Effect of plasma-activated water on soaking, germination, and vigor of Erythrina Velutina seeds

In this study, physiology, germination, and seedling growth of seeds were analyzed after immersion in plasma-activated water. A dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma dripper was developed to treat the water. Erythrina velutina seeds were immersed in water plasma-activated at a peak-to-peak voltage of 37, 43, or 49 kV and monitored during imbibition. While the seeds were imbibing, pH, electrical conductivity, and UV-Vis absorption of the exudate were measured. The seeds released substances during imbibition, maintaining pH between 5 and 6. This fact may be used as a strategy to control plant physiology and seed germination. It was observed that water treated at a voltage of 49 kV presented higher germination rates and seed vigor. Physiological aspects that explain this effect and its consequences on germinative response are discussed. © 2019 by Begell House, Inc.