Coefficient Of Velocity Of Germination Research Articles

Salinity tolerance at the germination stage of Senegalese varieties of peanut, cowpea, millet and sorghum

Salinization continues to increase in semi-arid areas like Senegal where it limits seed germination, a crucial phase in a plant's cycle. Adaptation to salinization, one of the great challenges of modern agriculture, is possible through the use of halotolerant varieties which could be selected early during seed germination. The general objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of salinity on the germination of peanut, cowpea, millet and sorghum. The effect of NaCl (0, 40, 80 and 120 mM) was tested on seed germination for one week at 30°C in a culture chamber. The parameters evaluated are: the final percentage of germination (FG), the germination vigor index (GVI), the coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG), the percentage reduction in germination compared to the control (PRG) and the daily average germination (DAG). The FG, GVI and CVG of millet, cowpea, sorghum and peanut show significant differences (p<0.01) for each NaCl concentration. On the other hand, DAG and PRG give significant differences only at 80 mM and/or 120 mM NaCl. FG, CVG, DAG and GVI decreased with increasing salinity for all varieties unlike PRG. Cowpea (V4) are less sensitive to salinity than peanut (V3), which tolerate NaCl better than cereals. Millet (V5) is more resistant than sorghum (V7). The increase in NaCl led to a significant difference in germination. Cowpea (V4) would be more osmotolerant than peanut (V3) which is more tolerant than cereals such as millet (V5) and sorghum (V7) to salinity. These varieties would be the most recommended for successful cultivation in a saline environment.

The role of exogenous glutamine on germination, plant development and transcriptional expression of some stress-related genes in onion under salt stress

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research was to explore the role of glutamine (Gln) on plant germination and growth under salinity [0, 50, 100, 150, 200 mM sodium chloride (NaCl)], and on the activation of some stress-related genes [CuZn-Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Mn-SOD, L-ascorbate oxidase (AO), DNA Polymerase Delta 1 (POLD)-1, Chaperon (CHAPE) and Heat Shock Protein (HSP)-21], genetic template stability and photosynthetic pigment activation. Under salt stress, 2 mM Gln application reduced the mean germination time (MGT) (4.51 days), increased the coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG) (75.85), germination index (GI) (1.46) and germination percentage (GP) (82%), indicating that it was the best application for germination under stress. Gln promoted the development of aboveground plant organs. 3 mM Gln increased the number of leaves from 5.3 to 13.7 and 4.3 to 6.6 under unstress and stress conditions, respectively. Under salt stress, Gln increased photosynthetic pigments and genomic template stability (GTS) (80%). At 2 mM Gln, total chlorophyll and carotenoid content increased from 1.59 mg · g-1 TA to 2.23 mg · g-1 TA and from 0.28 mg · g-1 TA to 0.37 mg · g-1 TA, respectively. The effect on gene expression levels varied with the concentration. The application of 2 mM Gln, which enhanced germination and vegetative parameters under stress, caused a raise in CuZn-SOD gene expression and a 43% decrease in the transcriptional expression of the HSP-21 gene as an indicator of the functionality of the repair mechanism. The improved growth of Gln-treated plants under stress suggests that Gln is involved in bridging the energy deficit of the plant by acting as an alternative fuel for metabolic activities under stress.

Mechanical Scarification: The Key to Optimal Germination Parameters in Nine Flowering Species Of The United Arab Emirates.

Seed germination is the most essential stage of the plant life. Prior to germination, seed dormancy provides protection to the seed against germinating under unfavorable conditions. The seeds of many plants in arid regions are particularly characterized by having a hard seed coat. Seed dormancy is essential to the survival of plants, however in some incidents such as reforestation on desert areas, it is important for ecologists to investigate methods of breaking the dormancy of seeds in order to maximize the production of plants. In this study, we tested four methods of seed pre-treatment (Mechanical scarification (MChip), chemical scarification with sulfuric acid at two exposure durations (SAcid15, SAcid30), and soaking in water for 24h (Soak)) on 9 flowering plants (Senna italica, Sorghum sudanese, Tephrosia nubica, Senna angustifolia, Acacia tortilles, Senna occidentalis, Abutilon pannosum, Prosopis cineraria, Crotalaria persica) of the UAE. Six germination parameters (Final germination percentage (G) %, Mean germination time (MGT) day, Mean germination rate (MGR) day, Coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG) %, Mean Daily Germination Percentage (MDG) %, and Germination index (GI) day) were calculated to assess the germination. Final Germination Percentage (G) significantly improved (P

Evaluation of Maize (Zea mays L.) Germination Traits by Hydro-and Microwave Priming

To study the effects of hydropriming and seed priming with microwaves (MW) on the germination traits of maize (Zea mays L.), a laboratory pot experiment was carried out in 2023. The selected seed treatments were hydropriming with distilled water (0, 6, and 12 h) and microwave priming (0, 10, and 20 s) of the maize seeds. Studied traits were final germination percentage (FPG%), mean germination time (MGT), germination rate index (GRI), coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG), mean daily germination (MDG), peak value (PV), and Germination value (GV). According to the variance analysis of this study, the results indicated that both the priming treatments, hydro and MW, significantly affected all studied traits. The best values for FGP (88.88, 78.99%), MGT (4.07, 4.72 day), GRI (25.08, 21.46 % day-1), CVG (25.79, 23.86), MDG (7.4, 6.66 seed day-1), PV (1.9, 1.64), and GV (14.6, 12.19) were observed in priming with 10 s MW and 12 h hydro, respectively. The combination of hydro and MW priming also showed a significant effect for all traits, except FGP and MDG. Among the combination treatments, MW for 10 s and hydropriming for 12 h were the most effective in improving MGT (3.17 days), GRI (33.27 % day-1), CVG (31.62), PV (2.55), and GV (21.23). In contrast, the interaction between priming treatments had no significant effect on FGP or MDG. However, the MW for 10 s and hydropriming for 12 h resulted in a higher FGP (100%) and MDG (8.33 days). Overall, the findings suggest that hydropriming and seed priming with microwaves is a promising technique for improving maize germination.

Germination response of Oat (Avena sativa L.) to temperature and salinity using halothermal time model

Seed germination is a complex physiological process influenced by abiotic stresses such as drought, temperature, salinity along with other biological and physical means. Halothermal time model (HaloTT) permitted quantitative assessment of seed germination at different water potential (ψ) and temperature (T). The present study aimed to evaluate the reliability of HaloTT model and to find cardinal temperature values for seed germination of Oats under various Ts and ψs. Avena sativa L. Var. Swan seeds were incubated at seven constant Ts under five various ψs prepared through sodium chloride (NaCl) at Plant Physiology Lab., University of Peshawar, Pakistan. The cardinal Ts measured through HaloTT model for Oats seed germination were 10, 30 and 40 °C for the base (Tb), optimum (To) and ceiling (Tc) temperatures correspondingly in distilled water (0 MPa). The maximum halotime constant (θHalo) was recorded as 48 MPa °Ch−1 at 30 °C in distilled water (0 MPa). The highest value of halotime and thermal time of germination rate was observed at -2.0 MPa at 40 °C. Germination percentage (GP), germination rate index (GRI), germination energy (GE), coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG), timson germination index (TGI), mean germination rate (MGR) and coefficient of variation of germination time (CVt) was observed maximum in 0 MPa at 30 °C, while minimum in -2.0 MPa at 40 °C. Contrarily the high rate of mean germination time (MGT) and time to 50 % germination (T50 %) was reported in -2.0 MPa and -1.5 MPa at 10 and 40 °C, while in distilled water (0 MPa) is lowest at 25 and 30 °C. Thus, we concluded that HaloTT model precisely interpret germination responses to various ψs across different Ts and may be used as an accurate and simple method to predict germination parameters under natural field conditions.

Effect of growing media on seed germination and seedling growth in Magnolia gustavii, a Critically Endangered tree species

The experiments were carried out to study the effect of growing media on seed germination and seedling growth of Magnolia gustavii King. – accredited as a Critically Endangered tree species naturally occurring in Assam, India. The trials were conducted in Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with three (03) different treatments with different combinations viz. T1 – Soil: Sand (1:1), T2 – Coarse Sand and T3 – Soil: Sand: FYM (1:1:1). The seed germination data were recorded on a daily basis and germination parameters viz.- final germination percentage (FGP), mean germination time (MGT), first day of germination (FDG), last day of germination (LDG), coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG), germination rate index (GRI), germination index (GI), time spread of germination (TSG), and peak value of mean germination (PVMG) were estimated and data were statistically analyzed. Synergistic weightage given to all the parameters led to the conclusion that Coarse Sand is the most appropriate medium with respect to seed germination and seedling vigour in M. gustavii King.

Seed priming with Mg(NO3) 2 and Ca(NO3) 2 salts influence the growth of tomato seedlings

Seed is the most valuable input in agriculture, and high-quality seeds are required for healthy crop production. Various seed quality enhancement technologies are continuously used for better establishment of crop in field. Seed priming is one of the best, cheapest, reliable and cost-effective strategies to boost seed germination and seedling establishment. This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of seed priming with various concentration of Mg(NO3 )2 , and Ca(NO3 )2 salts in two tomato genotypes (VRT 06 and Punjab Chhuhara) on germination and seedling growth. The concentration level C0 to C7 (2.5 mM to 20 mM) were used for priming purpose and germination parameters were recorded. From the study of germination %, mean germination time (MGT)(days), Germination index (GI), Coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG) and Germination rate index (GRI) (%/day), seedling length (cm), seedling fresh weight (FW) (mg), seedling dry weight (DW) (mg) and seedling vigor index (SVI), it was revealed that 7.5mM of Mg(NO3 )2 , and Ca(NO3 )2 , were the most effective treatments, which were able to improve performance of seedling establishment of tomato seeds.

Effect of fire on viability and germination behaviour of Cistus ladanifer and Cistus salvifolius seeds

Fire is a natural phenomenon that is very frequent in ecosystems of the Mediterranean basin. Cistus ladanifer and C. salvifolius (Cistaceae family) are evergreen shrubs and components of plant communities found in this region. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of fire on the germination of C. ladanifer and C. salvifolius seeds. For this purpose, seeds of both species were subjected to different heat-shock treatments simulating natural fire conditions (50–175°C for 1 and 5 min). To elucidate the ecological significance of the effects of fire, viability and different traits informative about the dynamics of the germination process, such as final germination percentage (FGP), first day of germination (FDG), last day of germination (LDG), time spread of germination (TSG) and coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG), were determined. Seeds of both species exhibited fire-related behaviour, as they showed seed heat resistance and heat-stimulated germination. Germination in control, untreated seeds was very low, with 10 and 0% FGP for C. ladanifer and C. salvifolius, respectively. Thermal treatments significantly increased germination in both cases, with optimal results achieved at 100–125°C for 1 min and 75–100°C for 5 min. Under these conditions, greater germination percentages were obtained in C. salvifolius (92–95%) than in C. ladanifer (64–68%). Temperature proved to have a greater influence on seed viability and germination than the accumulated heat dose. The pattern of seed germination varied depending on the species and the heat shock treatments. In general, C. ladanifer exhibited earlier and faster germination. These characteristics, along with the high number of seeds produced per plant, make C. ladanifer a more competitive species for colonizing empty spaces after fire.

Effect of Growing Media on Seed Germination attributes in <i>Sterculia urens</i> Roxb. - An Endangered Gum Yielding Tree of Tropical Forest

Due to over exploitation coupled with poor seedling recruitment, Sterculia urens Roxb., an economically important gum yielding tree of tropical forest is dwindling in its natural habitat and necessitates its planned cultivation to arrest further shrinkage of its once abundant populations. The right choice of the growing medium is one of the most important factor influencing germination and growth. The present experiment was conducted to screen and indentify suitable media for germination of S. urens . Sand, Soil and mixture of 'Sand+Soil+FYM' in equal proportion were screened following completely randomized design for its effect on final germination percentage and associated parameters. Based on the estimates of final germination percentage (FGP) and associated parameters i.e. mean germination time (MGT), coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG), germination rate index (GRI), germination index (GI), peak value of mean germination (PVMG), time spread of germination (TSG) and energy period (EP), it is concluded that sand is appropriate medium for germinating seed of S. urens in mass scale. It gives highest germination percentage with faster rate resulting in saving of time and nursery resources. Correlation coefficient analaysis among studied germination parameters was also worked out and found that relationship is in agreement with the definitions of respective parameters.

Biopriming with Seaweed Extract and Microbial-Based Commercial Biostimulants Influences Seed Germination of Five Abelmoschus esculentus Genotypes.

Seed germination is a crucial step in plant propagation, as it controls seedling production, stand establishment and ultimately crop yield. Approaches that can promote seed germination of valuable crops remain of great interest globally. The current study evaluated the effect of biostimulant (Kelpak® and plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria—PGPR) biopriming on the seed germination of five (VI037996, VI046567, VI055421, VI050956, and VI033796) Abelmoschus esculentus genotypes. The germination responses of the bio-primed seeds were measured using six parameters, including final germination percentage (FGP), mean germination time (MGT), germination index (GI), coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG), germination rate index (GRI), and time spread of germination (TSG). Biostimulant application significantly affected MGT (1.1–2.2 days), CVG (1.4–5.9), and TSG (1.2–3.0 days). Genotype also significantly influenced the TSG (1–3 days). Significant interaction effect of biostimulant treatment and genotype was evident on the FGP, GI, and GRI of the germinated seeds. The most noteworthy effect was demonstrated by Kelpak® (1:100) applied to genotype VI037996, with significantly improved FGP (82%), GI (238), and GRI (77%/day) when compared to the control. Overall, the current findings suggest the potential stimulatory effect of biostimulants (especially Kelpak®) on the germination of Abelmoschus esculentus seeds. However, this influence was strongly dependent on the type of genotype.

Uticaj elektrostatičkog polja na parametre klijanja soje

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of electrostatic fields on seed vigor (VI), mean rate of germination (MGR) and coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG) of five soybean genotypes. Testing was conducted at the Novi Sad Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops on the seeds of five soybean varieties: Sava, NS 2024, NS 1347, NS 3127, and NS Blackstar. The seeds were exposed to different voltages of direct current (DC): 0 V (control), 3 V, 6 V and 9 V, to which the seeds were exposed for 0 min (control), 1 min and 3 min. The application of DC can be a suitable method for improving VI, MGR and CVG. In addition, the results indicate that it is necessary to adjust the DC treatment (voltage and duration of exposure of seeds) to a particular genotype, since inadequate treatments may deteriorate the quality of seeds.

Integrated use of bio-organic fertilizers for enhancing soil fertility–plant nutrition, germination status and initial growth of corn (Zea Mays L.)

Abstract The need for cheap and affordable alternate sources of plant nutrient inputs to boost the nutrient level of degraded arable farmlands has been a major concern for soil scientists, agronomists, and local farmers. In 2018, a greenhouse and laboratory pot experiment was carried out under control conditions for 21 weeks to evaluate the effect of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (Azospirillium brasilense), spent grain (SG) organic wastes from the beer industry, and chemical fertilizer (CF) on the soil fertility–plant nutrition, corn (Zea Mays L.) germination rate in calcareous soil. The treatments consisted of CK (control), SG (spent grain, 20 g kg−1 soil), Az (Azospirillium seed inoculation), CF (100% of NPK recommended fertilizers), bio-organic (Az with SG), bio-mineral (Az with CF), and organo-mineral (50% of SG +50% of CF). These treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Results showed that after 10 and 21 weeks, SG application significantly increased soil organic carbon by 69% and 67.8%, total nitrogen (TN) by 87.66% and 85.44%, and raised available P (P) by 75.7% and 87.23%, respectively. The final germination percentage (FGP), germination index (GI), coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG) and plant height were significantly higher in the amended pots than that of the control pots after 21 days of planting. The SG with Az treatments had the highest GI, CVG, and FGP of 9.23, 0.19 day−1, and 100 %, respectively, while the least values were obtained in the CF 2.37, 0.12 day−1, and 61.6%, respectively. The highest values of N/P ratio, available Fe2＋, Zn 2 + , and Mn 2 + were 401, 20.35 mg kg−1, 7.27 mg kg−1, and 16.58 mg kg−1 respectively, as well as bio-fertilizers enhanced the dehydrogenase and urease enzymes by 1117.3 μ g TPF ml−1, and 275.4 mg NH 3 − Hg−1h−1 respectively, after 21 weeks of seed sowing. The final results among all treatments were in the order of SG > Bio-organic > Az > Organo-mineral > Bio-mineral > CF > CK. In conclusion, the application of SG and Az is recommended to improve TN and P use efficiencies, micro-nutrients uptake, plant seed germination performance of maize, and enhancement of calcareous soil properties.

Effects of Priming with Ascorbic Acid, L-Cystein and Triacontanol on Germination of Rapeseed (Brassica napusL.)

AbstractThe germination of seed batches of two rapeseed (Brassica napusL.) hybrids (‘Hybrirock’ and ‘Factor’) were investigated in response to priming in aqueous solutions of ascorbic acid (10 mM), L-cysteine (10 mM) and triacontanol (1 μM), respectively tap water (as control treatment). Investigations were focused on seed quality parameters, such as germination percentage, mean germination time, germination index, uniformity of germination, and seedling shoot and root growth. Germinated seeds were counted every 24 hours for a period of seven days, recording the final germination percentage (FGP), mean germination time (MGT), the coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG), germination rate index (GRI), germination index (GI), uncertanty (U), and synchrony (Z). In a separate trial fresh shoot- and root length, respectively the dry weight of the shoots and roots were also determined after a 14 day period. Germination tests were performed to examine the quality of seeds in response to different priming treatments. The results demonstrated that priming improved the germination parameters of seeds of both hybrids. Furthermore, the use of ascorbic acid, L-cysteine and triacontanol also enhanced seedling growth. The results may be used to rank seed lots by vigor, and decisions can be made regarding planting potential of each seed lot.

Micronutrient seed priming improves maize (Zea mays) early seedling growth in a micronutrient deficient soil

Micronutrient deficiency is a major constraint to crop productivity in South Africa. Agronomic interventions such as nutrient seed priming (NSP) could significantly improve stand establishment in micronutrient deficient soils. However, the effectiveness of the technique depends on the efficacy of the priming procedures. Laboratory and glasshouse studies were carried out to determine the effects of NSP concentration of Zn, B and Mo and priming duration on maize germination and seedling emergence and early growth in micronutrient deficient soils. Five concentrations: 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.5% and 0% (control) and three priming durations: 24 h, 12 h and 8 h were used for the laboratory experiment whilst the 0.5% concentration and 8 h duration were excluded in the glasshouse experiment. Seed priming duration and concentration levels and their interactions had significant (P < 0.05) effects on germination percentage (GP), germination rate (GR), the coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG), days to germination (DG) and mean germination time (MGT). These parameters were improved by priming at low concentration of the micronutrients for longer. Similarly, under glasshouse conditions, NSP at the lowest concentration but for the longest duration resulted in up to 50% earlier seedling emergence over the control. Priming with 0.01% Bo reduced the number of days to seedling emergence by 94%, increased fresh and dry seedling mass and chlorophyll content index by 29%, 47% and 58% respectively relative to the control. The earlier seedling emergence could have also contributed to superior fresh and dry seedling mass as well as both higher shoot and root mass over the control. Moreover, NSP enhanced chlorophyll content index, which could have ultimately led to better shoot growth. This suggests that with optimum micronutrients concentration levels and appropriate priming duration NSP can improve germination and seedling growth and hence maximization of the yield parameters.

Effect of temperature and salinity on germination and seedling establishment of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle (Simaroubaceae)

The tree of heaven Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle is a multipurpose tree in forestry. However, it is considered an invasive and dangerous plant for native species, and in particular for national parks, where many studies have recorded their involvement in the disturbance of the already developed floral diversity. Assessing the impact of certain abiotic conditions on this species may identify the expected areas to be colonized by its seed propagation. Germination of tree of heaven were tested for germination at constant temperatures of 25, 30, 40°C, and at room temperature varying from 25-30°C coupled with total darkness. Seeds were sown in Petri dishes (0.8% agar water) for 6 days of incubation. The kinetic of germination was determined according to five closely related parameters viz. final germination percentage (FGP), mean germination time (MGT), coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG), time to 50% germination (T50) and seedling length (SL). For the saline condition, the seeds underwent various NaCl concentrations from 0, 50, 100 or 200 mM. For each treatment, there were four replicates with 50 seeds incubated in a plastic container between two layers of moist sand at 15% of the appropriate treatment and then placed in a culture chamber at 27°C (± 2°C) for 30-day period. The effect of temperature was not significant on the MGT, CVG and T50. However, it was significant (p&lt; 0.0001) on FGP and SL. The maximum germination of 94% was obtained at a temperature of 30°C and the lowest FGP of 40% was obtained at 25°C. For the salinity effect, the FGP of 75% in the control was much higher compared to the seeds treated at 50 mM NaCl with only 17.2% of FGP. Germination was completely inhibited from 100 mM NaCl. A. altissima can be classified as sensitive to salt stress during seed germination and seedling emergence. The salinity effect then joined the temperature to monitor nature's A. altissima seed propagation.

Effect of temperature on seed germination of two Callistemon species (Myrtaceae)

The genus Callistemon belongs to the family Myrtaceae and comprises 34 species. They are woody aromatic trees or shrubs that are widely distributed in the wet tropics. According to the scientific literature, research on seed germination of this genus was rarely carried out. The germination requirements of Callistemon citrinus and Callistemon linearis were studied under controlled conditions in the laboratory. Seeds of both species were tested for germination at constant temperatures of 25°C, 30°C, 40°C, and at room temperature (23 ± 2°C) coupled with total darkness. Seeds were sown in Petri dishes (0.8% agar water) for 25 days of incubation. The kinetics of germination was determined according to four closely related parameters viz. final germination percentage (FGP), mean germination time (MGT), coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG) and time to 50% germination (T50). The room temperature of 23 ± 2 °C was found optimally suitable for both species, with 80% FGP and 11.1 days MGT for C. citrinus, and only 21.7% FGP and 12.4 days MGT were recorded for C. linearis. Furthermore, significant decrease in FGP was observed in both species at 25°C, 30°C and 40°C of temperature. The analysis also revealed that day 12-15 after seed sowing is suitable for final counts. Due of its very low FGP, seeds of C. linearis need an additional study to determine their viability.

Effect of seed treatments and potting medium on seed germination parameters in threatened Stereospermum suaveolens (Roxb.) DC. – A dashmool species

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different seed treatment and potting media on germination percentage and associate parameters in Stereospermum suaveolens, a threatened dashmool species during May, 2019 at Silviculture Nursery of Tropical Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh). Experimental treatments comprised of twenty treatment combinations consisting of four different seed treatment and five growth mediums. Data on daily seed germination was recorded and used for estimation of final germination percentage (FGP), mean germination time (MGT), coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG), germination rate index (GRI), time spread of germination (TSG), energy period (EP) and peak value of mean germination (PVMG). Critical perusal of analysis revealed that treatment combination ‘Sand + Hot Water’ was resulted in positive effect on all the characters studied and could be used for mass raising of seedlings of S. suaveolens.

The Effect of Priming on Germination Characteristics of Barley Seeds under Drought Stress Conditions

Seed priming methods have been used to increase germination and seedling establishment under different abiotic stress conditions. Seed priming was used in barley to increase seed germination and tolerance on stress exposure. Barley seeds were treated with various priming agents for different time and temperatures. The effect of priming was assessed on germination characteristics on subsequent exposure to drought (PEG-12 bar) stress for 7 days. Seed priming treatments significantly (p≤ 0.01) affected germination percentage (GP), normality seedling percentage (NSP), germination Index (GI), germination uniformity (GU), means time to germination (MTG), coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG), seedling vigor index (SVI) and coefficient of allometry (AC). Seed priming with gibberelic acid (GA), salicylic acid (SA), ascorbic acid (ASc), hydropriming (HP), osmopriming (OP) and combined treatments (CT) significantly (p≤ 0.01) increased germination characteristics, compared to the unprimed. Seed priming with concentrations 25, 50 ppm of GA for 15 h at 10°C, 25 ppm of SA for 12 h at 10°C, 50 ppm of ASc for 12 h at 15°C, treatment 16 h hydropriming at 10°C and -15 bar PEG for 24 h for osmopriming may be considered as optimal treatment for priming of barley seeds in drought stress conditions. In some cases, combined treatments are better than the separate treatments. Seed priming with PEG (potential -l5 bar PEG for 24 h at 10°C) was more effective in drought stress than the other treatments.

Chromosome location of ISSR markers and genes controlling seed germination under drought stress in wheat-barley disomic addition lines

Alien disomic addition lines are valuable genetic resources for breeding programs under wide hybridization. The present study was carried out to identify the chromosome location of ISSR markers and genes controlling seed germination under drought stress in wheat-barley disomic addition lines. Germination experiment was performed at 0, -4 bar and -8 bar levels in a completely randomized design with three replications. The Germination Index, Germination Percentage, Coefficient of Germination Velocity, Mean Germination Time, Mean Germination Daily, and Plantlet Growth Speed were measured. Based on karyotype analysis, the presence of addition chromosomes was confirmed. The IS10 (0.494) and IS15 (0.395) primers showed the greatest polymorphism among the addition lines. The primers amplified most parts of the chromosomes 2H, 3H, and 7H, indicating these ISSR primers are located on these chromosomes. It is also indicated that most of the genes responsible for the seed germination under drought stress are located on chromosomes 4H and 5H.

Assessing Salicornia europaea Tolerance to Salinity at Seed Germination Stage

Salicornia europaea, a halophytic species, was investigated to assess its ability to withstand salinity during seed germination, and to identify suitable indices to interpret salt tolerance at this delicate stage. Seed germination indices (germination percentage (GP), germination energy (GE), germination value (GV), coefficient of germination velocity (CVG), germination rate index (GRI), germination peak value (GPV), mean germination time (MGT), and time to 50% germination (T50)) were calculated under increasing salinity (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 600 mM NaCl). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to describe the relationships involving the variables that account for data variance. Two salinity thresholds were identified (100 and 600 mM NaCl) determining significant decreases in all the indices, except for T50 and MGT. In fact, PCA based on generated correlation circle showed significant negative correlations (r close to −1) between salt stress and GP, GE, GRI, PV, GV, and CVG, whereas no correlation was observed with T50 and MGT (r close to zero). Based on this, GP, GE, GRI, PV, GV, and CVG can be considered useful traits to assess salt tolerance during germination in S. europaea, while T50 and MGT, that were not affected by the range of salinity levels investigated, should not be used for this purpose.