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We consider the possibilities of combustion and detonation initiation for propane mixtured with air by microwave discharges created by a quasi-optical electromagnetic beam. Comparison of initiation is performed by different types of discharge: spark, streamer, and attached one. The formation theory of streamer discharges is given, the velocity of their propagation and the volume of energy supplies are analyzed. Experiments have been carried out together with calculation of the propane-air mixture ignition by various types of discharges. It is shown that when burning is initiated by a streamer discharge, a multiple increase in the propagation velocity of the flame front and the completeness of the fuel combustion is obtained as compared to a spark discharge with an equal energy contribution. In the prechamber initiation of combustion by igniting a streamer discharge on the inner walls of the quartz tube, a significant acceleration of combustion was obtained up to the rates characteristic for the transition of deflagration to detonation. The results can be applied in the development of multivolumetric volumetric ignition systems in internal combustion engines, gas turbine engines, low-emission combustion chambers, for combustion in supersonic flow, and in combustion chambers for detonation engines.