Effect of plasma activated water treated by LF-microwave hybrid plasma on enhancement of seed germination and plant growth

Abstract

Abstract The current study intends to examine the impact of non-thermal plasma generated by a low-frequency microwave hybrid plasma (LFMHP) on the germination and growth of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) sprout seeds. Plasma activated water (PAW) was utilized as part of the experimental approach for this investigation. The chemical indicator analysis revealed that the LFMHP generated a significantly higher concentration of reactive oxygen species compared with the conventional LF plasma jet (LF-PJ). The application of LFMHP treatment on PAW led to higher germination percentages and improved germination potential in radish sprout seeds compared to both the LF-PJ and control group treatments. Additionally, the average length of radish sprouts treated with PAW using the LFMHP was longer in comparison to those treated with PAW using the LF-PJ and the control group. The findings from this study suggest that PAW treated with LFMHP enhances both the germination and plants growth. Furthermore, this study observed that NO 3 − shows a crucial role in influencing the growth rate of radish sprouts.