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Stimulation of the Germination and Early Growth of Tomato Seeds by Non-thermal Plasma

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Abstract

The influence of non-thermal plasma on tomato seeds has been investigated using a fluidized bed dielectric barrier discharge generated in air. It was found that plasma-treated seeds germinate faster than untreated ones. Plasma slightly enhanced germination rate and considerably influenced growth parameters. Seedling length and weight are significantly higher than those of untreated seeds. The influence of plasma exposure is more visible on the plant roots, which are substantially longer and more branched. An increase in weight of 20–40% was observed for the plants grown from treated seeds as compared to the control ones. The best results are obtained for relatively short plasma exposure, while too long treatment appears to be detrimental to the seeds.

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Acknowledgements

The research was funded by Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding (UEFISCDI), by contract no. 3PED/2017.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plasma Physics and Nuclear Fusion, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, Atomistilor Str. 409, Magurele, 077125, Bucharest, Romania

    Monica Măgureanu, R. Sîrbu & Daniela Dobrin

  2. University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Marasti Blvd. 59, 011464, Bucharest, Romania

    Mihai Gîdea

Authors
  1. Monica Măgureanu
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  2. R. Sîrbu
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  3. Daniela Dobrin
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  4. Mihai Gîdea
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Correspondence to Monica Măgureanu.

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Măgureanu, M., Sîrbu, R., Dobrin, D. et al. Stimulation of the Germination and Early Growth of Tomato Seeds by Non-thermal Plasma. Plasma Chem Plasma Process 38, 989–1001 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11090-018-9916-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11090-018-9916-0

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