Cold plasma treatment improves seed germination and accelerates the establishment of centipedegrass

Abstract Cold plasma seed treatment has the potential for improving seed germination and seedling growth. However, the effects of cold plasma on seed germination and plant growth of perennial plants are unknown. Centipedegrass [ Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro) Hack.] was used to study the effect of cold plasma on seed germination, plant growth, and plant physiological mechanisms. Seeds were treated with different doses (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, and 210 W) of cold plasma. After cold plasma treatment, germination and biophysical characteristics of seeds, turf quality parameters, and physiological responses were investigated. Results showed that 120 W of cold plasma treatment significantly improved germination and turf quality of centipedegrass, and germination rate, germination speed, and uniformity of emergence were improved. Adventitious root numbers and dry weights of shoots and roots of seedlings increased. In addition, water uptake increased because of the increased conductivity and decreased apparent contact angle. Seed reserve utilization parameters, including α‐amylase and protease activities, soluble sugar and protein contents, and seed reserve utilization efficiency, all increased. Mean percentage of turfgrass coverage, stem diameter, leaf thickness, and dry weights of shoots and roots increased. Chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, root activity, and microelements contents also increased. Overall, cold plasma treatment improved the seed germination and turf quality by increasing the water uptake of seeds, seed reserve utilization, photosynthetic efficiency, and nutrient uptake capacity.

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