Optimizing germination in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seeds through non-thermal plasma treatment

Abstract This study explores the efficacy of non-thermal plasma (NTP) treatment in enhancing the germination of tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum ) seeds. The experimental setup utilized a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) system with specific parameters, including voltage, frequency, and treatment duration. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) was employed to characterize the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) generated during plasma treatment. Seeds subjected to plasma for durations ranging from 60 to 300 s were assessed for various germination parameters, including germination percentage, mean germination time, and seedling vigor. Our findings demonstrate significant improvements in germination efficiency, particularly evident at 120 and 180 s of exposure, where germination percentages increased by 113.0% and 83.3%, respectively, compared to control (untreated) seeds. Moreover, seeds subjected to NTP showed reduced mean germination times and enhanced synchronization in germination compared to the control group. Optical characterization revealed the presence of reactive species that likely contribute to the improved seed performance. These findings highlight the promise of non-thermal plasma as an eco-friendly method for improving seed germination in agriculture.