Brizantha Seeds Research Articles

Pre-emergent bioherbicide potential of Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi essential oil nanoemulsion for Urochloabrizantha

Essential oils are natural products capable of being used as novel agrochemical products. In order to fill knowledge gaps, this work evaluates the bioherbicidal potential of Schinus terebinthifolia fruit essential oil (EOsST) emulsions on germination parameters of Lactuca sativa and Urochloa brizantha seeds. The hydrodynamic size distribution of the emulsions was evaluated by dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Also, the chemical composition of EOsST was performed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). DLS results suggest nanoemulsion (NE) particle sizes smaller than 735 nm and SEM images showed spherical and cuboid shapes. FTIR spectra indicate peaks at 1640 cm−1 and 1440 cm−1, referring to the benzene ring, and the C–H stretching band from 2970 cm−1–2870 cm−1 indicates the interaction between EOsST and TX-100. GC-MS reveals that the major compounds present on EOsST were α-pinene, germacrene-D, and β-pinene. U. brizantha seed germination was reduced at doses >2 mg mL−1 and completely inhibited at 32 mg mL−1. For L. sativa there was a reduction in germination which was dose-dependent and no dose caused total inhibition. Moreover, a decrease in photosynthetic pigments, flavonoids, phenolics, and total tannins was observed. Enzyme activity was altered, with reduction to catalase and peroxidase.

Radiographic Imaging as a Quality Index Proxy for Brachiaria brizantha Seeds.

Efficient methodologies for automated seed quality evaluations are important for the seed industry. Advanced seed technology research requires the use of adequate methods to ensure good seed performance under adverse environmental conditions; thus, providing producers with detailed, quick, and accurate information on structural seed integrity and ensuring vigorous production. To address this problem, this study aimed to determine Brachiaria brizantha (Marandu cv., Piatã cv. and Xaraés cv.) seed quality through radiographic imaging analyses associated with vigor tests and anatomical characterizations. Brachiaria seed cultivars displaying different physical and physiological attributes were selected and subjected to the 1000-seed weight test, water content determinations, X-ray analyses, germination tests, and anatomical characterizations. The X-ray analyses made it possible to establish a relationship between the X-ray images and other determined variables. Furthermore, the X-ray images can indicate evidence of internal and external damage that could later compromise germination. The Marandu and Piatã cultivars presented the highest germination percentages, germination speed indices, normal seedling development, and cellular structure preservation compared to the Xaraés cultivar. To summarize, X-ray analyses are efficient methods used for the selection of higher physical quality cultivars and can aid in the decision-making processes of companies and seed producers worldwide.

Methods for overcoming dormancy in Brachiaria brizantha seeds

Brachiaria brizantha is a forage species widely used in Brazilian pastures and its seeds have contamination in several areas of countries. Its high germination is fundamental in pasture formation. However, it is common for seeds of this species to have natural dormancy, negatively influencing pasture formation, resulting in losses to the producer. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine a methodology to overcome dormancy of ‘Marandu’ and ‘Piatã’ B. brizantha seeds. Four batches from the 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 harvests were used. Initially, batch profile was evaluated by the following characteristics: determination of moisture content, weight of a thousand seeds, first germination count, germination, germination speed index, initial stand, emergency, emergency speed index and fungi incidence in seeds. The seeds were subjected to the following treatments to overcome dormancy: mechanical (removal of glume, palea and lemma), sulfuric acid (98%, 36 N), potassium nitrate (0.2%), heat treatment (70 °C and 85 °C, during 5h, 10h, 15h and 20h) and a control. The obtained results allow inferring that the causes of dormancy of ‘Piatã’ seeds are of a physical nature, with the tissues surrounding the seed being the main factor that prevent germination. The mechanical method and scarification with sulfuric acid the most efficient in overcoming dormancy. The mechanical treatment with removal of the glumella is efficient to overcome the dormancy ofB. brizantha seeds, providing an increase in the germination percentage

Protective action of priming agents on Urochloa brizantha seeds under water restriction and salinity conditions

Abstract: Analyses of germination of seeds under artificial stress conditions are tools for a better understanding of the survival and adaptation capacity of species under natural stress conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of priming on seed germination, on breaking of dormancy, and on the length of Urochloa brizantha seedlings under water restriction and salt stress conditions. A completely randomized experimental design was used with four replications in a 3 × 6 factorial arrangement consisting of 3 germination conditions (water, water restriction with PEG, and salinity with NaCl) and 6 treatments [five priming solutions (distilled water, potassium nitrate, spermidine, gibberellin, and sodium nitroprusside) and a control (unprimed seeds)]. The following determinations were made: seed moisture content after priming (before drying) and after drying the seeds, germination test at seven and twenty-one days after sowing, germination speed index, viability by the tetrazolium test of the seeds remaining from the germination test, and seedling length. Priming is effective in minimizing the negative effects of water restriction and salinity. Use of sodium nitroprusside as a priming solution results in a lower percentage of dormant seeds and greater germination, vigor, and plant development.

Pre-emergence application of (thio)urea analogues compromises the development of the weed species Bidens pilosa, Urochloa brizantha, and Urochloa decumbens

Invasive species (weeds) contribute to great losses in crop productivity, and one of the strategies for controlling their distribution in the field involves the use of herbicides. However, the development of new formulations for the control of weeds is challenged by environmental issues, increases in the resistance of weeds to herbicides, and poor selectivity of herbicides towards invasive species. Here, by using pre-emergence experiments, we assessed the phytotoxicity of two (thio)urea analogues (2A10 and 2B2) against the weed species Bidens pilosa (a dicot), Urochloa brizantha and Urochloa decumbens (monocots). Similar to diuron (400 µM), which is a commercial urea analogue herbicide, the urea analogue 2A10 (>200 µM) was lethal to B. pilosa. Although 2A10 failed to disrupt the germination of U. brizantha seeds, this compound (≥600 µM) inhibited the accumulation of chlorophyll a and b and carotenoids and resulted in the development of seedlings that presented relatively short roots and small, chlorotic leaves. Moreover, the thiourea analogue 2B2 (≥600 µM) reduced the germination percentage of U. decumbens seeds and delayed their germination, and at a concentration of 800 µM, this analogue impaired root growth and blocked the formation of lateral roots. The presence of an oxygen atom in the urea moiety of the 2A10 structure is critical for its marked activity against B. pilosa seeds, as 2B2 bears a sulphur atom instead and marginally inhibits seed germination. Neither 2A10 nor 2B2 was toxic to the non-weed species Lactuca sativa (lettuce; a dicot), and the latter even exerted beneficial effects by stimulating leaf expansion. Therefore, the evaluated (thio)urea analogues are promising for the design and development of new phytotoxic compounds for the pre-emergent control of the spread of B. pilosa (2A10) or the post-emergence control of U. brizantha (2A10) and U. decumbens (2B2).

Physiological quality of Urochloa brizantha seeds submitted to priming with calcium salts

ABSTRACT Seed priming provides a variety of benefits, including seed invigoration and reduced dormancy. Urochloa brizantha seeds are typically primed with difficult-to-acquire potassium nitrate (KNO3). In this sense, calcium salts stand out as an alternative, but it is important to determine whether they provide the same benefits as potassium nitrate. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological quality of U. brizantha seeds after priming with calcium salts, and compare the results to those obtained with potassium nitrate. Seeds were submitted to priming with calcium nitrate [Ca(NO3)2] and calcium sulphate (CaSO4) at -0.55 MPa and -1.10 MPa, for 12 h and 24 h, and potassium nitrate (KNO3) at -1.10 MPa for 12 h, as well as to no priming (control). A completely randomized design, with ten treatments and four repetitions, was used. Priming promoted a higher germination percentage and lower seed dormancy, with a greater seedling emergence in a shorter time period. CaSO4 did not differ from KNO3 in shoot dry weight of seedlings, but reduced the electrical conductivity of seeds. Calcium nitrate and calcium sulfate show a promising potential for use in the osmotic priming of Urochloa brizantha (BRS Piatã cultivar) seeds, since they are as efficient as potassium nitrate, as well as less costly and easier to purchase. Calcium sulfate priming at -0.55 MPa for 12 h, at 25 ºC, is recommended to replace the potassium nitrate solution.

Conditioning and coating of Urochloa brizantha seeds associated with inoculation of Bacillus subtilis1

ABSTRACT Technological advances for improving the sowing stage of forage plants are important because, besides increasing the operation efficiency, they may also positively affect the plant growth. This study aimed to evaluate the inoculation of Bacillus subtilis in Urochloa brizantha seeds, using coating, physiological conditioning and storage procedures, as well as to observe its effects on seed storage and plant growth. A completely randomized design, in a 2 × 3 × 5 + 1 factorial scheme [two inoculation procedures (coating and conditioning), three inoculants (B. subtilis AP-3, B. subtilis PRBS-1 and without bacteria), five storage periods (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days) and control (bare seeds)], with five replicates, was used. Two lots of U. brizantha seeds were used, characterized as being of higher and lower viability. After the treatments, part of the seeds was employed to evaluate the plant growth promotion in a greenhouse, during 180 days, while the remaining portion was stored at a temperature of 25 ºC, with the seed germination being evaluated every 30 days, for 120 days. The physiological conditioning showed the best performance in the evaluations carried out for U. brizantha seeds with B. subtilis. The coating and conditioning of the U. brizantha seeds with lower viability, both with and without the inoculation of bacteria, increases the shoot mass of plants after 180 days of growth.

The use of X-ray to evaluate Brachiaria brizantha seeds quality during seed processing

The X-ray test permits the visualization of the internal structures of seeds in a non-destructive way making thus possible the diagnosis of causes of seed low germination and purity. The objective of this project was to evaluate the quality of Brachiaria brizantha seeds by means of the X-ray test and the effect of the processing stage. The seeds were sampled before processing and after going through the air and screen machine, and the first and the second gravity tables. Seeds were evaluated as to water content, purity, weight of a thousand seeds, germination, and the X-ray test. The treatment replications were distributed according to a complete random design with four replications. The X-ray test permit to verify the completely full seeds as well as deteriorated, hollow, mechanically damaged seeds and empty spikelets. The processing procedure caused no damage to the seeds. The analysis by means of X-ray is a quality control procedure resulting in information that can be used in the adjustments of processing machines.

PRIMING OF BRACHIARIA SEEDS WITH DIFFERENT SUGAR SOURCES AND CONCENTRATIONS

ABSTRACT Seed priming is a practice for improving the expression of seed physiological potential. Such technique consists of synchronizing and reducing the time of seed germination by controlled hydration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of seed-priming with different sugar sources and concentrations on the physiological quality Urochloa brizantha seeds and initial seedling performance. Before treating, seeds were scarified chemically with concentrated sulphuric acid (H2SO4) for 5 minutes to overcome physical dormancy. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 3 x 6 factorial scheme consisting of priming using three sugar sources (glucose, sucrose, and maltose) and six concentrations (zero [water control], 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%), with four replicates. The seeds were primed by direct immersion for 2 hours at 25 ºC and, after hydration, they were dried for moisture equilibrium recovery. Seed germination, vigor, viability, and initial seedling growth were evaluated. The results showed that glucose was the source able to promote beneficial effects on the germination of U. brizantha cv. MG-5 seeds. Moreover, the supply of glucose at the concentrations of 2 and 5% for physiological conditioning increased seedling dry phytomass.

Allelopathic Effect of the Coffee Residue in Emergency and <i>Urochloa brizantha</i> Growth

Weed management is important for the increase of agricultural crops, since they have a negative influence on yield and harvest quality. To optimize the management it is possible to use the coffee infusion residues, which has caffeine contents, a substance that has an allelopathic effect to some plants. Thus, the goal was to evaluate the allelopathic effect of coffee residues in the emergence and growth of Urochloa brizantha under product doses, gathering and application seasons in pre- and post-emergence. The experiment was carried out at UFLA, in a greenhouse with potting, with Urochloa brizantha seeds, cultivar Piata, in DBC with three replicates in the factorial (3 × 4 × 2): time of gathering (A, B, C); concentration of ground (0, 20, 50 and 100 (% W/V)) and pre- and post-emergence application. The height, fresh and dry weight, Emergence Speed Index—ESI and phytotoxicity were evaluated. It was verified the significance for pre-emergence treatments, reducing plant height, increasing phytotoxicity and reducing fresh weight. For the ESI, it was identified that only for gathering season obtained a significant result. In the phytotoxicity evaluations, it obtained interaction for the season of application with residue gathering season. For product doses and applications in pre- and post-emergence interaction was observed for phytotoxicity. It is concluded that the residue has allelopathic effect reducing growth and increasing phytotoxicity up to a maximum dose of 55.83 and 86.76 for pre- and post-emergence applications of Urochloa brizantha.

Appropriate hydration period and chemical agent improve priming in brachiaria seeds

ABSTRACT Priming is an alternative to improve the performance of seeds that have germination problems, such as Urochloa brizantha seeds. This study aimed at evaluating the appropriate hydration period and chemical agents used for priming, via direct immersion, in the physiological quality and carbohydrate content of U. brizantha seeds. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 3 x 4 factorial arrangement, with four replicates of each treatment, consisting of lower, median and higher hydration periods, in the phase II of the absorption curve, and agents used for priming: water, gibberellin, sucrose and antioxidant (riboflavin). Germination and vigor tests were carried out, as well as carbohydrate contents determination, in the seeds. It was observed that seeds hydrated in the lower period show higher physiological potential. Priming with gibberellin provides a greater seedling emergence, and with sucrose higher carbohydrate contents.

Analysis of thermal dependence on the germination of braquiarão seeds using the thermal time model.

This paper analyzed the thermal dependence on the germination of Urochloa brizantha (Stapf) Webster seeds under constant and fluctuating temperatures through the thermal time model. Germination tests were carried out at constant temperatures ranging from 8 °C to 41.5 °C in order to determine the model parameters: base (Tb), optimal (To) and maximum temperature (Tc) for germination; and the thermal time (θT) required for individual seeds to germinate. Braquiarão seeds germinate within a temperature interval from 8 °C to 41.5 °C, with an optimum range for germination estimated at 31.5 ° ≤ T ≤ 34.5 °C. Actual and expected distributions of cumulative germination percentages of U. brizantha seeds put to germinate both under controlled and uncontrolled temperature regimes were compared, and it can be seen that the model described relatively well the germination at isothermal assays; however the model failed to predict germination at a wide range of thermal fluctuations. Possible explanations for the results are discussed.

Priming and temperature limits for germination of dispersal units of Urochloa brizantha (Stapf) Webster cv. basilisk.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of priming treatments on the upper and lower thermal limits for germination of Urochloa brizantha cv. basilisk, and testing the hypothesis that pré-imbibition affect thermal parameters of the germination. Pre-imbibed seeds both in distilled water (0 MPa) and PEG 6000 solution (-0.5 MPa) were put to germinate in different temperatures. It is suggested that U. brizantha seeds have low response to priming when they were placed to germinate in medium where water is not limiting. The response of U. brizantha seeds to priming is dependent on the temperature and water potential conditions at which the seeds are pre-imbibed, as well as on the germination temperature. The optimum temperature for germination of U. brizantha shift toward warmer temperatures in primed seeds. Priming effect was more pronounced at temperatures closer to the upper and lower limit for germination, but probably that response cannot be accounted for changes in the thermal time constant (θT(g)) and ceiling temperature (Tc(g)). Otherwise, a decrease in the base temperature (Tb) was observed in primed seeds, suggesting that the Tb distribution in U. brizantha seeds is influenced by priming.

Segregação física de sementes de braquiária com fertilizante NPK na simulação de semeadura com matraca

Mixing Brachiaria brizantha seeds with NPK fertilizer is a practice that has been used in the renovation of pastures and implementation of the agriculture-livestock farming integration system. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the physical segregation in the B. brizantha seed mixture with NPK fertilizer by simulating seeding with a jab-planter. A random block design with four replicates was used. Treatments consisted of B. brizantha seeds mixed with NPK fertilizer (10-28-20 rate) and the jab-planter container filled to 80, 40, or 20% of its capacity. The density of the mixture components was determined and 3 subsamples were collected for each treatment during the seeding simulation to determine the weight of each component. No significant differences were observed for any of the variables. Therefore, B. brizantha seeding can be performed by mixing the seeds with NPK fertilizer using a jab-planter, without the occurrence of segregation of mixture components.

PELICULIZAÇÃO DE SEMENTES INTACTAS E ESCARIFICADAS DE Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Stapf

Brazil is the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of forage seeds, requiring new technologies and treatments to maintain and expand this market. The aim of this study was to evaluate the film coating (polymer, fungicide, and dye) effect, preceded or not by acid scarification, on commercial Brachiaria brizantha seeds germination, under water stress conditions, simulated in laboratory. Seeds, intact or scarified with sulfuric acid, with or without film coating, all from the same batch, were evaluated by using a germination test, immediately (0 MPa, -0.3 MPa, -0.6 MPa, -0.9 MPa, and -1.2 MPa) and six months (0 MPa, -0.1 MPa, -0.2 MPa, and -0.4 MPa) after the treatment, in hydric potentials induced by mannitol, simulating water deficiency. Seeds were stored at 20oC and 60% RH, in an acclimatized room, and counting was carried out at 7, 14, and 21 days, with data delineated in germination percentage and seeds infected by fungus. The imbibition curve was obtained at the first period, over paper, without hydric restriction, at 25oC, for 96 hours. It was concluded that film coating and scarification treatments can restrict seeds imbibition after 96 hours; scarification with sulfuric acid promotes seeds germination; film coating is effective to control fungi, especially under water deficit; and that film coating can be used to limit scarified seeds germination under water deficit.

QUALIDADE FISIOLÓGICA DE SEMENTES DE Brachiaria E AVALIAÇÃO DA PRODUTIVIDADE DE MASSA SECA, EM DIFERENTES SISTEMAS DE INTEGRAÇÃO LAVOURA-PECUÁRIA SOB IRRIGAÇÃO

The speed and magnitude of tropical pastures expansion in Brazil are related to the availability of quality seeds. This research aimed to evaluate the physiological quality of seeds of two Brachiaria species submitted to germination and viability tests and also estimate, for both species, the fresh and dry mass yield, under different irrigated crop-livestock integration systems. For field analysis, the experimental design was a randomized complete block, in subplots, with four intercrops in the plot (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu and Brachiaria ruziziensis simultaneously established with corn and nitrogen fertilization coverage), and four forage cutting times, in the winter/spring season, in subplots, with four replications. In the laboratory, the experimental design was completely randomized, with four replications per treatment/test. The germination and viability tests indicated that B. brizantha seeds showed higher physiological quality, when compared with B. ruziziensis, while the tetrazolium test and germinated seedlings characteristics were similar. The B. ruziziensis, simultaneously intercropped with corn, was the less viable intercrop, due to the lower fresh and dry mass yield and litter deposition on the soil surface. In general, the pasture formation for the second season cultivation, intercropped with corn, was an excellent alternative for crop-livestock integration under a no-tillage system. KEY-WORDS: Controlled deterioration; accelerated aging; germination; tetrazolium; vigor.

Mistura de sementes de Brachiaria brizantha com fertilizante NPK

As informações são contraditórias quanto ao tempo em que as sementes de Brachiaria brizantha podem ficar misturadas ao fertilizante NPK sem diminuir o poder germinativo das sementes. Assim, objetivou-se estudar o efeito de tempos de contato do adubo granulado NPK 04-14-08, com sementes dessa forrageira, na qualidade fisiológica (germinação e vigor). Empregou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições. Foram realizadas análise de variância e comparação das médias pelo teste de Tukey, a 5%. Também foram realizadas análises de regressão polinomial. Observou-se efeito significativo em todas as variáveis. Além disso, com o transcorrer do tempo de contato com o fertilizante, o teor de água e a condutividade elétrica das sementes aumentaram, enquanto observou-se diminuição da percentagem de germinação, da primeira contagem, da emergência e do índice de velocidade de emergência. Destaca-se que, para essas variáveis, o comportamento foi linear. Assim, é permitida a mistura das sementes com o fertilizante NPK, desde que a semeadura seja imediata, reduzindo-se os danos à qualidade fisiológica das sementes da forrageira (germinação e vigor). Na prática, recomenda-se fazer a mistura de sementes de B. brizantha com NPK somente da quantidade que poderá ser semeada até 12h após a mistura.

Avaliação da viabilidade de sementes de Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich) Stapf pelo teste de tetrazólio

As sementes de Brachiaria brizantha apresentam dormência, principalmente quando recém colhidas, o que torna o teste de germinação ineficiente para avaliar a viabilidade, sendo necessária a realização do teste de tetrazólio. Visando comparar as metodologias mais utilizadas na condução do teste de tetrazólio nestas sementes, determinou-se a viabilidade de quatro lotes da cultivar Marandu, com diferentes qualidades fisiológicas e intensidades de dormência, em cinco épocas trimestrais. O teste de tetrazólio foi conduzido com as seguintes concentrações de 2,3,5 trifenil cloreto tetrazólio: 1,0% (conforme metodologia prescrita pela International Seed Testing Association - ISTA); 0,2% e 0,1% (sem descarte de uma metade da semente). Como teste referencial foi realizada a germinação sem e com tratamento para superar a dormência, utilizando a escarificação em ácido sulfúrico. Os resultados dos testes de tetrazólio obtidos com as menores concentrações não diferiram da metodologia recomendada pela ISTA, mas facilitaram a interpretação, devido a melhor visualização da estrutura embrionária. O tratamento para superação da dormência não foi eficiente para todas as sementes e prejudicou a germinação das não dormentes. Os testes de tetrazólio e de germinação podem ser considerados como complementares e, em conjunto, permitem avaliar a qualidade fisiológica das sementes de Brachiaria brizantha.

Analysis of the Drying Kinetics of Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst. Stapf) Grass Seeds at Different Drying Modes

Forage grass seeds have a high economical importance in the Brazilian bovine cattle breeding and seed drying is a fundamental stage of processing to guarantee their stability and allow their storage for long periods. In this context, the objective of this work was to develop a pilot-scale belt dryer, which operates also as a fixed and fluidized bed. Brachiaria brizantha seeds dehydration was analyzed under different air velocities and temperatures. Experimental data of moisture content variation along the drying time was successfully fit to a one-term exponential model. The experimental drying rate points were calculated by approximating the derivatives to finite differences. Its behavior was accomplished fitting curves of the drying rate versus water content and time. Finally, fissure, germination, and vigor rates were analyzed as a function of the drying conditions so that the experimental conditions combine the best process efficiency with the best physiological quality maintenance.

Testes para monitorar a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de Brachiaria brizantha (A. Rich.) Stapf. durante o armazenamento

O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência dos testes de envelhecimento acelerado e de deterioração controlada para monitorar a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de B. brizantha durante o armazenamento. Três lotes de sementes não escarificadas e escarificadas com H2SO4 concentrado foram acondicionados em embalagem permeável e armazenadas em condições de ambiente no Laboratório de Sementes do DFT/UFV no período de dezembro de 1999 a agosto de 2000. Foram, então, submetidos aos testes de germinação, envelhecimento acelerado a 43ºC/48h e 60h a 100% e 76 % UR, deterioração controlada a 45ºC/24h em sementes com 20 e 24% de umidade e índice de velocidade de emergência de plântulas. As avaliações foram feitas aos 0, 60, 120, 180 e 240 dias de armazenamento. O envelhecimento acelerado conduzido a 43ºC e 100% UR por 48h foi o procedimento mais eficiente para monitorar o comportamento das sementes de B. brizantha durante o armazenamento, fornecendo informações correlacionadas ao índice de velocidade de emergência das plântulas.