In the heart of Mexico, researchers are unlocking a new frontier in agricultural technology that could revolutionize how we protect and enhance our food supply. Diana Guadalupe Gutierrez-Leon, a scientist from the Department of Robotics, Mechatronics, and Data Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Guanajuato, is leading the charge in exploring the potential of non-thermal plasma (NTP) technology to remediate, disinfect, and improve the growth of maize seeds. Her work, recently published in *IEEE Access* (translated to English as “IEEE Open Access”), is shedding light on a promising solution to some of the most pressing challenges in agriculture today.
Maize, a staple crop with significant global importance, faces increasing threats from chemical and microbiological contamination, as well as the unpredictable impacts of climate change. Traditional methods of ensuring crop production often come with substantial environmental and health drawbacks. Gutierrez-Leon’s research highlights NTP as a sustainable and effective alternative. “Non-thermal plasma generates reactive chemical species and associated phenomena like ultraviolet radiation and shock waves, which can protect agricultural yields and enhance seed germination and development,” she explains.
Over the past decade, research has consistently demonstrated the potential of NTP to improve the germination and growth of maize seeds. Gutierrez-Leon’s review synthesizes current information and provides a structured perspective on the application of NTP in agriculture. She delves into the experimental conditions—such as voltage, power, working gas, and treatment capacity—as well as the materials and typical discharge configurations used in these studies. This detailed analysis is crucial for informing future research and refining these treatments.
One of the most significant contributions of Gutierrez-Leon’s work is the categorization of scientific literature based on observed agronomic benefits into four key areas: chemical decontamination, inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms, improvement of seed physical properties, and optimization of seed storage conditions. “This framework not only enhances our understanding of the advances and multiple positive impacts of NTP but also emphasizes the importance of this technology for sustainable agriculture and food security,” she notes.
The implications of this research extend beyond the agricultural sector. For the energy sector, the development of NTP technology could lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly methods of crop protection and enhancement. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and food security, innovative solutions like NTP offer a glimmer of hope. “Identifying knowledge gaps and promising areas for innovation is crucial for advancing this technology and ensuring its widespread adoption,” Gutierrez-Leon adds.
Gutierrez-Leon’s work, published in *IEEE Access*, is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research and the potential of emerging technologies to address global challenges. As we look to the future, the integration of NTP into agricultural practices could pave the way for more sustainable and resilient food systems, benefiting farmers, consumers, and the environment alike.