Cold Atmospheric Plasma Enhances Oat Seed Germination, Seedling Photosynthetic Pigments, and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity

ABSTRACT This study examined the effects of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) on oat seed germination and seedling development. Seeds were treated with pulsed argon CAP at 6, 8, 10, and 12 kV for 30, 60, and 120 s. The results show that CAP enhances germination by increasing α‐amylase activity. Additionally, CAP promotes the accumulation of photosynthetic pigments and increases soluble protein and soluble sugar levels, thereby improving seedling growth parameters, including plant height, root length, and dry weight. The optimal parameters were 12 kV for 30 s. The significant increase in antioxidant enzyme activities in leaves indicates that CAP activates the seedling's antioxidant defense system. This study suggests a new approach for oat cultivation.