Cold Plasma Treatment Times for Enhancing the Germination Percentage and Seedling Vigor of Panicum miliaceum

Abstract

Enhancing seed germination and early seedling establishment is critical for improving crop productivity, particularly in cereals cultivated under suboptimal conditions. This study investigates the optimization of cold plasma treatment duration to improve germination percentage and seedling vigor of Panicum miliaceum. A series of controlled experiments were conducted using different exposure times of cold plasma on seeds to evaluate their effects on germination rate, seedling growth, and physiological attributes. The results demonstrated that cold plasma treatment significantly enhanced germination performance by improving seed surface properties, increasing water uptake, and stimulating metabolic activity. Optimal exposure durations resulted in higher germination percentage, faster emergence, and improved seedling vigor, as evidenced by increased root and shoot growth and biomass accumulation. However, excessive treatment times negatively affected seed viability, indicating the importance of precise optimization. The improved performance is attributed to modifications in seed coat permeability and activation of enzymatic processes that support early growth. While analytical tools were used to assess germination and growth parameters, the primary emphasis remained on seed physiology and agronomic improvement. The findings highlight the potential of cold plasma as an effective, non-chemical seed treatment method for enhancing crop establishment. This study contributes to sustainable agriculture by providing a practical approach to improve seed quality, increase resource-use efficiency, and support resilient crop production systems.