Effects of air plasma treatment on water uptake of wheat and barley seeds

Abstract

In this study, radio-frequency (RF) plasma was used to treat the surface seeds of wheat and barley. Plasma treatment was conducted for different exposure times (1, 5, and 10 min) and at different powers (20, 50, 80 and 100 W), keeping the air gas pressure fixed at 1.0 torr. It was observed that the seeds that were exposed to 80 W of plasma power for 10 min. exhibited a higher water absorption rate. The weight gain of the treated wheat and barley seeds was increased by 62% and 12%, respectively, compared to the control sample (untreated seeds). Spectroscopic and microstructural analyses of the seed surface indicated that the plasma treatment caused chemical etching, which improved the water uptake of the treated seeds.