This research evaluates the effect of different concentrations of lead and chromium on root architecture and germination percentage of Typha latifolia. Seeds of Typha latifolia were collected from Yahuarcocha Lagoon (Ibarra-Ecuador). Pre-germinative treatments and exposure to lead concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 ppm, as well as 10, 20, and 40 ppm of chromium concentrations were applied to the seeds to measure the germination percentage. Regarding root architecture analysis, T. latifolia seedlings were grown for four weeks in 50% Hoagland solution and then transferred to rhizotrons, where the heavy metals were added to concentrations like the germination test. The seedlings were kept in these conditions for 15 days and variables such as number of roots, total area, and total length were recorded. Photographic records of the parameters under study were taken and analyzed in Image J and its SmartRoot extension. It was found that both heavy metals affected (significantly) the germination process, especially chromium. Germination percentages lower than 15% and 25% for lead were also obtained. Concerning root architecture, the number of roots and total length from heavy metal treatments were not significantly different from control. However, the total area treatment with chromium showed significant differences with respect to the control.

Germination pretreatment remodels the nutritional metabolome of quinoa and mitigates roasting-induced oxidative degradation

Tropical montane cloud forests in Mexico, though rich in unique species, cover less than 1% of the country and face severe deforestation and ongoing threats, especially to oaks (Quercus spp.). Our study in the montane cloud forests in the Jamapa and La Antigua River basins of central Veracruz tested acorn seeding for forest restoration. Field trials were conducted across peri-urban and rural secondary forests, employing a range of acorn protection devices (e.g., wire mesh cages, chili pepper (Capsicum spp.) covering) and site preparation techniques to mitigate predation by rodents (Order Rodentia) and other fauna. The study also assessed the influence of microsite selection and pre-germination treatments on seedling emergence. Various rodents were the main obstacle to seeding success, exclusion devices like wire mesh cages greatly improved outcomes. Effectiveness depended on species, site, and year. Chili pepper coverings did not deter birds, and they exposed the acorns to seed predators. Successful restoration requires careful microsite selection; acorns are less preyed upon by rodents in areas with low to moderate vegetative cover. Seeds should be collected from multiple mother trees during peak fall and inspected for viability. When storage is needed, acorns should be stored under controlled conditions to maintain moisture and prevent fungal contamination. Acorn masting leads to variable seed availability modulating seed predation patterns; mast years are optimal for seeding projects. These findings underscore the need for adaptive, site-specific restoration protocols, including rapid pilot trials and monitoring of acorn production cycles.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of stress attenuators on the tolerance and antioxidant activity of watermelon cultivars under water deficit. The experiment was conducted in two stages, Stage I corresponding to water deficit levels (N1 = 0; N2 = -0.1; N3 = -0.2 MPa) and six watermelon cultivars. Stage II comprises two cultivars selected in Stage I (one sensitive and one tolerant) and the combination of water restriction with attenuators (T1 = 0.0 MPa (control), T2 = -0.2 MPa (water deficit), T3 = -0.2 MPa + hydropriming, T4 = -0.2 MPa + gibberellic acid, T5 = -0.2 MPa + salicylic acid, and T6 = -0.2 MPa + hydrogen peroxide). The concentration and exposure times of the attenuators were determined through preliminary tests. In Stage I, physiological and biochemical analyses were performed. In Stage II, in addition to these tests, hydrogen peroxide content, malondialdehyde levels, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were assessed. Water deficit impaired germination and seedling vigor of watermelon, with Crimson Sweet, Omaru, Charleston Gray, and Congo being the most sensitive cultivars, while Fairfax was the most tolerant. For Crimson Sweet, pre-germination treatments reduced oxidative stress and enhanced tolerance by stimulating antioxidant enzyme activity, with GA and H2O2 providing the most effective results. For Fairfax, greater tolerance was associated with osmotic adjustment through the accumulation of compatible solutes, a mechanism further enhanced by the use of attenuators.

Abstract Pinus maximartinezii is an endemic and endangered Mexican pinyon pine highly restricted, only two relict populations are currently known. Effective conservation of this species requires the development of reliable seedling propagation protocols, but germination of P. maximartinezii seeds is problematic, likely due to water-impermeable seed coats. Methods to enhance germination are therefore necessary, yet this aspect remains poorly understood and understudied. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of mechanical and chemical scarification treatments on seed germination, linking treatment effectiveness with seed morphological traits and origin to identify, in turn, the influence of these factors. Provenances differed in seed size and seed coat thickness, thereby affecting water imbibition and germination dynamics. Seeds from Juchipila (Zacatecas) had thinner seed coats (1.4 mm) and imbibed water more rapidly (0.10 g H 2 O g –1 h –1 ), and germinated readily without any treatment (71.7%). In contrast, seeds from La Muralla (Durango) had slightly thicker coats (1.5 mm), imbibed more slowly (0.07 g H 2 O g –1 h –1 ) and required scarification to improve their relative low germination percentage (59.1%). Findings highlight the relevance of seed morphological traits and origin in defining effective pre-germination protocols for P. maximartinezii .

Morphology, dormancy and pre-germination treatments for three native forest species in southern Ecuador

Objective: To evaluate different scarification methods for maax pepper seeds under humid tropical conditions. Design/methodology/approach: Maax chili pepper seeds collected in greenhouses at the Colegio de Postgraduados Campus Campeche were evaluated. These seeds were subjected to six scarification methods by immersion in a solution of coconut water (Cocos nucifera L.) (8 and 12 h); hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (5 and 10 minutes); and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) (1 and 5 minutes), plus a control treatment. The evaluation was carried out under greenhouse conditions in plastic planting trays. Results: The germination percentage and germination time of maax pepper seeds improved with all pre-germination treatments, advancing the onset of germination by up to three days compared to the control. The most effective treatments were seed immersion in coconut water for 8 and 12 h. Early seedling growth of maax pepper exceeded that of the control by 26%, 25%, 18%, and 14% in plant height, stem diameter, leaf width, and number of leaves, respectively. Study limitations/implications: Capsicum annuum L. var. Glabriusculum seeds have difficulty germinating if they are not in their natural state and are not ingested by a bird. Findings/Conclusions: Due to its plant hormone and other nutrient content, coconut water is a suitable pre-germination treatment for breaking seed dormancy and promoting early growth of maax chili peppers under tropical conditions.

Optimizing germination to enhance antioxidant and nutritional quality of sunflower seed oil: Role of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase.

Antecedentes: La testa de las semillas actúa como barrera protectora, pero también limita el acceso del agua al embrión generando latencia física. La semilla de P. coulteri tiene testa dura, característica constantemente asociada con porcentajes bajos y periodos largos de germinación, una desventaja para especies en peligro de extinción. En este estudio se evaluó el efecto de tratamientos pregerminativos en la dinámica de germinación de semillas de P. coulteri almacenadas por más de diez años. Hipótesis: Los tratamientos pregerminativos mejoran la dinámica de germinación de P. coulteri. Especie de estudio: Pinus coulteri D. Don. Sitio y años de estudio: Baja California, 2023-2024. Métodos: Se utilizaron 432 semillas, que mediante un diseño experimental completamente aleatorizado con arreglo factorial 2x3x2 (remojo x escarificación x ) se establecieron en dos condiciones (laboratorio-invernadero). Para el Anova de la capacidad germinativa se aplicó un modelo lineal generalizado, y para los parámetros de la dinámica de germinación la función de Hill. Resultados: La capacidad germinativa no fue estadísticamente diferente entre condiciones, la uniformidad fue más homogénea en invernadero, el inicio de la germinación y el tiempo en germinar el 50 % de las semillas fueron más rápidos en laboratorio. La escarificación, la aplicación de y la interacción remojo x aplicación de resultaron ser los factores más importantes en la mejora de la germinación. Conclusiones: Algunos tratamientos pregerminativos favorecen la dinámica de germinación. La información generada en laboratorio es más precisa en el registro del proceso de germinación. La semilla de P. coulteri tiene una alta capacidad de almacenamiento.

Isabgol (Plantago ovata Forsk.) is an important medicinal crop valued for its high mucilage content, yet its seed testing is difficult due to very small seed size and physiological dormancy, leading to inconsistent germination results. This study aimed to standardize germination testing procedures using five released varieties. Experiments were conducted at Seed unit out at the University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot and ICAR–Indian Institute of Seed Science Regional Station, GKVK, Bengaluru. Pre-germination treatment with KNO₃ @ 0.1 per cent was most effective in breaking dormancy and significantly improved germination over GA₃ and untreated control. Among testing conditions, the Top of Paper (TP) method at 20–27°C recorded the highest germination percentage, fastest germination speed, and better seedling growth, while sand medium and 30°C showed poor performance. The first and final count days were standardized to the 3rd and 8th day. The optimized pretreatment and germination conditions developed in this study provide a reliable, crop-specific protocol for accurate germination assessment and improved seed quality evaluation in Isabgol

The Passifloraceae family is one of the most representative in tropical America, with food, pharmaceutical, and ornamental importance. This study evaluated seed morphometry and germination of eight accessions of four Passiflora edible species, P. edulis; P. ligularis; P. quadrangularis; and P. tripartita var. mollissima, by studying accessions conserved several years in the gene bank (−15 °C) and recently collected accessions. Four experimental phases were carried out as follows: (1) morphometric characterization of seeds with qualitative and quantitative variables; (2) evaluation of germination under two thermal regimes (20 °C/30 °C and 25 °C); (3) application of six pre-germination treatments to overcome dormancy; and (4) tetrazolium tests. In phase 1, P. quadrangularis stood out for its unique morphological characteristics according to multivariate analysis. In phase 2, the alternating thermal regime (20 °C/30 °C) promoted the highest germination. In phase 3, the germination response was specific to each species: mechanical scarification in P. edulis (85.7%), KNO3 (0.5%) in P. ligularis (35.7%), control in P. quadrangularis (71.1%), and gibberellic acid (GA3 400 ppm) in P. tripartita (71.4%). The tetrazolium phase 4 identified the viability status of the seeds. It is concluded that the differences in morphometry and germination reflect the intrinsic characteristics of each species, highlighting the importance of specific protocols for their germination. This study provides tools to optimize the conservation and regeneration of Passiflora spp. germplasm under ex situ conditions, as a genetic base to be utilized in the future.

Foods as a source of bioactive compounds has led to the development of agronomic strategies to enhance their levels. In this study, the effect of UV-C radiation as a pre-germinative treatment on broccoli was evaluated. Key parameters were analyzed, such as stress markers (proline and H2O2), photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids), total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, enzymatic antioxidant activity (superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT; and ascorbate peroxidase, APX), and biocompound-related enzymes. Additionally, 𝛽-carotene, lutein and phenolic compounds profiles were determined using chromatographic techniques. The results revealed that UV-C pre-treatment induced a significant defense response in broccoli sprouts, including increased proline synthesis, enhanced CAT and APX activity, and accumulation of TF. On the other hand, a reduction of photosynthetic pigments was observed. These biochemical changes occurred without significant phenotypical alterations. In conclusion, UV-C radiation as a pre-germinative treatment enhances the bioactive quality of broccoli sprouts by promoting stress-related metabolic pathways, suggesting its potential as a practical agronomic strategy for improving their functional value.

Understanding germination characteristics, including optimal stratification requirements of target species, is necessary for supporting grassland restoration yet poorly understood. This knowledge is essential for effective conservation, particularly with climate change altering germination conditions and thus germination capacity of plants. Here we studied the effect of three different durations of warm dry and cold wet stratification treatments, and their combinations in a full factorial design (in total 15 different pre-germination treatments), on the germination capacity of 48 grassland species native to Central Europe. Stratification treatments modelled present and forecasted summer (1-3 months warm period) and winter (1-3 months cold period) temperature conditions, while the study of the combined effect of these treatments is especially important in spring-germinating species. As response variables, we calculated relative response indexes and germination uncertainties of each species separately and applied general linear models to study the effect of treatments on these variables. We found clear effect of warm- or cold stratification on relative response indexes only in four species: strong positive response to warm stratification was found in Silene conica, while strong positive response to cold stratification was found in Agrimonia eupatoria, Echium vulgare, and Plantago lanceolata. The responses to treatment combinations were contradictory or lacked clear trends in most of the species. Germination uncertainty in general was high for all species, supporting the fact that Central European grassland species often rely on bet hedging as risk spreading strategy, to avoid unfavourable conditions during seedling establishment.

Cordia dodecandra A.DC. is an endemic species of the Yucatan Peninsula, of great importance for the production of fruits, and for its wood, which is in high demand in the market. The objective of this work was to know the behavior of the emergence and growth of seedlings obtained from seeds sown directly in the field with pregermination treatments. The research was carried out in the town of Castamay, Campeche, the land was prepared with agricultural machinery. The scarification treatments were T1: 10%, T2: 20% and T3: 50% of hydrogen peroxide in purified water and a control without treatment, using seeds from the same year. The results showed that the highest number of seedlings was obtained in the control, and that the growth in height and diameter showed that the increase is different between measurement periods, and that the temperature and environmental humidity do affect these variables.

This review examines the literature on the reproduction, herbivory, parasitism, utilization, and conservation of Juniperus phoenicea, J. turbinata, and J. canariensis, which constitute the J. phoenicea complex. The review of taxonomy, structure, geography, and of genetics, physiology and ecology was presented in two earlier publications. Compared to taxonomy and genetics, as well as phytosociology, we find a relatively high number of studies concerning seed dispersal, but mainly for J. turbinata, and the utilization of biochemical components of leaves. The leaves and cones of J. turbinata and J. phoenicea serve as sources of volatile essential oils (EOS) with numerous chemical compounds traditionally used in local medicine, veterinary applications, and cosmetics. The wood is primarily utilized as fuel, particularly in regions where other tree resources are scarce. Studies in reproduction, herbivory, and conservation are limited in number and predominantly local in character. Thus, further research is particularly needed on seed pretreatment and preparation for germination, seed conservation and storage, vegetative propagation, and micropropagation, which could significantly aid in the restoration of ecosystems for all species of junipers here examined. Data on herbivory and parasitism affecting all three species are incidental, incomplete, and scarce. The conservation needs are determined only locally, and focus primarily on J. canariensis and maritime populations of J. turbinata. Conservation actions are rare, with efforts mainly directed at J. canariensis, while J. turbinata and J. phoenicea are passively protected in nature reserves, often covering restricted areas. European Union directives on coastal dune vegetation and Macaronesian juniper forest are the only broad international conservation measures for the remnants of J. turbinata in maritime dunes, and remnants of J. canariensis. However, a comprehensive international program for the conservation of the J. phoenicea complex outside Europe and the Canary Islands is lacking.

Aspilia africana (Pers.) C. D. Adams is a valuable medicinal plant, and the expanding therapeutic use of the plant due to explosion of human population is causing depletion of its wild population, thus requiring propagation. This study established an effective method for direct somatic embryogenesis in A. africana using leaf explants. We evaluated the effects of exogenous plant growth regulators (PGRs) and some molecules on induction, development, and maturation of somatic embryos. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1.0mg/L benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 3.472 × 10-2 mg/L adenosine 5-monophosphate (AMP) optimally induced direct somatic embryogenesis in A. africana leaf explants (100% response and 9.50 ± 0.29 somatic embryos per explant). Differentiation and maturation of somatic embryos was enhanced under osmotic stress induced by using 9g/L gelrite in MS medium augmented with 0.5mg/L abscisic acid (ABA) and 6.634 × 10-2 mg/L nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) (6.27 ± 0.36 globular, 3.40 ± 0.35 heart, 2.60 ± 0.51 torpedo, and 4.73 ± 0.41 cotyledonary). Half strength MS medium containing 0.5mg/L gibberellin (GA) and 0.1mg/L naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) optimally supported germination (31 ± 1.73%) of cotyledonary somatic embryos. Pre-germination treatment of cold (stratification at 4o C) further stimulated somatic embryo germination (60.00%) and their conversion into plantlets (26.67%). After five weeks of acclimatization, the survival rate of somatic embryo derived A. africana plants was 75.00%. Histological observations and flow cytometric analysis confirmed different somatic embryo stages and stability in genome size of regenerated plants, respectively. Moreover, chlorophyll contents and photosynthetic rates were similar between zygotic and somatic embryo derived plants. This method could be employed in mass clonal regeneration, conservation, synthetic seed production, cryopreservation, and genetic improvement of A. africana. Additionally, the system would provide suitable model for investigating molecular, biochemical, and physiological events, which occur at the induction and development of embryogenesis in A. africana.

The Ambiguous Role of Silicon in the Pregermination Treatment of Vigna Unguiculata Seeds

Juglans neotropica Diels, an Andean native species classified as endangered by the IUCN, holds significant potential for reforestation and sustainable forest management programs. This study evaluated seed quality, phenotypic variability, and early establishment under nursery and field conditions in southern Ecuador. Three provenance sites—The Tundo, The Victoria, and The Argelia—were evaluated during the nursery phase, and two (The Tundo and The Victoria) in plantations, applying four pre-germination treatments: control, mechanical scarification, hot water, and water-sun exposure. Parameters assessed included seed weight, size, viability, germination, survival, and growth across three planting environments: secondary forest, riparian forest, and pasture. Significant differences in seed morphometry were observed among localities, while germination was influenced by treatment but not provenance. Seed viability remained high for up to six months, decreasing with a 2% loss of moisture. Survival reached 100% with urea application, and 96% of individuals exhibited straight stems after one year. No significant differences in growth were found between localities; however, basal diameter was highest in the pasture (13.2 mm/year−1), and total height was greatest in the secondary forest (54.8 cm/year−1). These findings provide key technical evidence to optimize the propagation and establishment of J. neotropica in ecological restoration and forest production contexts.

ABSTRACT Araucaria angustifolia known worldwide as Brazilian pine is a very important species in the forestry and economic sense, as its seeds are a source of food for fauna as well as a source of income for people, especially in the southern region of the country, in addition, its timber is used in several sectors. Due to the difficulty in producing seedlings due to the recalcitrant characteristic of their seeds, the speed of germination of seeds and emergence of seedlings is essential and for this, overcoming the dormancy of these seeds is essential. The experiment was performed in a greenhouse for seedlings production, located at Experimental Farm, of Grande Dourados Federal University. The pre-germination treatments used were: with and without mechanical scarification and immersion in water for 12, 24 and 48 hr and a control (without water immersion and without mechanical scarification). Mechanical scarification was performed by cutting the apex of the seed (2–3 mm) with pliers. Seeds were placed to germinate individually in polyethylene tubes, filled with commercial substrate. The variables analyzed were: percentage of emergence, emergence speed index, mean emergence time, mean emergence speed, shoot and root length and fresh and dry mass of shoot and root were evaluated. The experimental design used was completely randomized in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme (scarification × immersion in water), with four replications of 25 seeds each. The collected data were submitted to analysis of variance and means compared by Tukey test at 5% error probability. The conclusion was scarification of Araucaria angustifolia seeds by cutting the apex of the seed with pliers plus immersion in water for 24 hr highlighted the biggest emergence of seedlings (91%), emergence speed index (4.85), mean emergence speed (0.0194 days−1), root length (17.22 cm) and the lowest mean emergence time (51.53 days).

Objective: To characterize morphological traits and to evaluate different pre-germinative treatments to break the physical dormancy of Sapindus saponaria L. seeds. Design/methodology/approach: Seeds of S. saponaria were collected in the municipality of Cintalapa de Figueroa, Chiapas. Seed length, seed width and seed coat width were measured. The weight of 100 seeds, germination percentage, and purity were assessed. The following pre-germinative treatments were established: (T1) Hot water (80 °C) until room temperature; (T2) Hot water (80 °C) until room temperature followed by cold water shock (14 °C) until room temperature; (T3) Mechanical scarification; (T4) Mechanical scarification plus soaking in water for 24 hours (at room temperature); and (T5) Control. A completely randomized experimental design with four replications was used. Results: This study found that S. saponaria seeds average 10.3 mm in length, 10.2 mm in width, and have a seed coat thickness of 1.2 mm. Mechanical scarification yielded the highest germination percentage (23.3%). This finding is significant given that the untreated germination percentage in this species is moderate to low. However, this result is lower than percentages documented in studies using chemical treatments. Limitations on study/implications: Despite the low germination percentage, the advantages of the treatments implemented in this study is that they are cost-effective. Findings/conclusions: It is necessary to expand assessments of pre-germinative treatments, both locally and regionally, to develop effective strategies for the sustainable management of Sapindus saponaria while harnessing its economic and medicinal potential.