Plasma-Activated Water Applications for Plant Growth Enhancement: Seed Priming, Hydroponics, and Outdoor Planting
Mišúthová A., Mehrabifard R., Ghulam M., Lukačová Z., Šerá B., Machala Z.
5th International Workshop on Plasma Agriculture, Philadelphia, USA, 8-12 Jun, p. x (2025)
request a copy
|
|
Abstract: Cold atmospheric plasma generates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), which are
transported into water to produce plasma-activated water (PAW). The effects of PAW produced
by various air discharges (transient spark, glow discharge, fountain dielectric barrier discharge,
microwave plasma) were tested on various agricultural plants: e.g. pea, bean, lettuce. The RONS
concentrations (H2O2, NO2
-/NO3
-) of each PAW type differ markedly.
The primary tests focused on seed germination parameters, did not show much effect of the
imbibition in PAW with respect to control tap water. Using PAW for plant irrigation of foliar
application proved effects on the plant growth, when cultured in soil both in laboratory and outdoor
conditions. When PAW is used for priming, the oxidative-nitrative stress imposed to the seeds
affects the following plant growth and development. This is expressed by modified plant and root
length, fresh and dry weight, leaf characteristics, photosynthetic pigments, as well as multiple
antioxidant enzymes. The priming effect of PAW was even enhanced by an additional foliar
application. Most remarkable for agricultural production, PAW seed priming caused significantly
higher yield of peas during outdoor planting.
Combination of PAW seed priming and hydroponic cultivation in PAW, represents a promising
strategy e.g. for leaf-producing vegetables. In addition to the increased growth parameters, the
sensory analysis indicated improved taste, odor, texture, and visual appearance of lettuce primed
by and cultivated in PAW.
|
