Enhancement of Seed Germination Rate and Growth of Maize (Zea mays L.) Through LPDBD Ar/Air Plasma

Plasma technology is an emerging science in the field of agriculture. The goal of this study is to see how low-pressure dielectric barrier discharge (LPDBD) plasma generated from argon/air (Ar/air) mixture affects germination, growth, and yield of maize. LPDBD Ar/air plasma was applied to maize seeds via a bioreactor. Seeds were then planted in the field. Morphological, biochemical, and molecular analysis was carried out using these plant materials. Ar/air treatment showed significant improvements in germination rate, morphological characteristics, chlorophyll synthesis, and total soluble sugar and in nutritional compositions compared to non-treated control. Further, the hydrogen peroxide concentrations were substantially induced in root and shoot accompanied by the increase of nitric oxide in roots. In parallel, CAT and SOD activities significantly increased, while APX showed no changes in either root or shoot in plants treated with Ar/air plasma. This result was further confirmed by the significant changes in the expression of ZmCAT and ZmSOD gene in the roots of plants grown from seeds treated for 3 min with Ar/air plasma. This study reveals that the LPDBD Ar/air plasma is involved in the elevation of reactive oxygen species in seeds and plants which was maintained by the upregulation of CAT and SOD activity along with the corresponding genes (ZmCAT and ZmSOD) that ultimately triggered seed germination, growth, and development of the maize plants. Thus, LPDBD Ar/air might be an efficient eco-friendly approach to enhance germination and growth of maize plants.