Germination Of Tomato Seeds Research Articles

Optimizing germination in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seeds through non-thermal plasma treatment

Abstract This study explores the efficacy of non-thermal plasma (NTP) treatment in enhancing the germination of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seeds. The experimental setup utilized a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) system with specific parameters, including voltage, frequency, and treatment duration. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) was employed to characterize the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) generated during plasma treatment. Seeds subjected to plasma for durations ranging from 60 to 300 s were assessed for various germination parameters, including germination percentage, mean germination time, and seedling vigor. Our findings demonstrate significant improvements in germination efficiency, particularly evident at 120 and 180 s of exposure, where germination percentages increased by 113.0% and 83.3%, respectively, compared to control (untreated) seeds. Moreover, seeds subjected to NTP showed reduced mean germination times and enhanced synchronization in germination compared to the control group. Optical characterization revealed the presence of reactive species that likely contribute to the improved seed performance. These findings highlight the promise of non-thermal plasma as an eco-friendly method for improving seed germination in agriculture.

Primary screening of growth-stimulating properties of rhizosphere microorganisms in relation to tomato seeds

The ability of bacterial isolates isolated from the rhizosphere of cultivated and wild plants of arid ecosystems of the Astrakhan region, which have the ability to tryptophan-induced synthesis of indolyl-3-acetic acid, to stimulate the germination of tomato seeds of the varieties “Sanka”, “Volgogradsky”, “Cosmonaut Volkov”, was studied. “Newbie” Experimental studies were carried out through laboratory experiments by incubating seeds in humid chambers; laboratory germination and morphometric parameters of seedlings were assessed. It was revealed that most of the studied suspensions of isolates have a stimulating effect on tomato seeds. High germination (90% or more) of seeds of the “Sanka” variety was observed when 12 isolates were treated with suspensions; variety “Volgogradsky” – suspensions of 9 isolates; variety “Cosmonaut Volkov” – suspensions of 2 isolates; variety “Novichok” – suspensions of 3 isolates. Suspensions of isolates 16/19 and 31/20 contributed to high germination of seeds of all varieties: up to 86.6–100% and 90–100%, respectively, and isolate 9/19 significantly reduced the germination of seeds of the varieties “Volgogradsky”, “Cosmonaut Volkov” and “Novichok” by 66.6–56.7%. When assessing the morphometric parameters of seedlings in the experiment, it was noted that the suspension of isolate 16/19 helps to increase the biomass of the varieties “Sanka”, “Volgogradsky” and “Cosmonaut Volkov” up to 273–449%. Suspension of isolate 31/20 has a stimulating effect on the morphometric parameters of seedlings of all varieties: it stimulates root development by 73.3–183.3%, stem development by 46.8–100.5%. The isolate 9/19 suspension not only inhibits seed germination, but also causes a reduced accumulation of seedling biomass, inhibits the development of roots and stems of seedlings of the varieties “Volgogradsky”, “Cosmonaut Volkov” and “Novichok”. Thus, during experimental studies, isolates (16/19 and 31/20) of rhizosphere bacteria were identified that have a stimulating effect on both the germination of tomato seeds and the morphometric parameters of seedlings.

Bioprospecting a mountain-derived phosphorus-solubilizing bacterium: Bacillus thuringiensis B3 as a plant-growth promoter in lettuce and tomato horticultural crops

The biogeographic and climatic conditions of islands like Cuba generate distinctive ecosystems as reservoirs of microbial biodiversity. This study explores the potential of the B3 strain, isolated from the Guamuhaya Mountain in Cuba, in Cuban urban horticulture, where the soil phosphorus availability poses a significant challenge to crop productivity. The B3 strain demonstrates remarkable phosphorus solubilization capabilities, along with nitrogen fixation and nutrient mobilization, production of growth regulators, siderophores, lipases, and both volatile and diffusible antimicrobial compounds. The strain's multifaceted functionalities indicate its potential to limit phytopathogen proliferation, contributing to plant health. The strain showed Bacilli morphological characteristics, confirmed through MALDI-ToF MS and MLSA, classify it as Bacillus thuringiensis. The strain's safety profile, demonstrated by negative results in hemolysis and DNA degradation tests, underscores its suitability for agricultural applications. The Bacillus thuringiensis B3 significantly enhanced germination of lettuce and tomato seeds, root structure and early plant growth, confirming its value in horticultural production. The integration of this strain into Cuban urban horticulture represents a step forward in sustainable agriculture with low environmental impact.

Tomato Seed Treatment and Germination Responses to Selected Plant Extracts

Tomato Seed Treatment and Germination Responses to Selected Plant Extracts

Green synthesis and characterization of magnetite nanoparticles using Eucalyptus globulus leaves for water treatment and agronomic valorization.

This work presents a new process, based on the green nanoparticles Fe3O4 and magnetization coupling for the treatment of saline well water. In this context, iron nanoparticles were synthesized using Eucalyptus globulus leaves. The nanomaterials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and infrared for identification. Batch experiments were conducted to illustrate the optimal parameters related to contact times and the mass of nanoparticles. The latter marked an optimal contact time of 100min and a mass of 56mg/L accompanied by a magnetic treatment for a contact time of 48min. The results showed a significant (R2 = 0.93) water salinity reduction (67%) and a potential for improvement in the germination of tomato seeds (81%) through the investigation of the evolution of the length of the roots, the stems, and the number of germinated seeds.

Silicon Nanoparticles Improve Tomato Seed Germination More Effectively than Conventional Silicon under Salt Stress via Regulating Antioxidant System and Hormone Metabolism

Silicon Nanoparticles Improve Tomato Seed Germination More Effectively than Conventional Silicon under Salt Stress via Regulating Antioxidant System and Hormone Metabolism

Evaluation of the Fermented Extract of Sargassum spp., for the Biostimulation in the Germination of Tomato Seeds and Seedlings (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Evaluation of the Fermented Extract of Sargassum spp., for the Biostimulation in the Germination of Tomato Seeds and Seedlings (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Revealing the effects of amino acid, organic acid, and phytohormones on the germination of tomato seeds under salinity stress.

Salinity accumulation poses a threat to the production and productivity of economically important crops such as tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Currently, salt tolerance breeding programs have been limited by insufficient genetic and physiological knowledge of tolerance-related traits and a lack of an efficient selection domain. For that purpose, we aimed to determine the ability of tomato cultivars to tolerate salt based on seed traits by multiple biochemical pathways. First, we tested three tomato cultivars according to their response to different sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations (0, 6.3, 9.8, 13.0, and 15.8 dS m-1) and then we analysed their amino acids, organic acids, and phytohormones. Considering the results of germination traits, it is possible to conclude that cultivar H-2274 was more tolerant to salt stress than others. As a result, multivariate discriminant analysis including principal component analysis and two-way hierarchical clustering analyses were constructed and demonstrated that tomato cultivars were separated from each other by the amino acid, organic acid, and phytohormone contents. Considering germination traits of tomato seeds, cv. 'H-2274' was more tolerant to salinity than others depending on high proline (29 pmol µl-1) and citric acid (568 ng µl-1) assays. Biochemical variability offers a valuable tool for investigating salt tolerance mechanisms in tomatoes, and it will be appreciated to find high-tolerant tomato cultivar(s) to saline conditions. Also, the findings of this study have significant potential for practical applications in agriculture, particularly in developing salt-tolerant tomato cultivars to enhance productivity in saline environments and address socio-economic challenges.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) effect on germination and morphological parameters in alfalfa, tomato, and pepper

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are used in different processes, derived from this their presence in wastewater is common, concentrating in residual sludge. These residues are used as agricultural soil improvers, being a source of crop exposure. In this study, the effect of TiO2-NPs (450, 900, and 1800 mg L-1) on the germination of alfalfa, tomato, and pepper seeds was evaluated. The germination parameters were not different (p > 0.05) except for, the seed vigor index in alfalfa and pepper, and the mean germination time in tomato. The germination index was below 80% in 450 mg L-1 in tomato, which showed moderate phytotoxicity. Morphological modifications with differences (p < 0.05) were found in the three crops, mainly in the root. In tomatoes, the length of the main root, root hairs, and the width of the root tip were reduced but increased the width of the main root, piliferous zone, and the length of root hairs were. For alfalfa, root length and number of secondary roots augment. However, the stem, root tip width, and root villi were reduced. Finally, for pepper, the length, and width of the root and the piliferous zone were modified. Additionally, a concerning trend has been observed in the length of root hairs. TiO2-NPs affected germination and morphology in alfalfa, tomato and pepper seeds differently. Tomato was most negatively affected, with reduced root length and width. Alfalfa showed mixed effects, with positive impacts on some parameters but negatives on others. Pepper seeds responded positively overall, with improved germination and root length, despite some impacts on root morphology.

Endophytic Bacteria Improves the Growth of Tomato Plants: An Initial Trial Towards Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract Microbe-based biofertilizer remains high demand toward sustainable agriculture. Previous study isolated three potential endophytic bacteria from the root of klutuk banana plants namely K2, K8, and K117. The potencies were indicated by IAA production ability. This experiment examined the influence of root inoculation using these endophytic bacteria on the growth of tomato plants. Isolate preparation was initiated by shaking the three isolates in the Nutrient Broth medium for six hours. The seeds of tomato plants were germinated by soaking in sterile water for an hour after surface sterilization. Then, the soaked seeds were incubated for 3 days on the moist paper towel in the petri dish to achieve a high humidity. The germinated tomato seeds were inoculated by soaking the root tip in the bacterial isolates for 10 minutes. Subsequently, the inoculated tomato plants were grown on sterile soils in the greenhouse condition. The height of the plants, leaf count, root length, and quantity of roots were assessed 28 days after inoculation (dai). The t-test analysis indicated two isolates, K2 and K117, significantly improved the height of the plants, leaf count and root lengths compared to the control. In addition, all isolates significantly increased the number of roots of tomato plants. This finding revealed the plant growth improvement caused by root inoculation by these potential endophytic bacteria. This preliminary study gives additional information about a novel biofertilizer for sustainable agriculture.

Spectroscopic Investigation of Tomato Seed Germination Stimulated by Trichoderma spp.

Seed germination is a complex process that can be negatively affected by numerous stresses. Trichoderma spp. are known as effective biocontrol agents as well as plant growth and germination stimulators. However, understanding of the early interactions between seeds and Trichoderma spp. remains limited. In the present paper, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy were used to reveal the nature of tomato seed germination as stimulated by Trichoderma. A rapid response of tomato seeds to Trichoderma spp. was observed within 48 h on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) substrate, preceding any physical contact. Raman analysis indicated that both Trichoderma species stimulated phenolic compound synthesis by triggering plant-specific responses in seed radicles. The impact of T. harzianum and T. brevicompactum on two tomato cultivars resulted in alterations to the middle lamella pectin, cellulose, and xyloglucan in the primary cell wall. The Raman spectra indicated increased xylan content in NA with T9 treatment as well as increased hemicelluloses in GZ with T4 treatment. Moreover, T4 treatment resulted in elevated conjugated aldehydes in lignin in GZ, whereas the trend was reversed in NA. Additionally, FTIR analysis revealed significant changes in total protein levels in Trichoderma spp.-treated tomato seed radicles, with simultaneous decreases in pectin and/or xyloglucan. Our results indicate that two complementary spectroscopic methods, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, can give valuable information on rapid changes in the plant cell wall structure of tomato radicles during germination stimulated by Trichoderma spp.

Response of tomato seed germination to several extraction techniques and magnetic field exposure treatments

The superior seeds are indicated by clean, good germination rate, pest and disease-free. One of the problems in providing superior tomato seeds is the presence of pulp attached to the tomato seeds, leading to less clean of seed. To remove the muscus on tomato seeds, the seeds have to be extracted. Other than seeds extraction, seeds exposure also could optimize seeds growth by increasing the metabolism of the tomato. The aim of this research is to determine the best extraction technique and magnetic field exposure for obtaining high tomato seeds germination. The complete random design used in this research consist of two factors, seeds extraction and magnetic field with three time replications. The result showed that seeds extraction for 24 hours is the best treatment for improving the maximum germination percentage, growth potential, growth rate, speed growth, uniformity index than others. Magnetic exposure at 6mT is the best treatment to improve seeds maximum growth and seeds speed growth.

Fabrication of iron nanoparticles using different bioactive precursors, their characterization and bioactivity evaluation

This study deals with the green synthesis of Iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) using plant extracts of Polygonum plebeium (Knotweed) and Camellia sinensis (Green tea), focusing on their antibacterial potential, biocatalytic action as well as prospective applications as nanofertilizers. Plant materials underwent a thorough cleaning and were processed into aqueous extracts. The synthesis of FeNPs involved blending these extracts with ferric chloride solution, resulting in a versatile nanomaterial that was subjected to various characterization techniques, such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, XRD, SEM, and DLS-Zeta unveiling critical nanoparticle attributes of the synthesized nanoparticles, including the size, crystallinity, morphology, stability, and elemental composition. The synthesized FeNPs exhibited substantial antibacterial activities, against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, the biocatalytic properties of the synthesized FeNPs were investigated through dye degradation. These nanoparticles further, were demonstrated for their potential as nanofertilizers, enhancing the germination and growth of tomato and radish seeds. The merging of nanotechnology and plant-based synthesis represents a promising intersection with the capacity to revolutionize diverse fields.

The Effects of Oxygen Availability in the Seed Container during Storage on Seed Germination in Tomato, Onion, Cabbage, and Marrow Seeds

This research was conducted to test the effect of oxygen content (low O2, high O2, air) during hermetic seed storage at 20±2°C over 8 and 12 months on seed germination and seedling root and shoot length in tomato, onion, cabbage, and marrow seeds. Samples with low oxygen storage had higher seed germination as well as longer root and shoot lengths than both control and high oxygen storage. When the storage period extended from 8 to 12 months, the germination percentages also reduced. However, these results varied among the species. The greatest advantage of low oxygen storage was obtained in tomatoes, which exhibited 15% and 9% higher germination compared to the control after 8 and 12 months of storage, respectively. The longest root and shoot lengths of 6.4 cm and 11.6 cm, respectively, were obtained from the low oxygen storage treatments. A similar positive effect of low oxygen storage was observed in onion and cabbage seeds but not in marrows. Results indicated that oxygen level in the packets during storage can be an effective component to maintain high seed germination and seedling growth potential (seed vigour). The difference in the effect on different species is a matter of further research.

Potassium Solubilizers, Aspergillus sp. and Trichoderma sp. Promote Growth in Tomato


 
 
 Potassium (K) is the third most significant plant macronutrient that plays a crucial role in growth and development of plants. K is abundant in soil, but 90-98% of K exists as insoluble minerals and only 1-2% becomes available to the plants. Certain microbes, K solubilizing microbes (KSMs), can solubilize unavailable forms of K and making it available to plants. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the growth promotion ability of two previously (2019) isolated KSMs, Aspergillus sp. and Trichoderma sp in-vitro and under greenhouse conditions using feldspar as the K source. Khandeparkar‘s selection ratio calculated based on K solubilizing assay on Alexandrov medium showed that Aspergillus (1.72+0.16) has a higher and faster K solubilization ability than Trichoderma (1.0+0.16). Effect of KSMs was assayed in a Tomato seed germination assay carried out in Petri plates with KSMs treated and non-treated soils. Both Aspergillus (58%) and Trichoderma (72%) showed enhanced percentage germination of tomato seeds under in vitro conditions compared to that of controls (Aspergillus sp.: 24%, 14%, 22.7%, 51.3%, 39.3%, Trichoderma sp.: 22%, 12%, 13%, 59%, 51%) which was statistically significant (Aspergillus, P=0.026; Trichoderma, P=0.003) at 0.05 confidence level. Seedling length (P=0.102, P=0.028) and root length (P=0.453, P=0.002) of tomato were enhanced when raised in non-autoclaved natural soil than autoclaved natural soil inoculated with Aspergillus and Trichoderma respectively. The greenhouse experiment was carried out with same experimental set up as an in vitro assay. No significant difference was observed in shoot length, number of leaves and length of leaves of tomato plants planted in soil treated with Aspergillus (P=0.093, P=0.906, P=0.260) and Trichoderma (P=0.334, P=0.239, P=0.243) respectively in comparison to controls during the vegetative stage (2 months after sawing). However, flowering was started four days early in plants planted in non-autoclaved soil treated with Aspergillus sp. suggesting that the impact of Aspergillus sp. starts to become visible in the reproductive stage. The results suggest that K solubilizing ability of Aspergillus sp. and Trichoderma sp. seem to show a positive effect on germination ability of tomato, however, only Aspergillus sp. seems to have a positive effect on the later stages of plant growth where K is mainly needed for flower and fruit development. Therefore, Aspergillus sp. can be a potential candidate to be used in up scaling the natural K fertilizers such as feldspar after intensive future experimentation.
 Keywords: Plant Growth Promoting Microbes (PGPMs), Growth promotion, K deficiency
 
 

The impact of utilizing oyster shell soil conditioner on the growth of tomato plants and the composition of inter-root soil bacterial communities in an acidic soil environment.

The objective of this study is to examine the impact of various oyster shell soil conditioners, which are primarily composed of oyster shells, on the growth of tomatoes in acidic soil. Moreover, the aim of this investigation is to analyze the variety and structure of soil bacterial populations in close proximity to tomato roots while also contributing to the understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms of oyster shell soil conditioners. Tomato plants were grown in acidic red soil in three groups: a control group and a treatment group that used two types of oyster shell soil conditioners, OS (oyster shell powder) and OSF (oyster shell powder with organic microbial fertilizer). A range of soil physicochemical properties were measured to study differences in inter-soil physicochemical parameters and the growth of tomato plantings. In addition, this study utilized the CTAB (Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide) technique to extract DNA from the soil in order to investigate the effects of oyster shell soil conditioner on the composition and diversity of bacterial populations. Utilizing high-throughput sequencing technologies and diversity index analysis, the composition and diversity of bacterial populations in the soil adjacent to plant roots were then evaluated. Ultimately, correlation analysis was used in this study to explore the relationship between environmental factors and the relative abundance of soil bacteria in the inter-root zone of tomato plants. The findings indicated that the oyster shell soil conditioners were capable of modifying the physicochemical characteristics of the soil. This was evidenced by significant increases in soil total nitrogen (16.2 and 59.9%), soil total carbon (25.8 and 27.7%), pH (56.9 and 55.8%), and electrical conductivity (377.5 and 311.7%) in the OS and OSF groups, respectively, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, data pertaining to tomato seed germination and seedling growth biomass demonstrated that both oyster shell soil conditioners facilitated the germination of tomato seeds and the growth of seedlings in an acidic red clay soil (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the application of two oyster shell soil conditioners resulted in a modest reduction in the diversity of inter-root soil bacteria in tomato plants. Specifically, the group treated with OSF exhibited the most substantial fall in the diversity index, which was 13.6% lower compared to the control group. The investigation carried out on the soil between tomato plant roots yielded findings about the identification of the ten most abundant phyla. These phyla together represented 91.00-97.64% of the overall abundance. In the inter-root soil of tomatoes, a study identified four major phyla, namely Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Acidobacteria, and Actinobacteria, which collectively accounted for up to 85% of the total abundance. At the general level, the relative abundance of Massilia increased by 2.18 and 7.93%, Brevundimonas by 5.43 and 3.01%, and Lysobacter by 3.12 and 7.49% in the OS and OSF groups, respectively, compared to the control group. However, the pathogenic bacteria unidentified_Burkholderiaceae decreased by 5.76 and 5.05%, respectively. The correlation analysis yielded conclusive evidence indicating that, which involved the use of CCA (Canonical Correlation Analysis) graphs and Spearman correlation coefficients, pH exhibited a positive correlation (p < 0.05) with Shewanella and a negative correlation (p < 0.05) with Bradyrhizobium. The relative abundance of Lysobacter and Massilia exhibited a positive correlation with the levels of total soil nitrogen. The utilization of oyster shell soil conditioner on acidic red soil resulted in several positive effects. Firstly, it raised the pH level of the inter-root soil of tomato plants, which is typically acidic. This pH adjustment facilitated the germination of tomato seeds and promoted the growth of seedlings. In addition, the application of oyster shell soil conditioner resulted in changes in the structure of the bacterial community in the inter-root soil, leading to an increase in the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes and a decrease in the relative abundance of Acidobacteria. Furthermore, this treatment fostered the proliferation of genera of beneficial bacteria like Massilia, Brevundimonas, and Lysobacter, ultimately enhancing the fertility of the red soil.

Crude Saponins from Chenopodium quinoa Willd. Reduce Fusarium Wilt Infection in Tomato Seedlings

Quinoa saponins are pentacyclic triterpene compounds composed of one triterpenoid glycoside and two different sugar chains. Previous studies have showed that natural quinoa saponins showed little or no antifungal activity, and there are few reports about their antifungal effects in recent decades. Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) is the most serious for tomatoes in the field and under greenhouse conditions. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of different concentrations and application modes of crude saponins from quinoa bran against the causal pathogen of tomato wilt under a greenhouse experiment. The results showed that the anti-FOL activity of quinoa saponins was weak in vitro, but significantly enhanced in vivo. Tomato seeds and seedlings treated with solution of quinoa saponins at 0.5 and 1.0 g/L significantly reduced the disease incidence (%) of tomato Fusarium wilt. The treatment types of saponin solution have influence on the preventive effects (%) of tomato seedlings against Fusarium wilt, among them, root soaking &gt; foliar spray &gt; seed soaking. The treatment of seed soaking with quinoa saponins inhibited germination of tomato seeds to some extent. However, the germination rate of tomato seeds after saponin soaking was comparable to the chemical pesticide (thiram carboxin); therefore, it could be used to control tomato wilt disease. This is due to the fact that the antifungal activity of quinoa saponins in vivo was much higher than that in vitro when the saponin concentration was between 0.5–1.0 g/L, indicating that the antifungal activity of quinoa saponins may be achieved mainly by inducing resistance. This investigation supports the potential use of quinoa saponins as a supplier of antifungal compounds, and could be the foundation for a future study examining the use of quinoa bran as a new resource against FOL.

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 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.