Fluorescence Observation of Distribution of Viable Clavibacter Michiganensis Subsp. Michiganensis inside Tomato Seeds after Discharge Treatment

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental study on the sterilizing effect of dielectric barrier discharges on bacteria hidden inside tomato seeds. DBD treatment is performed on the tomato seeds containing transformed bacteria (Clavibacter Michiganensis Subsp. Michiganensis). The results of the colony counting tests after the DBD treatment show that the bacteria hidden inside the seeds cannot be completely sterilized, although those located on the seed surface can be easily sterilized. The distribution of bacteria on the cross-section of the seed is observed using a fluorescence microscope. It is confirmed that the area of bacterial distribution on the cross section is reduced by the DBD treatment. However, it is also confirmed that some bacteria hidden deeply inside the seeds are still viable after 180 min of DBD treatment.