SBIR-STTR Award

Research conducted a few years ago indicated that subjecting seeds and plants to frequent changes in atmospheric pressure may shorten germination time, improve the rate of growth of young plants, and cause more massive and rapid root growth. The pressure changes were within the range of atmospheric barometric variations; hence, an environmental chamber of relatively simple construction with air expelled and ingested by a vacuum turbine could create the required pressure differentials that may produce accelerated germination and growth. Coupled with control of other environmental parameters, this concept, if successful, could benefit applications such as the NASA Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS).In Phase I, test results showed some positive responses of accelerated and more uniform seed germination with pressure cycling. Although the effects were species-dependent, pressure cycling also produced positive effects on plant growth. The Phase I results were less than satisfactory because the experimental apparatus could not maintain desirable humidity levels of 90 percent rather than the 40 to 70 percent range experienced. This project has explored a phenomenon that effects plant growth in a variety of ways. Further research should be done in a laboratory with sufficient resources and enough time to understand better the growth responses and apply the findings to intensive cultivation.Potential Commercial Application:Prospective applications include commercial greenhouses requiring more intensive cultivation and faster yields, in particular, for high value crops and seedling production, commercial pre-conditioning (pressure) of seeds for faster germination, and seed company use for germination tests.STATUS: Phase I Only