Enhancing the Germination Rate and Total Soluble Protein Content of Proso Millets ( <i>Panicum miliaceum L.</i> ) Through Dielectric Barrier Discharge ( <scp>DBD</scp> ) Plasma Treatment

ABSTRACT Food security remains a major global challenge due to rapid population growth, climate change and limitations of conventional agricultural practices. Seed germination and early seedling vigor are critical determinants of crop yield, yet many cereals, such as proso millet, often suffer from poor germination rates. Conventional priming strategies can partly address this issue, but they typically rely on chemical agents or water‐intensive processes, raising concerns about sustainability and environmental impact. In this study, Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma treatment was explored as a sustainable alternative to enhance seed performance. Proso millet seeds were exposed to plasma at 25 kV for 10 min. Following treatment, surface wettability of the seeds improved, as evidenced by a reduction in contact angle from 107.8° ± 4° to 74.8° ± 3°, which promoted greater water uptake. Structural and chemical surface modifications were confirmed through FTIR and SEM analyses, indicating the plasma's effect at molecular and microstructural levels. As a result of these modifications, germination rates increased markedly from 82.5% ± 2.7% to 95.8% ± 3.7%. Enhanced water absorption (45.4% ± 2.4% to 63.5% ± 3.6%) and improvements in leaf and root protein content (14.1% ± 0.02% to 21.4% ± 0.04%) further demonstrated the positive effects of plasma exposure on early plant development. Overall, the findings highlight plasma treatment as a chemical‐free, energy‐efficient and eco‐friendly priming technique capable of improving germination and early growth in millet. This approach offers significant promise for advancing sustainable agricultural practices and supporting future food security.