Back Cover: Plasma Process. Polym. 7∕2015

Abstract

Back Cover: Non‐thermal or cold plasma treatment of agricultural seeds prior to plantation may be a new way to increase efficiency of food production in agriculture. This literature review summarises the results to date. Further details can be found in the article by Lakshman K. Randeniya and Gerard J. J. B. de Groot http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/ppap.201500042.

Comparative analysis of the germination of barley seeds subjected to drying, hydrogen peroxide, or oxidative air plasma treatments

“…This behavior is commonly encountered for different kinds of seeds and experimental conditions and has contributed to the rather widespread idea that the water uptake capacity of plasma‐treated seeds becomes exalted. [ 14,16,17 ] However, we believe that this behavior is by no means common and very likely depends on seed treatment and manipulation conditions. Actually, in previous works of our group and others working with soybean, wheat, quinoa, nasturtium, or cotton seeds it has not been found a clear increase in water uptake capacity after plasma treatments similar to those applied in the present work, while differences were quite dependent on manipulation conditions or water availability in the environment.…”

The future for plasma science and technology

“…The primary goal is again decontamination to improve shelf life and food safety. However, it is also possible to affect more physiological processes in plant cells, which raises immediate interest for different agricultural applications and for crop processing …”

Effects of plasma activated water on wheat: Germination, growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, soluble protein content, and antioxidant enzymes activity

“…The application of the CP in agriculture is either direct (seeds or plants are in a direct contact with plasma) or indirect (seeds or plants are exposed to plasma treated/activated gas or water) . The plasma in direct contact with the seed can stimulate its germination and growth and subsequent fruit yield, change enzymatic activity in developing seeds, change secondary metabolites content, and also reduce phytopathogenic microflora from the seed surface . Plasma can also modify seed surface and change its affinity towards water to either hydrophilic or hydrophobic, that both can be beneficial .…”

“…[14] The plasma in direct contact with the seed can stimulate its germination and growth [15][16][17][18] and subsequent fruit yield, [19] change enzymatic activity in developing seeds, [20][21][22] change secondary metabolites content, [23,24] and also reduce phytopathogenic microflora from the seed surface. [25][26][27][28] Plasma can also modify seed surface and change its affinity towards water to either hydrophilic or hydrophobic, that both can be beneficial. [25] When using the plasma, it is very important to know and optimize the plasma exposure/activation time.…”

“…[25][26][27][28] Plasma can also modify seed surface and change its affinity towards water to either hydrophilic or hydrophobic, that both can be beneficial. [25] When using the plasma, it is very important to know and optimize the plasma exposure/activation time. Short exposures may induce weak effects, while long exposures may result in inhibition and can negatively affect the seed germination and development of the plants.…”