Effect of Gliding Arc Plasma Activated Water (GAPAW) on Maize (Zea mays L.) Seed Germination and Growth

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of Gliding Arc Plasma Activated Water (GAPAW) technique on maize germination and growth variables. The effect of GAPAW was evaluated on corn texture, water absorption in Lab conditions, and the pathway Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of corn seeds was also carry out. Maize seeds were sown 150 m2 and then watered with tap water and with GAPAW. Seed germination, maize growth and chlorophyll content were evaluated in field conditions in a complete randomized block design with four replicates using the Acid Tolerance Population (ATP) variety. Seed texture treated with 15 min of GAPAW making it darker than those of the control (tap water). Pathway SEM analysis showed no change for the 5 min-GAPAW-treated seeds compared to the control but at 15 min-GAPAW significant changes were observed. Germination was 100% at the 15 min-GAPAW compared to the other treatments (0 and 5 min). Stem length, leaf width, collar diameter, chlorophyll content and water uptake have higher values on plants watered with 15 min-GAPAW compared to others treatments. This application could highlight the germination properties of GAPAW in crop production.