Investigation of key plasma species on germination boosting of Mung bean

International audienceAtmospheric-pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma array has been used to treat mung bean seeds and mustard to explore the responses of them in terms of germination rate under direct and indirect plasma treatment methods. Plasma stimulation could selectively affect germination of mung bean and mustard seeds. Plasma indirect treatment showed a positive germination promotion both in mung bean and mustard seeds, while plasma direct treatment only increased mung bean germination rate, inhibit that of mustard. This enhancement of germination was related with plasma produced activated ions both including long life ions and short life oxidative radicals in liquid condition. Short life radicals, e.g. hydroxyl radical etc, played a more sensitive promoting effect because of their stronger chemical and biological activities