Indirect effects of plasma-activated water irrigation on Tetranychus urticae populations

Abstract

Plasma-activated water (PAW) is receiving increased attention as a booster of seed germination and seedling vigor, and some studies have described use of PAW to manage crop pathogens. Here, we examined physicochemical properties of two PAWs (referred to as PAW 6.0 and 9.4 min with atmospheric plasma jet) and assessed “their indirect effects” (applied as supplementary irrigation) on host suitability of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae Koch). Exposure of water to cold plasma significantly lowered pH and increased concentrations of H₂O_2, NO₂⁻, and NO₃⁻. Supplementary PAW irrigations elicited significant increases in leaf composition of several elements (N, P, K S, Ca, and Mg), leaf reflectance, plant size, and trichome densities (except non-glandular trichomes on the adaxial surface). Preference bioassays revealed significant avoidance of settling and reduced oviposition by two-spotted spider mites on leaf discs from PAW-irrigated plants compared to those from untreated control plants. Performance bioassays showed a significant decrease in two-spotted spider mite populations on PAW-irrigated plants. Results presented in this study provide comprehensive support to the hypothesis that indirect effects of supplementary PAW irrigation significantly reduce host plant suitability to two-spotted spider mites. PAW 6.0 may be slightly better than PAW 9.4, and this difference in performance is discussed in this study. Applications of PAW as supplementary irrigation are likely highly compatible with other IPM tactics and should be considered an innovative and sustainable component in twenty-first-century pest management.