In order to keep pace with the world's expanding population, global crop production needs to double by 2050. And this needs to be achieved despite the rising global temperatures and emerging erratic weather patterns caused by climate change. To meet this challenge with minimal environmental impact, it is imperative that the productivity of agricultural land is increased through strategic and technological advancements. Pathogen-free seeds are a starting point for securing productivity of agricultural land but consistency in the seed release from dormancy is also critical. Most seeds exhibit dormancy, an adaptation trait that allows species to determine the timing of germination. Dormant seeds do not germinate even if environmental conditions are suitable and therefore inconsistencies in the release from dormancy has a negative impact on crop production. Erratic climate patterns and global warming will affect seed dormancy and means of triggering dormancy release and germination will become increasingly desirable. This PhD will explore the use of low-temperature gas plasma technology as novel chemical-free disinfection tool and a means of triggering seed dormancy release in different species and climate scenarios.