Brown Seeds Research Articles

Quality of Hungarian clover (Trifolium pannonicum Jacq.) seeds of Snezhok variety

The article presents the results of many years of research (2011-2021) on determining the quality of Hungarian clover (Trifolium pannonicum Jacq.) seeds of Snezhok variety obtained in the conditions of Kirov region (North-East of the European part of Russia). The weight of 1000 seeds averaged 4.16 g with changes over the years from 3.83 to 4.60 g and depended on the amount of precipitation (r = 0.71), the hydrothermal coefficient during the flowering period of grass stands (r = 0.69), average daily and daytime air temperatures during the "flowering-the beginning of maturation" period (r = -0.70). On average, the length of the seeds was 2.45 mm, width – 1.93 mm; thickness – 1.40 mm. According to the ratio of these parameters, the seeds had an ovoid and ellipsoid (elongated) shape. The size of the seed material (integral indicator) did not exceed 2.0 mm. In years with greater moisture availability (98-189 % to the norm) large seeds were formed (from 1.92 to 2.00 mm), with insufficient moisture (64-81 %) ‒ small seeds (1.78 mm). According to the initial germination indicators, all seed material met the requirements of GOST R 52325-2005 and was classified as "original seeds". Germination and germinating energy were 86.7-99.5 and 80.0-97.0 %, respectively, they depended on the average daily air temperature during the "budding-seed ripening" period (r = 0.66 and 0.68) and remained at a high level for the first three to four years of storage. The seed material had mainly a low content of hard seeds (1.5-7.0 %). In some years, the "hard-seeding" of freshly harvested seeds reached 20.0-36.0%, however, after the post-harvest ripening period, it significantly decreased. The freshly harvested seeds had a yellow color, which gradually changed to beige-brown or brown-beige during storage. Regression analysis showed a strong relationship between the color of seeds of different storage periods and germination rates. The presence of a large number of yellow seeds in the batch indicated to their high germinating energy (r = 0.98) and germination (r = 0.95). the predominant content of brown seeds indicated to the loss of seed sowing qualities (r = -0.94 and r = -0.91, respectively).

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Genes and Pathways Associated with Salt Tolerance during Seed Germination in Suaeda liaotungensis.

Seed germination is susceptible to external environmental factors, especially salt stress. Suaeda liaotungensis is a halophyte with strong salt tolerance, and the germination rate of brown seeds under 1000 mM NaCl treatment still reached 28.9%. To explore the mechanism of salt stress response during brown seed germination in Suaeda liaotungensis, we conducted transcriptomic analysis on the dry seeds (SlD), germinated seeds under the control condition (SlG_C), and salt treatment (SlG_N). Transcriptome analysis revealed that 13314 and 755 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from SlD vs. SlG_C and SlG_C vs. SlG_N were detected, respectively. Most DEGs were enriched in pathways related to transcription regulation and hormone signal transduction, ROS metabolism, cell wall organization or biogenesis, and carbohydrate metabolic process in two contrasting groups. Compared with the control condition, POD and CAT activity, H2O2, soluble sugar, and proline contents were increased during germinated seeds under salt stress. Furthermore, functional analysis demonstrated that overexpression of SlNAC2 significantly enhanced salt tolerance during the germination stage in Arabidopsis. These results not only revealed the tolerant mechanism of brown seed germination in response to salinity stress but also promoted the exploration and application of salt-tolerant gene resources of Suaeda liaotungensis.

PALYNOLOGY OF SOME SPECIES IN THE FAMILY CUCURBITACEAE FROM NIGERIA

Pollen morphology of ten (10) species representing nine (9) genera, two (2) varieties in the family Cucurbitaceae from Nigeria has been examined under light microscope. The pollen grains are largely monads. Exine wall ornamentation is most often reticulate in all the species of the family studied with the exception of pollens in Cucurbita maxima Duch. which are echinate, this is a diagnostic character for this species. Cell wall thickness is the least variable among all the characters studied. Almost all types of pollen shape classes have been observed within this family, namely spheroidal, subprolate, oblate-spheroidal, prolate-spheroidal, suboblate and prolate, with more than one shape type occurring in a species. It is worthy of note that pollen shape and aperture type can be used to delimit Lagenaria siceraria (spatulate fruit shape) from Lagenaria siceraria (oval fruit shape). However, the shapes are the same in Citrullus lanatus (black seeds water melon) and Citrullus lanatus (brown seeds water melon). Three (3) types of apertures, porate, colpate (very occasionally) and colporate are documented for the family in this study, while seven (7) pollen types have been distinguished based on the apertures: monoporate, monocolpate, bicolporate, triporate, tricolporate, tetraporate and tetracolporate. Tricolporate pollens were observed to occur more frequently than other apertural types. Pollen grains belong to the size categories Media and Magna and only very occasionally in the Minuta category. The implication of these size categories in the reproductive success of the plants in this family is highlighted.

Оценка продуктивности сортов масличного льна в условиях Свердловской области

Oil flax was grown on gray forest soils of the Sverdlovsk region. The purpose of the research was to compare the yield of new varieties of oil flax, to justify the yield value by elements of the yield structure and to determine the seed quality by biochemical composition. The research method was a field experiment with variance analysis of experimental data. We established that in the Sverdlovsk region, even in extreme meteorological conditions, it is possible to obtain the oil flax yield of 1.8–2.2 t/ha. In the ecological trial, the varieties Uralsky, VNIIMK 620 FN, RFN, Fliz, Rachel and Lirina were distinguished by early maturity, in which the growing season was 82 days, which is 10 days shorter than late-maturing varieties. According to the seed yield in the conditions of 2021, the varieties Lirina (2.04 t/ha), Uralsky (1.88 t/ha), VNIIMK 620 FN (1.71 t/ha), Fliz (1.64 t/ha) and Rachel (1.73 t/ha) were distinguished. With small differences between varieties in plant density, the yield value was determined by the optimal combination of the main elements of its structure – the number of pods per 1 plant, seeds in a pod and the thousand-seed weight. The highest yield in the competitive trial was formed by the variety Uralsky yellow (2.28 t/ha). By thousand-seed weight, it is inferior to the variety Northern (standard with brown seeds), but exceeds the similar variety LM 98 with yellow seeds by 1.32 g. In the warm and arid conditions of 2021, flax seeds were characterized by increased oil content. By this trait, the varieties August (48.6%), RFN (46.9%) and Azurite (46.6%) were distinguished.

Preliminary research on seed yield and nutritional traits of desi chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) grown in Central Italy in spring sowing

In Italy, chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivation of the kabuli type is predominant, with local landraces of the desi type, including the Apulian black chickpea, occurring almost exclusively in the south. However, increasing interest in the desi type on the part of farmers and consumers is based on the nutritional properties constituting a niche area in the market health sector. Information pertaining to both field evaluation of desi chickpea in Central Italy and the chemical composition is scarce. Therefore, the aim of this preliminary research was to evaluate the agronomic performance to the agroclimatic environment of Central Italy of thirteen lines of desi chickpea accessions of different origins, as well as the ‘Apulian Black Chickpea’ (ABC). Accessions were sown on March 21 in 2019, without the use of irrigation. The principle qualitative characteristics, namely protein content and raw fiber were determined. Yield was excellent for 57 % of the accessions, some of which exceeded 3.0 t ha-1 with the maximum value of 4.1 t ha-1 recorded for ‘PI598080’ (brown seeds of Indian origin). ‘W617611’ (black seeds of Turkish origin) was the earliest flowering line at 74 days after sowing, permitting this accession to escape the onset of drought and high temperatures. Additional early flowering lines included ‘PI533676’ (black seeds of Ukrainian origin) and ‘PI567850’ (black seeds of Pakistani origin), respectively. Plant structure relating to the average height of the plants (47.0 cm), the height of the first pod (30.8 cm) and the number of branches per plant (2.6) rendered most accessions suitable to combine harvesting, an indispensable prerequisite in the maintenance of an economically sustainable crop. The average protein content was 22.7 % with maximum values exceeding 24 % (‘PI572520’ - black seeds of Syrian origin -, ‘W617614’ - black seeds of Turkish origin - and ‘PI572850’). The fiber content was very heterogeneous ranging from 4.6 % to 12.0 %.The present study provides the basis towards the future introduction of desi chickpea in Central Italy, with the potential for sustainable yield and quality.

Optimum Sterilization Method for In Vitro Cultivation of Dimorphic Seeds of the Succulent Halophyte Suaeda aralocaspica

Suaeda aralocaspica is an annual halophyte in the Amaranthaceae in the saline deserts of central Asia. This plant has succulent leaves and grape-like fruits and is a potential horticultural plant. To obtain the efficient sterilization method and optimal culture conditions, two types of seeds produced from a single plant of S. aralocaspica were treated with 75% ethanol for different time durations first, and then sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) or mercury chloride (HgCl2), with five different timing treatments were used for second seed surface sterilization. Sterilized seeds were germinated on a Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium at different potential hydrogenation (pH) levels, to examine germination and seedling performance. The results showed that the highest germination percentage of brown seeds was 100% and that of black seeds was 17%. Thus, brown seeds were more suitable for further culture experiments than black seeds. For brown seeds, the sterilization effect of NaClO was better than that of HgCl2, based on the results of seed germination, contamination, and seedling survival. Rinsing with 75% ethanol for 60 s, sterilizing with NaClO for 8 min, and cultivating at pH 8.0 MS for 7 days was the best of all sterilization procedures and cultivation methods tested, which has been successfully applied to S. aralocaspica in vitro culture. The optimized protocol described here can be used as the reference for the Suaeda genus.

INI-17, New Variety of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)

Objective: To describe the variety of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) based on the guides by the Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) and to evaluate their agronomic performance.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: The variety was generated through the mass selection method followed by individual mass selection. The varietal description was conducted based on a local guide proposed and on guidelines by the UPOV. The experimental design used was in complete random blocks with four repetitions. Phenological and morphological traits of the plant were recorded. The means were compared with Tukey’s test at a level of 5% confidence.
 Results: INI-17 is of tall bearing, with growth habit of semi-erect basal leaf. The number of basal leaves is high, of medium length and mean degree of lobulation, with intensity of foliage color. The number of umbels is high, the petals do not contain anthocyanins, and it is of late flowering; it has fruit of medium size and brown seeds that have high linalool content.
 Study Limitation/Implications: Seed production is highly dependent on the temperature and presence of vectors, and it is of long cycle.
 Findings/Conclusions: The agronomic performance and tolerance to plucking was comparable with commercial varieties, has aesthetic characteristics, of flavor and essential oil content that are demanded by consumers and the fragrance industry.

Nutrient composition and physical properties of citron watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides (L.H. Bailey) Mansf. ex Greb.) seeds are related to seed coat visual appearance

Roasted citron watermelon seeds are eaten as snacks based on maturity indices. Association between coat colour, nutrient composition and physical properties is unknown. Therefore, seed coat thickness (SCT), hardness and popping yield (PY) may influence roasting quality and chewability. Understanding seed nutrient composition, physical properties, and coat colour associations allows selection for desirable traits. Forty accessions were analysed for mineral elements using flame atomic emission spectrometry (FAES) for K and flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) for Mg, Cu, Mn, and Zn. Physical properties such as (seed thickness (ST), weight required to crack seed (WRCS), SCT, and PY were analysed. Data was subjected to correlation and Principal Component Analysis. Significant differences were observed for mineral elements and physical properties (P < 0.05). Dark and red seeds had high ST and SCT but low WRCS, Cu and Zn compared to brown seeds. Significantly lower PY and high Ca content were recorded for dark seeds. Dark seeds had high hemicellulose (19.58%), cellulose (39.17%) and lignin (30.08%). Popping yield was positively correlated with lightness (r = 0.72; P < 0.001) and negatively correlated with Ca (r = -0.77; P < 0.001). Seeds with lighter colours had higher popping yield and less Ca, implying that coat colour influences palatability, nutrient composition and physical properties. Study findings will guide breeding strategies to enhance the nutritive value of seeds.

Isolation and Purification of Mustard Glucosinolates by Macroporous Anion-Exchange Resin: Process Optimization and Kinetics’ Modelling

Glucosinolates (GSL) (β-thioglucoside-N-hydroxy sulfates) are rich-sulfur secondary metabolites raising potential biofumigation interest due to their biological properties. Sinigrin and gluconapin are the main glucosinolates present in brown mustard seeds (Brassica juncea). These glucosinolates are very suitable for the development of phytosanitary products due to their fungicidal, bactericidal and insecticidal effects. In this work, the purification of sinigrin and gluconapin extracted from defatted mustard seeds was studied using macroporous anion exchange resins. A strongly and a weakly anionic resin were first tested according to the nature of their functional group and through their selectivity towards glucosinolates. Anion-exchange resin purification was first studied in static (batch) mode in order to determine the optimal operating conditions; it was then tested in a dynamic (continuous) mode (column) to validate the process. In static mode, the adsorption behavior and characteristics of both resins were compared. The results showed that the strongly basic resin PA312LOH ensures better adsorption of glucosinolates and that the experimental data fit well with the Freundlich isotherm. Moreover, analysis showed that PA312LOH resin was selective for glucosinolates purification towards the proteins. The desorption of glucosinolates was then investigated. Firstly, the operating conditions were optimized by studying the effects of salt concentration and the eluate-resin ratio. This preliminary optimization allowed recovering 72.9% of intact sinigrin and the juice purity was increased from 43.05% to 79.63%. Secondly, dynamic (continuous mode) experiments allowed the recovery of 64.5% of sinigrin and 28% of gluconapin by varying the eluent ionic strength and the flow rate. Resin was finally successfully regenerated using NaOH.

Experimental evidence from Suaeda glauca explains why the species is not naturally distributed in non-saline soils

Euhalophytes are not naturally distributed in non-saline areas. However, the reason for this is unclear. Seed germination, seedling emergence and plant tolerance to salt were evaluated in the euhalophyte Suaeda glauca. One population occurs in saline soils (SS), and another has been cultivated in non-saline soils (NSS) for more than 20 years. A total of 500 mM NaCl had a greater adverse effect on seed germination and seedling emergence of brown seeds in S. glauca from NSS compared with those from SS. The seedlings grown from brown seeds collected from NSS were uniform and dwarf, but this was not the case for the seedlings from SS. The salt tolerance of seedlings from NSS did not significantly differ from those from SS, as judged by such factors as the shoot dry weight and contents of leaf Na+ and K+. The concentrations of phytohormones, such as abscisic acid, methyl jasmonate, gibberellin 3 and 4, zeatin riboside, brassinolide, indole acetic acid, and indole-3-propionic acid, in the leaves of seedlings from NSS were generally lower than those from SS under different concentrations of NaCl. In conclusion, salts are not strictly required for the growth of S. glauca. The reason why typical euhalophytes, such as S. glauca, are not found in non-saline areas is probably because the seedlings grown in NSS become dwarf and uniform, thus, weakening their ability to compete with glycophytes in non-saline habitats.

Formation of Potential Heterotic Groups of Oat Using Variation at Microsatellite Loci.

An evaluation of polymorphism at the microsatellite loci was applied in distinguishing 85 oat (Avena sativa L.) genotypes selected from the collection of genetic resources. The set of genotypes included oats with white, yellow, and brown seeds as well as a subgroup of naked oat (Avena sativa var. nuda Koern). Variation at these loci was used to form potential heterotic groups potentially used in the oat breeding program. Seven from 20 analyzed microsatellite loci revealed polymorphism. Altogether, 35 microsatellite alleles were detected (2–10 per locus). Polymorphic patterns completely differentiated all genotypes within the subgroups of white, brown, and naked oats, respectively. Only within the greatest subgroup of yellow genotypes, four pairs of genotypes remained unseparated. Genetic differentiation between the oat subgroups allowed the formation of seven potential heterotic groups using the STRUCTURE analysis. The overall value of the fixation index (Fst) suggested a high genetic differentiation between the subgroups and validated a heterotic grouping. This approach can be implemented as a simple predictor of heterosis in parental crosses prior to extensive field testing or development and implementation of more accurate genomic selection.

Transgenerational Effects of Maternal Water Condition on the Growth, C:N Stoichiometry and Seed Characteristics of the Desert Annual Atriplex aucheri.

Water conditions directly affect plant growth and thus modify reproduction allocation. However, little is known about the transgenerational effects of water conditions on xerophytes. The desert annual Atriplex aucheri produces three types of seeds (A: dormant, ebracteate black seeds; B: dormant, bracteolate black seeds; C: non-dormant, bracteolate brown seeds) on a single plant. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of low/high water treatment (thereafter progeny water treatment) on aboveground biomass, C:N stoichiometry, and offspring seed characteristics of A. aucheri grown from brown seeds whose mother plants were under low/high water treatment (thereafter maternal water treatment). Progeny water only affected shoot dry weight and seed allocation of type A. Under low progeny water treatment, plants from parents with low maternal water treatment had the lowest biomass. Maternal water did not significantly influence the C and N content, however high maternal water increased the C:N ratio. Maternal water treatment did not significantly affect seed number. However, plants under low maternal and progeny water treatments had the lowest weight for type B seeds. When progeny plants were under low water treatment, seed allocation of type A, type B, and total seed allocation of plants under high maternal water were significantly lower than those of plants under low maternal water. These results indicate that water conditions during the maternal generation can dramatically contribute to progeny seed variation, but the transgenerational effects depend on the water conditions of progeny plants.

Prospects of foliar treatments with glycine solution to increase the productivity of dill

Relevance. Dill is a popular food and medicinal crop (Anethum graveolens L.) of the Celery family (Apiaceae). Seeds of dill are included in the 14th edition of the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation. However, this crop is characterized by a relatively low yield, which reduces the efficiency of its production. The use of environmentally friendly growth-regulating compounds can significantly increase the yield and improve its quality. As a growth-regulating, foliar treatment with a solution of the amino acid glycine was tested. The amino acid glycine is environmentally friendly and does not pose a danger to humans and animals. The aim of the work was to increase the productivity of garden dill using foliar treatments with glycine amino acid.Materials and methods. Dill varieties Gribovsky and Symphony were chosen as objects to study the effect of the foliar treatments with glycine. Sowing of seeds was carried out at an early date, which for the conditions of the Lipetsk region corresponds to the first decade of April, with a SZT-3.6 seeder with 15 cm row spacing. The seeding rate was 15 kg/ha, the seeding depth was 1-2 cm. were Treatment with glycine solution was achieved in plants rosette phase. The concentration of glycine was 25, 50 and 100 mg / l. The control plants were sprayed with distilled water. The crop was cut during the period of brown seeds on the central umbrella. The content of essential oil was determined by the 14th edition of the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation (method 1). The content of the main components was determined by gas chromatography.Results. As a result of the research, a positive effect of foliar treatments with glycine on both yield and the content of essential oil in the raw material of dill varieties Gribovsky and Symphony was revealed. As a result of treatments, regardless of concentration, the seeds yield and the yield of essential oil per unit area increased. The increase in the mass of 1000 pieces of fruits was not unambiguous. Based on the results obtained, the effective concentration of amino acid glycine is determined not only by the characteristics of the variety, but also by weather conditions, when, depending on the conditions during the processing period and prior to harvesting, different aspects of the drug's action appear. According to the results of observations for 2 years and an assessment by the sum of the indicators, the optimal concentration of glycine in most cases was 100 mg / l, at the same time, for the Symphony variety for two years, two-foliar treatment with low concentrations of glycine (10 mg / l rosette + 10 mg / l budding).

Germination Characteristics Is More Associated With Phylogeny-Related Traits of Species in a Salinized Grassland of Northeastern China

Knowing the determinants of seed germination helps us understand plant adaptive strategies to the environment and predict population and community regeneration under climate change. However, multiple factors, including plant and seed traits that influence germination and their relative importance, have received little attention. Here, seed germination experiments were conducted on newly collected seeds for 89 herbaceous species from salinized Songnen grassland. We tested the effects of multiple phylogeny-related plant traits and seed morphological and physiological traits on germination percentage and initial germination time and their relative contribution to shaping germination variation. We found that biennials had higher germination percentages and rates than annuals and perennials. Species with brown seeds had higher germination percentages than those with yellow and black seeds. Eudicots germinated faster than monocots, and seeds with morphophysiological dormancy required more time to initiate germination than those with other kinds of dormancy. Phylogeny-related factors explained more of the variation in germination than seed traits. Seed mass and volume of the large-seeded, but not small-seeded group species were positively correlated with germination percentage. Our findings provide important information for understanding germination variation across species and local adaptation for species in the salinized Songnen grassland.

Evaluation of the Value of the Defective and Taste of Arabica Coffee (Coffea Arabica L) West Sumatera

The purpose of this research is to get information on the value of defectives, water content, taste, and the overall acceptance of Arabica coffee derived from 20 coffee producers in West Sumatera. Taste testing involves trained q grader. The Data of research results analyzed descriptively. The results showed that the quality defectives of coffee is at a quality level from 3 to 5 and 70% quality of coffee in accordance with SNI (Indonesian National Standards) 01-2907-2008. The type of defective in coffee beans is the rupture seeds, brown seeds, black seeds then followed by perforated seeds. Taste of coffee Brew are Excellent Aroma and complex coffee flavor, good acidity and thickness of seeds. Vanilla flavor and taste of fruits and spices. The color of the Arabica coffee powder varies from brown, black and color like cinnamon, As well as overall acceptance kinda like. This indicates the need to implement standard operational procedures to improve the quality of coffee in West Sumatera Framework

The Effects of Red Clover Seed Treatment with Cold Plasma and Electromagnetic Field on Germination and Seedling Growth Are Dependent on Seed Color

This study aimed to estimate the effects of cold plasma (CP) and electromagnetic field (EMF) treatment of red clover (Trifolium pratense) seeds with different coat colors on germination kinetics, the content of seed phytohormones, and the growth of seedlings. Seeds of red clover cultivar ‘Arimaiciai’ were treated with radio-frequency EMF or capacitively coupled low-pressure CP for different durations. There were no differences in germination kinetics between yellow, brown, and dark purple seeds in control, but the germination rate of seeds treated with CP and EMF depended on seed color: The germination of yellow seeds was stimulated stronger compared to dark purple and brown seeds, and EMF did not stimulate germination in brown seeds. The content of phytohormones in control seeds and the shift in their amount induced by seed treatments were also strongly dependent on seed color. No relationship was found between the effect on germination kinetics and changes in phytohormone levels. In the control, seedlings growing from the yellow seeds were heavier, and the number of root nodules was 12.5 times larger compared to seedlings of dark purple seeds. Seed treatments with CP and EMF significantly increased the number of root nodules, and this effect was stronger in seedlings from dark purple seeds compared to those from yellow seeds.

Insights into the endophytic bacterial community comparison and their potential role in the dimorphic seeds of halophyte Suaeda glauca

BackgroundSeed dimorphism has been thought to be a bet-hedging strategy that helps plants survive in the disturbed environment and has been widely studied for its ecological adaptation mechanism. Many studies showed that seed-associated microorganisms play an important role in enhancing plant fitness, but information regarding endophytic bacteria associated with dimorphic seeds is limited. This study explores the influence of seed coat structure and seed phytochemical properties on the community composition and diversity of endophytic bacteria of dimorphic seeds of Suaeda glauca. In this study, we used 16S rRNA high-throughput gene sequencing method to compare the community composition and bacterial diversity between brown and black seeds of Suaeda glauca.ResultsA significant difference was observed in seed coat structure and phytochemical properties between brown and black seeds of S. glauca. Total 9 phyla, 13 classes, 31 orders, 53 families, 102 genera were identified in the dimorphic seeds. The dominant phyla were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria. The results showed that seed dimorphism had little impact on the diversity and richness of endophytic bacterial communities but significantly differs in the relative abundance of the bacterial community between brown and black seeds. At the phylum level, Actinobacteria tend to be enriched significantly in brown seeds. At the genus level, Rhodococcus, Ralstonia, Pelomonas and Bradyrhizobium tend to be enriched significantly in brown seeds, while Marinilactibacillus was mainly found in black seeds. Besides, brown seeds harbored a large number of bacteria with plant-growth-promoting traits, whereas black seeds presented bacteria with enzyme activities (i.e., pectinase, cellulolytic and xylanolytic activities).ConclusionThe endophytic bacterial community compositions were significantly different between dimorphic seeds of Suaeda glauca, and play an important role in the ecological adaptation of dimorphic seeds by performing different biological function roles. The endophytic bacterial communities of the dimorphic seeds may be influenced mainly by the seed coat structureand partly by the seed phytochemical characteristics. These findings provide valuable information for better understanding of the ecological adaptation strategy of dimorphic seeds in the disturbed environment.

Genetic variability in oilseed rape DH line population developed from F1 hybrids obtained by crossing black-and yellow-seeded DH lines. I. yield and yield components

The aims of this study were to estimate the diversity of doubled haploid population of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) in terms of yield, yield structure and seed colour, to determine the correlation between the studied traits and their heritability, and to select the best yellow-seeded genotypes. We studied 44 doubled haploids, obtained from F1 hybrids of a cross between a black-seeded DH H2-26 line and a yellow-seeded DH Z-114 line, as well as the parental forms. The greatest variation in DH line populations was observed for seed colour, seed yield and the number of pods per plant, while the smallest variability was obtained for thousand seed weight. Seed yield was positively correlated with the number of pods per plant and the number of seeds per pod, but negatively correlated with yellow seed colour. The broad-sense heritability coefficient was highest for seed colour and number of seeds per pod, and lowest for the number of pods per plant. When divided into 4 homogeneous groups according to seed colour, the genotypes differed significantly with respect to all the studied traits. A group of DH lines with black seed colour was characterized by the highest seed yield as well as highest thousand seed weight. The lowest yielding DH line group, that with yellow–brown seeds, had on average the highest number of seeds per pod and the lowest thousand seed weight. The best yellow-seeded genotypes were selected. Four yellow-seeded lines gave significantly higher yields than the yellow-seeded parental line.

Differential Responses of Dimorphic Seeds and Seedlings to Abiotic Stresses in the Halophyte Suaeda salsa.

The period between seed germination and seedling establishment is one of the most vulnerable stages in the life cycle of annuals in the saline environments. Although germination characteristics of Suaeda salsa seeds have been reported, the comparative germination patterns of dimorphic seeds and seedling growth to different abiotic stresses remain poorly understood. In this study, germination responses of dimorphic seeds to light and temperature were compared. Meanwhile, responses of dimorphic seeds and thereafter seedlings of S. salsa to different concentrations of NaCl and Na2SO4 were also tested. The results showed that the light did not significantly affect germination percentage of brown seeds, but significantly promoted germination of black seeds. Brown seeds could reach high germination percentage over a wide temperature range, however, germination of black seeds gradually increased with the increase of temperature. Brown seeds had higher germination percentage and velocity than black seeds under the same salt conditions. However, black seeds had higher recovery germination than brown seeds when transferred to deionized water. Young seedlings had lower salt tolerance than germinating seeds. At the same concentrations, Na2SO4 had stronger inhibitory effect on seed germination and seedling growth than NaCl. This study comprehensively compared germination traits of dimorphic seeds and seedling growth of S. salsa, and then developed a conceptual model to explain their adaptation to harsh saline environment.

Does seed heteromorphism affect the critical temperature thresholds for wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis) germination? A modeling approach

Wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.) is well-known as an important weed for cultivated land, particularly when found among cereal crops. It produces large amounts of heteromorphic (black and brown) seeds. This study aimed to estimate the critical temperature thresholds of wild mustard heteromorphic seeds. For this purpose, a novel Weibull-based thermal time model was developed, which was applied to compare the germination characteristics of the heteromorphic seeds of wild mustard. Germination was investigated by exposing the seeds to eight constant temperatures of 7.5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 37.5 °C. Over both the sub- and supraoptimal ranges, the proposed model reasonably explained the germination patterns of both seed types in response to temperature. Heteromorphic seeds of wild mustard exhibited different germination behaviors in response to different temperatures. Brown seeds were more cold-tolerant and could germinate rapidly to a high percentage (68%) in a wider range of temperature environments (2.78–38.05 °C); black seeds germinated at a narrower temperature range (4.99–37.97 °C) and a large proportion of black seeds remained dormant (77%). These differences could lead to the temporal distribution of seed germination throughout the growing season.