Growth Of Field Research Articles

Radicle emergence test for soybean vigour testing

This study was carried out to determine the use of single counts of radicle emergence to test seed vigour and estimate seedling field emergence of soybean (Glycine max) seed lots. Results of radicle emergence (RE) (production of 2 mm radicle) at 20°C for 48 hours and 25°C for 24 hours, mean germination time (MGT), tetrazo lium vigour test (TZ) and field emergence (FE) were compared using nine soybean seed lots with standard germination above 80%. The single counts of RE performed at 20 and 25°C were significantly correlated with the MGT at the same temperature (R2 = 0.82 and 0.89, respectively) and with the TZ vigour (R2 = 0.96 and 0.93, respectively). The RE counts at both temperatures also estimated the field emergence of the seed lots (R2 = 0.74 at 20°C and 0.68 at 25°C). The TZ vigour results had a significant correlation with the seedling field emergence (R2 = 0.70). Results indicate that a single count of radicle emergence after 48 hours at 20°C or 24 hours at 25°C is an efficient option for soybean seed vigour assessment.

Radicle emergence test for cabbage can be assessed using multispectral imaging

The potential of multispectral imaging (MSI, using a VideometerLab©) to achieve automation of the assessment of radicle emergence (RE) in the RE vigour test and thereby increase the throughput of vigour testing, was examined using 12 commercial seed lots from three varieties of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var capitata). The RE of the 12 lots was assessed after 48 hours germination at 20°C using both MSI (MSI RE48) and a manual count. The RE counts made using MSI were highly correlated to manual counts taken by eye at the same time (r = 0.97, p < 0.001) and to RE assessments taken using RGB imaging (r = 0.84, p < 0.01). MSI RE48 was significantly related to field emergence after seven days (r = 0.87, p < 0.01) and glasshouse emergence after six days (r = 0.86, p < 0.01); similar relationships with emergence were found for the RE assessments taken using RGB imaging. Our data indicate that an automated count of RE is possible in the RE test using MSI imaging and relates to seed vigour in cabbage.

Seed Science and Technology. Volume 51 Issue 3 (2023)

This issue of Seed Science and Technology has a collection of articles that contribute to seed quality, which will be of interest to both farmers and the seed industry. The articles span diverse topics: germination treatments, vigour testing methods, viability equations and management of seed-borne inoculum. However, the majority of articles focus on germination treatments to break dormancy and provide uniform field emergence. Besides this, a review article on seed quality enhancement using seed priming will be highly informative to seed producers to enhance seed quality and hence benefit farmers in particular in developing countries. Many of the species studied are less explored and some are on the verge of extinction, requiring immediate attention. Overall, this issue will be of interest to a wide range of readers, including farmers, seed companies, researchers and conservationists.

Exploring superconductivity in Ba3Ir4Ge16: Experimental and theoretical insights

We explore both experimental and theoretical aspects of the superconducting properties in the layered caged compound, Ba3Ir4Ge16. Our approach integrates muon spin rotation and relaxation (μSR) measurements with magnetization and heat capacity experiments, accompanied by first-principle calculations. The compound’s bulk superconductivity is unequivocally established through DC magnetization measurements, revealing a critical temperature (TC) of 5.7 K. A noteworthy characteristic observed in the low-temperature superfluid density is its saturating behavior, aligning with the features typical of conventional Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) superconductors. The assessment of moderate electron-phonon coupling superconductivity is conducted through transverse field μSR measurements, yielding a superconducting gap to TC ratio (2Δ(0)∕kBTC) of 4.04, a value corroborated by heat capacity measurements. Crucially, zero field μSR measurements dismiss the possibility of any spontaneous magnetic field emergence below TC, highlighting the preservation of time-reversal symmetry. Our experimental results are reinforced by first-principles density functional calculations, underscoring the intricate interplay between crystal structure and superconducting order parameter symmetry in caged compounds. This comprehensive investigation enhances our understanding of the relationship between crystal structure and superconductivity in such unique compounds.

Germination Parameters of Different Types of Black Carrot Seeds of Ereğli Local Population

Consumer interest in healthy foodstuffs and vegetables has continuously been increasing. In this sense, quality has become a prominent issue in production, consumption and marketing of vegetables. Seeds and planting processes significantly affect quality of vegetables. Black carrot production is an important source of income for local farmers of Ereğli and Karapınar Districts of Konya province. Bare seeds of Ereğli local population are commonly used in black carrot production. Farmers produce their own seeds. These seeds undergo only one sieving and are not calibrated. In this study, uncalibrated bare, calibrated and coated seeds were planted and germination parameters were investigated. Experiments were conducted in Kuzukuyu village of Ereğli District, at three different planting distances (2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 cm) in randomized blocks design (3x3) with 3 replications. Planting was done in three rows on a ridge (with 7.5 cm row spacing) at a forward speed of 0.64 m s-1. Mean germination time was calculated as 19.90 days for uncalibrated bare seeds, 20.14 days for calibrated bare seeds and 20.79 days for coated seeds; germination rate index values were respectively calculated as 0.431, 0.761 and 0.656 [seeds (m days)-1]; field emergence rates were respectively calculated as 37.13%, 60.97% and 55.19%; number of plants per unit area were respectively determined as 42.35, 69.14 and 59.61 plants m-2. It was concluded based on present findings that calibrated bare and coated seeds should be used in planting process of black carrot seeds of Ereğli local population. Farmers should be trained on black carrot seed production.

Role of Hydrophilic Biopolymers Concoction Seed Coating on Seed Germination and Field Performance of Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.)

Background: Blackgrm is one of the most important pulse crops majorly cultivated in rainfed conditions of India. Soil moisture deficit,low and erratic rainfall, use of poor quality seeds,poor crop stand and improper crop managementresulting in lower productivity in rainfed ecosuystem . Reduced crop stand alone leads to 30% deficit in production combined.Availability of technology to overcome drought stress is one of the way to expand blackgram cultivation in dry tracks. Hydrophilic polymers may have great potential in restoration and reclamation, when used the polymers correctly and an ideal situations will have atleast 95 % of their stores water available for plant absorption. There are N number of inorganic polymers available in the market, that can be applied in the farm of soil application. Studies on Hydrophilic bio polymer seed coating to mitigate water stress is very megar or nil. Hence, the present study was formulated in blackgram as hydrophilic bio polymer seed coating on seed germination and field emergence. Method: Seed coating experiment consists of seven hydrophilic biopolymers (Ethyl cellulose, Methyl cellulose, Carboxyl methyl cellulose, Agar, Gum Arabic, Xanthangum and Carrageenan); two coating methods (dry and dry powder concoction). The germination test conducted in sand media with 60 % Water Holding Capacity of sand and PEG induced water stress and evaluated for seed quality parameters against uncoated seeds. Field experiments conducted with water stress periods of 10 days, 20 days and 25 days after life irrigation and observed for biometric and yield parameters. Results: Results revealed that blackgram seeds coated with bio polymer concoction of xanthan gum : carrageenan : agar agar (4:1:1) @ 20 g / kg performed better in terms of all seed quality parameters and withstand water stress upto 20 days after life irrigation with the yield increase of 53% over stressed control (skipping irrigation for 20 days after life irrigation) and can be recommended as a pre sowing treatment for drought mitigation in blackgram.

Efficacy of Botanicals on Seed Quality Enhancement in Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] on Yield and Yield Attributes

The field experiment was conducted at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Pattambi of Kerala Agricultural University with the objective to understand the effect of seed treatment using different organic leaf extracts on the growth and yield of cowpea. The experimental design was used for the layout of the design in Randomized Block Design, with three replications and nine treatments. The experiment was conducted with 9 treatments viz., the 5% leaf extracts of Calotropis (T1), Pappaya (T2), Pongamia (T3), Castor (T4), Moringa (T5), Vitex (T6), Neem (T7), Tulsi (T8), Control with distilled water (T9). Different field observations revealed that the seed hardening significantly influenced the seed yield and yield contributing characters of cowpea. The highest yield was recorded due to seed hardening treatment with Pongamia 5% leaf extract (T3) for 4 hrs followed by Calotropis 5% leaf extract (T1) for 4 hrs. All the seed hardening treatments had significant effects on yield contributing characters like plant height at maturity, number of branches(primary and secondary) per plant, number of clusters per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod length, pod girth, pod weight, 100 seed weight, seed yield per plot(kg/ha) and dry matter production at harvest. The nodule count at flowering and total chlorophyll content at maturity were also found to be significantly different among the treatments. The seeds hardened with Pongamia leaf extract (5%) (T3) for 4 hrs recorded higher field emergence with maximum grain yield (716 Kg/ha), plant height at maturity (145.07 cm), number of primary branches per plant (3.60), seed yield per plant (g) (13.69 g), and seed yield (716 kg/ha) followed by Calotropis leaf extract (5%) (T1) for 4 hrs with a seed yield of 694 kg/ha.

Novel approach to assess seed viability and vigour in Soybean genotypes through Q2 scanning technology

The objective of the study was to establish relationship between seed germination and vigour parameters with an intension to predict the planting value of seed lots of soybean. The variation among genotypes was assessed for quality parameters. Different seed lots of variety JS 335 were analysed for seed quality in Q2 scanner. The vigour parameters estimated through Q2 scanning and conventional methods corresponded with each other. The correlation and regression analysis among germination and vigour parameters were worked out, which indicated significant values with respect to final count of germination and field emergence.

A NEW FIELD EMERGENCE TRAP FOR SAMPLING INSECTS FROM PRECISE AREAS OF LOGS

A new emergence trap was fabricated for collecting saproxylic insects from precise areas of dead and fallen trees. The trap works on the principle of all emergence traps, i.e., organisms emerging from a substrate get attracted towards light, where they encounter a transparent surface and get collected in a collecting tube with preservative fluid. It is one of the most objective methods for sampling saproxylic insects as they emerge from wood substrata. Using many replicates of this trap, the entire heterogeneity of a substratum like dead wood can be easily covered. The trap can provide a higher definition of the sampling area and be used for studying assemblages of saproxylic insects. It is almost cost-effective and user-friendly under field conditions, on logs and snags, and even on live trees. In this study, 102 such field emergence traps were deployed in a conserved area, and 59 species of saproxylic insects belonging to 5 functional groups were collected during a brief sampling period of 3 months. Extensive sampling trials using such traps in more numbers for extended periods can provide insights into species? diversity and host preferences.. KEYWORDS :Emergence Trap, Insect Diversity, Insect Sampling, Saproxylic Insects, Xylophagous Insects

The relationship between seed vigor tests and field emergence of wheat lots

The relationship between seed vigor tests and field emergence of wheat lots

Ethical and Regulatory Gaps in Aesthetic Medical Practice in Top Asian Medical Tourism Destinations.

Aesthetic medicine merges art and medical sciences, focusing on the modification and enhancement of physical appearance through surgical and non-surgical procedures. While it is not globally recognized as a medical specialty, aesthetic medicine has become a cornerstone of medical tourism in several Asian countries, including India, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. Despite its popularity, there is notable gap in literature concerning its ethical and regulatory perspective. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of existing regulations and ethical considerations in aesthetic medicine within the context of the selected Asian countries. Given the field's growth and its potential impact on both domestic and international health practices, this study is significant for healthcare providers, policymakers, and consumers alike. By identifying areas for improvement in current regulatory frameworks, the paper advocates for further examination to ensure that stakeholder rights and well-being are adequately protected.

Firefighting Stations Allocation Model for the State of Kuwait

The objective is to determine the best re-allocations of the stations to easily reach the accident location with both the least cost and time possible, with the best firefighting effective required facilities. This objective required dividing the six governorates into 133 areas served in 6 minutes efficient response time. The final findings of this study were 30 reallocated stations, which managed effectively to cover all 133 required areas. This has been shown on included maps of the six governorates. The goal linear programming model idea was not discussed in the emergency field research of the “State of Kuwait,” specifically in the firefighting emergency service. Moreover, this modeling can be expanded to cover all other types of emergency service topics such as health, paramedics, and police stations.

Germination, Physicochemical Properties, and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica Forssk.) Seeds as Affected by Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma

Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma has been utilized as a sustainable technology to enhance seed germination in various plant species. The objective of this research was to identify the mechanism of physicochemical properties and antioxidant enzyme activities to promote kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica Forssk.) seed germination using different durations of DBD plasma treatments. Seeds were exposed to atmospheric DBD plasma from 5 to 20 min, compared to non-treated seeds as the control. According to SEM images, the seed surface had cracks and grew wider as a result of the prolonged DBD plasma treatments. A longer DBD plasma treatment exhibited a lower water contact angle and increased water absorption. DBD plasma treatments strongly improved germination percentages and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents. Seeds treated with DBD plasma for 20 min showed the highest malondialdehyde (MDA) content and the lowest field emergence. Catalase (CAT) activity increased under DBD plasma treatments for 5 and 10 min. Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were not statistically different among the treatments. This finding suggested that DBD plasma treatments stimulated the germination of kangkong seeds by modifying the seed surface, and upregulating H2O2 content and CAT activity. Five minutes was an appropriate time to treat DBD plasma.

Influence of Organic Seaweed Pelleting on Seed Quality Parameters of Onion Seeds

Aim: Small and irregular seed shapes make precision sowing difficult. Seed pelleting, which helps to make seed handling easier during sowing, is converting such seeds into bold, spherical shapes with a smooth surface. Seaweeds are a rich source of nutrients that promote growth, such as IAA, kinetin, zeatin, and gibberellins; auxins and cytokinins; metabolic enhancers; macro and micro elements; amino acids; and vitamins. Their use in crop plants has been shown to have positive effects, including early seed germination and establishment, improved crop performance and yield, increased resistance to biotic and abiotic stress, and increased seed shelf life (Bluden).
 Study Design: The experiment was undertaken with three replications in a completely randomized block design. Eight treatmental combinations were used in this study. Statistical analysis was carried out by AGRES software. The Critical Differences (CD) was calculated at 5 per cent probability level.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Seed Science and Technology, Agriculture College and Research Institute, TNAU, Madurai, during the period of December 2020 and November 2021.
 Methodology: Organic seaweed pellet combinations can be successfully implemented to provide improved field emergence, crop establishment and production. Seeds were pelleted with different mixtures of Sargassum sp., Kappaphycus sp., Bacillus subtilis and Talc powder.
 Results: The results exposed that between the treatments seed pelleting with combination of T7- Sargassum sp + Kappaphycus sp + Bacillus subtilis+ Talc powder was found to be more efficient in comparison with other combinations.
 Conclusion: Pelleting with, Kappaphycus sp, Bacillus subtilis and Talc powder was found to be better in all aspects of seed quality and biochemical parameters.

Spatio-temporal diversification pattern of Brinckia (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in the Namib coastal belt

Beetles of the family Tenebrionidae, particularly those of the subfamily Pimeliinae, are highly diverse and abundant in desert ecosystems. The sensitivity of the many wingless species to geographical and ecological isolation makes them ideal candidates for studying effects of climatological and/or geophysical changes on organismal diversity. Our study focuses on Brinckia, the only genus of the subtribe Hypomelina adapted to coastal sand dune hummocks (nabkhas) and restricted to that environment along the Namib Desert and the transitional Namib south of the Orange River. Today, Brinckia appear to be common along the coast, albeit with different species, wherever the absence of shifting sand dunes enables the beach hummocks to form, mainly around Salsola and Zygophyllum species. Therefore, past diversification can probably be directly attributed to temporary extinctions of this habitat in certain coastal regions. The presumed center of origin and diversification of Brinckia is on the Gariep Karoo coastline between Port Nolloth and Lüderitz. Our molecular phylogenetic analysis suggests that the first split within Brinckia occurred ∼2.3 Ma, i.e., relatively recently, and may be associated with aridification that occurred at that time due to global climate change. However, subsequent speciation is more likely the result of the emergence of extensive dune fields, which may have been responsible for temporary habitat degradation in the supralittoral zone. More recent, recurrent and ongoing diversification since the mid-Pleistocene transition, as observed for tenebrionids along the coast of the Atacama and Peruvian deserts, is not typical of Brinckia and supports the stability of their coastal habitat despite glacial climate oscillations.

Optimization of Seed Priming Techniques for Seed Enhancement in Sunflower (Helianthus annus L.)

Seed invigoration treatments are crucial for enhancing germination and seedling growth, particularly under adverse environmental conditions. Various techniques, such as hydropriming, seed hardening, osmopriming, and pre-sowing dry heat treatments have been proved to improve seed quality. Sunflower is an important oilseed crop, however, its area is now confined to specific niches and therefore any efforts to increase its production and bring back its glory are highly welcome. Sunflower crop is highly susceptible to environmental stresses further limiting its cultivation. Hence identification and standardization of suitable techniques to improve the germination capacity and planting value of sunflower especially under stress conditions is the need of the hour. The present study is taken up in aged and fresh seeds of two sunflower hybrids viz., DRSH-1 and GK-2002 to standardize hydropriming, thermo priming and pre-chilling treatments so as to the enhance planting value when sown under sub optimal conditions. It was found that hydropriming for 16 hrs, thermopriming for 6hrs at 35oC and pre chilling for 7 days at 10oC showed highest improvement in the seed quality parameters like germination percentage, seedling vigour indices I and II, field emergence and speed of germination. These findings offer promising avenues for improving seed quality and viability in sunflower.

Exploring the Resilience of Natural Disasters: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis

The study's objective is to provide an outline of disaster resilience through bibliometric methods. The study delves into the disaster resilience literature spanning the last 20 years to gain a more profound understanding of the related literature. 
 A bibliometric analysis of 10 top journals with the most literature using the keyword disaster resilience was conducted, resulting in 1561 articles. The bibliometric network was also visualized using the VOSviewer software tool. 
 This study shows that disaster resilience has recently had a significant increase in research activity. Additionally, the study found that the Covid-19 epidemic increased the number of resilience research published between 2020 and 2022. The theoretical framework of the authors was scrutinized, identifying 12 keyword clusters, with the primary focus areas being disaster types, numerical analysis, disaster management, and community and social perspectives. Scholars emphasized resilience, risk reduction, vulnerability reduction, climate change, and disaster management in the literature. This study highlights the current state of disaster resilience research while forecasting the field's future growth and development.

Assessing the Potential Seed Vigor of Rice Varieties

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a fundamental staple crop, feeding billions and sustaining livelihoods worldwide. Amid the global food security context, rice holds a pivotal role, demanding increased efficiency and productivity to meet the dietary demands of a growing global population. Emphasizing seed quality and vigor is crucial in achieving these goals. Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) responds to the dynamic agro-climatic conditions by introducing rice varieties tailored to Tamil Nadu's unique agricultural landscape. This research paper examines the seed vigor of TNAU released rice varieties within the seed chain. The study was conducted in a completely randomised design, the study assessed seed vigor in terms of radicle emergence time, mean germination time, germination percentage, speed of emergence, shoot length, root length, days to first count, days to final count, vigour index – I, vigour Index – II, electrical conductivity, and field emergence. Seed vigor also impacts storage potential. This study results shows that the rice varieties were categorized into three groups based on seed vigor. Twelve exhibited high seed vigor potential including ADT 51, CO52, TRY 1, TRY3, TKM13, ADT39, ADT 54, BHAVANI, ASD16, ADT37, ADT43, and ADT 53. Six showed medium potential including CO 53, ASD 19, IW Ponni, TKM 9, ADT 42, and ADT 45. Eight had low seed vigor potential including CO 50, ADT 52, TPS5, VGD 1, ADT 38, ADT 46, CO 51, and MDU 6. These classifications aid informed seed management and cultivation decisions, highlighting the suitability of high-vigor varieties for direct seeding and improved agricultural productivity.

Influence of Pre-sowing Seed Treatments with Botanical and Organics on Yield Attributing Traits and Seedling Parameters of Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L) Variety: RGC1066

The current global scenario firmly emphasizes the need to enhance eco-friendly agriculture practices for sustainable agriculture. Chemical agriculture has made an adverse impact of the health care of not only soil but also the beneficial soil microbial communities and the plants cultivated in these soil. This eventually has led to a high demand of botanical and organic produce by the present day health conscious society and periodic attempts are being made by farmers all over the world to depollute. Application of heavy doses of chemical fertilizers and pesticides are being used by the farmers to get a better yield of various agricultural crops. These chemical fertilizers and pesticides decrease soil fertility and cause health problems to the consumers. The new approaches to the use of botanical and organic amendments in farming have proven to be effective means of improving soil structure, enhancing soil fertility and increasing crop yields. Botanical and organics play vital roles in increasing soil fertility and increasing yield. The study was designed to check the response of botanical and organics on yield and seedling quality parameters such as field emergence percent, plant height (30, 60, 90 DAS), days to 50% flowering, number branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of clusters per plant, days to maturity, seed yield per plant, seed yield per plot, harvest index, germination percentage, speed of germination, root length, shoot length, seedling length, seedling dry weight, seedling fresh weight, seedling growth rate, root: shoot ratio, seed metabolic efficiency, mobilization efficiency, vigour index-I, vigour index-II, electrical conductivity. For this experiment the seeds of RGC1066 variety collected from department of genetics and plant breeding, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during 2021-2022, to find out the influence of pre-sowing seed treatments with botanical and organics, seeds treated with panchagavya, beejamruth, jeevamruth, neem leaf extract and vermiwash at different concentrations viz 2, 3, 5, and 10% for 12hours along with control (no treatment). It is found that all treatments showed improved performance than untreated seeds, but it was observed that seeds treated with panchagavya@10% for 12 hours performed better in comparison to other treatments. This study can be helpful to reach new horizons of research in the field of sustainable agriculture, natural resource conservation and seed technology to overcome the germination problem and improve crop growth and yield eventually.

Influence of Seed Storage and Priming on Naturally Aged Seeds of Aromatic Joha Rice

Joha is a fine grain aromatic rice of Assam, well known in the world market. This rice is protected and tagged as a geographical indication. This study evaluated priming effects on naturally aged seeds of two varieties, Kon Joha and Keteki Joha, after 0, 3, 6 and nine months of storage under ambient conditions. Seeds were hydro-primed, osmo-primed with 5% and 10% PEG, halo primed with 1% and 2% KCl and primed with 5 ppm and 10 ppm GA3 for 12 and 24 hours. Seed moisture percentage, germination percentage, germination index, mean germination time, seedling length and dry weight, seed vigour index, field emergence, seed reserve utilization rate, seed reserve use efficiency, seed reserve depletion percentage, and biochemical parameters like electrical conductivity, lipid peroxidation and α-amylase were observed. Seed quality was gradually deteriorating due to ageing over the storage period. The rate of deterioration was faster for seedling vigour traits than germination parameters. There was a varietal difference in the rate of deterioration; it was slower in Kon Joha, an indigenous variety which also showed dormancy. The priming treatments were able to ameliorate the effect of seed ageing on seed germination, seedling growth and biochemical parameters in Kon Joha. Treatments with 1% KCl, 10 ppm GA3 and 5% PEG enhanced the germination parameters and vigour indicators. KCl (1%) priming was the best priming agent; 24 hours of priming for all agents was better than 12 hours.