Cold plasma is effective at overcoming dormancy and maintaining germination in Pityrocarpa moniliformis after storage

ABSTRACT The use of cold plasma is effective in overcoming seed dormancy. However, its effects, both in the long-term and during storage, is still not fully understood. The aim of this study, therefore, was to evaluate the immediate and post-storage effect of atmospheric plasma on the seeds of Pityrocarpa moniliformis in overcoming seed coat dormancy. The seeds were treated with plasma for 0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 minutes. Following application, 50% of the seeds were stored for two years while the remainder were submitted to immediate analysis. The seeds were evaluated for germination and the germination speed index, in addition to seedling length and dry weight. The experimental design was completely randomised, and included regression analysis. The plasma treatment resulted in an increase in the germination rate and vigour of the seeds, both immediately after exposure and after two years of storage. In particular, the seeds treated for five minutes showed around 39% germination, which was outstanding compared to seeds from other exposure times. Plasma is effective in overcoming seed coat dormancy in seeds of P. moniliformis treated for five minutes and tested immediately. The effect of plasma on the seeds of P. moniliformis after storage was less for all the conditions under test.