Germination Phase Research Articles

Influence of different protection systems on phytosanitary situation in plantings of colored potato varieties

The results of the studies on the influence of various protection systems on the phytosanitary situation in planting colored potato varieties in the conditions of the Novosibirsk region are presented. It has been established that the chemical protectant Celest Top more effectively reduces the development of rhizoctoniosis (black scab) in comparison with the biological preparation Bactofort. On average, this indicator when using the chemical system was significantly lower by 4.8 times in the germination phase, and 2.0 times lower in the period of budding-beginning of flowering of the culture. A significant influence of the optimization of mineral nutrition for the biological preparation Bactofort was established, in this case, against the background of mineral fertilizers, the development of rhizoctoniosis is 1.2 times lower. In the phase of budding – the beginning of flowering the disease development on the fertilized background with the use of chemical system of protection is marked significantly higher by 1.4 times in comparison with the background of natural fertility, with the biological system in this period this indicator has no differences. The number of the Colorado potato beetle when using the chemical system was significantly lower by 3.6 times in comparison with the biologized one. Optimization of mineral nutrition with the use of a chemical protection system significantly increased the number of the pest by 5.0 times in comparison with the background of natural fertility, while with a biological system this indicator does not have significant differences. The productivity of the culture is significantly higher when using a chemical protection system in comparison with a biologized one by 1.5 times. On a fertilized background, when using a chemical protection system, the productivity of potatoes is significantly higher by 1.2 times in comparison with the background of natural fertiity. At the same time, with a biologized system, this indicator does not have significant differences. Individual reaction of the varieties to the studied protective techniques has been noted. Among the four varieties studied, All Red should be singled out, in which the development of rhizoctoniosis on the stems on both protection systems at both levels of mineral nutrition was generally the smallest among all variety samples. The varieties All Red and Violet were the least populated by the Colorado potato beetle – an average of 0.50–0.55 ind./plant. The highest yield was obtained when growing the Rosemaria variety (average factor 22.3 t/ha). To control rhizoctoniosis and Colorado potato beetle on potatoes, it is possible to use biological protection systems, but taking into account the biological characteristics of the varieties.

Determination of the number of clusters of normalized vegetation indices using the k-means algorithm

The process of clustering of normalized vegetation indices in five regions with a total area of 2565 hectares of the North Kazakhstan region was studied. A methodological approach to organizing the clustering process is proposed using the vegetation indices NDVI, MSAVI, ReCI, NDWI and NDRE, taking into account individual characteristics in the three main phases of spring wheat development As a result of the research, vegetation indices were grouped into 3 classes using the k-means clustering method. The first cluster contained vegetation indices whose maximum values occupied about 33.98% of the total area of the study area. It was found that NDVImax located in the first cluster was positively correlated with soil-corrected vegetation indices MSAVI and crop moisture indicators NDMI (R2=0.92). The second cluster is characterized by minimum values of NDVImax coefficients at the germination, tillering and ripening phases (from 0.53 to 0.55). The lowest values of vegetation indices occupied 35.9 % in the germination phase, 37.9 % in the tillering phase, and 40.1 % of the field from the total area. The third cluster is characterized by average values of vegetation indices in all three phases. A correlation matrix was also constructed to assess the closeness of the relationship between actual yield and NDVI vegetation indices. The maximum coefficient was obtained at the germination phase, R=0.94 with a minimum significance coefficient p=0.018. The approach used in this study can be useful in the analysis of satellite data, as it can improve the sensitivity of the constellation procedure. From a practical point of view, the results obtained make it possible to assess the condition of agricultural crops in the early stages of the growing season, which makes it possible to improve their productivity based on the results of cluster analysis

Effect Of Young Coconut Water Concentration On Bud Chip Germination Phase On Several Parts Of SugarCane (Saccharum Officinarum L.) Stems

The germination phase of sugarcane is a pivotal stage crucial for successful cultivation. Seeds derived from six to eight-month-old gardens, obtained from protrusions of sugarcane stems, are employed. These seeds exhibit characteristics of dormant buds, contributing to their suitability for germination. A single sugarcane stem typically harbors a minimum of 13 buds, and the selection of seeds with 2-8 eyes per spike is customary among farmers. However, excessive bud usage may lead to abnormal seed growth, underscoring the importance of careful selection. The study employs the rase cage test system, dividing the sugarcane stem into upper, middle, and bottom sections to determine the optimal bud quantity in each treatment. The research investigates the response of different parts of sugarcane bud chip stems to varying concentrations of coconut water growth regulator during germination. Utilizing a factorial randomized block design, the study comprises two factors: Bud chip (BA: Upper Stem, BT: Middle Stem, BB: Bottom Stem) and coconut water growth regulator concentration (Z1: 25%, Z2: 50%, Z3: 75%, Z4: 100%). Positive control involves Agrogibb at a concentration of 120 ppm, with all treatments soaked for six hours. Conducted at the Indonesian Sugar Plantation Research Center on January 10, 2023, the study reveals that the BBZ1 treatment significantly affects the observed parameter of shoot emergence, with an average of 8.1 days. Conversely, the BAZ1 treatment exhibits the fastest and most efficient shoot emergence, with an average of 5.1 days, outperforming other treatments. These findings underscore the importance of careful selection and treatment in the germination phase for optimal sugarcane productivity.

Variability in germination fractions of Amaranthus albus in response to weed management and abiotic maternal conditions

Understanding the effects of abiotic, biotic, and management factors on weed germination is vital for optimizing weed control in agricultural fields. Nevertheless, the considerable variability among weed populations may undermine the reliability of these efforts. This study explores the intra-specific variability of Amaranthus albus populations obtained from agricultural fields across a climate gradient, ranging from semi-arid to Mediterranean. We explore the influence of temperature on germination, characterize A. albus seed morphology and assess seedling growth rate, while considering maternal effects. Nine populations were collected in northern Israel, and F2 generation seeds were produced under uniform conditions. Seed traits, germination patterns and growth rate of both maternal and progeny populations were characterized and compared. The estimated parameters of time-to-event models of populations and generations were compared using a meta-analytic approach. There were significant seed weight differences among the F1 populations, with eastern populations having the highest mean weights (28.6–38.5 mg per 50 seeds). Overall, F1 populations had higher seed weight than F2 populations (25.5 vs. 23.4 mg; p < 0.001). Two distinct germination patterns were observed in F1 populations: For the early-season planting areas, germination was rapid and uniform, with higher germination percentages at lower temperatures; in contrast, for the late-planting areas, germination was delayed and variable, with higher percentages under more favorable conditions (30 °C). F2 populations exhibited nearly identical germination patterns in response to temperature. The initial growth rate over time was similar across populations and generations, indicating that maternal conditions had no effect beyond the germination phase. The plasticity in the germination response to temperature suggests that modeling A. albus behavior is possible but requires a thorough understanding of underlying system components. The study emphasizes the importance of incorporating location-specific factors into weed management strategies, considering both natural processes and anthropogenic influences shaping weed populations.

Quality, field germination of seeds and phenolic profiles of modern sugar sorghum hybrids

Purpose. To establish and analyze the biological features of seed quality indicators, field germination of seeds, and phytochemical composition of modern sugar sorghum hybrids 'Sugargraze ARG' (Argentina), 'Sioux', 'Mohawk' (USA) and 'Ananas' (Ukraine). Methods. Physiological-biochemical, agrochemical and statistical methods were used in the study. The content of phytochemicals in the seeds of the studied sugar sorghum hybrids was determined by the extraction method. Results. In the studied sorghum hybrids, a high concentration of the main phenolic profiles of the seeds was established. The quantitative component depended on the color of the pericarp of the grain, which affected the quality indicators of germination and field germination of the seeds. In hybrid 'Sioux', which has a dark brown color of the pericarp and the highest content of polyphenolic profiles (50.4%), germination energy, laboratory and field seed germination were low and amounted to 84, 90 and 80%, respectively. The high level of these indicators was formed by the hybrid 'Ananas' with the lowest content of phenolic profiles (38.1%) and with non-pigmented pericarp, which had germination energy, laboratory and field similarity of 96, 98 and 89%, respectively. Hybrids 'Sugargraze ARG' (light brown grain color) and 'Mohawk' (pink grain color) had indicators of germination energy of 90 and 95%, laboratory germination 93 and 96%, field germination 82 and 81%, respectively, and were characterized by an average content of phenolics profiles of 45.7 and 42.5%, respectively. Conclusions. The hybrid of American origin 'Sioux' that has a high content of phenolic compounds in the seeds, ensured the preservation of plants in the phase of full germination at the level of 87%, while Ukrainian hybrid 'Ananas' with the lowest content of phytochemical compounds also had the lowest preservation rate (80%) among the studied hybrids. In 'Sugargraze ARG' and 'Mohawk' that have medium phenol content, the rate of plants preserved in the full germination stage was 84–85%.

Applying the first microcapsule-based self-healing microbial-induced calcium carbonate materials to prevent the migration of Pb ions

Lead (Pb) accumulation can lead to serious threats to surrounding environments and damage to the liver and kidneys. In the past few years, microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) technology has been widely applied to achieve Pb immobilization due to its environmentally friendly nature. However, harsh pH conditions can cause the instability of the carbonate precipitation to degrade or dissolve, increasing the potential of Pb2+ migration into nearby environments. In this study, microcapsule-based self-healing microbial-induced calcium carbonate (MICC) materials were applied to prevent Pb migration. The highest sporulation rate of 95.8% was attained at 7 g/L yeast extract, 10 g/L NH4Cl, and 3.6 g/L Mn2+. In the germination phase, the microcapsule not only prevented the bacterial spores from being threatened by the acid treatment but secured their growth and reproduction. Micro analysis also revealed that cerussite, calcite, and aragonite minerals were present, while extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) were identified via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). These results confirm their involvement in combining Pb2+ and Ca2+. The immobilization efficiency of above 90% applied to MICC materials was attained, while it of below 5% applied to no MICC use was attained. The findings explore the potential of applying microcapsule-based self-healing MICC materials to prevent Pb ion migration when the calcium carbonate degrades under harsh pH conditions.

Efektivitas Priming pada Benih Jagung dalam Memperbaiki Perkecambahan pada Media Masam

The high Aluminum content in Ultisol soil is one of the main problems in maize cultivation starting from the germination phase to plant growth. Priming treatment on seeds is believed to be able to improve germination in a less favorable environment. The study was conducted to determine the effect of priming on the germination of corn seeds germinated in acid media containing aluminum. The study was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) which was repeated four times. There were 8 treatments in this study, namely control/without priming, water priming, KNO3 0.1%, and 0.5, PEG-6000 5% and 10%, GA3 50 ppm and 100 ppm. The data were analyzed for variance and continued with a 5% LSD test using the R Studio statistic program. The results showed that 50 ppm GA3 priming was the best treatment for increasing corn seed vigor based on the variables of time of radicle emergence, time of emergence of plumules, growth speed, growth synchronously, vigor index, root length, coleoptile length, wet weight of normal sprouts, and dry weight of normal sprouts. Keywords:priming, corn, germination

Fertilization of Annual Grasses on Gray Forest Soils of the Vladimir Opole

In a long-term stationary experiment, the effect of fertilizers on the yield of annual grasses (vetch and pea mixtures) and the nitrifying activity of gray forest soils were studied. For 8 years, both without the use of fertilizers and with them, the yield of herbs changed by 1.72–1.88 times. It was found that the use of nitrogen of mineral fertilizers provided 88.3% of the total variation in their yield, the aftereffect of manure – 8.1, the aftereffect of РК fertilizers – 1.8%. For 7 out of 8 years, a high degree of correlation between the yield of grasses and the reserves of N-NO3 in the 0–40 cm layer of soil in the phase of grass germination was revealed. At the same time, the minimum reserves of N-NO3 were formed at a hydrothermal coefficient for the growing season equal to 1.21. The use of fertilizers, increased moisture content and temperatures during the growing season of grasses led to an increase in the nitrification activity of gray forest soil. It is proposed to evaluate the participation of mobile forms of nitrogen in plant nutrition in relation to the content of N-NO3 in the soil to the content of N-NH4 in the water extract (1 : 1). The values of this parameter in the phases of germination and harvesting of grasses confirmed the determining role of N-NO3 reserves in the nutrition of annual grasses. The difference coefficients of the use of nitrogen Naa in doses N60 and N75, which ranged from 40 to 49%, were calculated. An algorithm for calculating the size of the accumulation of N-NO3 during the growing season of grasses is proposed. In nitrogen-fertilized variants, a good coincidence of the utilization coefficients of accumulating N-NO3 reserves with the difference ones has been established.

Relative Water Content and Peroxidase Enzyme Activity Lampung Local Rice in the Germination Phase Induced by Polyethylene Glycol 6000

Utilizing the potential of local rice is a promising venture in the development of superior drought -resistant rice. One of the local rice that comes from Lampung is the Lumbung Sewu Cantik variety. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physiological resistance response of Lampung local rice shoots varieties Lumbung Sewu Cantik to the drought stress caused by PEG 6000 through relative water content and peroxidase enzyme activity. This study was conducted using factorial randomized design with 2 factors. Factor 1 is rice varieties (INPAGO 8 (K +), IR 64 (K-), and Lumbung Sewu Cantik). Factor 2 was the concentration of PEG 6000 (0% and 20%). Each treatment combination was repeated 3 times. Data were analyzed for variance and further analysis used DMRT test. The results showed that the drought stress did not have a significant effect on the relative water content of the rice shoots, but had a significant effect on the increase of peroxidase enzyme activity from the rice shoots. The results showed an increase in relative water content (2%) in rice shoots of Lumbung Sewu Cantik variety after being stressed by drought, while both controls experienced a decrease in relative water content. Shoots rice of Lumbung Sewu Cantik variety also experienced the highest increase in peroxidase enzyme activity (0.215 (U / mg)/min) when compared to the two controls. Furthermore, the results of DMRT test at 5% level showed that the activity of peroxidase enzyme activity from rice shoots of Lumbung Sewu Cantik variety was not much different from K- but significantly different from K+. Based on the test results of relative water content and peroxidase enzyme activity, it can be concluded that Lampung local rice, Lumbung Sewu Cantik variety, shows drought tolerance in germination phase and potential to develop into superior drought resistant rice varieties.

Unravelling the Genetic Basis of Moisture Deficit Stress Tolerance in Wheat for Seedling Vigour-Related Traits and Root Traits Using Genome-Wide Association Study.

A key abiotic stress that negatively affects seed germination, plant development, and crop yield is moisture deficit stress. Achieving higher vigour and uniform germination under stress conditions is essential for crop establishment and productivity and to enhance the yield. Hence, revealing wheat's capacity to withstand moisture deficit stress during seed germination and early growth stages is fundamental in improving its overall performance. However, the genetic regulation of moisture deficit stress tolerance during the seed germination phase remains largely unexplored. In this study, a total of 193 wheat genotypes were subjected to simulated moisture deficit stress using PEG-6000 (-0.4 MPa) during the seed germination stage. The induced moisture deficit stress significantly reduced various seedling-vigour-related traits. The genetic regions linked to these traits were found using a genome-wide association study (GWAS). The analysis identified 235 MTAs with a significance -log10(p) value of >4. After applying the Bonferroni correction, the study identified 47 unique single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are linked to candidate genes important for the trait of interest. The current study emphasises the effectiveness of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in identifying promising candidate genes, improving wheat seedling vigour and root traits, and offering essential information for the development of wheat cultivars tolerant to moisture deficit stress.

Dynamics of imprinted genes and their epigenetic mechanisms in castor bean seed with persistent endosperm.

Genomic imprinting refers to parent-of-origin-dependent gene expression and primarily occurs in the endosperm of flowering plants, but its functions and epigenetic mechanisms remain to be elucidated in eudicots. Castor bean, a eudicot with large and persistent endosperm, provides an excellent system for studying the imprinting. Here, we identified 131 imprinted genes in developing endosperms and endosperm at seed germination phase of castor bean, involving into the endosperm development, accumulation of storage compounds and specially seed germination. Our results showed that the transcriptional repression of maternal allele of DNA METHYLTRANSFERASE 1 (MET1) may be required for maternal genome demethylation in the endosperm. DNA methylation analysis showed that only a small fraction of imprinted genes was associated with allele-specific DNA methylation, and most of them were closely associated with constitutively unmethylated regions (UMRs), suggesting a limited role for DNA methylation in controlling genomic imprinting. Instead, histone modifications can be asymmetrically deposited in maternal and paternal genomes in a DNA methylation-independent manner to control expression of most imprinted genes. These results expanded our understanding of the occurrence and biological functions of imprinted genes and showed the evolutionary flexibility of the imprinting machinery and mechanisms in plants.

Gamma-Ray Radiation Effect on Two Species of Canavalia Performance

In Indonesia, sword beans are still only occasionally grown since the superior variety is not readily available. An alternative breeding technique to enhance plant characteristics is mutation. The goal of this study was to determine how gamma radiation affected the growth and performance of the two Canavalia species. Four accessions of two Canavalia species each received one of five gamma-ray treatments (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 Gy). Plant morphology during the germination phase, growth type, plant capacity to produce flowers and pods, flowering age, maturity age, seed weight per plant, seed weight per plot, and seed weight per hundred seeds were all observational factors. Using a factorial randomized complete block design, the data were examined. Microsoft Excel was used for the descriptive analysis, whereas STAR software was used for the analysis of variance and further analyses. Gamma-ray doses of up to 200 Gy have not been successful in altering the characteristics or reaching the LD50 in sword bean. The weight of the seeds per plant and per hundred seeds varied significantly, but the dose and accession variables were inconsistent, making it impossible to determine the ideal combination of the two parameters at this time.

Assessment of the Malting Process of Purgatory Bean and Solco Dritto Chickpea Seeds.

This study was aimed at minimizing the anti-nutrient content of the Gradoli Purgatory bean (GPB: Phaseolus vulgaris) and Solco Dritto chickpea (SDC: Cicer arietinum) seeds grown in the Latium region of Italy by defining the three steps of their malting process. The water steeping and germination phases were carried out in a 1.0-kg bench-top plant at 18, 25, or 32 °C. By soaking both seeds at 25 °C for 3 h, 95 to 100% of seeds sprouted. There was no need for prolonging their germination process after 72 h, the degradation degree of raffinose in germinated GPBs or SDCs being about 63%, while that of phytic acid being ~32% or 23%, respectively. The steeping and germination kinetics of both seeds were mathematically described via the Peleg and first-order reaction models, respectively. The third step (kilning) was carried out under fluent dry air at 50 °C for 24 h and at 75 °C for 3 h, and yielded cream-colored malted seeds, the cotyledons of which were cyclonically separated from the cuticles and finally milled. Owing to their composition, the decorticated malted pulse flours might be used in the formulation of specific gluten-free food products high in raw proteins and low in phytate, α-oligosaccharides and in vitro glycemic index (GI). Even if their low GI trait was preserved after malting, only the GPB malt flour having a resistant starch-to-total starch ratio ≥ 14% has the potential to be labeled with the health claim for improving postprandial glucose metabolism according to EU Regulation 432/2012.

Fungal spore swelling and germination are restricted by the macrophage phagolysosome

Many species of medically important fungi are prolific in the formation of asexual spores. Spores undergo a process of active swelling and cell wall remodelling before a germ tube is formed and filamentous growth ensues. Highly elongated germ tubes are known to be difficult to phagocytose and pose particular challenges for immune phagocytes. However, the significance of the earliest stages of spore germination during immune cell interactions has not been investigated and yet this is likely to be important for defence against sporogenous fungal pathogens. We show here that macrophages restrict the early phases of the spore germination process of Aspergillus fumigatus and Mucor circinelloides including the initial phase of spore swelling, spore germination and early polarised growth. Macrophages are therefore adept at retarding germination as well as subsequent vegetative growth which is likely to be critical for immune surveillance and protection against sporulating fungi.

AfuPmV-1-Infected Aspergillus fumigatus Is More Susceptible to Stress Than Virus-Free Fungus.

Infection with Aspergillus fumigatus polymycovirus 1 (AfuPmV-1) affects Aspergillus fumigatus Af293's growth in vitro, iron metabolism, resistance in intermicrobial competition with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, resistance to osmotic stress, and resistance to the chitin synthase inhibitor nikkomycin Z. Here, we show that response to high temperature, Congo Red-induced stress, and hydrogen peroxide are also dependent on the viral infection status of A. fumigatus. AfuPmV-1- infected Af293 was more susceptible than virus-free Af293 to growth inhibition by high temperature, hydrogen peroxide, Congo Red exposure, and nutrient restriction. Increased resistance of virus-free fungus was observed when cultures were started from conidia but, in the case of high temperature and hydrogen peroxide, not when cultures were started from hyphae. This indicates that the virus impairs the stress response during the growth phase of germination of conidia and development into hyphae. In conclusion, our work indicates that AfuPmV-1 infection in A. fumigatus impairs host responses to stress, as shown by exposure to high temperature, oxidative stress such as hydrogen peroxide, and some cell wall stresses, as shown by exposure to Congo Red (in agreement with our previous observations using nikkomycin Z) and nutrient restriction.

Small auxin-up RNA gene OsSAUR33 promotes seed aging tolerance in rice

Seed aging tolerance during storage is a generally important trait for crop production. Yet the role of small auxin-up RNA genes in conferring seed aging tolerance is largely unknown in rice. In this study, one small auxin-up RNA gene, OsSAUR33, was identified as being involved in the regulation of seed aging tolerance in rice. The expression of OsSAUR33 was significantly induced in aged seeds compared with unaged seeds during the seed germination phase. Accordingly, imposed disruption of OsSAUR33 significantly reduced seed vigor vis-à-vis the wild type (WT) in response to natural storage or artificial aging treatments. The rice OsSAUR33 gene promotes the vigor of aged seeds by enhancing their reactive oxygen species (ROS) level during seed germination. A significantly delayed accumulation of ROS was observed in the aged seeds of Ossaur33 mutants in comparison with WT during seed germination. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatments promoted the vigor of aged seeds in various rice varieties. Altogether, our results provide timely theoretical and technical insights for the trait improvement of seed aging tolerance in rice crops.

Chemical protection of potatoes from fungal diseases, taking into account the stability of the variety

In the conditions of the Moscow region in 2019-2022 the effectiveness of funicides of new chemical classes in the potato protection system against rhizoctoniosis, late blight and alternariosis was studied, taking into account the different resistance of varieties (Gulliver, Grant, Sante) to diseases. Potato tubers were treated with the preparation Idikum, SC before planting, its biological effectiveness in reducing the incidence of rhizoctoniosis in the full germination phase was 76.7-95.7 %. It was found that the effectiveness of the preparation depended on the degree of disease development, the stability of the variety and the phase of crop development. In addition, when etching the planting material with Idikum, SC, there was no population of rhizoctosis sclerotia and the spread of dry rot on tubers of the new yield significantly reduced (1.6-5.0 times) compared to the control. The proposed scheme of potato protection in conditions of epiphytotic development of late blight and early blight based on combined chemicals Metaxil, SP, Inside, SC with contact fungicides Raek, CE, Talent, SC, Tirada, SC showed high efficiency in reducing harmfulness of the diseases, which allowed to extend the growing season of plants, to ensure a higher yield of potatoes, its marketability and quality. The use of preparations provided an increase in yield by 36.3-47.5 %, depending on the prevailing weather conditions of the growing season and on the variety in relation to the control (without treatment). It has been established that the biological effectiveness of the protection scheme in reducing the degree of late blight and early blight increased from susceptible to relatively stable varieties and, accordingly, this trend continued with an increase in yield. Higher increases were obtained on unstable varieties Gulliver and Sante (10.6-13.5 t /ha, or 45.7-56.0 %), lower – on the relatively stable variety Grand (7.8 t/ha, or 36.0 %). The contribution of the application of the protection scheme to the overall variation of gross and marketable potato yields was 76.5-81.0 %, gene-type - 7.9-12.5 %, the interaction of these factors – 3.7-4.7 %.

Early Test of the Tolerance of Upland Rice to Drought in the Germination Phase

Climate change in the form of drought will reduce agricultural production, so it is necessary to develop superior drought-tolerant varieties. The study aimed to determine the drought-tolerant local upland rice cultivars at the germination stage. From September to December 2021, the study was carried out at the Seed Science and Technology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Tadulako University, Palu, Center Sulawesi, Indonesia. A completely random design (CRD) with a two-factor factorial pattern was employed in the study. Twelve cultivars comprised the first factor, while two superior drought-resistant variants served as comparators. The second factor is osmotic stress, namely P0 = control, P1 = -1 bar, P2 = -2 bar, and P3 = -3 bar, so there are 56 treatment combinations repeated four times, so there are 224 experimental units. The observed variables were maximum growth potential, germination rate, radicle length, plumule length, radicle dry weight, plumule dry weight, sprout dry weight, water volume, and germination rate. The results showed that drought stress through PEG – 1 bar did not affect germination. Using PEG down to -3 bar resulted in a significant reduction in germination. Pulut ko, logi and sina ponding are cultivars that have tolerance to drought stress.

Does shading and ground cover of moss and litter improve germination and establishment of Betula pendula Roth, Salix caprea L. and Populus tremula L. seedlings during drought stress in climate change? – A greenhouse study

The climate change is leading to a significant increase in temperatures and dry periods in spring, for example in parts of middle and north Europe. Thus, the important factor for tree growth, the water availability, decreases on forest sites. It is to be expected that the successful establishment of pioneer tree species as pre-forests on large damaged areas will considerable be limited in the future. The phases of germination and establishment are the most dangerous phase in the life of trees. In this greenhouse study, we tested how different microsite conditions (open soil, moss and litter cover as well as different shading) under reduced water availability influence establishment success and growth of Betula pendula, Populus tremula and Salix caprea.The initial high germination success were reduced to 14%, 7% and 12% for Populus tremula, Salix caprea and Betula pendula, respectively, and the growth were significantly slower when the relevant soil water resource was just above the permanent wilting point. Therefore, in the first year the germination and establishment is linked to persistent moist conditions. If the soil dries out during germination, e.g. if there is no watering for more than 3 weeks, all seedlings died. Equivalent germination microsites (shading or ground cover) with comparable possible seedling densities to the moist open soil does not exist under water stress. Although moss and litter cover retain longer soil moisture under extremely dry conditions and guarantee significantly better seedling development than on open soil, initially significantly fewer seeds germinate on these substrate types.Radiation shows no influence on germination and seedling survival. The seedlings are able to survive radiation conditions of 3% and 27% of open area radiation. This makes establishment possible under (remaining) light canopy, at the edge of damaged areas or in small islands of remaining shelter trees on damaged areas. However, radiation had a significant effect on growth. With increasing radiation, shoot lengths and above ground biomasses are higher and the root collar diameter larger.Overall, Betula pendula is the most drought stress resistant of the tested tree species. While Populus tremula and Salix caprea already had problems establishing themselves on dry sites, the problem will become more serious under climate change. The lack of moist, vegetation-free open soils will result in a significant reduction of establishment success for tested pioneer tree species in climate change.

Очень ранний сорт сои Забава

A very early soybean variety Zabava was selected from the hybrid combination F4 Slavia × EU Mentor by traits of increased cold resistance, drought resistance and reduced reaction for the length of the day. The Zabava variety belongs to a very early group of maturity, at the latitude of Krasnodar (45°) it matures in 94 days, and in yield is not inferior to the Puma standard variety. At the latitude of Samara (53°), it matures in 95 days, and the yield significantly exceeds the Samer 3 standard variety. In 2022, in a competitive variety test in the Krasnodar region, its yield was 2.51 t/ha; in a competitive test in the Samara region, it was 3.33 t/ha. The height of the plants of the Zabava variety at the latitude of Krasnodar averaged 74 cm. In the Samara region, at latitude 53°, the height of plants of the Zabava variety increased slightly to 87 cm. High resistance to low air and soil temperatures in the germination phase, and increased yield in long-day conditions characterizes the new soybean variety Zabava. This allows it to be cultivated in soybean-producing farms in the Central Chernozem, North Caucasus, Middle Volga, Low Volga, Ural, Western Siberian and Eastern Siberian regions of the Russian Federation.