The impact of cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet on seed germination and seedlings growth of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

Abstract

The effects of cold atmospheric-pressure plasma jet (CAPPJ) were investigated on germination and early seedling growth of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L) seeds. A two-electrode argon CAPPJ system with and without an additional grounded electrode [accelerating grounded (AG) electrode] was used at different exposure times. After 16 h of observation, the germination rates increased by 4 and 7 times, without and with using an AG electrode, respectively, for 1 min of plasma exposure. An increase in shoot fresh weight was observed, especially at 10 min exposure time. A high dry weight of root and shoot at 1 min-AG exposure time was observed. The root:shoot ratio was lower in plasma-treated seedlings, compared with the control plants. The study found that the O-radical emission line (777.4 nm) enhanced 5 times, due to the presence of an AG electrode, which increased the axial electric field and led to the formation of more streamers. The three stated effects (O-radicals, enhancement of the electric field and streamers) could be the cause for the stimulation of seed germination and seedling growth parameters when using the CAPPJ. The scanning electron microscope images showed the etching of the seed surface layers, which was more pronounced when an AG electrode was applied. The results of the current study indicate that the germination rates increased due to the increase of O-radical concentration and the etching of the seed surfaces.

Wettability and Water Uptake Improvement in Plasma-Treated Alfalfa Seeds

“…In Leucaena leucocephala seeds, this resistance barrier to water penetration was similarly identified as the surface of the seed coat along with the light line and was possible to overcome by plasma treatment [9]. Research on fenugreek seeds has additionally found that exposure to an atmospheric pressure plasma jet has progressively peeled off macrosclereid cells from the surface of the seeds [43,44].…”

Atmospheric pressure plasma treatment induces abscisic acid production, reduces stomatal aperture and improves seedling growth in Arabidopsis thaliana

“…It is generally accepted that CAPPs technology can accelerate seed germination and young seedling growth (Bafoil et al 2018; Fadhlalmawla et al 2019). In this study, we found that Arabidopsis seedlings increased in length and fresh weight after being treated with CAPPs for 1 min (Fig.…”

Effects of Non-Thermal Plasma Treatment on Seed Germination and Early Growth of Leguminous Plants—A Review

“…However, after longer exposures (20–30 min) saturation and negative effects occur. Fenugreek was studied by Fadhlalmawla et al [ 60 ], where enhancements of the seed germination rate by 7 and 4 times and growth parameters could occur, probably due to the etching of the seed surface stimulated by the plasma streamers and high electric field. Vejrazka et al [ 38 ] confirmed inhibitory effects on fenugreek, when the highest reduction of germination (over 40%) was recorded after 50 s of NTP treatment.…”

“…Higher doses had the opposite effect. In Fadhlalmawla et al [ 60 ], the authors showed for fenugreek seeds that plasma treatment affected the growth of seedlings, measured as root and shoot length and fresh and dry weight of root and shoot, but the effect on seedling growth was not consistent. The changes in red clover plant’s internal processes, the beneficial root nodulation and their communication with microorganisms were reported [ 65 , 75 ], where the NTP stress change the amounts of flavonoids important for communication with nitrogen fixing strains of rhizobacteria on the roots of red clover.…”

“…pulsed atmospheric-pressure plasma jet (10-20 kV) morphological characters of two cultivars + fresh and dry yield [84] Fenugreek, sn: Trigonella foenum-graecum L. plasma not specified (10-50 s) germination + fungal reduction [38] plasma jet (30 kV, 30 kHz, 10 s-15 min) germination + early seedling growth [60] DBD plasma jet (3.5-4 kV, 0-5 min) elevated expression of diosgenin-related genes and stimulation of the defense system [77] Grass pea, sn: Lathyrus sativus L.…”