INP can contribute innovative non-thermal plasma technologies for improving forest seed health while maintaining seed vitality, germination capacity and storability, thereby supporting climate-resilient forest regeneration.

Our research focuses on innovative non-chemical approaches to improve forest seed health and reduce seed-borne and storage-related fungal contamination. INP has experience with different seed types and with assessing treatment effects on germination, seed vitality and storability. Plasma-treated air and plasma-activated water are investigated as resource-efficient treatment approaches for forest reproductive material.

Within a FOREST Pathways consortium, INP could contribute to investigating how seed health and seed treatment influence regeneration success and forest resilience under changing environmental conditions. We can provide expertise in plasma-treated air and plasma-activated water, microbiological assessment, seed vitality and germination testing, process development and the transfer of treatment approaches towards practical application.

We are particularly interested in collaboration with partners working on forest regeneration, forest reproductive material and genetics, seed ecology and pathology, climate adaptation, forest nurseries and field validation.

INP conducts interdisciplinary research from fundamental plasma science to the development and transfer of plasma-based technologies into practical applications.

Its research addresses societal challenges in areas including agriculture, bioeconomy and the environment, health, materials and energy. INP combines expertise in plasma physics and chemistry with engineering and life sciences to develop sustainable, scalable solutions together with academic, industrial and practice partners.

As a member of the Leibniz Association, INP has a strong focus on knowledge and technology transfer.