Heliyon (Mar 2021)
Impact of LFGD (Ar+O2) plasma on seed surface, germination, plant growth, productivity and nutritional composition of maize (Zea mays L.)
Abstract
In this present study conducted with the LFGD (Low-Frequency Glow Discharge) (Ar + O2) plasma treated maize seeds, to inspect the effect on seed surface modifications, seed germination, growth, development, productivity and nutritional compositions of maize plants. This study reported that LFGD (Ar + O2) plasma treated maize seeds have a potential effect to change its smooth seed surfaces and, it becomes rougher. It also enhances the seed germination rate up to (15.88%), which might help to increase the shoot length (33.42%), root length (10.67%), stem diameter (13.37%), total chlorophyll content (46.93%), total soluble protein (52.48%), total soluble phenol (21.68%) and sugar (1.62%) concentrations in respect controls of our experimental plants. For this reason, the acceptable treatment duration for maize seeds were 30sec, 60sec, 90sec and 120sec. After treatment, the plants exhibited a significant increase in CAT, SOD, APX and GR activities in the leaves and roots, and also significantly changes in H2O2 (208.33 ± 5.87μ molg−1 FW) in the leaves and (61.13 ± 1.72μ molg−1 FW) in the roots, NO was (369.24 ± 213.19μ molg−1FW) and (1094.23 ± 135.44μ molg−1FW) in the leaves and roots. LFGD plasma treatment also contributed to enhancement of productivity (1.27%), nutritional (moisture, ash, fat, and crude fiber) compositions, and iron and zinc micro-nutrition concentrations of maize. From this research, LFGD (Ar + O2) plasma treatment showed a potential impact on the maize cultivation system, which is very effective tools and both in nationally and internationally alter the conventional cultivation system of maize. Because it promotes seed surface modification, improved germination rate, shoot length, root length, chlorophyll content, some of the growths related enzymatic activity, nutrient composition, iron, and zinc micro-nutrients and the productivity of maize.
