Plasma Jet and Dielectric Barrier Discharge Treatment of Wheat Seeds

Low-temperature plasma treatment of wheat seeds was performed by a plasma jet and dielectric barrier discharge, both at atmospheric pressure. The influence of the plasma treatment on the growth parameters such as root and shoot dry weight and length as well as on the mean germination time was investigated. Stimulation of germination and an increase of the mean germination time were achieved for the shortest plasma exposure time. The ability of water imbibition by wheat seeds was found to increase by 20–30%. These phenomena were explained by the enhancement of hydrophilicity of the seed surface, which resulted in the reduction of the apparent contact angle. The positive effect of the plasma treatment was also achieved for biomass parameters such as average length, dry weights of roots and sprouts, and other. Thus, the plasma treatment can prove to be an effective alternative to traditional pre-sowing seed treatments used in agriculture.