Effects of plasma pre-treatment on field germination and seedling growth of Platycodon grandiflorum

Abstract

This article explored the effects of plasma pre-treatment on the germination of Platycodon grandiflorum seeds. By analysing the effects of plasma pre-treatment on the germination, seedling growth and development of P. grandiflorum seeds, the study explored the best technological parameters of plasma pre-treatment for P. grandiflorum production and application, and promoted the application of plasma technology in the seed pre-treatment of P. grandiflorum. Based on field experiments, this study verified that plasma pre-treatment can have positive biological effects on P. grandiflorum. The Boltzmann equation was used to fit the germination-time process curve and the logistic equation was used to fit the growth-time process curve. According to the fitted equations, the prediction of the germination stage and the true leaf stage of P. grandiflorum were realised. Plasma pre-technology can increase the field germination of P. grandiflorum seeds by 23.9%. Furthermore, the growth advantage of P. grandiflorum during the germination period is maintained through to the true leaf stage. Plasma pre-treatment significantly shortened the time for P. grandiflorum seedlings to reach the true leaf stage and promoted growth and development.