Ontwikkeling van toepassingen met plasmawater in de glastuinbouw

In collaboration with Vitalfluid, TU Eindhoven, FloraHolland, Bactimm, Alewijnse and Medical faculty of UMC Radboud Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture studied horticultural application for the use of plasma activated water. This research was funded by the GO programm Oost Nederland, the European Fund for Regional Development (EFRO) and Top sector Horticulture & Propagation materials. By using a specialized plasma reactor, an indirect air dielectric barrier discharge in close proximity to water can create an acidified, nitrogen-oxide containing solution called plasma-activated water (PAW). Plasma water is tested for properties as a biocidal product, plant protection treatment and as a fertilizer in horticultural applications. Mild plasma water with a short production time (15 min) can effectively control bacteria and meet the biocidal product legislation. Strong plasma water with a longer production time (45 min) is necessary for controlling molds as Fusarium, Botrytis and powdery mildew. The tomato mosaic virus can be reduced with strong plasma up to 80%. The crop treatments showed no damage on young gerbera plants, lettuce and tomato plants. Application of plasma water through the irrigation system to promote plant growth is not promising, because nitrogen supply is in general not limited. Application as seed disinfection is possible with low concentrations of plasma water.