Influence of Plasma on Pre-Germination Metabolism of Maize

The impact of pre-treating maize crop (Zea mays: GSF.2) seeds with Gaseous plasma utilizing different gases has been investigated. A gaseous glow discharge non-thermal plasma was produced in a plasma system, utilizing an RF power supply, with N2, He, Ar, and H2 as feeding gases. A dose-responsive curve with different exposure times and power input showed an optimum enhancement of seedling growth after exposure for 240 seconds at 30 W power input. Maximum enhancement in growth was obtained with N2 plasma (55% in seedling length). Promotion in growth was lower with other gases comparatively (He, H2, Ar). Biochemical analysis showed a rise in the level of H2O2 in the seeds exposed to plasma. This was followed by an elevated activity of the enzyme α-amylase, which degrades starch, the reserve food material in maize seeds. H2O2 acts as a signalling molecule to enhance the activity of the α-amylase enzyme. It is concluded that exposure of seeds to plasma alters pre-germination metabolism in maize seeds that results in enhanced growth of the seedlings.