Germination Of Plants Research Articles

Application of Multi-Omics Technologies to the Study of Phytochromes in Plants.

Phytochromes (phy) are distributed in various plant organs, and their physiological effects influence plant germination, flowering, fruiting, and senescence, as well as regulate morphogenesis throughout the plant life cycle. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a key regulatory factor in plant systemic responses to environmental stimuli, with an attractive regulatory relationship with phytochromes. With the development of high-throughput sequencing technology, omics techniques have become powerful tools, and researchers have used omics techniques to facilitate the big data revolution. For an in-depth analysis of phytochrome-mediated signaling pathways, integrated multi-omics (transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) approaches may provide the answer from a global perspective. This article comprehensively elaborates on applying multi-omics techniques in studying phytochromes. We describe the current research status and future directions on transcriptome-, proteome-, and metabolome-related network components mediated by phytochromes when cells are subjected to various stimulation. We emphasize the importance of multi-omics technologies in exploring the effects of phytochromes on cells and their molecular mechanisms. Additionally, we provide methods and ideas for future crop improvement.

Wood Distillate Enhances Seed Germination of Chickpea, Lettuce, and Basil

Seed priming with synthetic chemicals may be harmful to the environment and human health. Their replacement with bio-based compounds may overcome these concerns. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of wood distillate (WD) in enhancing in vitro germination of crop plants using basil, chickpea, and lettuce as case studies. Seeds of the three species were soaked for 24 h in 0.25% and 0.17% WD solutions and then left to germinate for 7 days at 20 °C in a dark germination chamber. Seed pre-treatment with 0.25% WD enhanced germination in all tested species, while 0.17% WD stimulated germination in lettuce and chickpea, but not in basil. For lettuce, 0.17% WD worked better than 0.25% WD. Radicle length of basil and chickpea increased following pre-treatment with 0.25% WD, while in lettuce, it increased after pre-treatment with 0.17% WD. Treating seeds with appropriate WD solutions is a potential strategy to improve germination of crop plants.

Fruit and seed plumpness, germination and viability of rare plants in Yakutia

Background. With the increasing anthropogenic impact on nature, conservation and renewal of rare and endangered plants in natural cenoses is an urgent problem. Quality assessment, identification of full-fledged plump seeds, and determination of their viability is the way to develop reproduction technologies and provide a possibility of repatriating these species to their natural habitats. Collecting and studying natural flora species in botanical gardens helps to save biological resources of useful species and recommend them for urban landscaping.Materials and methods. X-ray techniques were used to analyze seed quality and viability of rare species in the flora of Yakutia: Adonis sibirica Patrin, Phlojodicarpus sibiricus (Steph. ex Spreng.) Koso-Pol., Iris laevigata Fisch. et C.A. Mey., Iris sanguinea Donn, and Paeonia anomala L. Methods developed for the application of microfocus radiography to fruits and seeds were used in the X-ray analysis.Results. Seed quality was assessed according to guidelines. It was shown that fruits and seeds of the studied species developed under the conditions of Yakutia were full-fledged (plump), but due to the presence of a morphophysiological type of dormancy in them, they could germinate only after a cold or multistage stratification.Conclusion. Assessment of reproductive diaspore quality and viability in rare and endangered plant species of Yakutia will make it possible to develop technologies for increasing their seed germination rates and restoring the natural populations of these species.

Mg─Bi─Fe‐Oxides/Graphene Electrodes for the Fabrication of Efficient Supercapacitors and Their Use to Accelerate the Growth of Bean Plants

AbstractEcofriendly supercapacitors (SCs) are fabricated with graphene electrodes printed on recycled‐plastics and utilized seawater as electrolyte. Those devices produced an energy density and capacitance of 50.4 Wh kg−1 and 250.4 F g−1, respectively. Later, a mixture of Bi─Mg─Fe─O (BMO) oxides is added to the SC electrodes and the capacitance of the devices increased up to 209%. Subsequently, SC electrodes are recovered from used/tested devices and utilized as “seed mats” to grow bean plants. For this purpose, pinto bean seeds are wrapped with recycled SC electrodes and later subjected to a germination treatment together with control seeds. The germination parameters are calculated from the bean plants and found that: 1) 100% of the seeds initially wrapped with the SC electrodes germinated, in contrast, only 88.9% of the control seeds germinated and 2) The bean plants grown with the seed mats has the longest roots/shoots. This occurred because the seed mats have Mg/Fe micronutrients on their surface as well as OH/COOH groups (coming from the seawater), which promote the germination and growth of bean plants. The results of this research demonstrated that SC electrodes coated with BMO can be used as a substrate to promote the growth of bean plants, which is of interest for sustainable agriculture.

Using Magnetic Fields to Enhance the Seed Germination, Growth, and Yield of Plants.

Geomagnetic field (GMF) protects living organisms on the Earth from the radiation coming from space along with other environmental factors during evolution, and it has affected the growth and development of plants. Many researchers have always been interested in investigating these effects in different aspects. In this chapter, we focus on the methods of using different types of magnetic fields (MFs) to investigate the dimensions of their biological effects on plants. The aim is to increase seed germination, growth characters, and yield of plants using the following methods: (1) Using MFs lower than GMF to study effects of GMF on the growth and yield of plants. (2) Using reversed magnetic fields (RMFs) lower than GMF to study its effects on the growth and development of plants during evolution. (3) Using static magnetic fields (SMFs) higher than GMF and reversed SMFs to study effects of the south (S) and north (N) magnetic pole on plants. (4) Using electromagnetic fields (EMFs) to increase and accelerate seed germination, growth, and yield of plants, and establish the status of plants against other environmental stresses. (5) Using magnetized water (MW) to improve plant seed germination, growth, and yield. (6) Using high gradient magnetic field (HGMF) to study magneto-tropism in plants. In this chapter, we recommend application of various types of MFs to study their biological effects on plants to improve crop production.

ВЛИЯНИЕ ПРЕДПОСЕВНОЙ ОБРАБОТКИ СЕМЯН ЭЛЕКТРИЧЕСКИМ ПОЛЕМ НА УРОЖАЙНОСТЬ ЛЬНА-ДОЛГУНЦА И ЯРОВОЙ ПШЕНИЦЫ

Pre-sowing seed treatment is a mandatory agricultural method of increasing yields by increasing the energy and germination of seeds. Laboratory and field tests showed an increase in the yield and quality of flax and spring wheat seeds due to pre-sowing seed treatment with an electric field at the Sadko-1 electrophysical installation. (Research Purpose) The research purpose is selecting the treatment modes (the voltage acting on the seeds with a low-frequency electric field and the resting of the seeds after treatment) that increase the sowing properties of the seeds and yield and determining the economic efficiency of electrophysical technology of pre-sowing seed treatment in the cultivation of flax and spring wheat. (Materials and methods) Three batches of seeds of each crop were treated with an electric field of 2, 4 and 6 kilovolts per centimeter. After resting for 9 days, the seeds were sown into the soil. The field experiment included four options: control (without exposure to an electric field on seeds) and three options corresponding to exposure modes: 2, 4, and 6 kilovolts per centimeter. The area of the registered plot was 50 square meters. During the growth and development of crops, the field germination and preservation of plants before harvesting and the harvest of each plot were determined. (Results and discussion) During laboratory germination of treated seeds, an improvement in seed sowing qualities is observed: energy and germination, increase in the size and weight of seven-day seedlings. It was found that in the process of growth and development of crops, the effect of pre-sowing treatment is manifested in increasing field germination and preservation of plants before harvesting. (Conclusions) Pre-sowing treatment of flax seeds and spring wheat at the Sadko-1 installation contributed to an increase in the yield and quality of straw and flax grain. Economic calculations indicate the high profitability of the proposed technology. Due to processing in the electric field intensity mode of 6 kilovolts per centimeter, additional net profit of 1.87 thousand rubles per hectare was obtained when cultivating flax using mineral fertilizers, without the use of mineral fertilizers - 1.03 thousand rubles per hectare (in 2021 prices). The cost of seed treatment is ~ 50 rubles per hectare. Net profit due to pre-sowing electrophysical processing of wheat at 2 kilovolts per centimeter amounted to 2.86 thousand rubles per hectare. The presented method of seed treatment can be offered to farms as an element of resource-saving technologies, as well as for pre-sowing seed treatment of low sowing conditions.

Pre-sowing treatment of flax seeds with a growth activator and polymer

Effective work with seed material contributes to an increase in germination and sustainable development of agricultural plants. In this study, experiments were conducted on the pre-sowing treatment of flax seeds with a formulation containing an activator of growth processes – hydrogen peroxide and a polymer of natural origin – inulin, which helps to reduce mucus secretion during semi-dry treatment. The experimental results obtained confirm the effectiveness of the proposed formulation, which helps to increase the germination of plants and facilitates the procedure for performing mechanized stages during technological operations with seed material.

Advances in the molecular regulation of seed germination in plants

Advances in the molecular regulation of seed germination in plants

Bioindication as a method of determining soil quality and the impact of pollutants on flora: analysis of inhibitory effect on root growth and influence of chemicals on plant germination and growth

Bioindication as a method of determining soil quality and the impact of pollutants on flora: analysis of inhibitory effect on root growth and influence of chemicals on plant germination and growth

Effect of short-term seed priming on germination of wild-growing plant Scorzonera tau-saghyz

This study examines the efficiency of vermicompost tea, an organic fertilizer, in improving the process of seed germination in rubber-producing plants of the species Scorzonera tau-saghyz. Seeds collected from three-year-old plants within the Karatau State Nature Reserve in Kazakhstan were treated with 5% and 10% vermicompost tea for 2 hours and 4 hours’ exposure. Germination progress was closely monitored over a four-week period, revealing a significant correlation between higher concentrations and exposure times with increased rates of seed germination. In particular, tau-saghyz’ seeds treated with a 10% solution of vermicompost for 4 hours showed 1.3 times higher percentage of germination compared to seed pre-treatment by 5% solution and 1.9 times greater than that of the control. These results provide valuable information on optimizing seed treatment protocols to improve the germination and growth of Scorzonera tau-saghyz seedlings, offering potential approaches for biodiversity conservation and sustainable agricultural practices.

Effect of the Pătârlagele Diatomite on Seed Germination and Growth of Sunflower Plants

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is the third largest agricultural crop in Romania, after corn and wheat. In 2021 Romania cultivated 1112 thousand ha of sunflower with a production of 2818 thousand tons, ranking first among EU countries both in terms of production and cultivated area. Diatomite, also called diatomaceous earth or kieselguhr, is a natural sedimentary rock with a high content of silicon dioxide and clay minerals, widely used in agriculture for its insecticidal and fungicidal properties, stimulating the process of seed germination and plant growth, as well as the ability to absorb and retain nutrients and water. The paper presents preliminary results regarding the effect of diatomite from Pătârlagele deposit (Buzău County) on seed germination and growth of young sunflower plants in laboratory conditions and on seeds production in the field at three sowing dates as well. A semi-early hybrid P64LE99 was used in experiments. Our data showed that the Pătârlagele diatomite improves sunflower seed performances both in laboratory and field conditions. In the laboratory, an increase in seed germination and stimulation of plant growth and development were observed in the diatomite treated samples compared to the untreated control. In the field under climatic and soil conditions of the Moara Domnească area (Southern Romania), the diatomite treated samples performed better than the control, both in terms of plant growth and development as well as production elements, in three sowing dates, middle and late April and early May. The highest yields were when sowing was in the first week of May for both variants.

Genetic, Epigenetic, and Environmental Control of Seed Dormancy and Germination.

Seed germination is controlled by a combination of the seed dormancy level and environmental conditions such as light, temperature, moisture, and nitrate levels. Seed dormancy is programed genetically, but it is also sensitive to maternal environmental conditions before and after anthesis. Recent developments in molecular genetics and bioinformatics have greatly enhanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of seed dormancy and germination in model plants and economically important crop species. This chapter focuses on temperature as an environmental factor and discusses the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of dormancy and germination.

Bio-based solution for improving plant growth under unfavourable conditions: Bacterial inoculants for bird’s foot trefoil and orchardgrass grown in acid soil

The agricultural industry is constantly searching for new solutions to increase the productivity and nutritional value of crops under various conditions. Microbial inoculants have emerged as an alternative to traditional chemical fertilisers which could enhance crop productivity in acid soils - a major problem in modern agriculture. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of Bacillus megaterium and Mesorhizobium sp. on the seed germination of bird?s foot trefoil and orchardgrass under low pH (in vitro), as well as the nutrient composition of plants grown in acid soil. A positive impact of bacterial inoculation on seed germination was observed at pH 5 and 6 for both plant species. The content of macro- and microelements was within the range of optimal values for both plant species. This research provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of using bacterial inoculants to improve the seed germination and nutrient composition of plants grown in acid soils.

Dependence of field germination and overall survival of winter wheat plants depending on the influence of mineral fertilizer and seeding rates

Dependence of field germination and overall survival of winter wheat plants depending on the influence of mineral fertilizer and seeding rates

Effect of Different Tillage Practices on the Growth and Yield of Sweet Potatoes (Ipomoeo Batata L) in Asaba, Delta State Nigeria.

The research was carried out to determine the effect of different tillage practices on the growth and yield of sweet potatoes (Ipomoeo batata L) in Asaba, Delta State Nigeria. Field experiment was carried out at the teaching and research farm of Federal College of Education (Technical),Asaba, Delta State Nigeria. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) made up of four treatments: To – control (ridge tillage), T1 – Zero tillage, T2 – Mound tillage, T3 – Flat tillage and was replicated three times (4 x 3). Land area of 100m x 100m was cleared and divided into three to represent, replicates 1, 2 and 3. Random samples of five plants were tagged for data collection at four, six and eight weeks’ intervals after germination of plants to measure the growth parameters, while yield was measured in kg using weighing scale. Data analysis was carried out using the statistical package of social science (SPSS) with general linear model procedure analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine the treatment effect and Duncan Multiple Range Test was used for mean separation difference in mean were considered significant at an alpha level of 95% or higher (p ≤ 0.05). Findings from the study revealed that tillage practices had significant effect (p<0.05) on the growth and yield of sweet potatoes. The study recommended the adoption of ridge tillage practices for increased growth and yield of sweet potatoes.

Enhanced the plant germination in sandy soil by novel sludge-based biochar prepared with residual sludge after EPS extraction as soil amendment

The preparation of novel sludge-based biochar and its application as soil amendments are considered as an environmentally friendly way to realize sludge recycling. In this study, a novel sludge-based biochar (RBC) was prepared by residual sludge after extracellular polymers (EPS) extraction, and the effect of RBC as soil amendment on the ryegrass germination in sandy soil was explored. The results indicated that the biochar yield by residual sludge after EPS extraction was higher than that by raw sludge. Compared with the raw sludge-based biochar (SBC), a variety of new functional groups and crystalline structures were formed in RBC, and the specific surface area and pore volume were significantly increased. Furthermore, a largest NH4+-N adsorption capacity of 7.6 mg/g was achieved by HNO3 modified RBC (MRBC) under an optimum pH of 7. Moreover, the ryegrass germination rate and ryegrass height were increased by 52.0 % and 213.4 % in sandy soil with MRBC adsorbed with NH4+-N as soil amendment compared with that in sandy soil with SBC addition. Accordingly, RBC has great potential for the preparation of novel sludge-based biochar and plays a prominent role as a soil amendment in enhancing plant growth in sandy soil. The above research will provide a new direction for the advanced resource utilization of sewage sludge.

Condicionamento de sementes com qualidade de luz e extrato de Cyperus rotundus L. modula a germinação e o crescimento inicial de plântulas de Moringa oleifera

Improving plant germination is essential to guarantee better quality seedlings. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate whether the seed priming with light quality (LIQ) and the aqueous extract of Cyperus rotundus (AEC) tuber could modulate the germination and initial growth of Moringa oleifera L. seedlings. The experimental design was a completely randomized in the 4x4 factorial scheme, composed of four LIQ conditions (white, blue, red, and distant red light) and four AEC concentrations (0, 25, 50 and 100%). Seed priming with red light reduced the average emergence time, while blue, red, and extreme red lights associated with 50% of aqueous extract of C. rotundus increased shoot initial length and photosynthetic pigment accumulation. Seed priming with blue light resulted in seedlings with a shorter final shoot length. However, application of 100% of aqueous extract of C. rotundus reversed this. The white light in combination with concentrations of 50 and 100% of AEC promoted a higher relative shoot growth rate of seedlings. The research revealed that seed priming with light quality and aqueous extracts of C. rotundus tubers modulates the germination and initial growth of M. oleifera seedlings. More work needs to be done to determine the responsible compounds in AEC that is responsible for priming growth as phytohormones.

Mediterranean plant germination reports – 6

Mediterranean plant germination reports – 6

Microbial Factors May Contribute to the Persistence of Australian Fairy Circles

Fairy Circles (FCs) are roughly circular, spatially periodic barren patches occurring both along the southwestern African coast, spanning the Namib Desert (NFCs), and in the Pilbara region of Western Australia (AFCs). The origin of both NFC and AFC patterns is still debatable and a subject of ongoing research. Recently, it was argued that pathogenic soil microbes may contribute to ring formation of the Triodia basedowii grass which is the same grass species that forms the AFCs. We have analyzed, under controlled laboratory conditions, soil samples taken from different parts of AFCs (center, periphery and m3atrix) for microbiological activities by Lettuce germination experiments under different manipulations. In seven different circles, out of an average of 13, root lengths of germinated seeds were strongly inhibited in the samples taken from the center, and to a lesser extent, in the samples taken from the periphery and the matrix. Quantitative analyses of the soil microbial community from the FC center found no support to the hypothesis that phytotoxic effect was caused by soil crust cyanobacteria due their low abundance. However, in soil of the FCs it identified both heterotrophic bacteria and fungi that may contribute to the phytotoxic effect. Although our study was not done with seeds of Triodia basedowii it supports the idea that microbial activities in the soil may contribute to AFC persistence by inhibiting plant germination and development in the bare soil gaps in addition to the physical soil crusts resulting from weathering. This suggests that negative plant-soil feedback can act in concert with the main driver mechanism of the AFCs, the scale-dependent plant-water feedback.

Efficacy of Compost and Biochar to Improve Plant Growth under Greenhouse Trail

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) being the most cultivated tuberous crop worldwide is threatened by various biotic and abiotic factors. Among fungal pathogens, Rhizoctonia solani is the most virulent and widely distributed soil-borne fungi of phylum Basidiomycota which cause severe yield losses to 30-40% around the globe. Several management practices have been adopted to overcome the yield losses inflicted by this fungus. Use of chemicals and fumigants are not encouraged due to health and environmental concerns. Present study was undertaken to develop alternate eco-friendly methods to manage this disease. A greenhouse experiment through CRD was performed with treatments application of compost, biochar and NPK on potato variety Desiree. Treatments and pathogen inoculum were applied at the time of sowing. Plant germination was recorded after two weeks of sowing. Data of growth parameters (Plant height, no. of leaves, shoot weight, root weight, root length, no. of tubers, tuber weight, tuber size) were taken at the end of experiments before harvest the crop. Combined treatment application of biochar (5%) + compost (10%) + NPK was found to be the best to suppress R. solani and increased plant height, number of leaves, shoot weight, root weight, root length and various tuber parameters. On the basis of our results biochar and compost are suggested commercially to improve plant growth and suppress pathogens