Review of Non-Thermal Plasma Technology and Its Potential Impact on Food Crop Seed Types in Plasma Agriculture

Abstract

Non-thermal plasma (NTP) is explored as a sustainable technology to treat and enhance seed germination and growth of major food crops to address food security issues worldwide. This review would provide an overview on the latest advancement of NTP applications for food crop seeds, considering the different food crop groups, and summarizes the mechanism of how NTP improves germination and growth. Results vary based on seed type, plasma setup, and source, such as direct glow plasma or plasma-activated water (PAW). In direct glow plasma, reactive species induce morphological changes by bombarding seed surfaces with ions and radicals. PAW, on the other hand, promotes seed germination through reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) present in the water. Regardless of treatment sources, RONS ions also play a crucial role in modifying seed morphology, activating antioxidant enzymes, and influencing hormonal pathways to stimulate growth processes while suppressing inhibitory signals. NTP treatment shows promising potential in plasma agriculture, but excessive exposure may adversely affect plant growth. Additionally, NTP induces epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, which regulates stress-related genes, further supporting seed performance. Despite these advancements, critical knowledge gaps remain, including the need for standardized plasma energy evaluations, long-term yield impact, and safety validations for food produced from plasma-treated seeds. Future research must address these aspects to ensure the widespread, sustainable application of NTP technology in agriculture.