Control Seeds Research Articles

VCP suppresses proteopathic seeding in neurons

BackgroundNeuronal uptake and subsequent spread of proteopathic seeds, such as αS (alpha-synuclein), Tau, and TDP-43, contribute to neurodegeneration. The cellular machinery participating in this process is poorly understood. One proteinopathy called multisystem proteinopathy (MSP) is associated with dominant mutations in Valosin Containing Protein (VCP). MSP patients have muscle and neuronal degeneration characterized by aggregate pathology that can include αS, Tau and TDP-43.MethodsWe performed a fluorescent cell sorting based genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screen in αS biosensors. αS and TDP-43 seeding activity under varied conditions was assessed using FRET/Flow biosensor cells or immunofluorescence for phosphorylated αS or TDP-43 in primary cultured neurons. We analyzed in vivo seeding activity by immunostaining for phosphorylated αS following intrastriatal injection of αS seeds in control or VCP disease mutation carrying mice.ResultsOne hundred fifty-four genes were identified as suppressors of αS seeding. One suppressor, VCP when chemically or genetically inhibited increased αS seeding in cells and neurons. This was not due to an increase in αS uptake or αS protein levels. MSP-VCP mutation expression increased αS seeding in cells and neurons. Intrastriatal injection of αS preformed fibrils (PFF) into VCP-MSP mutation carrying mice increased phospho αS expression as compared to control mice. Cells stably expressing fluorescently tagged TDP-43 C-terminal fragment FRET pairs (TDP-43 biosensors) generate FRET when seeded with TDP-43 PFF but not monomeric TDP-43. VCP inhibition or MSP-VCP mutant expression increases TDP-43 seeding in TDP-43 biosensors. Similarly, treatment of neurons with TDP-43 PFFs generates high molecular weight insoluble phosphorylated TDP-43 after 5 days. This TDP-43 seed dependent increase in phosphorlyated TDP-43 is further augmented in MSP-VCP mutant expressing neurons.ConclusionUsing an unbiased screen, we identified the multifunctional AAA ATPase VCP as a suppressor of αS and TDP-43 aggregate seeding in cells and neurons. VCP facilitates the clearance of damaged lysosomes via lysophagy. We propose that VCP’s surveillance of permeabilized endosomes may protect against the proteopathic spread of pathogenic protein aggregates. The spread of distinct aggregate species may dictate the pleiotropic phenotypes and pathologies in VCP associated MSP.

2-Hydroxymelatonin Promotes Seed Germination by Increasing Reactive Oxygen Species Production and Gibberellin Synthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana.

It was recently reported that 2-hydroxymelatonin (2-OHM) is responsible for inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plants. ROS are crucial molecules that promote germination through interaction with hormones such as gibberellic acid (GA). In this study, to confirm the pro-oxidant role of 2-OHM, we investigated its effect on seed germination in Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. Columbia-0. We found that 2-OHM treatment stimulated seed germination by 90% and 330% in non-dormant and dormant seeds, respectively, whereas melatonin marginally increased germination (~13%) in both seed types compared to untreated control seeds. The germination promotion effects of exogenous 2-OHM treatment were due to increased ROS production followed by the induction of GA synthesis and expression of responsive genes. Accordingly, melatonin 2-hydroxylase (M2H), the gene responsible for 2-OHM synthesis, was strictly expressed only during the germination process. Further molecular genetic analyses using m2h knockout mutant and M2H overexpression clearly supported an increase in ROS triggered by 2-OHM, followed by increased expression of GA-related genes, which shortened the time to germination. Notably, 2-OHM application to m2h knockout mutant seeds fully recovered germination to levels comparable to that of the wild type, whereas melatonin treatment failed to increase germination. Together, these results indicate that 2-OHM is a pivotal molecule that triggers increased ROS production during seed germination, thereby enhancing germination via the GA pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Determination of Resistance Levels of Some Onion Cultivars or Inbreed Lines with Fusarium Testing at Seedling Stage

This study was carried out to determine the resistance levels of some onion genotypes in Yalova onion gene pool by Fusarium testing during seedling stage. The isolate used in the study was Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae, which causes damping off during the seedling stage and later basal rot in onion bulbs. The variance analysis for the onion seedling test and the mean differences against control were analyzed by using General Linear Model of the Tukey test. The germination rate of control seeds varied between 72% to 98%, while the germination rate of inoculated seeds varied between 39% to 93%. Texas Early Grano 502 showed the highest level of resistance with a survival rate of 83.8%, and resistance levels of 19Y07 and 19Y142 genotypes were higher than other genotypes. Resistance levels of 19Y51, 19Y15 and 19Y73 genotypes were lower than other genotypes. Akgün 12 showed moderate resistance with a survival rate of 59.6%. Determining the resistance levels of these onion genotypes during the seedling stage may be a preliminary step towards further studies.

Overexpression of Choline Oxidase Gene in Three Filial Generations of Rice Transgenic Lines.

Glycinebetaine (GB) accumulation in many halophytic plants, animals, and microorganisms confers abiotic stress tolerance to salinity, drought, and extreme temperatures. Although there are a few genetic and biochemical pathways to synthesize GB, but isolation of a single gene Choline Oxidase (codA) from Arthrobacter spp. have opened a new hatch to engineer the susceptible plants. The effects of overexpressed codA gene, through multiple copy insertion and GB accumulation on salinity tolerance in rice were studied. Seed-derived embryogenic calli of 'Tarom Molaie' cultivar were targeted with two plasmids pChlCOD and pCytCOD both harboring the codA gene using the biolistic mediated transformation. The regenerated T0 plants were screened by PCR analysis. A line containing three copies of codA gene and harboring pChlCOD and pCytCOD was identified by Southern blot analysis. The expression of codA gene in this transgenic line was then confirmed by RT-PCR. The Mendelian segregation pattern of the inserted sequences was accomplished by the progeny test using PCR. The effects of overexpression of codA on salinity tolerance were evaluated at germination and seedling stage using T2-pChl transgenic line and control seeds in the presence of 0, 100, 200, and 300 mM NaCl. Finally, leaf growth dynamics of T2-pChlCOD transgenic line and control line under hydroponic conditions in the presence of 0, 40, 80, and 120 mM NaCl were assessed. The seed germination experiment results showed that the transformed seeds had a higher germination rate than the controls under all salinity treatments. But also, the leaf growth dynamics showed that the control plants had a more favorable leaf growth dynamic in all of the treatments. Although, the transgenic lines (T0, T1 and T2) exhibited lower performance than the wild type, the transgenic line varied for GB and choline contents and increasing codA gene copy number led to increased GB content. In a salinity sensitive crop such as rice, GB may not significantly contribute to the plant protection against salt stress. Also, insufficiency of choline resources as GB precursor might have affected the overall growth ability of the transgenic line and resulted in decreased leaf growth dynamics.

Experimental assessment of endozoochorous dispersal of Prosopis flexuosa seeds by domestic ungulates

AbstractQuestionThe spatial and temporal dynamics of plant communities in various ecosystems are shaped by the movements of seeds expressed as different dispersal modes. In desert rangeland, many plants produce relatively large fruits that are limited in their long‐distance dispersal abilities and, therefore, depend on transport inside animals, a process termed endozoochory. Evaluating the effectiveness of this process from experimental data is crucial for assessing the potential of domestic ungulates as effective long‐distance seed dispersers and, consequently, as management and restoration tools in degraded rangelands.MethodsIn this study we jointly estimated recovery, gut retention time (RT) and germination probability of Prosopis flexuosa seeds (a tree species of Monte desert in Argentina) transported by goats, horses and cattle (n = 4) through a seed‐feeding experiment. Also, in horses and cattle, we used plastic particles to distinguish between seed loss due to mastication and due to degradation in the gut.ResultsResults showed higher seed recovery in horses (26%) than in cattle (3%) and goats (5%), and different values of RT and germination of seeds among species (in decreasing order, RT was: cattle > goats > horses; and germination was: goat > horses > cattle = control seeds).ConclusionsWe concluded that the quality of seed treatment by horses is better than by the other species, because of the high seed recovery and high germination compared to control seeds. To get a complete picture of this mutualistic interaction, future studies could inquire about the physical and chemical properties of faeces as substrate and the environmental conditions of sites where seeds are deposited.

Drought escape during the late growth stage through early recovery from initial drying stress by hydropriming of upland rice

ABSTRACT This study investigated the interactions between soil moisture conditions and seed priming on initial and late growth over 2 years (2017–2018) through field trials and container experiments with regulated soil moisture. Field trials were conducted on rainfed upland rice fields in Uganda, East Africa, where primed and control seeds were planted in triplicate and cultivated. In 2017, the percentage of first heading (head emergence) of hills was higher in priming treatments, and the time for 20% of the hills to achieve the first heading (H20) was significantly earlier than in controls. Additionally, grain ratio (number of fertile grains to sterile grains) and H20 were negatively correlated (P < 0.05). However, the difference in growth parameters between control and priming was not found in the case of 2018. The results suggested that priming reduces the growth period under certain conditions and improves drought escape. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between priming effects on initial growth under soil moisture treatments and subsequent development under waterlogged conditions. After transfer to waterlogged conditions, plants of the primed seeds initially grown in low soil moisture conditions recovered earlier than control plants. Our research concludes that the agronomical impact of hydropriming on upland rice prevents prolonged plant growth under drought by early recovery. Furthermore, it could decrease the yield loss caused by reduced rainfall in the late growth stage.

EFFECT OF SEED PRE-SOWING TREATMENTS ON THE GERMINATION AND EARLY GROWTH OF ALBIZIA LEBBECK SEEDS

Albizia lebbeck is a multipurpose tree that has many benefits for the environment and the end user. The extent to which this tree species is cultivated is very low due to seed coat dormancy, which causes a longer germination period and late seedling growth. This research was done at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, located in Kumasi, Ghana, at the Department of Horticulture, to ascertain the effect of seed pretreatment on germination and early seedling growth. Germination was observed in seeds pretreated with hot water (100º) for 1 minute (T1), dry heat (90º) for 2 minutes (T2), in 6% hydrogen peroxide solution for 30 minutes (T3), cold water at room temperature for 24 hours (T4) and untreated seed (T5) as the control. The experiment was conducted using a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The data obtained for seed germination percentage were statistically analysed using one-way analysis of variance in Statistix 7.0 software, and the least significant difference at 5% probability level was used to separate the means of height, collar diameter and number of leaves. A comparison between the pretreated and control seeds showed no significant difference (P &gt; 0.05) on germination percentage, germination rate, and root and shoot dry weights of Albizia lebbeck. However, it had a positive influence (P &lt; 0.05) on early growth characteristics. Seeds soaked in cold water (T4) had maximum early seedling growth. Hydrogen peroxide treatment (T3) yielded the highest collar diameter growth. Hot water treatment (T1) had the lowest height, collar diameter and number of leaves. Cold water at room temperature should be encouraged as a pretreatment method for the early growth of Albizia lebbeck seedlings.

Anti-methicillin resistant and growth inhibitory studies of extract and fractions of leaves of Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Kurz (Crassulaceae)

Summary Introduction: Bryophyllum pinnatum is a plant with diverse ethnomedicinal claims yet to be verified scientifically. Objective: This work was aimed at evaluating the extract and vacuum liquid chromatographic (VLC) fractions of B. pinnatum on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and anti-proliferating seed radicle cells of Sorghum bicolor. Methods: The extract and VLC fractions of B. pinatum were screened phytochemically and subsequently tested against MRSA at concentrations of 3.125–100 mg/ml, while the antiproliferative assay at 1–30 and 1–10 mg/ml. Results: The extract recorded zone of inhibition of 7.05 mm was only at 100 mg/ml against L20 MRSA strains. While VLC bulked fractions A(1), C (5–7), D (8–9) and E (10) had no zones of inhibition against the strains, fraction B had zones of inhibitions at all concentrations with the highest ones of 9.7 and 8.5 mm at 125 and 62.5 mg/ml, respectively, against MRSA sample (L20). The MIC of the active fraction B was observed at 3.9, 7.8 and 15.6 mg/ml for all samples used. At 96 h of seed incubation, 56 mm radicle length was recorded by the control seeds was reduced to 1.5 mm (97%) and 0.4 mm (99%) when treated with 20 and 30 mg/ml of the extract. The VLC sub-fraction B at 10 mg/ml showed more inhibitory effects on the germinating radicles as it recorded 100% reduction when compared to the control at 96 h against 80 and 70% recorded by fractions ‘A’ and ‘C’, respectively. Conclusion: The results obtained showed an evidence of susceptibility of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and growth inhibitory potentials of B. pinnatum, particularly the active VLC fraction “B”. Thus, further studies are required to support these findings.

Antimicrobial activities of plant essential oil vapours against Acidovorax citrulli and Xanthomonas campestris on Cucurbitaceae, Brassicaceae and Solanaceae seeds.

This study was done to develop a seed decontamination treatment for organic seeds against plant pathogens (Acidovorax citrulli and Xanthomonas campestris) using essential oil (EO) vapours without affecting the seeds' germination rate. By using a diffusion assay and determining minimum inhibitory and lethal concentrations, we screened two EO vapours which were most inhibitory to A. citrulli (cinnamon bark and garlic EO vapours) and X. campestris (onion and garlic EO vapours). After 48h of exposure to EO vapours at 25°C and 43% or 85% relative humidity (RH), no significant decrease (p>0.05) in germination rates was observed compared with those of control seeds. It was observed that EO vapour treatment at 25°C and 43% or 85% RH for 48h caused significant population reductions (p≤0.05) (ca. 0.3-2.6log colony forming unit/g) compared to those of untreated seeds. Applications of EO vapours showed significant (p≤0.05) antimicrobial effects against A. citrulli and X. campestris on both laboratory mediums and plant seeds without decreasing the germination rate of seeds. This study provides useful information for the development of natural seed sterilization treatments using EO vapours.

Response of Arabidopsis thaliana and Mizuna Mustard Seeds to Simulated Space Radiation Exposures.

One of the major concerns for long-term exploration missions beyond the Earth’s magnetosphere is consequences from exposures to solar particle event (SPE) protons and galactic cosmic rays (GCR). For long-term crewed Lunar and Mars explorations, the production of fresh food in space will provide both nutritional supplements and psychological benefits to the astronauts. However, the effects of space radiation on plants and plant propagules have not been sufficiently investigated and characterized. In this study, we evaluated the effect of two different compositions of charged particles-simulated GCR, and simulated SPE protons on dry and hydrated seeds of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and the crop plant Mizuna mustard [Brassica rapa var. japonica]. Exposures to charged particles, simulated GCRs (up to 80 cGy) or SPEs (up to 200 cGy), were performed either acutely or at a low dose rate using the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory (NSRL) facility at Brookhaven National Lab (BNL). Control and irradiated seeds were planted in a solid phytogel and grown in a controlled environment. Five to seven days after planting, morphological parameters were measured to evaluate radiation-induced damage in the seedlings. After exposure to single types of charged particles, as well as to simulated GCR, the hydrated Arabidopsis seeds showed dose- and quality-dependent responses, with heavier ions causing more severe defects. Seeds exposed to simulated GCR (dry seeds) and SPE (hydrated seeds) had significant, although much less damage than seeds exposed to heavier and higher linear energy transfer (LET) particles. In general, the extent of damage depends on the seed type.

Multilocation Test Of Mutants (M4) Local Red Rice Sigah In Maninjau And Padang

The 3rd generation mutant brown rice from the experimental cultivation of the 3rd generation mutant has problems in plant characteristics and various genetic traits. In the results of the research of the 3rd generation of mutants, several mutants with production levels were obtained in accordance with the initial objectives of the study, namely early-mature mutants and significant plant height. However, some mutants have unstable plant characters and traits, so a multi-location test of cultivation of the 3rd generation mutant was carried out at two locations with different elevations in order to obtain a 4th generation mutant which is more stable and has uniform characters and properties. This research was conducted in Jorong Sungai Batang, Tanjung Raya District, Agam Regency with a medium elevation level of 637,032 m above sea level and in Surau Gadang Village, Nanggalo District, Padang City with a minimum elevation level of 10.363 m above sea level. This research was carried out from December 2019 to April 2020. The materials used were M3 harvested red rice seeds of the Sigah genotype, namely mutant numbers MG13, MG9, MG2-209, MG5-58,MG6 and control seeds of red rice genotype Sigah. The purpose of the study was to obtain diversity and determine the stability of agronomic characters in the production of local red rice yields of West Sumatran Sigah M4 variety at two different elevations of the cultivation environment. From the results of the research, it was found that the diversity and agronomic characters of plants were quite stable in mutants numbered MG13, MG2-209 and MG5-58 with early plant age, and stable growth in the generative and vegetative phases.

Germinability and Seedling Growth Performance of Chilli (Capsicum annuum) Seeds in Response to Different Gibberellic Acid Concentrations Pre-Treatment

Chilli seeds are always associated with physiological dormancy characteristics or endogenous dormancy that has affected their germination potential. Problems noticed on the low seed germination rate, vigour growth, further may lead to the poor seedling growth pattern of chilli crop production. Gibberellic Acid (GA3) which is usually used as a treatment solution is not a new advent of seed dormancy breaking methods for chilli. But, looking forwards to a better GA3 concentration is still needed for the discovery of this treatment potential effect on chilli seed germinability and seedling growth. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of different GA3 concentrations on seed emergence and seedling growth performance in chilli. In this experiment, chilli seeds were imbibed with 25 mg/L, 75 mg/L and 125 mg/L concentration of GA3 with three replications each; for 24 hours at room temperature (32±4°C) and the untreated seeds as a control. The data collection on final germination percentage was taken daily for 21 days after sowing. While the 15 germinated seeds were directly planted on the 5 polybags arranged in the net house of Junaidy Jonik Farm, Sabah, Malaysia. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications. Data were subjected to analysis of variance with SAS version 9.4 and the significant means were separated by the least significant difference test at P&lt;0.05. Significant differences were observed in the seed germinability measured; germination rate index (GRI), mean germination time (MGT) and final germination percentage (FGP), as well as on seedling vigour index (SVI) between treated and control seeds. Conversely, plant height, number of internodes, number of leaves and fresh weight of seedlings showed no significant differences among treatments. It was concluded that the use of GA3 was able to enhance chilli seeds germinability and could display a better SVI than the control. It is recommended to use GA3 treatment at 25 mg/L of concentration, as it may give an advantage to both economic and biological importance in producing higher germinability and seedling growth performance in chilli.

Exposure Of Calophyllum Antillanum Seeds To Liquid Nitrogen Delays Seedling Emergence And Decreases Leaf Anthraquinones

BACKGROUND: Trees within the Calophyllum genus are multi-use trees that produce valuable wood, phytochemicals with a range of biological activities, and seed oil as a source of biodiesel. As a consequence of climate change, there is a need to develop strategies to preserve valuable plant genetic resources. Cryopreservation represents the most suitable option for the long-term storage of germplasm with minimal space and maintenance requirements. OBJECTIVE: To determine appropriate methods to cryopreserve seeds of Calophyllum antillanum and maintain secondary compound production. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seeds at a moisture content of 6% were used to evaluate two treatments: seeds immersed in liquid nitrogen and control seeds. Biosynthetic pathway efficiency was assessed post-cryo by determining anthraquinone contents in roots, stems and leaves following 30 and 75 d of seedling growth. RESULTS: The results indicated that exposure to liquid nitrogen delayed germination and seedling emergence for a period of up to 45 d after seed sowing. By 60 d of cultivation, no significant differences in plant growth were observed for cryostored and control seeds. The levels of anthraquinones, which were also measured in seeds and seedlings, were lower in plants regenerated from cryostored seeds following 30 d of growth, but there were no differences in roots and stems by 75 d of growth. Furthermore, the difference in leaf anthraquinone levels for cryopreserved and control seeds at 75 d was much smaller than at 30 d. CONCLUSION: The low initial anthraquinone levels in emerging seedlings correlated with the initial slow growth of cryopreserved seeds.

Salicylic acid signals wheat durum defense against cadmium toxicity

The current paper scrutinizes the combined Cadmium (Cd)/Salicylic acid (SA) treatment effects in a plant model: durum wheat (Triticum durum) of the GTA variety. Pretreatment with appropriate levels of SA showed a mitigating effect on Cd damage. Further, treated seeds with cadmium and pretreated with a high concentration of salicylic acid showed a higher germination percentage than control seeds. Thus, these results highlight the increase of protein levels average in the SA pre-treated roots by SA; in those sprayed with Cd the increase is less important than in those which are not pre-treated. The measurement of the enzymes involved in detoxification, namely catalase and ascorbate-peroxidase reveal that watering with Cd without pretreatment tends to stimulate these enzymes in comparison with those pre-treated with SA. The respiratory metabolism reveals a stimulation of respiratory activity in cadmium-treated roots, whereas the pretreatment by salicylic acid tends to decrease stimulation of respiratory activity and to bring it closer to controls.

Potencial germinativo de sementes de feijão caupi, cv. BRS Potengi, após condicionamento fisiológico

Physiological conditioning consists of a technique that aims to stimulate the metabolism of seeds in the face of adverse situations, being applied to several cultures of economic expression, with the cowpea bean standing out for its relevance, mainly in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of physiological conditioning and subsequent drying on the germination potential of cowpea seeds, cv. BRS Potengi. The first experiment consisted of comparing whether the use of the same seeds for all periods of imbibition (experiment I) or the use of new seeds at each period could interfere in the construction of the imbibition curve (30'; 1; 3; 6; 9; 12; 18 and 24 hours). Previously, the period of imbibition necessary for the seeds to reach phase II of the three-phase imbibition process, without starting phase III, was evaluated. In the second experiment, using imbibition methodology II, the seeds after each soaking period were divided into two fractions, one being kept moist (wet fraction) until sowing and the other submitted to the drying process (dry fraction). A completely randomized design was used, adopting for the second experiment a 2×7 factorial scheme + control (seeds without imbibition), that is, presence and absence of drying after physiological conditioning × periods of imbibition. It was evaluated: water content; germination (primary root protrusion); velocity index, velocity coefficient and mean primary root protrusion time and electrical conductivity. The imbibition curve can be efficiently conducted using the same seeds during all evaluation periods or using new seeds at each period. Aiming at using fewer seeds and better optimizing the time for preparing and conducting the soaking experiment, the methodology that uses the same seeds for all soaking periods is indicated. The physiological conditioning of seeds for 18 and 24 hours, without further drying, provides a faster emission of the primary root of the seeds of cowpea, cv. BRS Potengi. The seed drying process does not interfere with the beneficial effect of physiological conditioning. &nbsp;

Laboratory drought resistance of pea breeding accessions in PEG-6000

The results on the laboratory drought resistance determined by germination of pea seeds in 8.6% PEG-6000 are presented. The depression of root and shoot growth processes was determined for seeds harvested in different years (2018–2020).&#x0D; The study purpose was to evaluate the laboratory drought resistance of pea varieties and breeding material in PEG-6000.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Seeds harvested in 2018–2020 were investigated. Fifty-nine pea (Pisum sativum L.) accessions (breeding varieties, breeding material, collection specimens) were tested. Pea seeds were germinated in 8.6% PEG-6000. Control seeds were germinated in distilled water. The germination temperature was 20°C. On day 7, the shoot and root lengths were measured in the control and experiment and the depression of root and shoot growth processes was evaluated.&#x0D; Results and discussion. Across the study years, the depression of the «root length» trait in the pea accessions represented by varieties and breeding material varied -96.3% to 67.8%, and the depression of the «shoot length» trait was not negative in the study years, ranging 8.3% to 91.7%. The root length depression in the pea accessions ranged -52.1% to 67.8% in 2018, -96.3% to 67.7% in 2019, and -33.6% to 61.6% in 2020. The shoot length depression also varied significantly across the study years: from 22.3% to 88.7% in 2018, from 8.3% to 91.7% in 2019, and from 15.8% to 87.1% in 2020.&#x0D; If we take into account the significant values of the coefficient of variation for the depression of root growth processes, it may confirm the fact that differences in the response to drought can be predicted from this trait. For the convenience of analysis of the obtained data, the accessions were ranked according to the depression of «root length» and «shoot length» traits. It should be noted that the coefficient of variation for the depression of the «shoot length» trait in 2018 and 2020 was high (23.0% and 28.3%, respectively) and very similar. In general, no stimulatory effect of PEG-6000 was observed for this parameter, unlike the «root length» trait in some accessions. Despite the fact that Zekon, Hotik and Mascara are varieties bred in Western Europe, they were among the best ones in this sample according to the depression level. Of the pea accessions bred at PPI NAAS, breeding line SL 15-95 was the best one; variety Ramonskiy 77, a leafy variety bred in the USSR, was highly resistant, judging from the depression of growth processes. It should be noted that in our experiments the depression level of growth processes in PEG-6000 was not associated with yield. Thus, the accession with the lowest rank sum, SL 15-95, gave an average yield of 1.86 t/ha in 2018–2020. At the same time, Rezonator, a variety with the rank sum of 261, produced 1.84 t/ha; Hotik with the rank sum of 89–1.90 t/ha. Ramonskiy 77 with the rank sum of 83 gave a yield of 1.49 t/ha, and Chekryhinskyi with the largest rank sum in the experiment (294) gave a yield of 1.33 t/ha.&#x0D; The Spearman coefficient for the matrices of depression ranks showed high identity. Thus, the Spearman coefficient (rs) was 0.98 between the matrices for all study years. Hence, to determine the laboratory drought resistance by germination in PEG-6000, it is sufficient to replicate the experiment on seeds harvested in two years.&#x0D; Conclusions. Thus, the obtained data on the depression of growth processes in the pea accessions in PEG-6000 are not mature and require further, more in-depth study.

Germinability and Seedling Growth Performance of Chilli (Capsicum annuum) Seeds in Response to Different Gibberellic Acid Concentrations Pre-Treatment

Chilli seeds are always associated with physiological dormancy characteristics or endogenous dormancy that has affected their germination potential. Problems noticed on the low seed germination rate, vigour growth, further may lead to the poor seedling growth pattern of chilli crop production. Gibberellic Acid (GA3) which is usually used as a treatment solution is not a new advent of seed dormancy breaking methods for chilli. But, looking forwards to a better GA3 concentration is still needed for the discovery of this treatment potential effect on chilli seed germinability and seedling growth. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of different GA3 concentrations on seed emergence and seedling growth performance in chilli. In this experiment, chilli seeds were imbibed with 25 mg/L, 75 mg/L and 125 mg/L concentration of GA3 with three replications each; for 24 hours at room temperature (32±4°C) and the untreated seeds as a control. The data collection on final germination percentage was taken daily for 21 days after sowing. While the 15 germinated seeds were directly planted on the 5 polybags arranged in the net house of Junaidy Jonik Farm, Sabah, Malaysia. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications. Data were subjected to analysis of variance with SAS version 9.4 and the significant means were separated by the least significant difference test at P&lt;0.05. Significant differences were observed in the seed germinability measured; germination rate index (GRI), mean germination time (MGT) and final germination percentage (FGP), as well as on seedling vigour index (SVI) between treated and control seeds. Conversely, plant height, number of internodes, number of leaves and fresh weight of seedlings showed no significant differences among treatments. It was concluded that the use of GA3 was able to enhance chilli seeds germinability and could display a better SVI than the control. It is recommended to use GA3 treatment at 25 mg/L of concentration, as it may give an advantage to both economic and biological importance in producing higher germinability and seedling growth performance in chilli.

Analysis of Inducible Terpenoids in Cotton Leaves to Test for Indirect Plant–Endophyte-Herbivore Interactions

Analysis of Inducible Terpenoids in Cotton Leaves to Test for Indirect Plant–Endophyte-Herbivore Interactions

Comparative Analysis Reveals Changes in Some Seed Properties in Amaranth Mutant Variety ‘Zobor’ (A. hypochondriacus × A. hybridus)

The aim of our long-term research program is to improve the quality and quantity of amaranth production through mutation breeding using γ-radiation. In this paper, we present the characterization of the new variety ‘Zobor’ of A. hypochondriacus × A. hybridus developed by radiation-induced mutagenesis of hybrid K-433. Multiyear phenotypic characterization of an important yield parameter (1000-seed weight) showed that the studied mutant variety ‘Zobor’ has an advantage in seed weight over the nonirradiated control seeds of K-433 with predictable performance of this yield trait. ‘Zobor’ exhibited changes in seed morphometric parameters, starch particle size, and pasting properties with no change in amylose content and swelling power. Moreover, the seeds of ‘Zobor’ showed the significantly highest folate content among selected amaranth varieties. The mutant variety could, therefore, be interesting for the development of functional foods and as a low-management crop, attractive for cultivation in Europe.

Peg- Induced Drought Stress Effects on Spinach Germination Parameters

Exposure to the drought stress reduces germination rate and seedling's growth with significant variations from crop to crop. An unavoidable consequence of drought exposure is the generation of reactive oxygen species. They can be extremely reactive with several cellular constituents such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) is one of the most consumed vegetable species, rich in vitamins, such as vitamin C, and minerals, which are essential for human health. Besides, spinach contains large amounts of bioactive molecules such as glucuronic acid derivatives of flavonoids and p-coumaric acid derivatives that exhibit strong antioxidant activity Osmotic solutions of polyethylene glycol (PEG) are commonly used to control water potential in seed germination studies. PEG reduces the water potential of osmotic solutions but may limit oxygen availability to germinating seeds. The purpose of this study was to determine whether seed immersion in PEG solution had a detrimental effect on total Germination percentage, Relativized percentage, Mean germination time, Mean germination rate, Coefficient of variation of germination time, Coefficient of the velocity of germination, Germination index, Uncertainty of germination process, Synchronization index, Time to 10% germination, Time to 25% germination, Time to 50% germination, Time to 75% germination, Time to 90% germination, Time from 10 to 90% germination, Time from 25 to 75% germination, Mean daily germination Percent, Peak value for germination, Germination value. A controlled experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of drought stress, induced by PEG, on these germination parameters in Spinach. For control, seeds were treated with nutrient solution, and 2.5% PEG was used to induce drought stress. The seeds were germinated geotropically between moisten filter papers. Each roll contained 30 seeds. Overall germination parameters showed a decrease as compared to control. The germination percentage of control seeds of Spinach oleracea L. was 79% while those treated with PEG were only 63%. Similarly, the relativized percentage decrease was observed in the case of PEG-treated seeds. Relativized percentage of control seeds was 91% as treated seeds were only 73%. Both showed a significant decrease as compared to the control.