Effects of high voltage nanosecond pulsed plasma and micro DBD plasma on seed germination, growth development and physiological activities in spinach

• Published in: Archives of biochemistry and biophysics 2016-09, Vol.605, p.117-128
• Main Authors: Ji, Sang-Hye, Choi, Ki-Hong, Pengkit, Anchalee, Im, Jun Sup, Kim, Ju Sung, Kim, Yong Hee, Park, Yeunsoo, Hong, Eun Jeong, Jung, Sun kyung, Choi, Eun-Ha, Park, Gyungsoon
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Amylolytic enzyme; Chlorophyll - chemistry; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Enzymes - metabolism; Germination; Gibberellin; High voltage nanosecond pulse plasma; Micro DBD plasma; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Nitrogen - chemistry; Plant Proteins - metabolism; Plasma Gases; Polyphenols - chemistry; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA - analysis; Scanning electron microscope (SEM); Seedlings - physiology; Seeds - physiology; Spinacia oleracea; Spinacia oleracea - physiology
• ISSN: 0003-9861; 1096-0384
• DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2016.02.028

In this study, we analyzed seed germination, seedling growth, and physiological aspects after treatment with high voltage nanosecond pulsed plasma and micro DBD plasma in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), a green leafy vegetable known to have low germination rate. Both germination and dry weight of seedlings increased after high voltage pulse shots were applied to spinach seeds. However seeds treated with many shots (10 shots) showed a decrease in germination rate and seedling growth. Seeds treated with air DBD plasma exhibited slightly higher germination and subsequent seedling growth than those treated with N2 plasma. Seed surface was degenerated after treated with high voltage pulsed plasma and micro DBD plasma but no significant difference in the degree of degeneration was observed among micro DBD plasma treatment time. Level of GA3 hormone and mRNA expression of an amylolytic enzyme-related gene in seeds were elevated 1 day after treatment with high voltage pulsed plasma. The relative amount of chlorophyll and total polyphenols in spinach seedlings grown from seeds treated with air DBD plasma was increased in 30 s, 1 min, and 3 min treatments. Taken together, our results suggest a possibility that plasma can enhance seed germination by triggering biochemical processes in seeds. •Development of spinach was enhanced by high voltage nanosecond pulsed plasma.•Micro DBD air plasma slightly promoted spinach seed germination and growth.•Plasma can enhance plant development by activating biochemical events inside seed.