Growth Enhancement of Radish Seed Induced by Low-Temperature Argon Plasma

Abstract

The process of seed germination is described as the culmination of a series of events that start with wetting and end with the emergence of the embryo (typically the radicle) from the seed coat. This method has an impact on crop output and quality. The characteristics of the seed surface and the surroundings have an impact on the kinetics and volume of water absorption by seeds. As a result, modifying the characteristics of a seed's surface is a useful tactic for influencing seed germination. Low-temperature plasma (LTP) treatment of the seed for surface activation is now being researched as an effective pre-sowing technique. This study looked at the effects of LTP on radish (Raphanus sativus) seeds at room temperature for various times. The seed's germination properties, growth parameters, water contact angle (WCA), Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM), and FTIR analysis were examined. WCA and SEM examination revealed a considerable alteration in the seed coat following LTP treatment, which is directly connected to water permeability into the seeds. Similarly, FTIR analysis confirmed that the enhancement of the hydrophilic properties of the seeds following plasma treatment is likely due to the damage of the hydrophobic moieties on the seeds' surface. The LTP treatment improved each germination-related parameter, including the vigor index, chlorophyll content, in-vitro radical scavenging activities, total flavonoid, and phenol in the seedlings. Our findings indicate that LTP treatment has a beneficial impact on early seed sprouting and the development of radish.

Non-Thermal Plasma: A Promising Technology for the Germination Enhancement of Radish (Raphanus sativus) and Carrot (Daucus carota sativus L.)

“…A sprout is regarded to have germinated when the radicle emerges from the seed coat [5,33]. Many germination characteristics like fnal germination percentage (FGP), relativized percentage (RPG), mean germination time (MGT), mean germination rate (MGR), coefcient of velocity of germination (CVG), germination index (GI), uncertainty of the germination process (U), synchronization index (Z), mean daily germination percentage (MDG), germination (G)-value, and vigor index (I) were explored using the methodology available from diferent investigators [5,[34][35][36][37].…”

“…MGT (mean germination time) is a measure of "the average time it takes for a seed to germinate or emerge," and MGR (mean germination rate) is defned as "the reciprocal of the MGT" [37]. CAPP-exposed radish and carrot seeds germinated substantially faster than untreated seeds, with the exception of carrot seeds treated for 1 minute.…”

“…MDG (mean daily germination) is a measure of "the daily average of how many seeds germinate" [37]. Radish seeds exposed to CAPP for 1, 2, and 3 minutes did not change substantially.…”

“…In this study, a weighing machine (MG124Ai, Bel Instrument) was used to measure the mass. Te mass loss (%) and water uptake capacity of seeds due to plasma treatment were calculated using standard protocols as described by various researchers [5,37].…”

“…Due to the weaker seed coat, maximal etching may occur within 1 minute of contact with CAPP, resulting in a greater mass loss (%) for radish. Te subsequent accumulation of reactive species seen in CAPP may result in a progressive reduction in mass loss (%) [37]. Due to the harder seed coat of carrots, however, etching by RONS occurs at a slower rate, resulting in a steady rise in mass loss as exposure duration increases.…”