Pre-germination Treatments Research Articles

Pre-Germinative Treatments and In Vitro Germination of Dianthus caryophyllus and Alstroemeria spp. Seeds

Alstroemeria spp. and carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) have considerable and increasing economic importance in the floriculture market, therefore breeders carry out intense breeding programs to select new superior varieties. However, poor germination of hybrid seeds remains a bottleneck. Based on this assumption, seed pre-treatments and in vitro germination protocols, using different germination substrates, were applied in Alstroemeria spp. and carnation to improve germinability. Seed viability was tested using the 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) test, and resulted in 91.10% ± 2.33 and 86.66% ± 3.85 in Alstroemeria and carnation, respectively. In Alstroemeria, pre-treatment with potassium nitrate (KNO3) in combination with modified ½ Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium ensured high germination uniformity combined with high germination percentage, showing significantly higher values than the control. In carnation, a suitable seed sterilization procedure was set up (up to 95.8% sterility); treatments with gibberellic acid (GA3) and KNO3 did not influence germination percentage compared to the control. A high multiplication rate of seedling lines was obtained on hormone-free MS medium.

Propagation and growth of Paspalum carajasense: a threatened Amazonian canga grass

Paspalum carajasense, an endemic and endangered annual grass found in the canga ecosystems of Serra dos Carajás, Brazil, lacks adequate propagation and conservation data. We assessed its germination and growth in various substrates to support conservation and mineland rehabilitation purposes. Seed germination tests involved soaking in water for 24 h and two KNO3 concentrations (2.5% and 5.0%). Seedlings were grown for 100 days on canga topsoil, mining waste substrate, and a commercial organic substrate. Mining substrates received 0%, 50%, and 100% of Carajás revegetation nutrients due to low fertility. Paspalum carajasense can be sexually propagated and pregermination treatments did not increase germination rates (14%). Seedlings were able to grow in all substrates and showed zero mortality. Plants in fertilized substrates showed similar growth to that on canga topsoil, with significant changes in root and leaf traits. In organic substrates, plants accumulated a larger amount of biomass and produced substantial amounts of seeds with higher germination rates, supporting the feasibility of ex situ cultivation. Therefore, our study provides essential information for the propagation and ex situ cultivation of a rare species of canga ecosystems and highlights the possibility of reconciling the conservation of P. carajasense with mineland rehabilitation.

Resurrecting a locally extinct species from Jordan: Pre-germination treatments affect seed dormancy, germination dynamics and seedling survival in Rosa pulverulenta.

Habitat loss, fragmentation, and climate change present significant threats to global plant biodiversity. Small and isolated populations residing in threatened habitats at the edge of their natural distribution are particularly vulnerable to local extinction. Rosa pulverulenta M.Bieb., had its southernmost distribution in the Mediterranean basin in Jordan, but this remnant population recently extinct in the wild. Our goal to resurrect this species is hindered by the limited availability of seeds from the extinct population and a high degree of combinational dormancy in R. pulverulenta. To preserve as many genotypes as possible for eventual reintroduction, we aimed to identify the most effective seed treatment for breaking seed dormancy, and enhancing germination, and seedling establishment. Seeds were collected one season before extinction. We applied seven pre-germination treatments. The pre-treated seeds were then germinated at three temperature regimes (4/4 °C, 20/15 °C, and 25/20 °C), simulating winter and spring germination conditions. Warm-cold stratification, integral to all pre-treatments, proved effective in dormancy release, significantly enhancing germination. The highest germination (68 %) occurred at 4 °C, particularly in seeds treated with warm-cold stratification alone. Conversely, minimal germination was observed at higher temperatures (20/15 °C and 25/20 °C), suggesting potential induction of secondary dormancy. Furthermore, warm-cold stratification, especially when followed by microbial fertilizer, positively impacted seedling survival. Our study provides insights into effectively resurrecting the southernmost boundary of R. pulverulenta distribution in the Mediterranean basin, thereby preventing the global decline in the species' extent of occurrence. Strategically releasing seed dormancy and enhancing germination has important implications on scientific efforts reversing the declining trend of biodiversity in the Anthropocene. Additionally, seed collection from populations on the brink of extinction for resurrection is crucially required as the best method to preserve their genetic diversity. Therefore, this work offers a valuable framework that can be adapted to similar conservation efforts for other endangered plant species facing comparable threats. We emphasize the importance of further investigating how climate change can negatively affect seed dormancy, germination, and plant regeneration, ultimately leading to the local extinction of threatened populations.

Tolerance to desiccation and freezing of Passiflora alata Curtis cv BRS Mel do Cerrado seeds and pre-germination treatments

To define the best storage conditions, it is necessary to know the physiological behavior of the seeds. The objectives of this study was to evaluate the physiological quality of seeds of Passiflora alata Curtis cultivar “BRS Mel do Cerrado” with different water contents and frozen at -20 °C. The effect of pre-germination treatments on seed performance after drying and freezing was also evaluated. Seeds dried until water content of 12.6%, 7.6%, 5.5%, 4.9%, 4.5%, 4.3%, 3.8% and undried seeds (control) with 19.2% moisture were stored at -20 ºC for 100 days. Germination and vigor tests (germination speed index, GSI) were carried out on dried seeds in the presence or absence of a growth regulator (gibberellins + cytokinins) and on frozen seeds, in the presence or absence of ascorbic acid. Seed germination after drying was high, ranging from 78% to 94%, regardless of the use of the growth regulator. Different results were observed for vigor, since greater germination speed was observed in treated seeds. The freezing did not affect germination and vigor of seeds with moisture ≤7.6%, unlikely of frozen with high moisture seeds, which did not germinate. Seeds of BRS Mel do Cerrado cultivar tolerate desiccation at low water contents and do not tolerate freezing at high moisture levels of 19.2% and 12.6%. Ascorbic acid does not increase the germination and vigor of dry and frozen seeds with differents moistures.

Seed Propagation of Carapa amorphocarpa W. Palacios Using Various Treatments of Substrates and Mechanical Seed Scarification in a Nursery in the Andean Area of Northwestern Ecuador

Carapa amorphocarpa W. Palacios is a forest species known solely from Cerro Golondrinas in northwestern Ecuador. The species is threatened due to illegal exploitation of its wood and the encroachment of the agricultural frontier. Although information on its ecology and forestry was presented in 2012, there is still very little information available. This study investigated the effects of various pre-germinative treatments on the seed germination and early growth of Carapa amorphocarpa in a nursery. The treatments included combinations of substrates (forest soil alone and forest soil mixed with sand), along with pre-germinative mechanical seed scarification. Through these treatments, the seeds’ germination capacity, growth potential, and survival rates were evaluated in a nursery. Seed germination was found to be cryptocotylar hypogeal, commencing at 41 days and achieving an average of 83.13%. Survival of germinated seedlings was 99.23% at 60 days after germination. Furthermore, a high degree of correlation in growth was observed between basal diameter and plant height (R = 0.94). The mean values for the plants’ basal diameter and total height were 0.91 cm and 50.48 cm, respectively, at 60 days. Plant form was straight with excellent health. These insights offer the potential to enhance species populations, mitigate threat risks, and in the long term, foster sustainable use of Carapa amorphocarpa genetic resources. Moreover, this seed propagation information can be leveraged for other species within the genus exploited for oil extraction from their seeds, thereby broadening knowledge and facilitating sustainable forest resource management.

BIOESTIMULANTE Y TIEMPOS DE IMBIBICIÓN SOBRE LA GERMINACIÓN DE SEMILLAS DE MARACUYÁ (Passiflora edulis S., Passifloraceae

<p><strong>Background: </strong>Passion fruit (<em>Passiflora edulis</em> S.) is a tropical fruit of socio-economic interest in Peru, used as an ingredient in the food industry, esthetics and medicine. However, this crop has a low germination power, so it is necessary to carry out pre-germination treatments to increase the germination percentage and the initial development of the seedlings. <strong>Objective:</strong> to evaluate the effect of different biostimulants at 12 h and 24 h of hydration on passion fruit seed germination. <strong>Methodology: </strong>passion fruit seeds of large and round fruits, free of pathogens, were collected. The aryl-free seeds were treated: T0 (distilled water), T1 (sulfur 25 g/10 L), T2 (sulfur 50 g/10 L), T3 (biol 3%), T4 (biol 5%), T5 (cinnamon 25%), T6 (cinnamon 50%), T7 (buttermilk 25%) and T8 (buttermilk 50%) for 12 h and 24 h imbibition. The variables evaluated were: water absorbed, imbibition rate (IR), germination percentage (GP), germination speed (GS), germination index (GI), first day of germination (FDG). <strong>Results:</strong> The highest water absorption occurred in the first 9 hours. Treatments T4, T5 and T6 significantly improved the GP, GS, GI, FDG at 12 h imbibition. However, at 24 h imbibition these values decreased. GP presented a high positive correlation with GS and GI. Likewise, GS presented a high negative correlation with FDG. <strong>Implications: </strong>The use of biostimulants increases germination. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> Cinnamon extract at 25% and 50%, and biol 5% at 12 h of imbibition have significantly improved the variables evaluated compared to imbibition at 24 h. The positive correlation between the variables indicates a direct relationship between them.</p>

Ultrasound-assisted germination of red kidney beans: Enhancements in physicochemical and nutritional profiles

To improve the conventional germination process and improve the nutritional quality of red kidney beans, this study employed high-intensity ultrasound (HIU) supplemented with hydrogen peroxide as a pre-germination treatment. The results showed that the 350 W-10 min treatment yielded the highest germination rate (77.09%), with its sprout length 81.13% greater than that of the control group. The 350 W-10 min treatment increased total protein, soluble protein, and ash content, while simultaneously reducing the fat, starch, and soluble sugar content. The HIU treatment accelerated the accumulation of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, ascorbic acid, and γ-aminobutyric acid. The 350 W-10 min treatment also decreased the levels of phytic acid, trypsin inhibitor activity, and tannin by 42.71%, 65.58%, and 53.18%, respectively. Furthermore, ultrasonic cavitation enhanced antioxidative capacity and improved amino acid composition and protein digestibility. Consequently, HIU serves as a cost-efficient method to accelerate the germination process and enhance their nutritional composition.

Pregerminative treatments of uspí (Couepia polyandra Kunth): a fruit tree to grow in school gardens

Pregerminative treatments of uspí (Couepia polyandra Kunth): a fruit tree to grow in school gardens

Seed thermo-priming accelerates the growth of Ceiba glaziovii (Kutze) K.Schum. seedlings

Background: Global climate changes have caused temperature increases that can harm plant development, especially the initial growth and establishment of seedlings for the recovery of degraded areas. However, there are species in which these losses are attenuated when the seeds are thermo-primed to sublethal temperatures. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of seed heat conditioning on germination and initial growth of Ceiba glaziovii (Kuntze) K. Schum seedlings, an endemic species occurring in seasonally tropical dry forest in Brazil. Methods: Seeds of C. glaziovii were exposed to 70 oC for 15, 30, 45, 60 and 90 minutes as pre-germination treatments. The control did not undergo heat treatment. Germination variables, vegetative growth, survival rate and normal leaves were evaluated. Results: Thermo-priming negatively affected the germination proportion of C. glaziovii seeds with increasing exposure time. However, it significantly enhanced vegetative growth and seedling survival rate of this species after transplanting, without impairing the formation of normal leaves. Conclusions: Thermo-priming of seeds was found to produce more vigorous seedlings of Ceiba glaziovii.

Impact of germination pre-treatments on buckwheat and Quinoa: Mitigation of anti-nutrient content and enhancement of antioxidant properties

This study evaluated the effects of pre-germination treatments on the nutritional and anti-nutritional values of buckwheat and quinoa during germination. Pre-germination method was effective on the chemical composition and phenolic profile of buckwheat and quinoa samples (p < 0.05). During the germination, color changes were notable, particularly in the alkali-treated samples. The decrease in tannin content reached the highest rate in germinated buckwheat (83 %) and quinoa (20 %) by alkali treatment. The highest antioxidant and total phenolic content were measured in germinated pseudocereals treated by ultrasound. However, the lowest phytic acid content was determined after germination in the quinoa sample treated by ultrasound. Rutin was the major flavonoid in buckwheat while quercetin, galangin, ellagic, syringic, and p-coumaric acids were only synthesized after 72 h of germination. Catechin and epicatechin were decreased only in the alkali-treated buckwheat sample. Controlled germination processes can enhance the antioxidant activity and development of functional foods from whole grains.

Effects of Pre-Germinative Treatments and Temperatures on Tassel Hyacinth [Muscari comosum (L.) Mill.] Seeds

Muscari comosum (L.) Mill. is a spontaneous plant that grows in the whole Mediterranean area, including the Basilicata and Puglia regions (southern Italy), where it has received inclusion in the Italian National List for Traditional Agri-Food Product (TAP). The food and medicinal uses of bulb are ancient due to its antioxidant properties and high variety of nutrients, such as starch, sugars, and minerals. Muscari seed is characterized by morpho-physiological dormancy, and in order to achieve uniform germination, some pre-germinative treatments are needed. In this research, the effects of hydro-priming and osmo-priming, i.e., PEG 8000 and KNO3, as well as three germination temperatures (4, 10, and 20 °C), have been evaluated. In general, the average results pointed out that the pre-treatments increased the germination index (GI) by 5% and the germination percentage (GP) by 3% compared to the no-primed control. The germination temperature of 10 °C significantly reduced the median germination time (T50) by 5.4 days and the mean germination time (MGT) by 5 days compared to temperature at 4 °C. In particular, the best results were obtained by “hydro-priming treatment × 10 °C” interaction, in terms of T50 (34.9 days) and MGT (36.3 days). This combination decreased the T50 by 10.5 days and the MGT by 9.6 days compared to the “control × 4 °C” interaction. Pearson’s correlation matrix results highlighted a significant positive link between T50 and MGT (r = 0.993). In conclusion, these techniques enhanced the germination potential so that the use of pre-treated seeds could be included in a cultivation protocol to improve the germination phase and satisfy the growing demand for Italian bulbs.

Pre-germination treatments of melon seeds for the production of seedlings irrigated with biosaline water.

Melon production in the Brazilian semi-arid region is subject to the use of marginal waters with high salinity. However, the use of regulators and bioactivators in seed treatment can mitigate the harmful effects of salts in irrigation water. In this context, the objective was to evaluate the effect of pre-germination treatments with plant regulators and bioactivator in melon seeds for the production of seedlings irrigated with biosaline water from fish farming effluent. For this, two trials with the Goldex and Grand Prix hybrids were carried out separately. A completely randomized design was used in a 4 × 3 factorial scheme (pre-germination treatments × water dilutions). In addition to the control, the seeds were treated with salicylic and gibberellic acids and thiamethoxam. The waters used for irrigation were local-supply water, fish farming effluent (biosaline water) and these diluted to 50%. Physiological and biochemical analyses were performed for fourteen days. Biosaline water (5.0 dS m-1) did not affect the emergence of Goldex melon seedlings, but compromised the establishment of the Grand Prix cultivar. Seed pre-treatments with salicylic and gibberellic acids attenuate the effects of water salinity and promote growth modulations, resulting in more vigorous melon seedlings.

Physiological evaluation of Sonchus oleraceus L. seeds with different pre-germinative treatments under high tropical latitudinal conditions

Sonchus oleraceus L. is an invasive species that negatively affects the quality and yield of different crops. This research aimed to evaluate the physiological behavior of seeds from the weed S. oleraceus L., which were subjected to different treatments in three experiments. In experiment 1, different gibberellic acid (GA) concentrations were applied (0, 200, 400, and 600 mg L-1). In the second experiment, apical, basal, and apical-basal cut treatments were carried out on the seeds. In a third experiment, seeds were placed at different sowing depths (0.5, 1, 2, 5, and 10 cm) in peat as the substrate. The results indicated that GA at concentrations higher than 200 mg L-1 inhibited seed germination and, consequently, seedling growth. Germination was similar between the 200 mg L-1 GA treatment and the control, but germination occurred faster in the control. The apical-basal cut in the seeds generated the highest percentage of germination, the highest average speed of germination, and a significantly lower time of germination than the control; however, the longest shoot was observed in the seeds without a cut, and the longest root was detected in the seeds with the basal cut. Seedling emergence was affected by sowing depth, where it was significantly greater at 0.5, lesser at 2 cm, and, at greater depths, seedlings did not emerge.

Pre-germination treatments on kidneywood(Eysenhardtia polystachya)seeds

Pre-germination treatments on kidneywood(Eysenhardtia polystachya)seeds

Study of the effect of pretreatments on the germination and growth of Pistacia Atlantica subsp. atlantica: Investigations for the conservation of an endangered species in Morocco

The study delves into the critical issue of declining Moroccan endemic plant species of agro-sylva-pastoral and medicinal significance, impacted by various environmental degradation factors. With the aim of conserving and rehabilitating these species, the research focused on improving the germination and growth parameters of Pistacia atlantica subsp. atantica whose seeds were carried from different area of the Middle Moulouya; Oled Ali Youssef; El Orjane and Fritissa. In this study, nine different treatments were employed to overcome seed dormancy. These treatments included chemical scarification using gibberellic acid and sulfuric acid (98%), thermal scarification at 40°C for 24, 48, and 72 hours, mechanical scarification using manual sandpaper, and stratification at +4°C for 45, 60, and 75 days. The results showed that mechanical scarification yielded notably higher germination rates compared to the control group. Specifically, for seeds from Oled Ali Youssef, the germination rate was 81.11%, while for El Orjane and Fritissa, it was 38.88% and 71.11%, respectively, in contrast to 67.78%, 25.56%, and 44.44% in the control group. Moreover, the study revealed that treatments such as mechanical scarification, gibberellin application, and 30-day cold stratification significantly influenced the growth of seedlings, enhancing propagation practices for the species from its seeds. These findings underscore the importance of seed source, viability, and pre-germination treatments in achieving successful germination and growth.

Pregerminative Treatments to Improve Germination of Plant Species with Forage Potential in Conditions of the Colombian Amazonian Foothills

The research aimed to evaluate the germination of seeds of four forage species present in the Colombian Amazonian foothills, the speed of germination and the selection indices of Erythrina poeppigiana (EP), Guazuma ulmifolia (GU), Clitoria fairchildiana (CF), and Piptocoma discolor (PD) under nursery conditions, through a randomized complete block design with five repetitions and three pregerminative treatments, T0 (control): immersion in water for 24 h, T1: 24 h in water followed by 3 minutes in water at 80°C, and T2: 24 h in a solution of 600 mg/L of gibberellic acid (GA3) followed by 1 minute in water at 80°C. Additionally, GU seeds underwent mechanical scarification. In total, 750 seeds per species were used, resulting in 3,000 seeds in the experiment. An analysis of variance and a Tukey’s mean comparison test were performed for the variable proportion of germinated seeds, germination speed, and selection indices among treatments. Germination curves were analyzed using two growth models: logistic and Gompertz. The results of these models were evaluated based on Akaike (AIC), Bayesian (BIC), and R2 statistical criteria, with the Gompertz model selected for its better fit and biological interpretation of the data. The T2 treatment in EP recorded the highest germination with 88.8 ± 1.36% different (p &lt; 0.05) from the results obtained in T1 79.6 ± 1.22% and the control 61.6 ± 0.94%, the previous treatments in CF had no effect, the control in this species was the best with 68.8 ± 2.94% as in the GU seeds, T1 presented a germination of 78.8 ± 6.21% equal to T2 73.6 ± 5.80% and different (p &lt; 0.05) to the control 25.2 ± 2.01% highlighting the positive effect of manual scarification. PD seeds began germination after 25 days of experimentation, suggesting that this species requires a more extended experimental period. Under Amazonian foothill conditions, EP and GU seeds respond well to 24‐hour hydration and the addition of 600 mg of GA3; however, this dose may be excessive for PD and CF seeds.

Métodos para superação da dormência de sementes da palmeira azul

Abstract The blue palm (Bismarckia nobilis) is one of the most used ornamental palms in landscaping, due to its size and slightly bluish fan-shaped leaves. However, its propagation is carried out through seeds and the germination of these seeds is extremely low, in addition to the plant growth being considered slow. This work aimed to compare the use of pre-germination treatments to break dormancy and accelerate germination of B. nobilis seeds. The effect of mechanical scarification (sanding the region opposite the embryonic axis), thermal (immersion in water at 40 ºC, 60 ºC and 80 ºC for 5 min) and chemical (immersion in sulfuric acid 98% for 15; 30; 45 and 60 min), as well as its imbibition in solutions containing GA3 (gibberellic acid) at concentrations of 250; 500; 750 and 1000 mg L-1 on germination and speed of germination of seeds of the species. The results showed that the pre-germination treatments of mechanical and thermal scarification presented the best results compared to the other treatments.

Caracterização físico-química de frutos, biometria e dormência de sementes de marula

ABSTRACT: This study recorded the physicochemical properties of the marula fruits, the biometry and breaking the dormancy in the marula seeds. Using 200 ripe fruits, the physicochemical characterization was done. From a random sample of 400 seeds, an assessment of the biometrics was performed, and the weight, length, width and thickness of the fruits and seeds were evaluated. Two experiments were conducted to study dormancy breaking using pre-germination treatments, which included immersing the marula seeds five times (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes) in concentrated sulfuric acid (96%) and water, at 65 ºC temperature. The control was time zero, using plain distilled water, with 25 seeds per treatment and four replications. The marula fruits revealed average values of 21.65 ± 3.44 g, 35.5 ± 2.38 and 34.8 ± 2.73, respectively, for weight, diameter and length. The soluble solids (SS), Hydrogenonic Potential (pH), titratable acidity (AT) and ratio (AT/SS) were 14.74 ± 1.0º Brix, 3.93 ± 0.49 pH, 0.63 ± 0.22 and 27.07 ± 12.10, respectively. For the weight of one thousand seeds, the average value was 3.576 ± 188.4 g. The mean values for the dimensions of the width, length and diameter of the seeds were 22.9 ± 2.11; 23.7 ± 2.04; and 14.9 ± 2.09 mm, respectively. The physiological quality of these seeds was enhanced by immersing the seeds from freshly picked fruits in sulfuric acid for a maximum of 30 minutes and storing them for six months.

Evaluation of pregerminative treatments of hay (Tillandsia usneoides L.) under in vitro conditions

Tillansia usneoides L., commonly known as “Spanish moss” is a plant with an epiphytic growth habit, it is found within theatmospheric type bromeliads that comprise small plants whose leaves are densely covered with trichomes; They are slow toreproduce and slow to grow, often obtained from illegal extraction from the wild. Therefore, the objective of this study is toobserve the in vitro propagation of Tillandsia usneoides L., 12 pregerminative treatments were evaluated: (T1) roomtemperature, (T2) soaking for 12 hours, (T3) TDZ 0.22 mg·L⁻¹, ( T4 and T5) potassium nitrate 0.1% and 0.2%, (T6 and T7)gibberellins 50 mg·L⁻¹ and 150 mg·L⁻¹, (T8 and T9) hydrogen peroxide 10% and 20%, (T10 and T11 ) chitosan 250 mg·L⁻¹and 500 mg·L⁻¹ and (T12) 2,4-D 0.22 mg·L⁻¹. The seeds were established in deionized water and Deiman® agar, 5.5 g L⁻¹,pH 5.5. The analysis of variance (p ≤ 0.05%) did not show significant statistical differences. The treatment with the highestnumber of seeds that started the germination process and the highest number of plants was gibberellin 50 mg·L⁻¹. Thegreatest contamination was observed in the 0.1% potassium nitrate treatment.

Revitalizing Tulsi growth: Impact of pre-germination treatments on seed quality and seedling performance in Uttar Pradesh’s semi-arid zones

Revitalizing Tulsi growth: Impact of pre-germination treatments on seed quality and seedling performance in Uttar Pradesh’s semi-arid zones