Cold plasma treatment alleviates cadmium stress by optimizing growth, yield, and antioxidant defense mechanisms in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
International Journal of Phytoremediation, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1080/15226514.2026.2679051
- Journal Name: International Journal of Phytoremediation
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Engineering Source (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Materials Science & Engineering Collection (ProQuest), Technology Collection (ProQuest)
- Keywords: Cold plasma technology (CP), cadmium stress alleviation, wheat growth optimization, antioxidant defense mechanisms, sustainable agriculture
- Ataturk University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) contamination limits plant growth and productivity. This study evaluated whether cold plasma (CP) seed treatment mitigates Cd stress in two wheat cultivars, Borlaug-16 (B-16) and Zincol-16 (Z-16). Seeds were exposed to CP for 1–4 min and grown under 50 ppm Cd. CP improved germination, with B-16 showing a 40% increase in germination percentage under CP1 and Z-16 a 90.47% increase in germination index under CdCP1 compared to the control. Growth and yield traits also improved; in B-16, grain yield increased by 45.19% (CdCP1) and biomass by 32.29% (CP1), while Z-16 showed an 83.07% increase in biomass (CP4) and a 66.94% increase in total chlorophyll (CdCP4). Oxidative damage declined, with malondialdehyde reduced by 7.79% (B-16, CP4) and 9.09% (Z-16, CP2), accompanied by increased activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase. Leaf Cd concentrations decreased by 38.73% in B-16 and 71.79% in Z-16 under CdCP1 relative to Cd-stressed plants. Overall, CP treatment was associated with reduced oxidative stress and improved physiological performance. These results indicate that CP is a practical approach to improve wheat performance under Cd-contaminated conditions.