Plant Disease Control and Plant Function Regulation Using Atmospheric-Pressure Air Plasma

Atmospheric-pressure plasma (APP) technology has attracted significant attention for its ability to generate reactive species from air using electrical energy. We have developed an air-based APP device that produces high-density dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) with exceptional selectivity. This achievement broadens the potential applications of plasma-generated, short-lived reactive nitrogen species in agriculture and related fields. As a representative application, plasma-generated N2O5 gas was shown to enhance plant immunity in Arabidopsis thaliana. Notably, cytosolic calcium signaling observed within seconds after N2O5 exposure indicates a rapid activation mechanism associated with subsequent gene expression changes. Furthermore, N2O5 treatment increased several valuable secondary metabolites in sweet basil leaves through the activation of plant defense responses. Based on these findings, we aim to develop sustainable farming systems that reduce dependence on chemical pesticides and fertilizers, contributing to a more sustainable future society.