization differs between treatments. For both tests, pots will be irrigated with regular water or plasma-activated water.
Key Benefactors:
farmers, plant pathologists, agronomists