Seed Priming with Cold Plasma and Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes Modified Growth, Tissue Differentiation, Anatomy, and Yield in Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia)

Abstract

This study was conducted to explore the capability of seed priming with the cold plasma and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), in order to improve growth and yield in Momordica charantia. The soaked seeds were primed with plasma (DBD; 0.84 W cm−2 surface power densities) under different durations (0, 60, and 120 s) and/or MWCNT (0, 50, 100, and 200 mg l−1). Seed priming with plasma and/or MWCNT led to the dramatic increase in growth-related traits, like root and shoot lengths, fresh and dry mass, vigor index, and leaf length. Moreover, simultaneous treatments with MWCNT and plasma amplified their individual effects. Uptake and transportations of MWCNTs from the root to leaves were manifested using an electron microscopy. The ultra-structural study revealed that plasma enhanced MWCNT uptake and accumulation. Modifications in organogenesis and differentiation patterns of tissues, especially vascular system, were provoked by the MWCNT and/or plasma treatments. The plasma and MWCNT reinforce conducting xylem tissue. In addition, the long-term effects of MWCNT and/or plasma treatments on reproductive stage were confirmed. The increase in the number of produced flowers, and the decrease in the time of fructifying, caused by the MWCNT and/or plasma treatments. The findings introduce a new alternative path for applications of cold plasma and MWCNT technologies in the plant, agriculture, and food sciences.