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Abstract.

An historical background on electrical treatment to improve seed germination and seedling performance is presented. Studies on use of radio-frequency (RF) dielectric heating for increasing germination through reduction of hard seed percentages, i.e. increasing seed-coat permeability to water, are reviewed. Extensive studies on treatment of alfalfa seed with RF exposures for increasing germination through hard seed reduction and examination of seeds to explain effects of treatment are summarized. The influence of frequency, electric field intensity, seed moisture content, seed temperature, varietal variation and other factors are discussed, and aspects of practical application in the seed industry are considered. Experiments with RF treatment of seeds of sweetclover, other small-seeded legumes, vegetables, pine, and other woody plant and tree seeds are also summarized.