Analysis of short-term treatment effects of dielectric barrier discharge plasma to improve germination characteristics of wheat seeds

Abstract

In this work, an effort has been made to show that a cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAPP) can be applied to promote the growth and development of wheat seedlings. A dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma-based reactor has been developed having two-roller conveyor rollers running on sprockets to generate cold plasma. Wheat seeds (Triticum aestivum) are treated with cold plasma for shorter durations to examine their germination parameters. In the cold plasma, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) are generated which alter the surface of the seeds. This results in enhanced germination, growth, and enduring vitality of the plants enhance seed germination. After plasma treatment, the germination rate was enhanced from 84% to 98%. Also, after treatment surfaces of wheat seeds became more hydrophilic, as confirmed by a decrease in the water contact angle which results in higher seed germination. It is inferred that plasma is a viable alternative to the conventional pre-sowing seed treatment for germination due to its uniform treatment without degradation and the use of pesticides.