Long-term response of Norway spruce to seed treatment with cold plasma: dependence of the effects on the genotype

Abstract

The effects of presowing seed treatment with cold plasma (CP) on seedling growth during the first two vegetation seasons and their ability to synthesize phenolic compounds and photosynthetic pigments were compared in seedlings from seven spruce half‐sib families. Seeds were treated with atmospheric dielectric barrier discharge plasma for 1 and 2 min. The results revealed that CP treatment‐induced changes in the tested morphometric and biochemical parameters were strongly dependent on the genotype. The family 477 most positively responded to CP treatments and displayed accelerated growth, combined with a strong increase in pigment and total phenolic content. CP treatment was least effective in families 541, 577, and 599, whereas the response in families 457, 463, and 548 was ranked as intermediate.