Decreased Germination Percentage Research Articles

Enhancing Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) Productivity and Biochemical Traits: A Comparison of Straw Mulch and Polythene Mulch Under Prolonged Salinity Stress

ABSTRACTThe escalating population growth has spurred a demand for increased oilseed production, necessitating urgent attention. However, the expansion of saline‐affected regions posed a significant obstacle to maintain peanut productivity in these areas. Thus, to tackle the productivity decline in saline‐affected regions, we investigated whether substituting polythene mulch with straw mulch, as part of an agronomic management strategy, could mitigate the rapid decrease in peanut productivity. Three mulching methods (control, polythene mulch and straw mulch) were employed to cultivate the crop (cv. TG 37A) under salinity levels of 0.5, 2, 4 and 6 dS m−1. As salinity levels increased, there was a notable decrease in germination percentage, growth, yield and biochemical characteristics, including pod and haulm yields were reported. Despite salinity reduced free amino acids and oil content, it exhibited significant increase in protein and sugar content. Saline irrigation water led to a reduction in pod yield, haulm yield and oil content by 24.67%, 23.84% and 5.07%, respectively, at a salinity level of 6.0 dS m−1 compared to the control with 0.5 dS m−1 salinity. Moreover, straw mulching resulted in a boost in pod yield, haulm yield and oil content by 30.09%, 4.83% and 1.75%, respectively, compared to the control. The reduction in pod yield and oil content under the interaction of mulching and salinity was 46.44% and 6.87% at M0S6, 21.42% and 4.44% at M1S6, and 7.55% and 3.87% at M2S6 compared to M0S0, M1S0 and M2S0, respectively. A similar trend was also observed in 100‐pod weight, 100‐kernel weight and shelling percentage. Accordingly, it was concluded that the declining trend in all attributes under straw mulching at various salinity levels surpassed polythene mulching, ensuring superior peanut production under salinity stress conditions.

Determination of lethal dose (LD50) and sensitivity of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) to sodium azide for induction of mutation

The present experiment was conducted in the year 2021 at Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner, Rajasthan, to determine the optimum dose (LD50) and duration of the chemical mutagen treatment for the induction of desirable mutation. A set of 100 pre-soaked fenugreek seeds were treated with 12 different concentrations of sodium azide, viz. 0.3 mM, 0.6 mM, 1 mM, 2 mM, 3 mM, 4 mM, 5 mM, 6 mM, 7 mM, 8 mM, 9 mM and 10 mM for three different durations, viz. 3 h, 6 h and 9 h. Results showed that a dose-dependent decreasing tendency was observed in germination percentage, survival percentage, root length and shoot length with increasing concentration and duration of sodium azide treatment. Almost all the mutagenic treatments resulted in decrease in germination percentage, survival percentage and seedling height (root and shoot length) with increasing concentrations and duration of mutagen in laboratory conditions. Also, the LD50 value was observed as an 8 mM sodium azide concentration for 6 h in fenugreek. The mutagen treatments given at 9 h duration were detrimental for fenugreek. They cannot be used for mutation induction as they are utterly lethal after a 3 mM sodium azide concentration. So, lower treatments of mutagens have influenced less biological damage and would be suitable for inducing desirable mutations.

Combined Effects of Drought and Low Temperature on Germination and Seedling Growth of Melon Cultivars

The study aimed to determine the effects of drought (0.0, -2.0, -4.0, and -6.0 bar PEG 6000) and low temperature (18°C) on the germination and early seedling growth of three melon cultivars (Kırkağaç 589, Hasanbey 1, and Toros Sarıbal). Germination percentage, mean germination time, germination index, root length, shoot length, fresh and dry weight of the seedling, and vigor index of the melon cultivars were investigated. The results showed significant effects of low temperature and drought stress on the germination and seedling growth of melon cultivars. As temperature decreased and drought increased, the germination percentage decreased, and mean germination time was delayed. Drought stress led to a decrease in germination percentage, index, and all investigated seedling growth parameters, while the response of melon cultivars to drought stress varied. Seedling growth was more affected by low temperature than germination. Low temperature decreased germination percentage from 87.2% to 63.7% and seedling fresh weight from 140 mg/plant to 64 mg/plant. Each increase in drought levels resulted in a decrease in germination and seedling growth parameters of melon cultivars. Any seedling growth was not observed in Hasanbey 1 and Toros Sarıbal at -6.0 bar at 18°C. Melon cultivars showed different levels of tolerance to drought stress during germination and seedling growth stages, while they could maintain it up to -4.0 bar. It was concluded that Kırkağaç 589 germinated and grew better under drought stress at both optimum and low temperatures.

IMPACT OF SALINITY ON SEED GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF WHEAT

Salinity is a widespread problem in arid and semiarid region, which severely limits plants growth and crop productivity. To evaluate the effect of salinity on germination and seedling growth a pot experiment was conducted during 2023 in the Department of Agronomy Lab. In this study, two varieties BWMRI Gom 1 and BWMRI Gom 2 were used to assess the effect of salinity levels (0, 3.5, 7 and 10.5 dS/m) on wheat seed germination efficiency. It was found that higher levels of salt stress significantly decreased germination percentage, coleoptile length, seedling shoot length, and seedling fresh, dry weight of shoot, root length, seedling fresh and dry weight of root. Moreover, at 10.5 dS/m NaCl seed germination percentage of the two varieties was remarkably reduced compared with non-stress conditions. The study showed that salinity influenced seed germination and seedling growth in both varieties of wheat, but BWMRI Gom 2 showed better results than BWMRI Gom 1.

Effect of contaminated water on seed germination traits of crops

Lead (Pb) is one of the noxious trace metal element (TME) contaminants in the environment. In this work, we conducted a comparative physiological response study through some germination parameters between four cereals (Triticum durum, Triticum aestivum, Hordeum vulgare, and Zea mays) grown on a nutrient solution for 10 days and treated with three increasing levels of lead acetate (0.15, 0.3, and 0.6 g/L) in order to evaluate the impact of different lead concentrations on the germination capacity of these species. The results showed that lead has an abiotic stress effect on the four varieties examined at 0.3 g/L and 0.6 g/L. We recorded a significant to very highly significant effect in all the parameters studied. In the underground parts, in particular, a highly significant reduction in precocity of germination was recorded in Triticum durum, Triticum aestivum, Hordeum vulgare, and Zea mays. There was also a highly significant to very highly significant decrease in germination percentage in durum wheat, soft wheat, and maize. Under the most severe stress conditions (0.6 g/L), the barley variety showed stress tolerance with a germination rate of 92%. According to the findings of this study, the varieties examined can be grouped into two categories: variants that are susceptible to metal stress (Triticum durum, Triticum aestivum, and Zea mays) and varieties that are tolerant to lead exposure (Hordeum vulgare).

Impact of Biologically and Chemically Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Seed Germination and Seedlings’ Growth

Zinc oxide nanoparticles have gained attention in the last decades due to their versatile applications; in agriculture, they have been used for their multiple benefits. In this study, the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles, obtained via chemical and biological synthesis and of 70–80 nm in size, on the germination and seedling growth of Capsicum annuum and Solanum lycopersicum seed were determined. The physiological parameters, photosynthetic pigments, the content of total phenols, total flavonoids, as well as the antioxidant capacity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and the enzymatic activity of catalase, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase were evaluated. The results indicated that treatment with zinc oxide nanoparticles obtained via green synthesis improved seed germination rate, while chemically synthesized nanoparticles at higher concentrations decreased germination percentage. In general, the parameters of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants in treated plants showed significant differences with respect to the control. However, the treatments with the bionanoparticles resulted in more beneficial parameters. Zinc oxide nanoparticles obtained via green synthesis are more effective in generating bioactive compounds and activating the enzyme defense system due to being more biocompatible.

Assessing the sensitivity of maize genotypes to gamma radiation for germination and physiological characteristics

To meet the rising demand for cereal-based food products, it is essential to create parent lines for hybrid development. Evaluating the sensitivity of maize genotypes to gamma rays is critical for successful mass irradiation to induce mutations. This study aimed to assess how maize genotypes respond to gamma radiation and determine an effective dosage for mutation breeding. Six maize genotypes were subjected to gamma radiation doses ranging from 0 to 750 Gy (s) 60Co. The irradiated seeds were evaluated in controlled conditions and then planted in the field for the assessment of physio-agronomic traits. The lethal dose (LD50) was established based on the germination rate of the M1 generation. Results demonstrated a decrease in germination percentage, plant height, survival rate, root length, and plant photosynthetic rate with escalating gamma radiation doses. The mean LD50, determined from the germination data, was 254.3 Gy. The radiation dosage range of 206.71–301.95 Gy proved effective in influencing both quantitative and qualitative characteristics. These findings provide valuable insights into the efficient utilization of gamma radiation in expediting the development of promising parent lines, which can be instrumental in hybridization efforts to produce superior maize varieties.

Germination and seedling growth of Calluna vulgaris is sensitive to regional climate, heathland succession, and drought

AbstractThe coastal heathlands of Northwest Europe are highly valued cultural landscapes, that are critically endangered due to land use and climatic changes, such as increased frequency and severity of drought events. Our study is the first to assess how the germination and early seedling growth of Calluna vulgaris respond to drought. In a factorial design field experiment, we exposed maternal plants to three in‐situ drought treatments (control, 60%, 90% roof coverage), across three successional stages after fire (pioneer, building, mature), and two regions (60°N, 65°N). Seeds from 540 plants within the experiment were, weighed, and exposed to five water potentials, ranging from −0.25 to −1.7 MPa, in a growth chamber experiment. We recorded germination (percentage, rate), seedling growth (above‐ vs. belowground allocation), and seedling functional traits (specific leaf area [SLA], specific root length [SRL]). Overall variation in germination between regions, successional stages, and maternal drought treatments was largely mediated by variation in seed mass. Plants from the northernmost region had higher seed mass and germination percentages. This is indicative of higher investment in seeds, likely linked to the populations' absence of vegetative root sprouting. Seeds from the mature successional stage germinated to lower final percentages than those from earlier successional stages, especially when the maternal plants had been exposed to drought (60% and 90% roof coverage). Exposure to reduced water availability decreased germination percentage and increased the time to 50% germination. Seedlings fully developed in the range −0.25 to −0.7 MPa, with increased root:shoot and lower SRL during reduced water availability, suggesting a resource‐conservative response to drought during the early stages of development. Our results thus suggest a sensitivity to drought during the germination and seedling life‐history stages that may reduce Calluna's ability to re‐establish from seeds as the incidence and severity of droughts are projected to increase under future climates.

Attenuated Total Reflectance - Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) Spectroscopy: A Tool to Determine Groundnut Seed Quality

Background: ATR-FTIR spectroscopy is proved to be a simple, reliable, rapid and easy-to-use technique to assess the groundnut seed quality. Groundnut seeds are highly sensitive to deterioration mainly due to their chemical composition and moisture content. The high oil content and fatty acids of groundnut seeds reduces the seed viability well in advance due to lipid peroxidation process, which is the most frequent cause of seed ageing. As a result, not only lipid peroxidation, but also a series of reactions that produce toxic products occur. Methods: Eleven groundnut seed lots were tested for their seed germination potential as well as the oil quality parameters, ATR-FTIR analysis, antioxidant enzyme activities and physiological seed quality parameters. Result: The results indicated that the FTIR spectra of the seed lots having higher germination ( greater than 70%) exhibited deviations at different wave numbers within the range of 4000-400 cm-1 when compared with seed lots having lower germination ( less than 70%). The peak intensity was found to follow an increasing trend to a decrease in germination percentage of the seed lots. The seeds lose its viability, the activity of antioxidant enzyme decreases leading to an alteration in free fatty acid, acid value, saponification value, iodine value and peroxide value. Finally, the study concluded that the changes in seed germination from 92 to 12 per cent and their corresponding enzyme activity are closely correlated with FTIR spectral data. Hence, ATR FTIR may be used as a tool to predict the quality of the groundnut seeds during storage.

Consequences of Hydro-Priming Cola parchycarpa K. Schum. and Cola rostrata K. Schum. Seeds

Hydro-priming is an important seed treatment technique for rapid seed germination. Cola species exhibits long and uneven germination. Hence this study was aimed at investigating the effect of hydro-priming durations on the germination and seedling growth of Cola parchycarpa and Cola rostrata. Five treatments (hydro-priming durations of 0 hour, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours and 96 hours) were used and the experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 6 replicates each. In C. parchycarpa, mean seed germination time of 40.50 days was observed only at 0 hour while there was no germination at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of hydro-priming. In C. rostrata, there was a significant increase in the germination time as the hydro-priming duration increased from 0 h (13.83 d) to 48 h (45.00 d) with decreased germination percentage, while at 72 and 96 h of hydro-priming, germination failed to occur. There was no significant difference at P<0.05 in the seedling growth parameters of C. rostrata at the different hydro-priming durations. Hydropriming of C. parchycarpa and C. rostrata seeds before planting is not recommended for these two Cola species as it result in embryo death of the seeds.

Mutagenic-sensitivity and variability in the putative mutants of polyembryonic mango genotypes

Polyembryonic mango genotypes are considered the best resources for developing rootstocks owing tothe production of uniform, true-to-type nucellar seedlings with the deep tap root systems. However, their use inbreeding programmes is often limited by a narrow genetic base due to maternal inheritance. Hence, enhancementin or creation of variability for traits of interest becomes a pre-requisite, if rootstock breeding in mango has tobe undertaken. In this study, we attempted to induce variability in polyembryonic mango genotypes, Bappakkai,Nekkare and Kurukkan by treating their kernels with different doses of gamma rays ranging from 15 to 35 Gy.The results revealed delayed germination and a decrease in germination percentage with increasing dosageof gamma irradiation. The lethal dose (LD50) values for gamma radiation were determined, based on the seedgermination percentage using Probit analysis values, which were 22.39 Gy, 19.95 Gy, and 19.95 Gy for Bappakai,Nekkare and Kurukkan, respectively. Other traits like the number of seedlings emerging per kernel, plant height,inter-nodal length, and the number of leaves showed a gradual decrease in their mean values with increasingirradiation dosage. The results suggest the effectiveness of induced mutation in bringing about variability intraits like plant height for developing dwarf rootstocks to be used in high-density planting.

Seed germination of common and endangered arable weed species is differently affected by the herbicide metazachlor and its transformation products

AbstractHigh inputs of herbicides have caused the decline of arable weed species, which formerly evolved under less intensively managed crop lands. Arable weed species have adapted their germination strategies to respond to unfavourable periods. However, species considered endangered have more specific germination requirements. The herbicide metazachlor (MZ), in its formulated form Butisan®, is used for the control of annual and dicotyledonous weeds and degrades in the soil into two major transformation products (TPs): metazachlor oxalic acid (MZ‐OA) and metazachlor ethane sulphonic acid (MZ‐ESA). These TPs are often found in higher concentrations compared to MZ. We tested the effect of MZ and its TP on seed germination of four common and three endangered arable weed species present in Central Europe by setting up multi‐factorial climate chamber experimental designs. We chose concentrations imitating field conditions and according to previously reported fraction occurrences in the topsoil. We assessed germination by measuring germination percentage, mean germination time and synchrony of germination. All germination variables were affected with increasing concentrations of MZ. Both, common and endangered species showed a decrease in germination percentage under the highest concentration of MZ. MZ and MZ‐OA increased the synchronicity of endangered species, while both TPs decreased mean germination time of endangered species. Common species showed less significant differences when compared to the control and also had a less synchronised and longer germination time compared to endangered species. The observed response of common species to both MZ and TPs may be convenient in the face of short term unfavourable environmental conditions, such as those found in intensively managed arable lands. Our results highlight that the species‐specific response of arable weeds to herbicides will further increase the dominance of common over rare arable weed species.

Interpopulation variation in seed traits of five Polygonaceae

Interpopulation variability in seed traits may drive the regeneration capacity of a species to colonize different environments. In the present study, we evaluated the variation in seed physical traits (mass / size, water imbibition, shape index) and physiological traits (germination) of five Polygonaceae species. Seeds of Polygonum lapathifolium var. salicifolium, P. lapathifolium, Reynoutria japonica, Rumex trisetifer, and R. obtusifolius were collected from two or three populations in Jiujiang, China. Physical seed traits were measured before germination tests conducted under different combinations of light and temperatures. Most species had a significant variation in seed physical and physiological traits, although populations are geographically close. Interpopulation variation in seed traits appeared to be species-specific, with the highest variation for R. japonica and lowest for R. trisetifer seeds. Germination response to temperature and light conditions also varied among species and populations, being mostly inhibited in the dark treatments. The light dependence of germination can be related to the small seed size, except for the round-seeded Rumex, depending on the temperature regime. Optimal temperature ranges mainly varied from 10/20°C to 25/35°C, with significant decreases in germination percentage at both coolest and warmest extremes. Germination requirements seem to be related to altitudinal gradients in populations of P. lapathifolium and R. japonica seeds.

Influence of 2,4-dichloro Phenoxy Acetic Acid on Seeds Germination and Early Growth of Mesquite (Prosopis juliflora Swarz) DC Seedlings

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of 2,4-dichloro phenoxy acidic acid (2,4-D) on seed germination and the early growth of mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) seedlings. The three sizes of mesquite at the flowering stage (small, medium, and large) were treated with 2,4-D at different rates (0, 6×103, 12×103, 18×103 and 24×103 mg a.i. / L) dissolved in two solvents (diesel or water), the application method basal bark treatment was used in the two different seasons. The results showed that: the three factors (2,4-D rates, tree sizes, and solvent types) significantly decreased germination percentage with the increase of 2,4-D rate dissolved in diesel with all sizes of trees, while the emergence percentage, radical length, and shoot height were significantly decreased as 2,4-D rate increase dissolved in diesel or water. In the winter season, the root length of seedlings raised from seeds collected from the three tree sizes treated with 2,4-D dissolved in water was significantly decreased as a 2,4-D rate increased, while in the rainy season, the root length was affected with 2,4-D dissolved in diesel. In addition, the effect of 2,4-D rates and solvent types was evaluated for all parameters, the results found that: 2,4-D dissolved in diesel significantly decreased germination percent than the corresponding rates dissolved in water. Emergence percentage and shoot height and radical length were significantly decreased with 2,4-D dissolved in diesel or water compared to their control. In the winter season, the root length is affected by 2,4-D dissolved in water, while in the rainy season affected by 2,4-D dissolved in diesel.

Effect of Cutting Treatment on Seed Yield and Seed Quality of Dill

Dill, Anethum graveolens L., is grown in various regions of the world. It has been used as vegetable and medicinal plant since ancient times. Seed quality is important in dill cultivation and there is limited information on the effects of cutting treatment in this species. This research was carried out to find out the effect of cutting treatment on phenological traits, seed yield and quality of dill at Ege University, Izmir, during 2016-2018. The experiments were carried out in the randomized complete block design with three replications, comprising of cutting treatment for both spring and autumn seeding period. Significant differences were noted in the flowering period, seed yield and quality attributes with cutting treatment for both seeding period. The obtained results showed that the days from sowing to bolting initiation were increased with cutting treatment from 51 days to 65 days in spring seeding period and from 153 days to 184 days in autumn seeding period. The plant height, number of umbels per plant, seed weight per plant were lower in the cut plants in comparison to that of uncut plants for both seeding period. The uncut plants has produced significantly higher plant height (113 cm-spring seeding period; 133 cm-autumn seeding period), number of umbels/plant (8.4-spring seeding period; 10.1-autumn seeding period) and seed weight/plant (6.4 g-spring seeding period; 10.9 g-autumn seeding period). The cutting treatment decreased germination percentage by 9.27% in the spring seeding period and by 12.13% in the autumn seeding period compared to the control plant seeds. Lower mean germination time at 20/30°C (3.77 days-spring seeding period; 4.54 days-autumn seeding period) were also observed in uncut plants. Thus, it was concluded that cutting is not recommended in the vegetative stage in dill seed production as it provided lower seed yield and seed quality for both autumn and spring seed planting periods.

Effects of ultrasonic waves on seedling growth, biochemical constituents, genetic stability of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) under salinity stress

Fenugreek is a globally important legume that is widely cultivated for its therapeutic benefits in most parts of the world. Seeds on the other hand have a poor germination and growth rate when exposed to salinity. The effect of ultrasonic exposure period on germination and early seedling behaviors of fenugreek seeds under salt stress was investigated in a laboratory experiment. During germination and early seedling stages, all tests were conducted at 40 kHz in a water bath ultrasonic device with two durations (10 and 20 min) under salinity stress using different concentrations of NaCl (0, 1000, 3000, and 5000 mg/l). The results revealed a substantial decrease in germination percentage, all growth criteria, with increasing NaCl concentration and a significant increase in biomass produced by the Fenugreek (total soluble protein, total soluble carbohydrate, and proline), all of which are thought to be mechanisms for salinity resistance. Ultrasonication of fenugreek seeds for 10 and 20 min has a significant impact on seed germination, early seedling development and biochemical constituents under normal and stress conditions. The genetic stability of fenugreek DNA content was affected by these different treatments. This variation was estimated by RAPD-PCR molecular marker, and resulted in a total polymorphism percentage of 49.72% from all the primers. All these different treatments caused variation in the physiological responses and DNA content. This variation enhanced with more ultrasonic and salt treatments. Hence, these stresses can be used for enhancing the variable metabolic processes in fenugreek plant and stimulate its medicinal properties.

Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic strategies to reveal adaptive mechanisms in castor plant during germination stage under alkali stress

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is an important oilseed crop worldwide, and is also considered as one of the most promising plants for alkali-affected soil amelioration in the northeast of China. Seed germination plays a vital role in seedling establishment, and is always sensitive to alkali stress. However, little is known about the dynamic changes and regulatory mechanisms of gene expression and metabolic processes of this species during germination stage under alkali stress. In the present study, physiological, metabolome and transcriptome responses in germinating seeds of castor were investigated when exposed to 0, 50, 100 and 150 mM alkalinity (NaHCO3). The results showed that alkali stress sharply decreased germination percentage. The Na+ content increased but K+ content decreased under alkalinity. In addition, the malondialdehyde and proline contents increased with the increasing alkalinities. Meanwhile, 50, 100 and 150 mM alkalinity induced 31, 48 and 113 differential metabolites, respectively. Furthermore, transcriptome profiling result showed that there were 138, 845 and 694 differentially expressed genes in the seeds under different concentrations alkali stresses, respectively. The integrating analysis of metabolite and gene expression changes indicating that germination response of castor seeds under alkali stress was closely related to amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism and nucleotide metabolism. The adaptive strategies of castor seeds under alkaline stress were promoting amino acid metabolism and tricarboxylic acid cycle to regulate osmotic balance and ROS level; as well as providing materials and energy for secondary metabolism, although alkali stress affected the membrane fluidity due to the reduction of unsaturated fatty acid content. Moreover, castor seeds increased metabolites on nucleotide biosynthesis to ensure their germination process under alkaline salt stress. The present research provides a deeper insight into overall understanding alkali-tolerant mechanisms of oil crops during germination in a holistic level.

Seed Priming with Chitosan Improves Germination Characteristics Associated with Alterations in Antioxidant Defense and Dehydration-Responsive Pathway in White Clover under Water Stress.

Water stress decreases seed-germination characteristics and also hinders subsequent seedling establishment. Seed priming with bioactive compounds has been proven as an effective way to improve seed germination under normal and stressful conditions. However, effect and mechanism of seed priming with chitosan (CTS) on improving seed germination and seedling establishment were not well-understood under water-deficit conditions. White clover (Trifolium repens) seeds were pretreated with or without 5 mg/L CTS before being subjected to water stress induced by 18% (w/v) polyethylene glycol 6000 for 7 days of germination in a controlled growth chamber. Results showed that water stress significantly decreased germination percentage, germination vigor, germination index, seed vigor index, and seedling dry weight and also increased mean germination time and accumulation of reactive oxygen species, leading to membrane lipid peroxidation during seed germination. These symptoms could be significantly alleviated by the CTS priming through activating superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase activities. In addition, seeds pretreated with CTS exhibited significantly higher expression levels of genes encoding dehydration-responsive transcription factors (DREB2, DREB4, and DREB5) and dehydrins (Y2K, Y2SK, and SK2) than those seeds without the CTS priming. Current findings indicated that the CTS-induced tolerance to water stress could be associated with the enhancement in dehydration-responsive pathway during seed germination.

Surface Modifications of Wheat Cultivar Bologna upon Treatment with Non-Equilibrium Gaseous Plasma.

Seeds of wheat cultivar Bologna were treated with a low-pressure, inductively coupled, radio frequency oxygen plasma. E-mode and H-mode plasma at the real powers of 25 and 275 W, respectively, was used at treatment times of 0.1–300 s. Plasma affected seed surface chemistry, determined by XPS, and surface topography, visualized by SEM. The combined effects of functionalization and etching modified seed surface wettability. The water contact angle (WCA) exponentially decreased with treatment time and correlated with the product of discharge power and treatment time well. Super-hydrophilicity was seen at a few 1000 Ws, and the necessary condition was over 35 at.% of surface oxygen. Wettability also correlated well with O-atom dose, where super-hydrophilicity was seen at 1024–1025 m−2. A relatively high germination percentage was seen, up to 1000 Ws (O-atom dose 1023–1024 m−2), while seed viability remained unaffected only up to about 100 Ws. Extensively long treatments decreased germination percentage and viability.

Farklı Tuzluluk Seviyelerinde Aspir’de (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Çimlenme, Antioksidan Enzim Aktiviteleri ve Biyokimyasal Bileşenlerin Değişimi

The present study was carried out using Dinçer and Olas safflower varieties at 5 different salt (NaCl) concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mM) for 14 days. The germination percentages of the cultivars under salt conditions as well as the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, POD and APX) and biochemical changes (protein and MDA) in the seedlings were determined. The germination percentage decreased with increased salt concentrations, and the greatest decrease in germination percentage was observed at a 200 mM salt concentration by 34% in both cultivars. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased at low salt concentrations, but decreased after 100 and 150 mM salt concentrations, respectively. Catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents, increased with increasing salt concentrations at Dinçer and Olas, but total soluble protein content decreased with increasing salt concentration. Peroxidase (POD) activity was not significantly affected by salt stress in safflower. Germination percentage showed negative correlations with CAT, MDA and H2O2 levels, and showed a positive correlation with soluble protein content under salt stress in safflower. The present results may be useful to identify mechanisms of salt tolerance involving antioxidant enzyme activities and biochemical changes in safflower seedlings.