Combined effect of silicon and non-thermal plasma treatments on yield, mineral content, and nutraceutical proprieties of edible flowers of Begonia cucullata

Edible flowers are becoming popular as a nutraceutical and functional food that can contribute to human nutrition with high antioxidant molecules mineral elements. While comparative studies between different flower species have been performed, less is known about the best agronomical practices increase yield proprieties of blooms. Silicon stimulates plant resistance against stress promotes growth while non-thermal plasma (NTP) technology has applied for disinfection decontamination water, well increasing production quality. The application silicon NTP through nutrient solution spraying was investigated in edible given combination these treatments may play role promoting their nutritional proprieties. were on two varieties Begonia cucullata Willd. (white red flowers) explore effects pigmentations . Plants showed higher than white ones but yielded lower number. treatment did not improve quality, increased anthocyanins dry weight percentage flowers. zinc concentration, it decreased potassium, magnesium, manganese, concentration negative some thus highlighting cannot be combined production. In conclusion, positive effect use demonstrated contrasting results its should explored greater depth, including consideration biotic attack prevention reduced chemical input. • (Si) Non-Thermal Plasma evaluated negatively affects Si influences bloom quality quantity element contents. Zinc contents biofortification suitability underlined.