Seed pretreatment with cold plasma (Dielectric Barrier Discharge) enhances silica nanoparticle absorption and mitigates salinity-induced damage of guar seedling

Guar plant cultivation is being considered in many countries due to its minimal water requirements. However, the plant's sensitivity to salinity stress presents a challenge. This study explores the use of silica nanoparticles and cold plasma technology as seed priming techniques to increase seedling resistance to salt stress, highlighting benefits such as rapid germination, enhanced growth and physiological parameters. In this research, guar seeds ( Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) were treated with Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma using helium gas for 60 seconds, along with Si nanoparticles. The results revealed that guar seeds treated with DBD (He) plasma showed significant changes in surface morphology, transitioning from smooth to rough textures. Additionally, this treatment improved seed germination rates, increased shoot and root lengths, and raised total chlorophyll content, total protein levels, total soluble sugar concentrations, and proline levels in both normal and salt-stressed plants. Cold plasma and silicon treatments reduced sodium (Na + ) accumulation while increasing potassium (K + ) contents. Furthermore, a decrease in lipoxygenase (LOX) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content and levels of antioxidant enzymes were observed. The findings suggest that pretreatment with plasma or plasma with silica reduces the absorption or transfer of sodium ions into plant tissues, thus lessening oxidative damage caused by salt stress in Guar seedlings. The data also indicated that seed pretreatment with plasma increased the absorption of silica nanoparticles and strengthened their effect in reducing the damage caused by salinity stress. Data of present research suggests that the use of cold plasma can reduce the amounts of nanoparticles needed in agriculture. This advantage is particularly important for environmental concerns and the potential toxicity of nanoparticles for plants and humans. Considering priming as an easily applicable method with potential for large-scale use, it is suggested that the concurrent use of cold plasma technology and silica nanoparticles could be beneficial for planting in field conditions. • Seed pretreatment with plasma increases silica nanoparticle absorption and strengthens their effectiveness in reducing salinity stress damage. • The treatment of seeds improved seed germination rates, increased shoot and root lengths, and raised total chlorophyll, soluble sugar content, and proline levels in both control and salt-stressed plants. • Primming of seeds with cold plasma or cold plasma with silicon nano particle reduces the absorption or transfer of sodium ions into plant tissues, while increasing potassium (K + ) contents, thus decreasing oxidative damage caused by salt stress. • Decrease in lipoxygenase (LOX) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content and levels of antioxidant enzymes were observed. • The concurrent use of cold plasma technology and silica nanoparticles is highly beneficial for planting in field conditions, considering priming as an easily applicable method with potential for large-scale use.