Optimizing beet seed germination via dielectric barrier discharge plasma parameters

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plasma Physics
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Seed germination is a critical stage in plant development, influenced by various environmental factors.
• Plasma technology offers novel approaches for seed treatment and enhancement.
• Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma is a promising non-thermal plasma source for biological applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the synergistic effects of gas composition and electric field modulation on beetroot seed germination using DBD plasma.
• To determine the optimal plasma treatment parameters for enhanced germination and seedling growth.
• To understand the impact of different gas environments on plasma-induced changes in seed properties.

Main Methods:

• Beetroot seeds were treated with DBD plasma under varying voltage, treatment duration, and gas compositions (air, argon, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide).
• Germination rate, germination index, water uptake, and electrical conductivity were measured.
• Seed surface morphology and chemistry were analyzed using techniques to assess changes in roughness, porosity, and hydrophilicity.
• Seedling growth parameters, including root and shoot length, were evaluated.

Main Results:

• Plasma treatment significantly improved germination rates and seedling growth compared to controls.
• Optimal treatment involved low voltage and short duration; higher levels induced oxidative stress, reducing germination.
• Plasma exposure altered seed surface morphology, increasing roughness, porosity, and hydrophilicity.
• Air plasma enhanced water uptake and electrical conductivity; oxygen plasma yielded the highest germination index and improved growth.
• Carbon dioxide plasma showed inhibitory effects on germination and growth.

Conclusions:

• DBD plasma technology can effectively enhance beetroot seed germination and early growth.
• Precise control over gas composition and plasma exposure parameters is essential for maximizing positive effects.
• Optimized plasma treatment presents a viable strategy for seed priming in agriculture, boosting productivity.