EFFECT OF YTTERBIUM LASER RADIATION ON GERMINATION AND MOISTURE ABSORPTION OF SEED MATERIAL OF AGRICULTURAL CROPS

The use of science-intensive technologies contributes to a significant increase in the efficiency of agricultural production. The pre-sowing treatment of seeds with electromagnetic radiation belonging to different parts of the spectrum is one of the promising areas of research. In accordance with the data presented in scientific publications, infrared and ultraviolet radiation contribute to an increase in seed germination, intensity of plant development, yield and resistance to adverse effects of various nature. It also has a beneficial effect on the biochemical composition of fruits and their storage stability. There are some contradictions between the results of various studies, this is why the problem deserves further research. This work examines the effect of infrared radiation of a ytterbium laser on the morphological signs of the germination of seed material of agricultural crops. Three optical schemes of the experi-mental setup are suggested and calculated. Two of them have been implemented and used to achieve the objectives of the study. The influence of laser radiation with a wavelength of 1080 nanometers on the germination of seeds of eight plant species and the moisture absorption of six species was studied. Different treatment duration and different radiation power were considered. The data obtained do not allow to draw unambiguous conclusions about the effect of infrared laser treatment on seeds germination. An increase in the irradiation duration tends to worsen the germina- tion result. Generally, such treatment positively affects moisture absorption, however, very weakly. An increase in the duration and power of irradiation leads to a decrease in moisture absorption.