Non-Thermal Plasma Treatment Improves Properties of Dormant Seeds of Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.)

This article deals with the breaking down of seed dormancy in black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) seeds. These seeds have a hard testa that is impermeable to water and air. In this investigation, were treated non-thermal plasma (NTP) for 0, 5, 10, 20 min. The had an eroded surface (SEM analysis) showed increased oxygen content (EDS) hydrophilicity (contact-angle measurement). exposed also higher absorption (seed uptake) than untreated ones. min, significant difference (p < 0.05) was recorded germination (eight times greater control set) other parameters initial seedling development, such as fresh weight both root shoot all three indexes vitality. detected changes proved NTP can partly break black-locust