Molecular hydrogen: Is this a viable new treatment for plants in the UK?

Despite being trialed in other regions of the world, the use of molecular hydrogen (H2) for enhanced plant growth and postharvest storage of crops has yet to be widely accepted in the UK. The evidence continues to grow that treatment of plants and plant products with H2 alleviates plant stress and slows crop senescence. Many of the effects appear to be mediated by the alteration of the antioxidant capacity of plant cells. Some effects seem to involve heme oxygenase, whilst the reduction of prosthetic group Fe3+ has also been suggested as a mechanism. Although not easy to use as a gaseous treatment in a field setting, the use of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) has potential to be of significant benefit to agricultural practice. However, the use of H2 in agriculture will only be adopted if the benefits outweigh the costs of production and application. HRW is safe and relatively easy to use. If H2 gas or HRW are utilized in other countries for agricultural purposes, it is tempting to suggest that it will be of potential wide-ranging use in the UK in the future, particularly for postharvest storage, thus reducing food waste