Pre-germination plasma treatment of seeds does not alter cotyledon DNA structure, nor phenotype and phenology of tomato and pepper plants

Abstract

The impact of cold radiofrequency plasma on CPDs formation, and the morphological and phenological development of tomato and pepper plants and fruits in greenhouse conditions was studied. Quality characteristics of fruits: total sugars, titratable acidity, pH and total solids were determined. Our results show that plasma treatment in the time ranges used for pre-sowing treatments, did not cause the formation of CPDs in the cotyledons, even when the testa was removed before treatment, as opposed to high UV radiation. In addition, plasma treatment did not have a negative effect on the morphology, phenology and quality parameters of plants and fruits that grew up from treated tomato and pepper seeds in the greenhouse.