Dielectric barrier discharge plasma treatment-induced changes in sunflower seed germination, phytohormone balance, and seedling growth

The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of treatment with atmospheric cold plasma (CP) on sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seeds on germination kinetics, content of seed phytohormones, early seedling growth, and photosynthetic activity. Seeds were treated with a scalable dielectric barrier discharge device for different durations. Differences in CP-induced changes in the seed phytohormone content in cases of positive or negative effects on germination and/or seedling growth were detected. The eustress response was related to the increased ratio between gibberellin (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) contents, and the distress response was related to decreased GA/ABA and increased salicylic acid content.