Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 2.45 GHz microwave application in inhibiting the germination of Portulaca oleracea seeds. Four different soil substrate types were used to establish whether their different properties and composition might influence the microwave heating and inhibition of the seed germination process. Our results show the efficacy of the treatments and suggest the fundamental importance of defining specific microwave treatment protocols to be applied to the affected soil substrate. In this study, we report complete inhibition of germination of P. oleracea seeds in four exposed soil substrates and propose that microwave application could be integrated into an agricultural management system to control a weed such as P. oleracea, which is widespread in many areas of the world. The microwave treatment may represent an ecological and innovative solution that contributes to reducing the dependence on chemical herbicides and promotes greater agricultural sustainability.
Source: Agronomy
Authors: Nicola D’Ambrosio, Francesca Di Sio, Alessio Esposito, Francesca Lodato, Rita Massa, Gaetano Chirico, Fulvio Schettino
Language: English
Subfield: Physiology
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W4415361204