ABSTRACT This study provides the first evaluation of seed priming with Zn‐ion and Zn‐nanoparticle enriched plasma‐activated water (PAW) in Arabidopsis . Plasma treatment with metallic Zn mitigated acidification, stabilized nitrite alongside nitrate, and promoted Zn²⁺ release, whereas ZnO nanoparticles, applied at seed‐tolerated concentrations, created a less neutral environment favoring nitrite oxidation. PAW slightly altered seed‐coat structure and increased K⁺ efflux, indicating enhanced permeability, improved germination, and higher Zn uptake. Under osmotic stress, priming effects extended to seedlings, which showed increased NO levels, while PA(W+Zn) increased root H₂O₂. Despite reduced viability under stress, PAW enhanced cotyledon growth and stomatal formation, highlighting its potential to strengthen early stress responses.
Bodor et al. (Wed,) studied this question.