Germination Count Research Articles

Giberellic Acid in the Expansion of the Thermal Range of Lettuce Seeds

Lettuce presents an increasing demand, which makes necessary the expansion of the areas destined to its planting. Temperature is a limiting factor, because it acts directly on germination, where changes and adjustments in the hormonal balance, mainly of gibberellin (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA), occur. The objective of this study was to evaluate if the treatment of seeds with gibberellic acid is capable of mitigating the damages caused by high temperatures. The seeds were submitted to germination test, first count, percentage of abnormal seedlings and analysis of shoot and root growth. The treatments consisted of seven concentrations of gibberellic acid (control—not treated with GA, 25 mg L-1, 50 mg L-1, 75 mg L-1, 100 mg L-1, 125 mg L-1, 150 mg L-1) and three constant temperatures (25, 30 and 35 °C). The germination and first count, when submitted at 25 and 30 °C presented an increase up to 50 mg L-1 of GA, while at 35 °C the growth was constant up to 125 mg L-1 of GA. Treatment with GA increased root and shoot length. Giberelic acid mitigated the damage caused to lettuce seeds when subjected to temperatures above the optimum.

Recovery and germinative response of Amaranthus deflexus L. seeds under different levels of water stress and luminosities

The objective of this work was to evaluate, in two experiments, the effect of water stress and luminosity on the germinative behavior and vigor of Amaranthus deflexus L seeds. The seeds were sown in Petri dishes containing two sheets of filter paper moistened with distilled water, in the control treatment. Using this treatment-control configuration, as a standard of comparison, two assays were performed using subsamples from the same A. deflexus seed population. In the first experiment (experiment 1), solutions of polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000) were used, providing osmotic potentials of -0.3; -0.6; -0.9; -1.2 and -1.5 MPa; however, in the second trial (experiment 2) osmotic potentials of -0.1; -0.2; -0.3; -0.4 and -0.5 MPa were used. At the end of the test, the ungerminated seeds for each treatment were washed and germinated on a filter paper moistened with water. The germination and vigor of the seeds were evaluated through the first germination count, germination test, germination speed index and average germination time. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 2 x 6 factorial scheme, totaling twelve treatments, with four replicates of 50 seeds each, in both trials. Water stress negatively affects the performance of A. deflexus seeds, reducing germination and vigor from -0.1 MPa. Seed germination was compromised by the absence of light, regardless of the applied stress levels. There was an increase in seed germination after application of the same at higher levels of water stress.

Influence of physiological and health quality on the vigor of cucumber seeds

ABSTRACT The physiological performance of seeds is related to their physiological quality and seed vigor, while their health quality may interfere with germination and early seedling establishment in the field due to the interaction of microorganisms associated with seeds. The study aimed to evaluate the physiological performance and health quality of cucumber seeds and to verify the relationship between these attributes. The physiological quality of cucumber seeds was evaluated by standard germination tests, first count of germination, controlled deterioration test, electrical conductivity test, seedling emergence, emergence speed index, and traditional accelerated aging and aging modified with saline for 48, 72, and 96 h. The health quality of cucumber seed lots was evaluated by blotter test. Stratification of cucumber seed lots by seedling emergence was similar to seedling emergence by controlled deterioration test, first count of germination, and electrical conductivity results. The cucumber seed lots evaluated showed high germination rates; however, lots 1 and 3 had a better performance in vigor tests than lots 2 and 4. Fungi detected in the blotter test were Alternaria sp., Aspergillus sp., Cladosporium sp., and Penicillium sp. Seed lots 2 and 4 had low vigor evaluated by seedling emergence and controlled deterioration, and showed a higher incidence of Penicillium sp. in the evaluation of health quality of seeds. The incidence of Penicillium sp. may negatively affect the vigor of cucumber seeds evaluated by seedling emergence and by controlled deterioration test.

Multivariate analysis and vigor tests to determine the quality of Brachiaria decumbens seeds

This study aimed to verify the efficiency of multivariate analysis in the identification of promising vigor tests for the evaluation of the physiological quality of seed lots of Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk. Seeds of B. decumbens cv. Basilisk were tested for the following parameters: water content, germination, first germination count, cold test, electrical conductivity, seedling growth, seedling dry mass, first count and emergence percentage of seedlings in laboratory substrate, and seedling emergence in the field. The data obtained in each test—all completely randomized experimental designs—were analyzed separately by means of analysis of variance, Scott-Knott’s test, and multivariate analysis. Principal component analysis is efficient to discriminate vigor and seed germination tests capable of identifying the top performance batch in the field. Germination, first germination count, emergence of seedlings in sand, first seedling emergence count in sand, shoot length, and the cold test are promising in the evaluation of the physiological quality of seed lots of B. decumbens cv. Basilisk, providing similar information to that from the emergence of field seedlings.

Essential oils of Tahiti lemon and cinnamon bark in control of storage fungi and the physiological and sanitary quality of beans

ABSTRACT: With the objective to evaluate the efficiency of essential oils of Citrus latifolia (Tahiti lemon) and Cinnamomum zeylanicum (cinnamon bark) in the control of plant pathogens Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus sp. and the quality of the bean seeds, two experiments were conducted. In the first one, the effect of essential oils of C. latifolia and C. zeylanicum was evaluated in vitro development of the fungi Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus sp. and, in the second one, the influence of essential oils on the physiological and sanitary quality of bean seeds. The variables mycelial growth, conidial germination and sporulation of Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus sp. were measured in the first experiment, while the seed germination test, first count of germination, germination speed index (GSI) and sanity test of bean seeds were measured in the second. The essential oil (EO) of C. zeylanicum was more efficient than C. latifolia in the control of Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp., but decreased the physiological quality of the beans seeds. The fungal diversity identified in the seed health test was composed by fungi of the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Chaetomium and Rhizopus. The results indicate the potential of the use of these EOs in the seeds treatment.

Extrato de neem no tratamento de sementes de tomate

Os sistemas de produção orgânica devem ser implantados utilizando sementes orgânicas livres de microrganismos e sem utilizar produtos químicos. Extratos de neem têm apresentado eficiência no controle de microrganismo, porém o efeito do neem na qualidade fisiológica das sementes tratadas por ele é pouco conhecido. Objetivou-se, no presente trabalho, propor extrato aquoso de folha de neem, alternativo ao tratamento químico de semente de tomate cultivar Super Marmande. O experimento foi realizado na Universidade Estadual do Piauí campus Corrente. Produziram-se diferentes concentrações de extrato aquoso de neem utilizando 0, 40, 80, 120, 160 e 200 g de folha para cada L de água destilada. Doses de cada concentração contendo 8 ml do extrato aquoso foram utilizadas para tratar 100 sementes de tomate, além da dose de Thiran utilizando 3 gramas por quilo de semente (testemunha químico). Após tratadas as sementes foram submetidas às avaliações de germinação, primeira contagem da germinação, frio, emergência a campo, índice de velocidade de emergência, matéria seca das plântulas e índice de frequência de contaminantes. Utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente ao acaso com 7 tratamentos em 4 repetições. Nenhuma das concentrações com extratos aquosos de folha de neem alteraram a qualidade fisiológica das sementes de tomate, porém apenas as concentrações contendo 160 e 200 g L-1 foram eficientes na redução de contaminantes presentes nas sementes. Diante dos dados obtidos recomenda-se para o tratamento orgânico de sementes de tomate utilizar extrato aquoso de neem nas concentrações entre 160 e 200 g L-1 como alternativa ao tratamento químico.

The envelope method and substrate wetting in the germination test of onion seeds

The Rules for Seed Analysis reports the use of a paper envelope in germination tests, but without any description of the exact method. The objective of this study was to evaluate the viability of the envelope method and the optimal level of substrate wetting when performing germination tests of onion seeds. The study was performed in two stages. In the first stage, a batch of seeds was evaluated using two seeding methods (on paper and in a paper envelope) and five levels of substrate wetting with differing amounts of water: 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5 times the dry mass of the paper. A completely randomized design was used in a 2×5 factorial scheme. In the second stage of the study, the two seeding methods mentioned in the prior were tested in eight seed batches using a completely randomized design and a 2×8 factorial scheme. The degree of moisture, germination, and the first count of germination were evaluated. The time spent for the installation, seeding, counting, and disassembling of the germination test were determined. It was concluded that the envelope method is fit for use in onion seed germination tests. The optimal amount of water to add to the substrate is 2.5 times the dry mass of the paper substrate. The envelope method is fast, practical, and more efficiently uses space within germinator chambers, making it easily incorporable into routine tests within seed analysis laboratories.

Vigor of maize seeds determined by a free image analysis system

New and refined technologies based on computerized procedures create the potential for automating laboratory evaluations, constituting an alternative to reduce costs and increase the decision-making capacity regarding the destination of seed lots. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the Sistema de Analise de Plântulas (SAPL®) free digital image processing software of seedlings in characterizing the physiological potential of maize seeds in comparison with information provided by vigor tests recommended for this species. Ten lots of maize seeds were submitted to germination, first germination count, germination speed index, seedling emergence, cold test and electrical conductivity. The results of these tests were compared with the data obtained from the image analysis, which evaluated the development of seedlings at three and five days counted from the beginning of the germination test, by obtaining values of seedling length, growth, development uniformity, vigor index and corrected strength index. SAPL® is a consistent and promising alternative for evaluating the physiological potential of maize seeds, presenting a high correlation of its variables with the traditional tests used. The evaluation can be performed on the third and fifth day after the germination test is installed.

Seed quality and crop performance of soybeans submitted to different forms of treatment and seed size

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of different grain sizes and treatments in the physiological quality of seeds and performance of soybean cultures. The object of analysis were seeds from the cultivars Monsoy 5730 IPRO and Monsoy 5947 IPRO, sized 5.5 and 6.5 mm. The industrial seed treatment was carried out in lot equipment, with the products cyantraniliprole, thiamethoxam, metalaxyl, thiabendazole, and a combination of fludioxonil + polymer + talc. The conventional treatment was performed with the products cyantraniliprole, thiamethoxam, metalaxyl, thiabendazole, and fludioxonil. Part of the seeds was kept untreated (control). The experiment used a randomized block design, with four replications. The parameters assessed include the moisture content measurement, seed coating, germination, first germination count, field emergence, survival rate, and grain yield (right after the seed treatment and after 45 days of storage). The industrial treatment method produced a better seed coating. As for seed size, it had no effect on quality or grain yield. Last, the treated seeds presented the best results for emergence in field, while the industrial treatment achieved the highest productivity.

Evaluation cottonseed vigor through computer image analysis of the seedlings1

Abstract: The evaluation of seed vigor through image analysis has been gaining space in quality-control programs due to its easy use, objectivity, and speed. This study aimed at assessing the computer image analysis of seedling as a method for evaluate cottonseed (SVIS®), and compare it with tests traditionally employed for the same purpose. The experiments used cottonseeds of the cultivar FM975WS. First germination count, accelerated aging, low-temperature germination, emergence in sand and emergence-in sand speed index, seedling emergence in the field, and computer analysis were used to evaluate the seed vigor. The results showed that performing the computer image analysis with the software SVIS® is a viable alternative to assess the vigor of cottonseeds.

Development of methodology to test the electrical conductivity of Marandú grass seeds

The electrical conductivity test enables the evaluation of seed vigor for a maximum period of 24 hours, but the need to count the seeds to obtain a sample for analysis makes it difficult to apply this test to small seeds, such as forage grasses. The objective of this study was to establish a practical methodology for testing the electrical conductivity of Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst. Ex A. Rich.) Stapf ‘Marandu’ seeds and to estimate its effect on seedling emergence in the field. The water content, germination, first germination count, first emergency count, percentage, and rate of seedling emergence speed in the laboratory, seedling emergence in the field, and electrical conductivity of eight batches of seeds was analyzed. In the last test, the periods of conditioning (2, 4, 6, 8, and 24 hours) and the volumes (50 and 75 mL) of distilled water used were evaluated and a new sampling methodology based on the seed volumes, obtained with the aid of a 1.5 ml plastic tube (Eppendorf), was developed. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four replications. The electrical conductivity test using volume sampling from seeds immersed in 75 mL of water and readings taken after 2 or 4 hours was the most efficient method for evaluating the vigor of marandu grass seed batches and provided information equivalent to seedling emergence in the field.

Physiological Quality of Carioca Bean Seeds Submitted to the Application of Desiccant Herbicides in Two Periods

ABSTRACT: The use of herbicides for bean crop desiccation aiming seed production, is an alternative management because it allows harvesting when the seeds present high vigor, germination and dry mass, however this technique can cause damages to the seeds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological quality of bean seeds, of the Carioca type, with the application of desiccant herbicides doses at different periods, aiming at the anticipation of the harvest. The bean plants, Pérola cultivar, were desiccated when the seeds had 42 and 30% water content, with ammonium glufosinate, saflufenacil and diquat at doses of 0, 50, 75 and 100% in relation to the recommended average dose for desiccation, respectively for each of the herbicides. The control treatment without desiccant application was harvested on the same date as desiccation. The additional treatment, also without desiccant application, was harvested only when the seeds had a water content of 18%. The variables analyzed were germination, first germination count, germination speed index, cold test, accelerated aging, seedling and radicle length, and dry mass. The herbicides applied in the first period (42% water), at the highest doses, impair the physiological quality of the seeds, and the seeds with water contents of 30 and 42%, without the use of desiccants, promote high vigor and germination. Satisfactory results were obtained when the saflufenacil herbicide was applied in period 2 (30% water), using 50% of the recommended average dose of this herbicide.

Development and Performance Evaluation of a PTO Powered Vertical Disc Plough with Seeding Attachment for Sowing of Wheat after Rice

A PTO powered vertical disc plough with seeding attachment was developed for sowing of wheat in combine harvested rice field. The performance was also compared with rototill seed drill and conventional method of sowing under un-chopped and chopped residue field condition. Experimental result showed that the powered vertical disc plough with seeding attachment (T1 ) required 2.78 h and 3.12 h less time than roto-till drilling (T2 ) and conventional method (T3 ) of wheat sowing, both under un-chopped and chopped residue field condition. Under un-chopped residue condition, the saving of time in treatment T1 over treatment T2 and T3 was 28.2 % and 77.6 %, respectively. Under same condition, the saving in fuel consumption in treatment T1 over T2 and T3 , was 11.24 % and 66.38 %, respectively. Under chopped residue condition, the fuel saving in treatment T1 was also higher compared to T2 and T3 . The germination count after 20 DAS was highest in T3 , followed by T2 and T1 .The number of tillers at 60 DAS was highest in T3, followed by T1 and T2 treatments. Maximum grain yield of 5.46 t.ha-1 was obtained in treatment T3 , followed by 5.35 t.ha-1 and 4.30t.ha-1 in treatment T1 and T2 , respectively under unchopped rice residue condition. The implement was found as an alternative for wheat sowing under minimum tillage in combine harvested rice field with un-chopped residue.

Physiological potential of seeds and morphological characterization of Campomanesia adamantium seedlings

Abstract The cultivation of native fruit species depends on the existence of consistent technical and scientific information on the germination and vigor of seeds for efficient management by seedling producers. The evaluation of the physiological potential of seeds is performed through germination and vigor tests, which must be standardized to ensure the generation of accurate information. For Campomanesia adamantium, information on parameters for conducting physiological tests is scarce. The aims of this work were (i) to evaluate the effect of temperature and seed positioning on the substrate for seed germination and vigor, and (ii) to characterize and describe the essential structures and main types of seedling abnormality. After harvest, fruits were pulped and, after seed extraction, germination tests were carried out for 42 days at three temperatures (20, 25 and 30 °C), with seeds positioned in the germination substrate in two ways (between paper and on paper). Seed vigor was evaluated by means of the first germination count (performed on the 20th day) and the germination rate index. The temperature and substrate interaction did not influence variables under study. The position of seeds on the substrate did not influence the physiological potential results. No differences were observed between seed germination temperatures; however, seeds submitted to germination at 25 °C showed higher vigor compared to the other temperatures. Germination and vigor tests, based on seedling performance, should be performed at constant temperature of 25 °C and seed positioning between paper and on paper may be used. Germination in C. adamantium was characterized as epigeal.

Physiological potential and initial development of soybean plants as a function of seed treatment

ABSTRACT Seed treatment is a process that helps to control insects and soil-borne pathogens, besides allowing a given crop to reach its maximum production potential and protect its seedlings. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological performance of seeds and the initial development of soybean, as a function of seed treatment. The study was based on a completely randomized design, with five treatments [imidacloprid + thiodicarb (75 + 225 g a.i. 100 kg-1 of seeds); chlorantraniliprole (62.5 g a.i. 100 kg-1 of seeds); cyantraniliprole (72 g a.i. 100 kg-1 of seeds), fipronil + thiophanate-methyl + pyraclostrobin (5 + 45 + 50 g a.i. 100 kg-1 of seeds); and control (seeds without treatment)]. Initially, the physiological quality of the seeds was evaluated by determining the first germination count, final germination and accelerated aging, with four replications. After that, the effect of the seed treatment on the soybean plant development was evaluated by analyzing the leaf area, number of leaves, shoot height, root and shoot dry mass and fresh mass of root nodules, with ten replications. The seed treatment with fipronil + pyraclostrobin + thiophanate-methyl allows an increased germination when the seeds are subjected to the accelerated aging test, besides an increment in the shoot height and leaf area of the plants.

Digital images of seedling for evaluating coffee seed vigor

Abstract: The digital image analysis of seedlings has become largely employed in seed quality-control programs due to its feasibility, objectivity and fast results. Despite these advantages, no studies have yet demonstrated the efficiency of this technique for analyzing coffee seed vigor. The present study aimed at evaluating the efficiency of the Seed Vigor Imaging System (SVIS®) in determining the vigor of coffee seeds (Coffea arabica L.) from digital images of seedlings. Also, the results of these analyses were contrasted with conventional vigor tests. Six seed lots from each cultivar, Bourbon and Catucaí 20/15, were used. The research was conducted in two experimental times, and the seed vigor was determined by the tests of first germination count, accelerated aging, electrical conductivity, primary root protrusion speed, as well as by the analysis of scanned images of seedlings, made possible by the SVIS® software. For the Bourbon and Catucaí 20/15 cultivars, the SVIS® analysis was able to discriminate lots of both high and low vigor (vigor indexes of 317 to 752, and 181 to 703, respectively). A similar outcome was obtained from the conventional tests appraised in this research. Eventually, it was possible to conclude that the digital analysis of 20-day-old seedlings by SVIS® is an efficient method to evaluate coffee seed vigor.

Propagation of Brazil nut (Humb. y Bonpl) seedlings using seeds in mini-greenhouses

The species Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K., the Brazil nut, is an Amazonian species belonging to the family Lecythidaceae. It has great economic value. One of the principle means of B. excelsa propagation is via sexual reproduction (seeds), but the presence of dormancy makes it difficult to produce seedlings, mainly due to the long germination period, and uncertainties regarding timing. The purpose of the current study was to describe a technology that allows the development, in mini-greenhouses, of all processes involved in Brazil nut seedling propagation. The study evaluated response of B. excelsa seedlings to different substrates in mini- greenhouses at the scarification, germination and growth stages. Germination counts were first was performed five days after sowing, and ended at 40 days, when no further germination was observed. Subsequently, germination percentages of normal and abnormal seedlings, dormant and dead seeds were calculated. Sawdust and forest soil substrates provided a shorter husk removal time, while forest soil substrate had the highest percentage of healthy seeds. Germination rates for B. excelsa seed in mini-greenhouses were not affected by substrate type. The substrates sand and sand+sawdust showed highest B. excelsa seedling development.

Performance Evaluation of a Water Seed Drill

Water content plays a crucial role in seed development, particularly at the seed sowing stage, and it ensures good seed germination. A water seed drill was designed and developed to provide an optimum quantity of water that is required for the soil in the same furrow, right after seed placement. This soil moistening method not only improves the moisture level in the field, but it also saves a large amount of water by applying the needed water quantity in the line of sowing after seed placement. The water seed drill consisted of a wheat seed drill, a water application system, and a tank with 400 L capacity. The water seed drill yielded a 48% higher germination count than when wheat is planted through a conventional method. The data recorded also showed that the water seed drill raised the soil moisture to 24% from the existing 13% soil moisture content. The total operational cost of the water seed drill was 2.57-fold greater than the conventional seed drill, but the output cost of the water seed drill was 2.15 times (49,000 Rs/ha) more than that of the conventional seed drill.

Effect of Soil Temperature in the Emergence of Maize Seeds

Temperature is one of the most important factors in the germination process, which influences the absorption of nutrients required for growth and development of the plant, germination uniformity, and seed vigor maintenance. Low temperatures can result in deformation of the leaves and the apex of the plant, and high temperatures hamper the development of them. The objective of this work was to evaluate the ideal temperature values for germination in each genetic material used, highlighting the most suitable for each condition. The experiment was conducted at the Central Seed Laboratory at the Department of Agriculture of the Lavras Federal University, where germination percentage, first germination count, seedling emergence and emergence speed were evaluated. The experimental design was completely randomized, with a factorial scheme of 4 × 5, in which it was analyzed four lines (L30, L64, L63, and L91) at five different germination temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 ºC). An analysis of variance was done and for the comparison between means, the Scott Knott test was used, at a 5% probability. It can be observed that the lines L63 and L91 were more susceptible to low germination temperatures and lines L30 and L64 do not tolerate high temperatures. Also, the evaluation of temperature-controlled substrate germination proved to be a promising technique to identify tolerant and susceptible lines for germination in both high and low temperatures.

Seeds of Calotropis procera Treated With Essential Oils of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. and Syzygium aromaticum L.

The Silk Flower (Calotropis procera) is widely used by farmers in the Northeast region, due to the adaptation of the climatic and soil conditions of the semi-arid region, but the incidence of pathogens has reduced the physiological and sanitary quality standards acceptable for sexual propagation of these plants in the field. Thus, the objective of this research was to verify the effects of the Copaíba (C. langsdorffii) and Cravo (S. aromaticum) oils on the health and physiological quality of silk flower seeds (C. procera) harvested in the city of Tacima, PB. The treatments were constituted by Copaíba (C. langsdorffii) and Cravo (S. aromaticum) essential oils at concentrations of 0.5; 1; 1.5; 2% and the fungicide Captan® (240 g, i.a. 100 kg-1 seed). The control 0 (zero) corresponded only to the immersion of the seeds in distilled and sterilized water (ADE). In the evaluation of sanity, the method of incubation on filter paper (Blotter test) was performed, using twenty replicates of 10 seeds for each treatment. The physiological quality was evaluated by the germination test (G%), first germination count (FGC), germination speed index (GSI) and seedling dry mass (SDM). A microflora composed mainly of Alternaria sp. (52%), Fusarium sp. (70%), Helminthosporium sp. (40%), Cladosporium sp. (50%), Curvularia sp. (20%) and Nigrospora sp. (5%). The essential oils considerably reduced the percentage of fungi associated with silk flower seeds, but there was moderate phytotoxic effect under the germination and vigor of C. procera seeds.