Germination Of Tomato Research Articles

The Effects of Cadmium Concentrations on Germination and Physiological Parameters in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Lam.)

Cadmium (Cd) is omnipresent trace element in environmental that is unessential in plants. Cd levels rise because of anthropogenic activity such as the combustion of fossil fuels, phosphate fertilizer manufacturing, mineral fertilizers, batteries technology. It is extremely toxic metal and reduces plant growth. In this context, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different concentrations (5/10/20/40 ppm) of Cd on germination of seeds and physiological effects in early developmental stage of tomato Solanum lycopersicum Lam. seedlings. 20 ppm (80%) and 40 ppm (83.3%) Cd concentrations caused significantly decrease in germination percentage. All Cd treatments were resulted with decrease in Vigor Index, especially in 20 ppm (42% decrease compared to control). Application of 5 ppm Cd caused decreases in chlorophyll and carotenoid contents in seedlings. Finally, significant decrease in protein content of 5 ppm, 10 ppm and 20 ppm treated seedlings were determined compared to control. As a conclusion, Cd negatively affected germination and physiological parameters of tomato in early developmental stage. Overall, these results indicate that Cd affects different physiologic processes and pathways according to concentration.

The efficacy of ammonium as seed priming agents for promoting tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i> L.) germination under salinity stress

The aim of the current study was to assess the effectiveness of NH<sub>4+</sub> priming to enhance tomato seed germination and plant growth under saline stress. In the absence of light at 25 ± 1 °C, tomato seeds were primed with 50 and 100 mmol of NH<sub>4</sub>NO<sub>3</sub> and with 50 and 100 mmol of (NH<sub>4</sub>)<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> for 12 and 24 h, respectively. In the seed germination test, twenty primed seeds were used for each treatment, along with five replica plates and a control, and were all incubated at 25°C with 25 mL of moistened water. In a second greenhouse experiment, primed seeds were planted in garden soil and watered with tap water, salt water, and a control. The concentration of saline water (50, 100, 150, and 200 mmol NaCl) was gradually raised after a 10-day break. The germination percentages in T5 (50 mmol (NH<sub>4</sub>)<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub>, 12 hrs) were 82±3.7% and 80±4.47 %, respectively, followed by T1 and T3 (50 mmol (NH<sub>4</sub>)<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub>, 12 h and 100 mmol NH<sub>4</sub>NO<sub>3</sub>, 12 h). When compared to the unprimed tomato seeds, the NH<sub>4+</sub> priming with NH<sub>4</sub>NO<sub>3</sub> and (NH<sub>4</sub>)<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> improved plant height and other growth parameters. Furthermore, the chlorophyll and total flavonoid content were improved in both saline and non-saline treatments. In terms of salinity, the NH<sub>4+</sub> priming increased the proline content while decreasing the total protein content. It is concluded that further research will be needed to clarify the effect of NH<sub>4</sub>NO<sub>3</sub> and (NH<sub>4</sub>)<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> as NH<sub>4+</sub> priming in tomato plants because other factors and nutrition can play a role in seed germination and plant growth development.

Effect of greywater treated by horizontal subsurface flow wetlands planted with Chrysopogon zizanioides and Andropogon gayanus on the germination of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) seeds under Sahelian climate

Greywater reuse for agricultural irrigation may contribute to reduce pressure on scarce freshwater sources and the use of chemical fertilizers in Sahelian countries. However, treatment methods that reduce the harmful effects of untreated greywater are essential for sustainable agriculture. This study aims to evaluate greywater treatment capacity by Horizontal Subsurface Flow wetlands (HSSF) planted with Chrysopogon zizanioides (HSSF-C) and Andropogon gayanus (HSSF-A), and to investigate the suitability of the effluents on the germination of tomato seeds. Three pilot-scale HSSF (planted with Chrysopogon zizanioides or Andropogon gayanus and an unplanted (control)) were designed and their removal efficiencies of organic matter, nutrients and fecal bacteria were evaluated. Principal component analysis showed planted systems provided higher removal efficiencies than the unplanted system. HSSF-A showed the best performance for removal of organic (COD, BOD5) and mineral (NO3−, NH4+) matter while HSSF-C showed the best performance for removal of phosphorus compounds and fecal indicators (thermotolerant coliforms, E. coli). HSSF-UP showed the lowest performance for removal of all parameters. The reduction of thermotolerant coliforms and E. coli were significantly greater in the two planted systems and exceeded 2 log10 removal. However, no significant difference was observed between the planted and unplanted HSSF for fecal indicators. Furthermore, germination rates obtained with greywater treated by HSSF were higher than 80%, approaching that obtained using distilled water, while the lower germination rates were observed with seeds irrigated with raw greywater (58%). This is a clear indication of the beneficial effect of treated greywater by HSSF wetlands on seeds germination. In addition, residual content of fecal indicators and physicochemical characteristics of the treated greywater are compliant with WHO reuse guidelines for restricted irrigation. The results demonstrate the possibility of using constructed wetlands for greywater treatment and its reuse in gardening in Sahelian countries.

Ultrasound Prototype for Improving Germination and Seedling Growth in Tomato and Maize Seeds

Ultrasound Prototype for Improving Germination and Seedling Growth in Tomato and Maize Seeds

Valorization of the essential oil from Drypetes gossweileri S. Moore (Putranjivaceae): in vitro, in vivo, and in silico nematicidal activity

The chemical composition, insect antifeedant, in vtro/in vivo nematicidal activity, phytotoxicity, and in silico nematicidal activity of the essential oil (EO) of the African medicinal plant Drypetes gossweileri were studied. Chemical analysis using GC/MS indicated that benzyl isothiocyanate (96.23%) was the major compound, followed by benzyl cyanide (1.38%). The biocidal effects of this oil were tested against insect pests and root-knot nematodes. All the insect species tested were significantly affected by the oil according to their feeding adaptations (Spodoptera littoralis and Myzus persicae were less affected than Rhopalosiphum padi) with efficient doses (EC50) of 29.4 8.3 μg/cm2, 14.744 8.3 μg/cm2, and 8.3 μg/cm2, respectively. The oil was highly effective against juveniles J2 of the nematode Meloidogyne javanica, with LC50–LC90 values of 0.007 mg/mL–0.0113 mg/mL. D. gossweileri EO at minimum lethal concentrations (MLC) and below strongly inhibited egg hatching in vitro, whereas soil treatment caused a strong suppression of nematode population, infection frequency, and multiplication rate. The EO inhibited ryegrass (Lolium perenne) germination at 0.4 mg/mL, while at 0.1 mg/mL, its effects on germination, root and leaf growth were moderate (32.4%, 8.4%, and 18.3%, respectively). The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) germination was not affected by the EO, but the root growth was reduced (56% at 0.1 mg/mL) at a dose 10 times higher than the LD50 calculated for M. javanica J2 mortality. Molecular docking of the nematicidal effects of the oil using PyRx revealed a strong interaction between potassium chloride transporting KCC3 (PDB ID: 7D90) and benzyl cyanide at a distance of 2.20 A° with GLN C:350, followed by benzyl isothiocyanate at a distance of 2.78 A° with ARG B:294. The in vivo nematicidal effects of D. gossweileri EO on M. javanica penetration and reproduction in tomato roots further support the potential of this EO as a nematicidal agent with insect antifeedant effects, which could be used by local farmers for crop protection.

Valorization of Posidonia oceanica biomass: Role on germination of cucumber and tomato seeds

Biostimulants are organic compounds from plant sources such as botanical extracts and bioactive substances that promote plant growth, enhance photosynthesis and increase crop quality. The accumulation of detached Posidonia oceanica leaves on coasts of the Mediterranean Sea results in economic problems, due to the rejection of the tourists who frequent the beaches in the summer months. However, it is a plant with high content of secondary metabolites that can be used in sustainable agriculture. In this study we investigated the physicochemical characterization of Posidonia oceanica extracts with three different solutions and their application in tomato and cucumber seeds germination. The results showed that the aqueous extract of Posidonia oceanica had a high concentration of macro and micronutrients, as well as secondary metabolites with bioactive activity. The aqueous extract had a beneficial effect on both leaf and root growth on tomato seeds, specifically, an increase of 76% for the relative root growth and 73% for the germination index was obtained with respect to the control using the sample with the intermediate dilution (POe0.5). In addition, the extracts did not show toxicity to either germination or growth of the tomato plant. As for cucumber seed germination, the improvement was less significant and did result in a phytotoxic effect on both germination and plant growth. The most diluted extract had better results on seed germination. Therefore, the application of aqueous extracts of Posidonia oceanica were suitable to be appropriate for tomato germination and in turn contribute to eliminate the lots of Posidonia oceanica remains recovered in summer months in Mediterranean beaches.

In vitro assay of neutral electrolyzed water against Fusarium oxysporum and its application as germination pretreatment on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus) seeds.

Seed germination is critical for seedling procedures, and new technologies are required to increase crop yields. Some substances are considered elicitors or stimulating agents because they promote seed germination as well as plant growth (like root and plumule length, and germination rate among others). Some of these, could be applied during plant growth, or in earlier phases before germination as seeds pretreatment. Neutral electrolyzed water (NEW) is a solution of oxidizing agents mainly studied for its antimicrobial power mainly applied to food pathogens, and in less reports to phytopathogens. The objective of this work is to evaluate the effect of NEW on germination and morphological parameters of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seeds as well as to evaluate the in vitro activity of NEW against F. oxysporum. Two experiments were carried out to determine the in vitro and in vivo effects of NEW in seed pretreatment and another in vitro experiment was also carried out to determine antifungal effect against F. oxysporum. NEW in vitro treatments at 50 mg/L decreased spore concentration greater than 4 log spores/mL. Germination parameters and morphological variables were analyzed after NEW pretreatments. For in vitro germination, NEW pretreatments up to 75 mg/L did not show effect on germination parameters however highest dose was slightly adverse (4 % against water control). For in vivo germination, NEW pretreatment of 100 mg/L had a stimulating effect on the germination rate in cucumber seeds (100 % FGP against 83 % FGP for water control). For tomato seeds germination neither stimulate nor adverse effect was observed (same percentage as water control). For lettuce seeds germination an inhibitory effect for 12 and 24 h of exposure time was achieved (73 % NEW treatment against 90 % of water control). For tomato and lettuce seeds, the NEW pretreatment of 50 mg/L during 12 h increased its germination capacity.

Antibacterial and plant growth promoting attributes of Limosilactobacillus sp. MYSN3 isolated from noni fruit

The aim of the study was to determine the antibacterial, plant growth promotion and bio-control activity of Limosilactobacillus sp. MYSN3 isolated from noni fruit (Morinda citrifolia). The noni fruit yielded eight distinct isolates and one effective isolate MYSN3 was chosen considering their antibacterial activity for further studies. The isolate MYSN3 recorded good inhibitory effect toward the tested plant pathogenic bacteria. The CFS of MYSN3 showed 69.12, 69.98 and 63.60 % inhibition against, Pectobacterium carotovorum sub sp. carotovorum, Ralstonia solanacearum and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae respectively in microplate assay. The isolate MYSN3 was identified as Limosilactobacillus sp. with accession number OL347895 and was verified using 16sRNA gene sequencing and had 95.23 % similarity with the earlier deposited sequence of Limosilactobacillus sp. - KJ865402. The effective isolate MYSN3 was characterized for growth promotion in plants and biological control attributes. Isolate MYSN3 showed IAA production (35.18 µg/ml), gibberellic acid production (23.45 µg/ml), solubilization of phosphate, potash, zinc and silicon and gave positive outcomes for protease and siderophore production and negative for cellulose degradation activity, HCN production activity and amylase activity. Seed treatment with Limosilactobacillus sp. MYSN3 greatly enhanced the standard of seed germination and seedling vigour of tomato by paper towel method and significantly increased plant height of tomato, chilli and okra under glasshouse condition when compared to control. The findings of the current research revealed that isolated Limosilactobacillus sp. MYSN3 possess promising antibacterial activity, plant growth promoting characteristics and bio-control traits. The potentiality of the isolate as bioinoculants and bio-control agents deserves further investigation.

Comparative Study of the Influence of Electric and Magnetic Fields on Tomato Germination Performance

Comparative Study of the Influence of Electric and Magnetic Fields on Tomato Germination Performance

The Role of Silica Nanoparticles in Promoting the Germination of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Seeds.

The addition of nanoparticles has been reported to be an effective strategy for enhancing seed germination, but the underlying mechanisms whereby this occurs are unclear. In the present study, we added silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) to an aqueous growth medium in which tomato seeds were germinated. We examined the effects of SiNPs on growth and possible mechanisms of action. SiNPs had a diameter of 10-17 nm and 110-120 nm. SiNPs shortened the mean germination time from 5.24 ± 0.29 days to 4.64 ± 0.29 days. Seedling vigor, measured by criteria including length and weight, was also improved compared to the control condition. The presence of SiNPs in the seedlings was assessed using an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. The nanoparticles may have promoted germination by enhancing water imbibition by the seeds or altering the external microenvironment. Scanning electron microscopy revealed changes in the seed coat during germination, many of which were only observed in the presence of nanoparticles. Soil bacteria affect germination; specifically, Bacillus sp. may promote germination. The number of Bacillus sp. changed in the germination medium with SiNPs compared to the control. This suggested that these bacteria could interact with SiNPs to promote germination.

Synergistic effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid and melatonin on seed germination and cadmium tolerance in tomato

ABSTRACT The effects of exogenous γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and melatonin (MT) on tomato seed germination and shoot growth exposed to cadmium stress were investigated. On the one hand, treatment with MT (10–200 μM) or GABA (10–200 μM) alone could significantly relieve cadmium stress in tomato seedlings, which is reflected in increasing the germination rate, vigor index, fresh weight, dry weight and radicle lengths of tomato seeds, as well as the soluble content compared to the absence of exogenous treatment, and the alleviating effect reached the peak in the 200 µM GABA or 150 µM MT alone. On the other hand, exogenous MT and GABA showed synergistic effects on the germination of tomato seed under cadmium stress. Moreover, the application of 100 µM GABA combined with 100 µM MT markedly decreased the contents of Cd and MDA by upregulating the activities of antioxidant enzymes, thereby alleviating the toxic effect of cadmium stress on tomato seeds. Collectively, the combinational strategy showed significant positive effects on seed germination and cadmium stress resistance in tomato.

Effect of polypropylene microplastics on seed germination and nutrient uptake of tomato and cherry tomato plants

Although microplastic (MP) pollution in farmland increased, the effect of MPs on plant growth was not clearly explained. Therefore, the object of the study was to evaluate the effect of polypropylene microplastics (PP-MPs) on plant germination, growth, and nutrient uptake under hydroponic conditions. The effect of PP-MPs on seed germination, shoot and root length, and nutrient uptake were assessed using tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) seeds grown in half-strength Hoagland solution. The results showed that PP-MPs did not significantly affect seed germination, but positively affected the shoot and root elongation. In cherry tomato, the root elongation was significantly increased by 34%. Microplastics also affected nutrient uptake by plants, however, the effect varied depending on elements and plant species. The Cu concentration was substantially increased in tomato shoot while it decreased in cherry tomato root. Nitrogen uptake decreased in MP treated plants compared to the control and phosphorus uptake was significantly decreased in the shoot of cherry tomato. However, the root-to-shoot translocation rate of most macro nutrients decreased following exposure to PP-MPs indicating that long-term exposure to MPs may lead to a nutritional imbalance in plants.

Immobilized mesoporous materials for carvacrol delivery to the germination and early growth of tomato plants (Solanum Lycopersicum)

The immobilization of TiO2–SiO2 (TSO) materials on seed mats stands as a practical way to help the germination and early growth of tomato plants (Solanum Lycopersicum). Mesoporous materials are functionalized with triethanolamine (TEA) and loaded with the biocide molecule of carvacrol (CAR). The effect of CAR on the parameters of germination percentage, germination time, root, shoot length, and chlorophyll content of seeds and/or tomato seedlings are investigated. The germination experiments were carried out using seed mats coated with the TSO materials, also TSO powdered materials were put directly on the tomato seeds to study their effect on germination. Direct deposition of TSO composites achieved the complete germination and longer shoots due to the cooperative interactions among nanomaterials, carvacrol, and the tomato seed. However, the handling of the seeds and the detrimental effect of powder in the germination system made difficult the application with agricultural purposes. The plastic seed mats provide a practical system with lower germination, but more homogenous growth of root/shoot is possible. Surprisingly, in this methodology the carvacrol presents a detrimental effect on germination due to less interaction with the seeds. The handling of seeds and recover of the nanomaterials and its reuse are advantages of the plastic seed mats, which together with less wastage of seeds suggest a potential use in agriculture. The as-synthetized TSO NPs, together with the functionalization of triethanolamine and carvacrol used to promote the health germination of the seeds, allows the control of the time for seed germination, germination %, and length for the root/shoot of seed tomato germination. The immobilization of mesoporous materials results in an alternative to help the germination and early growth of agricultural plants searching to avoid the lixiviation of nanomaterials to the environment.

Effect of Medium Culture, pH, Activated Carbon, and Light on Germination, Rooting and Growth of Tomato (Lycopersicum Esculentum Mill.)

Effect of Medium Culture, pH, Activated Carbon, and Light on Germination, Rooting and Growth of Tomato (Lycopersicum Esculentum Mill.)

Nordic microalgae produce biostimulant for the germination of tomato and barley seeds

Microalgal biomass may have biostimulating effects on plants and seeds due to its phytohormonal content, and harnessing this biostimulating effect could contribute to sustainable agriculture. Two Nordic strains of freshwater microalgae species Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus obliquus were each cultivated in a photobioreactor receiving untreated municipal wastewater. The algal biomass and the supernatant after algal cultivation were tested on tomato and barley seeds for biostimulating effects. Intact algal cells, broken cells, or harvest supernatant were applied to the seeds, and germination time, percentage and germination index were evaluated. Seeds treated with C. vulgaris, in particular intact cells or supernatant, had up to 25 percentage units higher germination percentage after 2 days and an overall significantly faster germination time (germinated on average between 0.5 and 1 day sooner) than seeds treated with S. obliquus or the control (water). The germination index was higher in C. vulgaris treatments than in the control for both tomato and barley, and this was observed for both broken and intact cells as well as supernatant. The Nordic strain of C. vulgaris cultivated in municipal wastewater thus shows potential for use as biostimulant in agriculture, adding novel economic and sustainability benefits.

CRYPTOCHROME 1a-mediated blue light perception regulates tomato seed germination via changes in hormonal balance and endosperm-degrading hydrolase dynamics.

Blue light exposure delays tomato seed germination by decreasing endosperm-degrading hydrolase activities, a process regulated by CRY1a-dependent signaling and the hormonal balance between ABA and GA. The germination of tomato seeds (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is tightly controlled by an internal hormonal balance, which is also influenced by environmental factors such as light. In this study, we investigated the blue light (BL)-mediated impacts on physiological, biochemical, and molecular processes during the germination of the blue light photoreceptor CRYPTOCHROME 1a loss-of-function mutant (cry1a) and of the hormonal tomato mutants notabilis (not, deficient in ABA) and procera (pro, displaying a GA-constitutive response). Seeds were germinated in a controlled chamber in the dark and under different intensities of continuous BL (ranging from 1 to 25µmolm-2s-1). In general, exposure to BL delayed tomato seed germination in a fluency rate-dependent way due to negative impacts on the activities of endosperm-degrading hydrolases, such as endo-β-mannanase, β-mannosidase, and α-galactosidase. However, not and pro mutants presented higher germination speed index (GSI) compared to WT despite the BL influence, associated with higher hydrolase activities, especially evident in pro, indicating that the ABA/GA hormonal balance is important to diminish BL inhibition over tomato germination. The cry1a germination percentage was higher than in WT in the dark but its GSI was lower under BL exposure, suggesting that functional CRY1a is required for BL-dependent germination. BL inhibits the expression of GA-biosynthetic genes, and induces GA-deactivating and ABA-biosynthetic genes. The magnitude of the BL influence over the hormone-related transcriptional profile is also dependent upon CRY1a, highlighting the complex interplay between light and hormonal pathways. These results contribute to a better understanding of BL-induced events behind the photoregulation of tomato seed germination.

Is the Phytotoxic Effect of Digestive Fluid of Nepenthes x ventrata on Tomato Related to Reactive Oxygen Species?

The digestive fluid of pitcher plants is a rich source of enzymes and secondary metabolites, but its impact on higher plant growth and development remains unknown. The aim of the study was to determine the phytotoxicity of the digestive fluid of the pitcher plant (Nepenthes x ventrata) on the germination of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seeds, elongation growth and cell viability of roots of tomato seedlings. The digestive fluid was collected from pitchers before feeding and four days after feeding; the pH and electrical conductivity of the fluid were determined. Undiluted and 50% fluids were used in the study. An inhibition of germination of tomato seeds, by around 30% and 55%, was respectively observed in 50% and 100% digestive fluids collected before and after feeding. Digestive fluid did not affect the root growth of tomato seedlings; a slight (6%) inhibition was only observed after the application of 100% digestive fluid from an unfed trap. The roots of the tomato seedlings treated with undiluted fluid were characterized by reduced cell viability. Reactive oxygen species (H2O2 and O2•-) were mainly localized in the root apex regardless of the used phytotoxic cocktail, and did not differ in comparison to control plants.

The halopriming of seeds improves the germination, growth, physiological and phytochemical attributes of tomato under saline conditions

The low seed germination response and seedling growth of crops to salinity is common problem in Pakistan. To overcome this problem,seed priming is used as an economic and effective approach. Present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of halopriming ofseeds on germination, growth and yield of tomato under saline conditions. The seeds of tomato variety ‘Raja’ were primed with 0, 50mM and 100mM of NH4NO3, KNO3, and (NH4)2SO4 solutions for 12 and 24 hours. The primed seeds were irrigated separately with tapwater, saline water, and Hoagland solution with saline water. The results indicated that halopriming of tomato seeds with KNO3, NH4NO3and (NH4)2SO4 significantly increased the germination percentage (GP) from 58% (unprimed) to 95% (primed) while decreased the meangermination time (MGT) from 7.44 days (unprimed) to 4.6 days (primed). A significant increase was observed in the height of plant, leafarea, number of leaves, shoot and root biomass, number of fruits per plant, etc. in primed plants irrigated with Hoagland solution undersaline conditions. Similarly, the halopriming with NH4NO3 and KNO3 also enhanced the chlorophyll pigments, lycopene contents, totalsoluble sugars, total proteins, total phenolic contents and total flavonoids in primed plants irrigated with Hoagland solutions under saltstress. Furthermore, proline contents were increased in primed plants irrigated with NaCl solution as compared to other treatments andcontrol. In conclusion, KNO3 and NH4NO3 are more effective priming agents than (NH4)2SO4 were positively affected the germination, plantheight, physiological and biochemical attributes in tomato plants under saline and non-saline conditions. The supplement of Hoaglandsolution under salt stress further improves the morphological, physiological and biochemical attributes of tomato.

Clonostachys rosea Strain ST1140: An Endophytic Plant-Growth-Promoting Fungus, and Its Potential Use in Seedbeds with Wheat-Grain Substrate

In this study, Clonostachys rosea strain ST1140, a naturally occurring endophyte in healthy roots of a pistachio tree, was identified morphologically and molecularly through DNA sequencing, and its endophytic ability and growth effect in/on three solanaceous plant species were tested. Three different organic substrates (bread wheat-grain, sawdust, and leonardite) were also investigated for their utility in cultivating and multiplying the strain. In-tray and pot experiments, the rates of seed germination and vegetative development of pepper, tomato, and eggplant inoculated with C. rosea at planting were compared to those of non-inoculated controls. In pot experiments, inoculating seedbeds with increasing doses of C. rosea strain ST1140 with wheat-grain substrate resulted in higher plant height values for all plant species, and the strain endophytically colonized the roots of all plant species. In-tray experiments revealed that ST1140 inoculation resulted in 2-4days earlier and 10% higher germination rates for all plant species, as well as more vigorous and accelerated seedling growth (10-13days earlier for seedlings at the 4-5 true leaf stage) on all inoculated plant species. Among three different organic substrates, wheat-grain was found to be the most effective for long-term cultivation and multiplication of the fungus, which could be of interest for its development as a commercial product. These results promised the strain ST1140's use as a biofertilizer in seedbeds with a wheat-grain substrate.

Effect of Aeration and KNO3 in Seed Priming on The Germination of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Seeds

Seed priming by soaking in KNO3 has been used to enhance seed performance and crop establishment in tomatoes. However, seeds that are immersed in a solution for a long time may be deprived of oxygen during critical phases of imbibition. Aeration during priming is a solution to solve this problem. Thus, this study aims to determine the effect of aeration and KNO3 in seed priming on the germination of tomato seeds. The seeds used in this study were tomato seeds var. Palupi. This study used seven treatments i.e. non-primed, KNO3 moistened paper, KNO3 soaking, KNO3 aeration, water moistened paper, water soaking, and water aeration. The study was arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD). All data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and followed by means analysis using Fisher’s LSD (Least Significant Difference) test at P<0.05. The result showed that all priming treatments gave a better performance in FGP (Final Germination Percentage), MGT (Mean Germination Time), and GRI (Germination Rate Index) compared to the non-primed. The best treatments, however, were observed in the aeration method in either KNO3 or water in all parameters observed. KNO3 gave a slightly better performance than water in all parameters, although there was no statistical difference between the two treatments.