Biostimulatory Effects of Plasma on Seeds and Plants

Abstract

Nonthermal plasma treatments including seed priming, plasma-activated water (PAW), and direct plant stimulation have gained recognition as innovative, eco-friendly strategies to boost seed germination, plant growth, biostimulation, and crop yield. This paper reviews recent advancements in plasma-based seed treatment and irrigation techniques, examining their physiological, biochemical, and molecular impacts on various crops. It also explores the role of reactive species, changes in gene expression, and improved nutrient uptake resulting from plasma exposure. Key case studies are presented to illustrate practical applications, while attention is given to the influence of plasma device types, treatment parameters, and integration with other sustainable technologies. The paper concludes by addressing techno-economic feasibility, field-scale adaptability, and outlining critical directions for future research in plasma-assisted agriculture.

Introduction

Modern agriculture is increasingly turning to sustainable, low-impact technologies to improve crop productivity while reducing chemical use and energy inputs. Among the most promising innovations is the application of non-thermal (cold) plasma and plasma-activated water (PAW) for seed priming, irrigation, and direct plant stimulation. These methods consistently enhance germination, seedling vigor, stress resilience, and yield across a wide range of crops.

What is Cold Plasma?

Cold plasma is a partially ionized gas containing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), UV photons, and charged particles. It is generated using devices like:

• Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD)

• Glow discharge

• Corona jets

• Plasma water reactors (to produce PAW)

Cold plasma operates at ambient temperature, causing no heat damage and inducing beneficial biochemical and surface-level changes in seeds.

Key Benefits & Mechanisms

1. Seed Coat Modification & Water Uptake

• Plasma etches and cracks the seed coat, increasing hydrophilicity.

• Enhances water imbibition and accelerates germination times.

• Triggers hormonal pathways like gibberellins, which activate key enzymes for early growth.

2. Biochemical Stimulation

• Plasma-generated RONS activate antioxidant enzymes (e.g., SOD, CAT, APX) and stress-response genes.

• In soybeans, plasma increased SOD by 6× and CAT by 4×.

• Enhances phytohormone balance, nutrient mobilization, and root development.

3. Epigenetic Effects

• Plasma induces DNA demethylation and upregulates gene expression involved in metabolism and growth.

• In soybean and rice, plasma treatments improved stress resilience and growth via lasting gene-level changes.

Plasma-Activated Water (PAW)

PAW is water enriched with long-lived RONS (e.g., nitrate, nitrite, H?O?) and used for:

• Irrigation and seed soaking

• Acts as a mild nitrogen source

• Enhances biomass, sugar, protein content, and germination

In radish and wheat, PAW significantly improved root/shoot growth, nutrient uptake, and stress response.

Synergistic Effects: DAP + PAW

Combining dry atmospheric plasma (DAP) seed priming with PAW irrigation produces synergistic effects:

• In maize, germination increased from 65% to 90%.

• Seedling biomass and vigor doubled compared to single treatments.

Crop-Specific Results

Case Highlights:

• Maize: Faster germination and larger seedlings with DAP + PAW.

• Sunflower: Higher seed yield and biomass.

• Lentils & Peas: Improved nodulation and nitrogen fixation.

• Soybean: Enhanced antioxidant activity and rhizobial synergy.

• Tomato & Bell Pepper (PAW): 3–4× increases in biomass, fruit count, and flowering.

Challenges & Considerations

• Precise treatment parameters (e.g., exposure time, gas type) are critical to avoid oxidative damage.

• Overexposure can reduce performance—highlighting the need for standardization.

• Scalability remains a barrier; most studies are lab or greenhouse-based.

• Commercial implementation of plasma reactors and PAW systems requires engineering development and economic analysis.

Conclusion

Plasma-based technologies, particularly non-thermal plasma (NTP) and plasma-activated water (PAW), are emerging as revolutionary tools in modern agriculture. These approaches signify a paradigm shift from traditional chemical-based crop treatments toward sustainable, eco-friendly, and highly efficient agricultural practices. The treatment of seeds and plants using plasma holds immense promise in enhancing crop productivity, quality, and resilience, thereby addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced by global agriculture today. One of the most remarkable attributes of plasma technology lies in its ability to modulate the seed surface environment without relying on synthetic chemicals. By altering the seed coat’s physicochemical properties, plasma treatments enhance water absorption and activate early metabolic processes, which collectively accelerate and improve germination rates. This effect is particularly beneficial for crops cultivated in marginal or stress-prone environments, where rapid and uniform germination can determine overall plant success. Moreover, the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) during plasma exposure serves as a powerful biochemical signal that influences various physiological and molecular responses in plants. These reactive species activate stress response pathways, promote enzymatic defense systems, and interact with phytohormonal networks that govern plant growth and development. As a result, plasma-treated seeds often exhibit improved seedling vigor, robust root architecture, and enhanced resistance to both biotic (pathogens) and abiotic (drought, salinity) stress factors. Another noteworthy advantage is the improved nutrient assimilation and internal transport, observed across multiple crop species. Studies have indicated that plasma exposure can increase nutrient uptake efficiency by modifying membrane permeability and enhancing root-soil interactions. This leads to greater biomass production and, ultimately, higher yields. The technology thus aligns closely with sustainable intensification goals producing more food with fewer inputs and minimal environmental disruption. The incorporation of plasma-activated water (PAW) further extends the reach of plasma benefits into the post-germination and cultivation phases. PAW retains antimicrobial and growth-promoting properties, making it suitable for irrigation, foliar spray, and post-harvest cleaning. It provides a non-toxic, residue-free alternative to chemical fungicides and fertilizers, enhancing the ecological footprint of agricultural operations. Despite these encouraging developments, several challenges must be addressed for plasma to be widely adopted. Standardizing treatment parameters, such as exposure time, plasma source type, and gas composition across different crop species and developmental stages is crucial for achieving reproducible results. Additionally, scaling up plasma technologies for field-level deployment requires the design of cost-effective, energy-efficient systems that integrate seamlessly with existing agricultural infrastructure. There also remains a critical need to deepen our mechanistic understanding of plasma–plant interactions at the molecular, genetic, and epigenetic levels. Long-term studies examining the heritability of plasma-induced traits, possible mutagenic effects, and ecological consequences are essential for developing safe regulatory frameworks and ensuring public acceptance. Nevertheless, the cumulative body of experimental evidence strongly advocates for significant investment in plasma-based agricultural technologies. Numerous studies have demonstrated plasma’s capability to simultaneously enhance germination, growth, and protection without introducing harmful residues or excessive energy demands. It presents an ideal intersection between scientific innovation and ecological responsibility. Thus, plasma technology offers a transformative approach to contemporary agriculture. It provides a means to elevate productivity while reducing environmental burden, aligns with organic and regenerative farming principles, and complements global efforts toward sustainable food systems. With continued research, supportive policy, and industry engagement, plasma treatment could become a cornerstone of next-generation agritech, ushering in a new era of safe, clean, and efficient crop production.

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Copyright © 2025 Punit Kumar. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.