Improvement of wheat seed vitality by dielectric barrier discharge plasma treatment

Influences of discharge voltage on wheat seed vitality were investigated in a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma system at atmospheric pressure and temperature. Six different treatments were designed, and their discharge voltages were 0.0, 9.0, 11.0, 13.0, 15.0, and 17.0 kV, respectively. Fifty seeds were exposed to the DBD plasma atmosphere with an air flow rate of 1.5 L min^-1 for 4 min in each treatment, and then the DBD plasma-treated seeds were prepared for germination in several Petri dishes. Each treatment was repeated three times. Germination indexes, growth indexes, surface topography, water uptake, permeability, and α-amylase activity were measured. DBD plasma treatment at appropriate energy levels had positive effects on wheat seed germination and seedling growth. The germination potential, germination index, and vigor index significantly increased by 31.4%, 13.9%, and 54.6% after DBD treatment at 11.0 kV, respectively, in comparison to the control. Shoot length, root length, dry weight, and fresh weight also significantly increased after the DBD plasma treatment. The seed coat was softened and cracks were observed, systematization of the protein was strengthened, and amount of free starch grain increased after the DBD plasma treatment. Water uptake, relative electroconductivity, soluble protein, and α-amylase activity of the wheat seed were also significantly improved after the DBD plasma treatment. Roles of active species and ultraviolet radiation generated in the DBD plasma process in wheat seed germination and seedling growth are proposed. Bioelectromagnetics. 39:120-131, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.