Impact of LFGD (Ar+O2) plasma on seed surface, germination, plant growth, productivity and nutritional composition of maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

In this present study conducted with the LFGD (Low-Frequency Glow Discharge) (Ar + O 2 ) plasma treated maize seeds, to inspect the effect on seed surface modifications, seed germination, growth, development, productivity and nutritional compositions of maize plants. This study reported that LFGD (Ar + O 2 ) plasma treated maize seeds have a potential effect to change its smooth seed surfaces and, it becomes rougher. It also enhances the seed germination rate up to (15.88%), which might help to increase the shoot length (33.42%), root length (10.67%), stem diameter (13.37%), total chlorophyll content (46.93%), total soluble protein (52.48%), total soluble phenol (21.68%) and sugar (1.62%) concentrations in respect controls of our experimental plants. For this reason, the acceptable treatment duration for maize seeds were 30sec, 60sec, 90sec and 120sec. After treatment, the plants exhibited a significant increase in CAT, SOD, APX and GR activities in the leaves and roots, and also significantly changes in H 2 O 2 (208.33 ± 5.87μ molg −1 FW) in the leaves and (61.13 ± 1.72μ molg −1 FW) in the roots, NO was (369.24 ± 213.19μ molg −1 FW) and (1094.23 ± 135.44μ molg −1 FW) in the leaves and roots. LFGD plasma treatment also contributed to enhancement of productivity (1.27%), nutritional (moisture, ash, fat, and crude fiber) compositions, and iron and zinc micro-nutrition concentrations of maize. From this research, LFGD (Ar + O 2 ) plasma treatment showed a potential impact on the maize cultivation system, which is very effective tools and both in nationally and internationally alter the conventional cultivation system of maize. Because it promotes seed surface modification, improved germination rate, shoot length, root length, chlorophyll content, some of the growths related enzymatic activity, nutrient composition, iron, and zinc micro-nutrients and the productivity of maize.

Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Treatment of Maize Grains—Induction of Growth, Enzyme Activities and Heat Shock Proteins

“…In general, we can say that a shorter duration of CAPP (30 and 60 s) had a positive effect on the vitality of grains and young seedlings, which were longer compared to the untreated control (Table 1). Our statement is also confirmed by the results of Feng et al [54] for the application of helium plasma, and Karmakar et al [55] for the application of argon and oxygen plasma to maize grains. In the case of most variants with the lowest application time (from 30 to 60 s), we did not notice statistically significant differences in germination and growth of seedlings compared to the control.…”

Gliding Arc Plasma Treatment of Maize (Zea mays L.) Grains Promotes Seed Germination and Early Growth, Affecting Hormone Pools, but Not Significantly Photosynthetic Parameters

“…The stimulation of maize seed germination is in accordance with the results of previous experiments [18,[27][28][29][30], where the effects of NTP were recorded mainly in the initial stages of seed germination and initial seedling growth. Karmar et al [31] reported that Low-Frequency Glow Discharge (mixed gas: Ar + O 2 ) plasma treatment of maize grains enhanced their germination rate by 15.88%, shoot length by 33.42%, and root length by 10.67% in respect to the controls. The NTP treatment durations were 30 s, 60 s, 90 s, and 120 s. In our experiment, another type of NTP apparatus (Gliding Arc apparatus) and working gas (air) were used.…”

Biochemical and Physiological Plant Processes Affected by Seed Treatment with Non-Thermal Plasma

“…Glow discharge (Ar + O2) plasma treatment enhanced the germination of maize seeds, plant growth and development, productivity (1.3%) and improved nutritional composition (moisture, ash, fat, and crude fiber) of leaves, and increased iron and zinc content in grains [ 180 ]. Cianioti et al [ 196 ] examined the impact of maize seed treatment with DBD plasma on the germination, physiology, yield and quality characteristics of two maize hybrids with high and low germination capability.…”