Effect of plasma treatment and plasma activated water on the seed germination of mustard and radish

In recent times, plasma technologies have been applied for advantaged physical and/or chemical treatment of crops, seeds, and soil. The beneficial effects of plasma arise from the synergistic effect of reactive neutral species, charged species (electrons, ions), electric fields, and ultraviolet radiation produced in the discharge. The action of plasma species contributes to the seed germination, seed disinfection, plant growth, insect control, retention of quality of agricultural products, and soil remediation, which altogether can contribute toward an increased food production and realization of sustainability. This report presents the generation and characterization of dielectric barrier discharge and its use in the treatment of seeds and water. The pH, turbidity, conductivity and concentration of various metal ions of untreated and plasma activated water were studied. Also, the germination rate, root length, shoot length, chlorophyll content and surface morphology of the seeds were compared before and after treatment by plasma. (author)