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<p>Plasma-activated water (PAW) offers a promising biostimulant alternative in sustainable agriculture, yet its integration with endogenous signaling molecules such as salicylic acid (SA) remains underexplored. Here, we investigate the synergistic potential of PAW and SA in modulating early developmental and physiological processes in tomato seedlings. PAW was generated using an underwater capillary discharge system under varying nitrogen gas flow rates. The optimized PAW (600 sccm) displayed elevated levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>, NO<sub>x</sub>), along with increased ORP and electrical conductivity. Physiological assays revealed that intermediate concentrations, SA (0.25 mM) and PAW (30&#xa0;min), were deliberately selected for combination studies, enabling the detection of synergistic responses without saturation effects. The combined treatment (SA + PAW) significantly enhanced seed germination (up to 99.5%), water uptake, and biomass accumulation compared to individual treatments. Antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT) and osmoprotectant levels (proline, soluble proteins) were markedly elevated. Molecular analysis confirmed upregulation of GA biosynthetic genes (GA20OX1/2/3), nitrate assimilation (NR1), and Ca<sup>2+</sup>-signaling regulator (GLR1), while downregulating growth repressor DELLA. Collectively, the SA + PAW co-treatment reprograms physiological and transcriptional networks, offering a robust, residue-free approach to enhance seedling vigor. This study pioneers a strategy that bridges redox, hormonal, and nutrient pathways through plasma–phytohormone synergy, revealing significant implications for plasma-integrated crop priming technologies.</p>

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Harnessing Plasma-Activated Water and Salicylic Acid Synergy to Enhance Germination and Seedling Growth of Tomato via Redox and Hormonal Modulation

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月12日

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  • Kainat Gul,
  • Sohail Mumtaz,
  • Adel M. Al-Saif

摘要

Plasma-activated water (PAW) offers a promising biostimulant alternative in sustainable agriculture, yet its integration with endogenous signaling molecules such as salicylic acid (SA) remains underexplored. Here, we investigate the synergistic potential of PAW and SA in modulating early developmental and physiological processes in tomato seedlings. PAW was generated using an underwater capillary discharge system under varying nitrogen gas flow rates. The optimized PAW (600 sccm) displayed elevated levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (H2O2, NOx), along with increased ORP and electrical conductivity. Physiological assays revealed that intermediate concentrations, SA (0.25 mM) and PAW (30 min), were deliberately selected for combination studies, enabling the detection of synergistic responses without saturation effects. The combined treatment (SA + PAW) significantly enhanced seed germination (up to 99.5%), water uptake, and biomass accumulation compared to individual treatments. Antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT) and osmoprotectant levels (proline, soluble proteins) were markedly elevated. Molecular analysis confirmed upregulation of GA biosynthetic genes (GA20OX1/2/3), nitrate assimilation (NR1), and Ca2+-signaling regulator (GLR1), while downregulating growth repressor DELLA. Collectively, the SA + PAW co-treatment reprograms physiological and transcriptional networks, offering a robust, residue-free approach to enhance seedling vigor. This study pioneers a strategy that bridges redox, hormonal, and nutrient pathways through plasma–phytohormone synergy, revealing significant implications for plasma-integrated crop priming technologies.