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The current research was carried out to reveal the possible impacts of cold plasma on growth and physiology of wheat, as a new approach in plant science. Short and long-term impacts of different types of plasma (nitrogen and helium) with surface power density of 0.4 W cm-2 , exposure times (15, 30, 60, and 120 s), and repetitions (1, 2, and 4 times with 24 h intervals) were evaluated. Single-time applied helium or nitrogen derived plasma significantly promoted total root and shoot lengths, in contrast to four times application, and the root system was more sensitive than the shoot one. In addition, seedlings were more sensitive to nitrogen derived plasma, compared with helium. The physiological responses to plasma treatment were analyzed via protein assay and peroxidase or phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activities measurements. Plasma generated signaling molecules, especially ozone, nitric oxide, and/or UV radiation induced promotions in the peroxidase and PAL activities as well as increase in protein content in leaves, especially when times and/or repetitions increased. Plants were perished by the nitrogen derived plasma at the highest exposure time and number of repetitions. However, the seedlings with inhibited growth not only caught up control one month after, but even the growth rate and biomass accumulation in the shoot and leaves were accelerated. Increased leaf soluble phenol content was recorded in plasma treated seedlings, especially at longer times and more repetitions.

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IntroductionAscorbic acid (AsA) is one of the most critical low molecular weight antioxidants and has control over crucial processes, including the cell cycle and cell wall expansion (Noctor and Foyer, 1998). Ascorbic acid, a water soluble compound, is known as a major redox buffer, one of the most abundant antioxidants, and a required cofactor for several enzymes. Its multiple implications in various critical aspects of key physiological processes like cell division, growth, signal transduction, photosynthesis, and hormone biosynthesis are well documented (Gallie, 2013). Ascorbate is regarded as the first line of defense against detrimental effects of active oxygen species (AOS), and protects plant cells from various abiotic and biotic oxidative stressors (Suza et al., 2010). It has been stated that foliarly supplemented ascorbate may be an effective treatment for improving tolerance in stress exposed plants in arid and semi-arid regions (Dolatabadian et al., 2009). In addition, it has been proposed that various crucial compounds, including phenolics, carotenoids, tocopherols, chlorophyll, and ascorbic acid all possess a key role in the prevention of different diseases related to oxidative stress such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, atherosclerosis, inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and other chronic diseases (Šircelj et al., 2010).