Blown-Arc plasma: A safe treatment with potential to boost wheat seed germination without phytotoxicity.

Abstract

ContextCold plasma is an ionised gas composed of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species, with demonstrated potential for improving wheat seed vigour. AimTo assess wheat seed vigour and grain quality after Blown-Arc plasma treatment. MethodsWheat seeds were treated with Blown-Arc plasma for 60 or 180 s from a distance of 21 cm in a closed environment to assess in vitro germination, seed quality, seedling emergence, and crop yield in the field. Key ResultsSeeds treated with Blown-Arc plasma showed significantly faster initial in vitro germination (day 4), although total germination by day 8 was similar to untreated controls. In the field, the treated seed showed no significant difference in seedling emergence in 2020, but in 2021 seed treated for 180 s produced a significantly lower number of seedlings, possibly due to differences in the soil microbial environment. The wheat grown from 180 s Blown-Arc plasma-treated seed produced more heads per plant; however, overall yield was unchanged. The treatment had no adverse effect on grain quality parameters, all remaining within acceptable Australian standards. ConclusionsBlown-Arc plasma did not alter seedling emergence, yield, or grain quality properties of the crop produced from treated wheat seeds. ImplicationsBlown-arc plasma is a safe treatment that can potentially increase wheat seed germination without affecting grain quality or yield. Faster germination of seeds when sown under adequate moisture may promote healthy root systems and plant growth. Further research is needed to determine how these benefits translate under variable field conditions in Australian wheat-growing regions.