Seed Germination Ability Research Articles

Sexual reproduction efficiency and genetic diversity of endangered Betula humilis Schrk. populations from edge and sub-central parts of its range

Outcrossed mating systems play a very important role in the persistence of endangered, self-incompatible plants such as shrub birch, Betula humilis Schrk. The goal of this study was to estimate, for the first time, the effectiveness of sexual reproduction in threatened edge and sub-central populations of shrub birch. The amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) method revealed that all of the individuals at each locality had different genotypes. The matrix incompatibility count (MIC) suggested that the effectiveness of recombination was similar among all the populations of shrub birch under study. However, taking into account the greater germination ability of seeds in sub-central populations, we conclude that sexual reproduction in those populations can be more efficient. The germination capacity of seeds depends on their mass, which was significantly lower in dry or more shaded sites compared to wet or more exposed sites. Non-significant results of multiple regression models suggest that chemical parameters of the habitat (pH, EC, NH4+, PO43−) had no influence on the reproductive output of B. humilis. The discrepancy between the still quite substantial genetic diversity and the poor sexual reproduction in shrub birch populations can be explained by the production of a few phosphorus-rich seeds, insufficient time for a decrease in genetic variation in the disappearing part of the range or hybridization with close congeners.

Research and evaluation on growth and salinity toterance ability of rice line carrying saltol/qtl at the germination and seedling stages

In this study, we have evaluated the salinity tolerance levels of OM6976-Saltol line. This line was generated by introgressing the Saltol/QTL into elite OM6976 rice by marker assisted backcrossing (MABC). The carried Saltol/QTL of OM6976-Saltol line contains genetic characteristics and agro-biomophological variation that are the same as OM6979 except salt-tolerant gen. This experiment was conducted to evaluate germination ability of seeds in Yoshida nutrition containing concentration of NaCl at 50 mM, 100 mM, 150 mM, 200 mM and using 0 mM NaCl as positive control. Selection of artificial salt condition containing concentration of NaCl at 150mM to assess the growth ability of plants. By using the SES (Standar Evaluating Score) from IRRI, the salinity tolerance ability of OM6976-Saltol line was evaluated at 150mM NaCl. The result showed that OM6976-Saltol line has salt tolerance ability with 150mM NaCl at quite level (score 3) while the controlled OM6976 line was at sensitive level (score 7). OM6976-Saltol line has ability grown in salt conditions at germination and seedling significantly higher than OM6976.

Vitality and germination of lemon balm ( Melissa officinalis L.) seeds

In 2012-2014, the germination ability of lemon balm seeds were tested. The investigated seeds were obtained from the lemon balm breeding project conducted at the Institute of natural Fibres & Medicinal Plants of Poznan, Poland. The germination rate was done by using ISTA seed germination rules and the high fluctuation of germination rate was observed. Low rate of germination usually disqualificates the seed material. Thus, the anatomy of the investigated lemon balm seeds was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and tetrazolium test was done. SEM analysis showed accurate morphological structure of all seed parts. The embryos, endosperm and testa were well and correctly developed. Seed coat was typical for all species of Lamiaceae. Abnormal seed part were not found. Tetrazolium test revealed the high rate of vitality of the investigated strain seeds. Thus, other useful tests should be recommended before seed disqualification will be done in case of low germination rate.

Variation in needle and cone characteristics and seed germination ability of Abies bornmuelleriana and Abies equi-trojani populations from Turkey

Turkish fir (Abies bornmuelleriana Mattf.) and Trojan fir (Abies equi-trojani (Aschers. Et Sint. Ex Boiss) Mattf.) are economically and ecologically important endemic species to Turkey. These species are also becoming increasingly popular in Europe and North America due to their suitable characteristics for use as Christmas trees coupled with their pest resistance. Provenance features, as well as needle and cone characteristics and seed germination ability, of three Turkish fir and two Trojan fir populations were studied. Provenance features (vigor score, crown score, and color) and mother tree characteristics (height class, diameter at breast height, and height) were very similar between species and among populations within species. Needles of Turkish fir were significantly (P < 0.05) longer and wider than those of Trojan fir. Turkish fir also had wider cones and a higher cone width/length ratio than Trojan fir. There were moderate, positive, and significant correlations between needle-cone characteristics and location variables (elevation, latitude, and longitude). Needle size tended to increase northwards, eastwards, and upwards along an altitudinal gradient. Cone width and the cone width/length ratio showed a weak trend of increasing northwards, while the cone width also showed a weak trend of increasing eastwards. Bract and cone length were not significantly correlated with any of the location variables. The overall mean cumulative germination percentage of Turkish fir seed (57%) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of Trojan fir (36%). The natural genetic resources of both species should be conserved and managed sustainably to preserve the variation in their endemic locations because of their valuable benefits to Turkey and other countries.

Assessment of Chosen Reproductive Cycle Processes and Genetic Diversity ofSalix myrtilloidesL. in Wetlands of Polesie Lubelskie: The Prospects of Its Survival in the Region

ABSTRACT Salix myrtilloides L. is an endangered species whose western limit of range runs through Poland. The main aim of the study was to increase the knowledge on the ecology and biology of S. myrtilloides populations in the Polesie Lubelskie region (Eastern Poland) in order to create an effective protection program. An 80% decrease in its population was found in this area. Our study was conducted to identify the mechanisms responsible for the process of withdrawal of this species from its natural stands by determining whether the processes of generative reproduction (pollen viability and germinability, seed germination ability and dynamics) in the populations occur properly and by characterizing within- and among-population genetic diversity of S. myrtilloides, using ISSR (Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat) primers. The results confirmed that S. myrtilloides pollen viability was high (84.17±8.67), and so were the seed germination ability (76% of the total number of sown seeds/24 h) and dynamics. The within-...

Erratum to: A putative cold shock protein-encoding gene isolated from Arthrobacter sp. A2-5 confers cold stress tolerance in yeast and plants

A putative cold shock protein gene, designated as ArCspA, was isolated from Arthrobacter sp. A2-5 extracted from soil at the South Pole. The ArCspA gene is 873 nucleotide bp long and includes a 207-bp short open reading frame (ORF) with 49.3–92% amino acid identity to peptide sequences of other bacterial cold shock proteins. Northern blot analysis revealed that ArCspA was highly expressed at low temperatures. Bio-functional analysis using ArCspA-overexpressed transgenic Saccharomyces cerevisiae showed that ArCspA conferred cold tolerance on yeast at low temperatures (15°C). We then developed an ArCspA-overexpressed transgenic tobacco line to determine whether ArCspA is also functional in plants. After cold treatment at −25°C for 90 min followed by recovery for 4 weeks at 25°C, 17 transgenic lines survived at a high rate (60.0%), whereas under the same treatment conditions, wild-type plants did not survive. We also found that progeny of transgenic tobacco plants subjected to freezing stress at −20°C had significantly higher seed germination ability than wild-type plants. These results clearly indicate that the ArCspA protein plays an important role in cold tolerance in both yeast and plants.

Evaluation of damage caused by Bruchus pisorum L (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on some parameters related to seed quality of pea forage cultivars (Pisum sativum L.)

It was evaluated the damage caused by Bruchus pisorum L (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on the germination ability of pea farage varieties (Pisum sativum L.). Result of damage by Bruchus pisorum in seeds with parasitized larva was significant decrease of the germination by 16.4% percentage points, the length and weight of primary radicle by 16.8 and 24.5%, the length and weight of plumule by 12.3 and 14.1%, the vigor index of primary radicle and plumule by 32.5 and 32.8% as well as the germination index by 17.4%. The inhibitory effect was on average 17.8%. Essential significant changes in regard to the studied parameters were found for damaged seeds with bruchid emergence hole. In these seeds the gewrmination decrease by 58.3% percentage points, the length and weight of primary radicle by 34.1 and 36.2%, the length and weight of plumule by 31.8 and 34.3%, the vigor index of primary radicle and plumule by 81.1 and 82.1% as well as the germination index by 83.1%. The inhibitory effect was on average 58.3%. It was found that the damaged seeds with parasitoid emergence hole provided better possibility for growth and development of plants whereas the damaged seeds with bruchid emergence hole had significantly low germination, vigor and sowing characteristics. These seeds could not provide the establishment of well-garnished stand and stable yields. As tolerant to damage by Bruchus pisorum was distinguished Glyans variety for which the values of parameters related to germination and vigor of seeds were influenced in the lowest degree from the damage unlike the sensitive Pleven 4 variety. Dominant factor influencing germination ability of seeds for all analyzed parameters was the type of seeds compared to varietal appurtenance.

Photoinhibition of germination in grass seed – Implications for prairie revegetation

Germination photoinhibition is not a recognized cause of revegetation failure; yet prolonged sunlight exposure can inhibit germination of several grass species. This research addressed susceptibility to photoinhibition of selected native grass species used to restore Canadian prairies, and reclamation treatments to alter environmental conditions in order to release seeds from photoinhibition. Under laboratory conditions effects of photoinhibition were tested on the ability of seeds to germinate at low water potential and effects of daily alternating temperatures and nitrates to break photoinhibition. Whether surficial mulch can release seeds from photoinhibition was assessed in a field experiment. Germination photoinhibition was evident in Festuca hallii and Koeleria macrantha seeds even under very low irradiances. The prolonged exposure to light decreased germination rates and ability of seeds to germinate at low water potentials. Daily fluctuating temperatures released a fraction of Bromus carinatus and Elymus trachycaulus seeds from photoinhibition yet did not improve F. hallii or K. macrantha germinability. Nitrates failed to break seed photoinhibition in all species tested. In the field experiment, mulched F. hallii seeds (covered with an erosion control blanket) showed a tenfold increase in germination percentages relative to seeds exposed to direct sunlight, indicating the facilitative effects of mulching on attenuation of the light environment. We conclude that germination photoinhibition as a cause of emergence failures in land reclamation where seed is broadcast or shallow seeded should be recognized and germination photoinhibition included in the decision making process to select revegetation seeding techniques.

벼 등숙일수에 따른 이삭 착생 부위별 종자의 수발아 변이

This research was implemented to investigate pre-harvest sprouting characteristics in two Korean rice cultivars, Shindongjin (SDJ) and Hopum (HP). The panicles of both varieties were sampled after 15 days after heading (DAH) to 60 DAH at intervals of 5 days. As soon as sampled, the panicles were imbibed in water for 14 days at 25℃ to determine the vigor and germination ability of seeds according to location on panicle. To investigate the cause of non-germination of seeds in panicles, tetrazolium test and dormancy breaking were performed. The preharvest sprouting of HP started at 20 DAH while that of SDJ began at 30 DAH. The germination of seeds located in high rank branches within a panicle and the terminal seeds within a branch were earlier and faster and the germination patterns were same in both cultivars. The times at more than 50% of germination in a panicle were 35 DAH (57.0%) in HP and 45 DAH (56.8%) in SDJ. Preharvest sprouting was more than 80% at 50 DAH (82.6% of HP, 92.3% of SDJ) and more than 99% at 60 DAH (99.5%, 99.4%, HP and SDJ). These results indicated that the rate of PHS in a panicle increased with accumulation of the days after heading. The cause of non-germinated seeds at 15-25 DAH in panicle was immature embryo. After 30 DAH, however, when the non-germinated seeds were hulled, they started to germinate due to dormancy breaking, in which the germination percentage was higher in SDJ than HP. In conclusion, the pre-harvest sprouting varied according to days after heading, the seed position on panicle, and the dormancy intensity of varieties.

Reproduction and diversity of the endangered Salix lapponum L. populations in Eastern Poland

The main aim of the study was to increase the knowledge on the ecology and biology of the boreal relict Salix lapponum L., an endangered plant in Poland, in order to create an effective protection program. An important aspect was to determine the within- and among-population genetic diversity of the studied species in order to evaluate whether the basic stages of the generative reproduction cycle in the populations were correct. The results confirmed that S. lapponum pollen viability and germinability, for both fresh and stored pollen, were high and so were the seed germination ability and dynamics. All individuals were of sexual origin and the expected heterozygosity was moderate. In spite of this, young individuals were observed in only 1 out of 5 studied populations and it was the most numerous one. Although the genetic diversity among the populations was not very high (PhiPT = 0.12), it accumulated in a quite short period of time, probably during the second part of the 20th century, as a consequence of habitat fragmentation. A lack of gene flow, either by pollen or seeds, may lead to further differentiation of the populations and extinction of the smallest ones. For this reason, preventive measures should be undertaken in order to enlarge the existing populations and to reconstruct S. lapponum populations in selected sites where environmental conditions are the most similar to those preferred by this species.

Heavy metal tolerance in Agropyron repens (L.) P. Bauv. populations from the Legnica copper smelter area, Lower Silesia

The copper smelter "Legnica" is one of the oldest plants in Lower Silesia. Among the few weed species spontaneously migrating to the area around the emitter there is couch grass (&lt;em&gt;Agropyron repens&lt;/em&gt; (L.) P. Bauv.). The purpose of this study was to analyse whether the local couch grass populations, growing at various distances from the smelter, differ in tolerance to heavy metals occurring in this area. The populations were tested for tolerance to five metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni) using the root elongation method. The highest tolerance to Pb developed in two populations localized nearest the smelter. Similarly, all populations of couch grass from the vicinity of the smelter show a high tolerance to copper, particularly the plants from the most contaminated site. The IT for the latter population is almost 1509r, even at the highest dose of Cu. For Zn a nearing IT as for Cu was obtained. Comparing the shape of IT curves for Cd, special emphasis is put on the fact that a fixed tolerance to cadmium occurs only in the population localized closest to the emitter. The analysis of Ni-tolerance curves, of which the content in local soil is minimal, does not confirm the thesis on possibility of development of co-tolerance in the surveyed populations. It appeared that stress conditions existing near the smelter do not inhibit seed production in couch grass, but prevent a successful course of their germination on polluted soil. The improvement of soil even by 50% (addition of unpolluted soil) does not improve the poor process of germination in couch grass growing nearest to the smelter. Of importance is the fact that the highest number of seeds germinated on their own, polluted soil. The need of metals' content for plant germination in populations most distant from the smelter is evidenced by an almost 30% reduction of germination ability of local seeds after addition of unpolluted soil. Another significant observation was the fact that, in spite of a poor germination of seeds on unpolluted soil, the further development of seedlings in populations more distant from the smelter was more intense and faster than on their native polluted soil. Thus, a certain amount of metals may stimulate the germination processes of seeds in tolerant populations, but on the other hand, it may be a hindrance to subsequent juvenile phases. During observations of development of rhizomes, taken from three polluted couch grass populations cultivated on unpolluted soil, in all of them a very slow development of rhizome buds was recorded. However, the slowest rate of appearance of buds was found in the population taken nearest the emitter which, in greenhouse conditions and at lack of metals in soil, showed a markedly poor tendency toward vegetative reproduction. All the contaminated populations display a high activity of peroxidase in leaves and roots, frequently more than twice as high than in control populations. The activity of catalase is also markedly higher, but only in two of the most contaminated populations. The recorded for the first time populations of couch grass tolerant to metals make them useful for recultivation purposes.

Effects of Cyanamide Contained in Lime Nitrogen on Seed Dormancy and Germination ability of Rice (&lt;i&gt;Oryza sativa&lt;/i&gt; L.)

Effects of Cyanamide Contained in Lime Nitrogen on Seed Dormancy and Germination ability of Rice (&lt;i&gt;Oryza sativa&lt;/i&gt; L.)

Recovering Genetic Resources of Some Legume Species of Latvian Origin by Plant Tissue Culture

Accessions with no germinating seeds are a common problem in plant gene banks and research institutions. Our goal was to elaborate and apply an in vitro method of germination and multiplication of old aged seeds of red and alsike clover and alfalfa. Eighteen clover and five alfalfa accessions were used for germination in vitro. Most of the accessions had produced seeds more than 20 years ago and the seeds did not germinate in soil. Seed pre-treatment with different concentrations of potassium permanganate, as well as addition of phytohormones, AgNO3 and activated carbon to germinating media were tested. Plantlets for all germinated accessions were obtained, even in the case when seeds were 44-year-old (alfalfa). Germination rate in vitro not always correlated with seed age and ranged from 2 to 72%. Pre-treatment with potassium permanganate was effective both for seeds sterilisation and germination stimulation. Most germinated seeds formed phenotypically normal seedlings with all organs. In vitro multiplication of obtained clover plants was performed. Best results were achieved by micropropagation of stem segments approximately 2 mm in length. Number of finally obtained plants depended not only on seed germination ability, but also on micropropagation ability in relation to genotype, and on acclimatization success in soil after in vitro cultivation

Growth, healthy status and seed production of differently aged allochtonous and autochtonous Pinus mugo stands in the Giant Mts. over 30 years

Plant communities with Dwarf pine (Pinus mugo var. pumilio) form characteristic vegetation in the subalpine belt of the Giant Mountains (Krkonose, Karkonosze and Riesengebirge, Czech Republic). This “island” of arcto-alpine tundra represents the northernmost edge of Dwarf pine natural range. We asked how concentration of sulphur in needles, growth, healthy status and fructification changed over three decades (1981–2011) with different air pollution in differently aged (45–120 years) autochtonous and allochtonous (introduced from the Alps) Dwarf pine stands. Different Dwarf pine stands above the alpine timberline were able to withstand 1980s, the period of heavy air pollution, without any decrease in growth rate or remarkable decrease in healthy status. Dwarf pine is thus highly tolerant to deposition of sulphur compounds. High concentration of SO2 in the air positively affected sulphur concentration in needles and eliminated thus sulphur deficiency. Higher germination rate of seeds in 2000s in comparison with 1980s indicate that the air pollution could decrease germination ability of seeds. High insect outbreaks (by Thecodiplosis brachyntera and Neodiprion sertifer) in 1990s and 2000s caused decrease in needle year classes. As there was a gradual increase in mean annual temperature over years 1981–2011, Dwarf pine stands can be more and more endangered by insect outbreaks in the future. There was no remarkable difference between autochtonous and allochtonous stands in all measured growth, healthy status and fructification characteristics. To determine real effects of air pollution and insect outbreaks on Dwarf pine stands from year to year fluctuations, decade-long monitoring is necessary.

Molecular genetic characterization of rice seed lipoxygenase 3 and assessment of its effects on seed longevity

Lipoxygenases (LOXs) are enzymes involved in lipid peroxidation. Here we reported the identification, molecular and functional characterization of the gene encoding rice (Oryza sativa L.) seed LOX3 (sLOX3). Via a map-based cloning strategy we identified Os03g0700400 as the candidate gene encoding sLOX3. Further functional complementary test and biochemical characterization of the recombinant Os03g0700400 protein verified the identification. The sLOX3 gene was highly expressed in roots, moderately in embryos and very weakly in leaves, leaf sheaths and stems. Transient expression experiment (in rice protoplasts) and subsequent laser confocal microscopic analysis demonstrated that the sLOX3 protein was localized into the cytosol. We next showed that overexpression of sLOX3 in a japonica sLOX3-normal rice cultivar, Wuyunjing 7 accelerated the decrease of seed germination ability when the seeds were routinely stored, which demonstrated that sLOX3 had a negative effect on seed longevity (storability). Meanwhile, an increased occurrence of embryo decay was observed in the same transgenic seeds, suggesting that sLOX3 might negatively affect seed longevity by facilitating colonization of particular seed pathogens. Our result forwarded the understanding of the effects of 9-LOX on rice seed longevity.

In Vitro Propagation and Synthetic Seeds Production: An Efficient Methods for Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni

Germplasm can be effectively stored in the form of synthetic seeds. Shoot tips obtained from in vitro shoot cultures of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni were encapsulated in 4 % calcium alginate. The present work discussed the role of components of culture medium on morphogenic response of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni encapsulated buds to various MS strengths and sugar alcohol (Mannitol or sorbitol) in different concentrations for long term storage. Germination ability of the synthetic seeds was investigated. Shoots were regenerated from nodal explants of Stevia through axillary shoot proliferation. The induction of multiple shoots from nodal segments was the highest in MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg l−1 BA. Maximum shoot formation was obtained with fructose at 20 and 40 g l−1 fructose, while with fructose at 20 g l−1 gave the highest leaves number/explants). The longest shoot length obtained with sucrose and fructose than other sugar. Different media type (NN and WPM) were suitable for best shoot number of Stevia, leaf number and shoot length than other media. Growth of shoot was increased and observed in capsules stored for 5 weeks on MS than other MS strengths. The growth of capsules dependent on mineral concentration and storage time. The most suitable conversions of capsules was using 0.05 M mannitol after 6 weeks from storage of synthetic seeds of Stevia. For rooting, when Stevia shoots cultured on MS medium supplemented with IAA, at 0.2 mg l−1 resulted in the maximum number of roots/explant while, IBA at 1.0 and 2.0 mg l−1 resulted in longest root/plant and gave the same length of root.

독활 종자의 저장온도, 기간 및 방법에 따른 발아율과 유묘 생육특성 연구

This study was conducted to improve the managing and storing methods of the seeds of Aralia cordata var.con-tinentalis (Kitagawa) Y.C.Chu to examine the viability and the germination ability of seeds with different storing conditions and methods and to develop new ways to propagate and have better healthy seedling. Therefore the germination rate days required for germinating seeds and early growth responses of Aralia cordata var. continentalis (Kitagawa) Y.C.Chu were investigated with different storing temperatures durations and methods. The germination rate was higher in stratified stor-age than that in dry storage condition. The highest germination rate was with outdoor temperature at 30 days after stratified storage. The days required for germinating seeds were less than 10 days with the treatment of 25℃ and outdoor temperature in stratified storage. In dry condition they were shorter with 4℃ and 25℃ than those with -20℃ and outdoor temperature. Leaf number of seedling was higher in stratified storage compared to that in dry condition while it was not clearly different according to storage temperatures and durations. Leaf length and leaf width of seedling was not difference among the treat-ment of storage methods temperatures and durations. Stem length of seedling was higher in stratified storage than those in dry condition while root length was not clearly different among the treatments. It would be assumed that temperatures methods and durations of storage could affect much to the germination rate and the early seedling growth response.

Hydropriming and hot water-induced heat shock increase cotton seed germination and seedling emergence at low temperature

Increasing seed germination ability in cold soil conditions is necessary for effective cotton production. A major aim of cotton producers is to have good stand establishment and healthy seedlings. To determine the effects of hydropriming and heat shock treatment on seed germination and seedling emergence, seeds of 3 cotton cultivars, i.e. Stoneville-468, Maraş-92, and Sayar-314, were primed in distilled water at 5 °C or 25 °C for 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 h or subjected to a hot water bath (96 °C) for 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, or 240 s. Germination and emergence percentage, and seedling fresh weight were determined at 18 ± 0.5 °C. Hydropriming at 25 °C increased germination rates by 54%, 17%, and 6% for Maraş-92, Sayar-314, and Stoneville-468, respectively. Longer durations of hydropriming at 5 °C decreased germination percentage. Hot water treatment for 10 s increased seed germination rates for Maraş-92 and Sayar-314 by 27% and 71%, respectively. Hot water treatment for 60 s increased germination of Stoneville-468 by 7%. Moreover, emergence percentages of seeds subjected to heat shock for 10 s were higher than those of the control seeds. Seedling fresh weights of hydroprimed seeds and seeds subjected to heat shock for 10 s were higher than those of the control seeds. The results indicate that hydropriming cotton seeds at 25 °C for 4-6 h or heat shock for 10 s increased seed germination and seedling emergence at low temperature. The results could have practical uses in cotton breeding programs.

Effect of Drought Stress on Nucleic Acids Content Changes in Maize Varieties

The DNA and RNA analysis can be useful to the selection of genotypes containing drought tolerance and good properties in the breeding program. So, this research was carried out on 38 maize (Zea mays L.) varieties to investigate the effect of drought stress on genome structure and its changes in drought tolerant, semi-tolerant and susceptible maize verities. For classifying maize varieties to three groups (drought tolerant, drought semi-tolerant and susceptible groups), seed germination ability was used under artificial water stress condition and in laboratory condition. Artificial water stress was created with sucrose solution at 10 atm. Then, one variety was chosen from each group (drought tolerant, semi-tolerant and susceptible groups). In drought tolerant, semi-tolerant and susceptible maize verities, stabile DNA, labile DNA, residual DNA and RNA were extracted. The results showed that the rate of labile DNA and RNA was increased 22.9 and 48.1%, respectively in tolerant variety under drought stress condition. Whereas in susceptible variety, the rate of those was decreased 35.9 and 17.2% under drought stress condition, respectively.

Ultrasound influence on coleoptile length at Poaceae seedlings as valuable criteria in prebreeding and breeding processes

The study includes research on the effect of ultrasound on the ability of seed germination and coleoptile development of cereal landraces (fam. Poaceae): oat (Avena sativa L.) brodski, rye (Secale cereale L.) rakotinska, Triticale svetinikolsko and soft wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) govrlevska. The experiment with ultrasound was carried out at frequency of 30-40 kHz on the thermostatic ultrasonic bath. Seeds were sonicated at a constant temperature (25?C) for 15 min. Ultrasound effect is reflected in the length of the coleoptyl and mesocotyl, although in a good deal is genetically predetermined. Coleoptile length was the longest in Triticale (3.3-5.5 cm) and approximately the same lengths are evident in rye (3.0-6.1 cm). Concerning the mesocotyl the longest one (5.525 cm ? 0.697) is recorded at rye, even significantly longer than control of oat and Triticale. Longer coleoptile of sonicated seeds indicates faster seedling development, good water supply and rapid development and emergence of first leaves. Correlation coefficient showed very high (0.821) and high R2 (67,472%) dependence among variables both, in length of coleoptiles (as dependent variable) and mesocotyl (as independent) with low standard error (0.225). With the simple use of ultrasound the germination period could be shorten, water supply more efficient, the sowing periods will be shorten and good yields even under conditions of climate change with increased temperatures could be achieved.