Effects of non-thermal atmospheric plasma on physiological characteristics of black cumin plant

The objective of current study was to determine the effects of non-thermal atmospheric plasma (NTAP) on physiological features of Black Cumin seeds. Black Cumin seeds were divided into 4 groups: one control group and three experimental groups. The experimental groups were exposed to NTAP for 5, 10 and 20 minutes, respectively. Then the seeds of the experimental and control groups grew for 21 days. Subsequently, total sugar levels, total flavonoid, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzymes were evaluated. The results showed that the concentration of sugar, total flavonoids and total proteins in the experimental groups increased significantly compared to the control group. SOD, CAT and APX activity decreased in all NTAP- treated plant significantly compared to the control group. It can be concluded that Black Cumin seed treating with non-thermal atmospheric plasma treatment may increase plant resistance by changing the enzymatic antioxidant system.