Laser-based bio-stimulation technology for enhancing crop germination and growth
Research-driven solution using laser light as a physical bio-stimulator to improve germination, growth, and stress resistance in cereal grains, oilseeds, and legumes while reducing chemical inputs. Preliminary trials on wheat show green laser treatment significantly enhances germination speed and root development.
Overview
This research program investigates the use of laser light as a physical bio-stimulator to enhance germination, growth, and yield of agricultural crops while minimizing reliance on chemical inputs. The approach targets key Canadian grains including wheat, green lentils, soybeans, and canola. Preliminary results on Canada Western Red Winter wheat demonstrated that green laser pre-treatment significantly improved mean germination time, germination speed, and root count compared to untreated controls. By identifying optimal laser parameters for different seed types, this technology aims to offer a sustainable, non-chemical alternative for improving early plant development and stress resilience.
Technical specifications
- Laser sources: Green laser (~80 mW) and red laser (~100 mW) applied as pre-treatment to seeds
- Exposure durations tested: 5, 10, and 15 minutes per treatment
- Target crops: Wheat, green lentils, soybeans, and canola
- Measured germination parameters: Germination percentage, mean germination time, germination speed, average number of roots, primary root length, and hypocotyl length
- Advanced characterization: Hyperspectral imaging for spectral analysis and high-resolution 3D X-ray microcomputed tomography for microstructural changes in treated seeds
- Key finding: Green laser treatment significantly enhanced germination time, speed, and root development; red laser showed no significant effect in preliminary tests
Technology readiness level
This technology is at an early-to-mid stage of development. Preliminary validation has been completed on wheat kernels with positive results from green laser treatment. Future validation will expand testing to four major Canadian grain types across multiple exposure times, combined with advanced non-invasive characterization using hyperspectral imaging and micro-CT scanning. The technology is not yet commercially deployed and requires further optimization of laser parameters for each crop type before scaling to field applications.
About University of Manitoba
The University of Manitoba is a comprehensive public research university in Winnipeg with a broad portfolio spanning discovery to translation. Industry engages through an on-campus research and technology park that colocates companies with university labs, and through a health sciences campus embedded in the city’s hospital district for clinical studies and clinical-grade prototyping. A well-established co-op and internship ecosystem and the region’s logistics hub position make collaboration, field trials, and pilot-scale testing accessible. Research is supported by competitive funding from NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC, and the Canada Foundation for Innovation. A dedicated technology transfer office provides IP strategy, licensing, and startup support with flexible agreements for corporate partners.
delivered to your inbox.