Research Article

Enhancing seed germination of Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench and Ipomoea aquatica Forssk. through atmospheric pressure plasma-activated distilled water

Authors:
Catherine Joy M. Dela Cruz^1,, Alangelico O. San Pascual^1,,, Maurice Gravidez^2,, and Ana Maria A. Chupungco^1,
1Research Unit, Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Science High School-Main Campus, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines, 110
²Science Unit, De La Salle Araneta University – Integrated School, Malabon City 42311

ABSTRACT

Seed priming is a pre-planting activity that has been found to enhance seed vigor and improve seed germination, particularly in species with poor or inconsistent germination rates or in deteriorated or poorly stored seeds. Several priming agents have been investigated, and one emerging priming agent is plasma-activated water (PAW). This study aimed to determine the effects of atmospheric pressure plasma (APP)-activated distilled water on the germination and seedling characteristics of Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench and Ipomoea aquatica Forssk. Distilled water was treated with APP for 1, 3, and 5 minutes. Electrical conductivity (EC), pH, resistivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), oxidation-reduction potential, contact angle, temperature, and surface tension were determined. Further, germination tests were conducted to determine the effect of pre-soaking seeds in PAW on germination and seedling characteristics. As exposure time (ET) to APP increased, the pH, EC, and TDS of PAW also increased, while resistivity decreased. No definite effects were observed on the other physical parameters. Abelmoschus esculentus and I. aquatica showed a greater increase in seed area after pre-soaking in PAW for 8 h compared to the control. Further, PAW-treated seeds of both species exhibited higher percent water imbibition compared to the control. Regardless of ET, PAW-treated seeds had higher germination percentage, germination rate index, faster germination, and shorter germination time. Seedlings of PAW-treated seeds developed longer roots, heavier root and shoot biomass, and a higher seedling vigor index. These findings provide evidence that PAW is a potential seed priming treatment for A. esculentus and I. aquatica. The researchers propose that pre-soaking seeds in plasma-activated water exposed to APP for as little as one minute can significantly enhance germination rates and improve seedling traits.

Keywords: atmospheric pressure plasma jet, plasma agriculture, seed invigoration, seed technology, vegetables

^{Available Online: 15 September 2025}

How to Cite:
Dela Cruz CJM, San Pascual AO, Gravidez MB and Chupungco AMA. 2025. Enhancing seed germination of Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench and Ipomoea aquatica Forssk. through atmospheric pressure plasma-activated distilled water. The Palawan Scientist, 17(2): 79-90. https://doi.org/10.69721/TPS.J.2025.17.2.09

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