Cold plasma-induced changes in Stevia rebaudiana seed germination and phytohormone concentration

Abstract

source of sweeteners steviol glycosides (SGs) [1]; however, its sexual propagation is limited due to poor germination of seeds. Cold plasma (CP) methods have been intensively explored in last decades and studies concluded that CP improves seed germination and yield of various crops [5]; and cultural seeds production [2-5]. Recently we have demonstrated for the first time [6] that pre-sowing treatment of stevia seeds with CP stimulates seed germination and SGs biosynthesis in plant. We have previously confirmed in various plants that CP stimulates germination by inducing complex changes in the molecular processes within the seed by increasing the ratio of gibberellins (GA, stimulating phytohormones) with abscisic acid (ABA, inhibiting phytohormone) [7]. In this study we are aiming to determine, how physical stressors, such as low pressure capacitively-coupled cold-plasma (CP), atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge cold plasma (DBD) and vacuum affect germination of Stevia rebaudiana seeds and the concentrations of acting phytohormones