In a groundbreaking study published in the journal ‘Augalų Stresas’ (Plant Stress), researchers have uncovered a novel approach to bolstering forest health and resilience. The study, led by Ieva Čėsnienė from the Laboratory of Forest Plant Biotechnology at the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, explores the potential of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment to enhance the properties of silver birch seedlings.
The research focused on seven half-sib families of silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.), evaluating the impact of DBD plasma treatment on biochemical processes and fungal communities. The findings suggest that this innovative treatment could significantly improve tree resistance to various stress factors, a critical need in the forestry sector.
“Seed treatment with DBD plasma has shown promising results in enhancing bioactive compounds and reducing fungal pathogens,” said Čėsnienė. “This could be a game-changer for forestry, particularly in mitigating the negative impacts of biotic and abiotic stress factors on tree health.”
The study revealed that families 73 and 86 exhibited the most distinct responses to the 2-minute DBD plasma treatment. In the first vegetation, the activity of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, APX, and GR) increased by approximately 50% in family 73, while in the second vegetation, family 86 saw a 39% increase. Additionally, there was a notable increase in flavonoid and photosynthetic pigment amounts, with family 86 also showing a reduced relative abundance of the pathogen Phyllactinia betulae.
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. Healthy, resilient forests are crucial for sustainable biomass production, which is a key component of renewable energy. By improving tree resistance to stress factors, DBD plasma treatment could enhance the quality and quantity of biomass available for energy production.
“This research opens up new avenues for improving forest health and resilience,” said Čėsnienė. “It’s not just about enhancing tree properties; it’s about creating more sustainable and productive forest ecosystems that can support the energy sector’s needs.”
The study’s comprehensive approach, investigating the effects of DBD plasma treatment at biochemical, metagenomic, and genetic levels, provides a holistic understanding of its potential benefits. As the forestry sector continues to seek innovative solutions to mitigate stress factors, this research could pave the way for more resilient and productive forests, ultimately supporting the energy sector’s transition to renewable resources.
In the quest for sustainable energy solutions, the health and resilience of our forests are paramount. This research offers a promising step forward, highlighting the potential of DBD plasma treatment to enhance tree properties and support the energy sector’s goals. As the forestry industry continues to evolve, such innovations will be crucial in meeting the challenges of a changing climate and growing energy demands.