Non-Thermal Plasma Treatment of Agricultural Seeds for Stimulation of Germination, Removal of Surface Contamination and Other Benefits: A Review

The presence of pathogens and other stresses at germination and seedling stages affect the successful establishment of crops. The use of non-thermal plasma is a new approach to reduce such stresses. Plasma can interact with seeds and change their surface characteristics by etching, introducing functional groups and coating with exotic materials. Emerging evidence indicate that plasma treatment of seeds can enhance germination and seedling growth in crops by removal of microbial layers, changes in water uptake and other changes. Here, we review the status of research and show the potential role that plasma technology can play in addressing the challenges in food production. Major progress is possible by plasma treatments at or near atmospheric pressure where batch processing of large seed samples is possible.