Simona Rodopská researches plasma-activated water for plant protection

Simona Rodopská, a doctoral student in Plant Pathology at Mendel University in Brno, has received recognition for her research into using plasma-activated water as a sustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides.

Plasma-activated water is created by applying an electrical discharge to water, generating reactive forms of oxygen and nitrogen, such as hydrogen peroxide, nitrates, nitrites, and ozone. These compounds can combat microorganisms and influence plant physiological processes, including photosynthetic activity.

Rodopská’s research focused on protecting potato crops from Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum, a bacterium that causes soft rot. Her experiments included laboratory testing on Petri dishes and direct trials on potato plants. The plant-based trials showed promising results, specifically noting increased photosynthetic activity. Her work earned first place in the master's thesis category of the XI. Science for the Earth competition.