The effect on the germination and seedling growth of radish (Raphanus sativus) seeds were examined employing a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) at atmospheric pressure and room temperature for various treatment time. DBD plasma using argon gas of flow rate 2 l m−1 was employed in this study. Radish seeds were treated with DBD plasma for 1–5 min, respectively. Germination characteristics, seedling growth parameters, the contact angle of the seed coat, water uptake capacity, mass loss, the temperature of the seeds, chlorophyll, and carotenoid contents of the seedlings were measured before and after the DBD plasma treatments. Plasma treatment of radish seeds significantly increased germination-related characters, including germination percentage, fresh and dry weight, vigor index, and total carotenoids contents. However, the cumulative production rate was found to be decreased. Results from the experiment indicate an acceleration in the water uptake of the radish seeds and make the seed surface hydrophilic by plasma treatment. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that etching effects on the seed coat occurred after the argon plasma treatments, which affected the wettability of the radish seed. The experimental findings showed that seeds being treated by DBD plasma for 2 and 3 min had a positive effect on the germination and seedling growth of radish.

Seed germination is a complicated physiological process that starts with the seed absorbing water and concludes with the radicle emerging. The kinetics and amount of water uptake by seeds are known to be influenced by both seed surface properties and the surrounding environment. As a result, altering seed surface features are linked to seed medium and is a valuable strategy for controlling seed germination. In the agricultural field, non-thermal plasma surface activation of seeds is currently being investigated as an efficient pre-sowing treatment for modifying seed germination. The impact of non-thermal plasma (NTP) on the germination and seedling growth of carrot seeds at room temperature and atmospheric pressure for varied treatment times was investigated in this study. Seed's germination properties and growth parameters were examined for both control and NTP treated seeds. Germination-related parameters such as germination percentage, vigor index, and chlorophyll content were all improved by NTP treatment. However, no significant changes were seen in the carotenoid content. Similarly, the in-vitro radical scavenging activities, total phenol, and total flavonoid contents in the seedlings were altered by NTP treatment. Our results indicate that NTP treatment has a favorable effect on carrots germination and seedling development.

The present study reports the generation of plasma-activated water (PAW) using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), its physicochemical properties, and its potential impact on the seed germination and seedling growth of soybean. The results revealed significant changes in physical parameters, such as pH, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, turbidity, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and chemical parameters, such as calcium, chromium, sodium, manganese, nitrate, nitrites, phosphorus, and sulfur and biological parameter such as E. coli in water after plasma treatment. The concentration of dissolved oxygen, conductivity, nitrate, nitrite, and sulfur was increased with an increase in water treatment time, and the amounts of the other analyzed parameters decreased with the increase in water treatment time. The effects of untreated water and plasma-activated water treated for 20 minutes on soybean germination and growth were studied. The germination rate was found to be higher with plasma-treated water. Shoot lengths, seedlings length, vigor index, and germination rates were increased as compared to those germinated by normal water irrigation. The seedlings irrigated with PAW responded to the abundance of nitrogen by producing intensely green leaves because of their increased chlorophyll a as compared to seedlings irrigated with normal water. However, the content of chlorophyll b and carotenoids was found to decrease in the case of seedlings irrigated with PAW. Based on this report, we conclude that PAW could be used to substantially enhance seed germination and seedling growth.

We have fabricated an eco-friendly, affordable, and recyclable heat-releasing chemical bag (hence forth termed as hand warmers), which melts when exposed to solar radiation and can be suitable for warming the hands and feet of mountain dwellers, hikers, and motorbike/vehicle riders during winter. Our hand warmer uses sodium acetate trihydrate (CH3COONa·3H2O, SAT)-based composites consisting of a suitable photothermal-responsive additive to shorten the melting time of the hand warmer for practical applications. Under simulated solar radiation, activated charcoal powder, graphite powder, graphene flakes, and copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) were tested as photothermal-responsive additives, which reduced the melting time of the hand warmer by a factor of 0.68, 0.65, 0.63, and 0.57 respectively, when compared to the sample without any additives. Moreover, the stability of the hand warmer was maintained for two–three months (at which point the samples were deliberately discharged) by incorporating 9 mL of extra water (8% wt) in the SAT composites, which demonstrates the long-term heat storage capacity of the hand warmer.

The goal of this study is to explore how water treated using plasma affects the germination and growth of soybean and wheat seedlings. Deionized water (DIW) was exposed to a gliding arc discharge (GAD) for 5 and 10 min to create plasma-activated water. DIW revealed significant changes in physical properties as well as chemical parameters after its treatment with plasma. The germination rate (growth metrics, such as shoot/seedling length, imbibition rate of seeds, and vigor indices), increased when plasma-treated water was used for irrigation purposes. In conclusion, when plasma-treated water is used for irrigation, a better result yield in germination is acquired.