Seed Germination Rate Research Articles

Exogenous Streptomyces spp. enhance the drought resistance of naked oat (Avena nuda) seedlings by augmenting both the osmoregulation mechanisms and antioxidant capacities.

Drought is a major obstacle to the development of naked oat industry. This work investigated mechanisms by which exogenous Streptomyces albidoflavus T4 and Streptomyces rochei D74 improved drought tolerance in naked oat (Avena nuda ) seedlings. Results showed that in the seed germination experiment, germination rate, radicle and hypocotyl length of naked oat seeds treated with the fermentation filtrate of T4 or D74 under PEG induced drought stress increased significantly. In the hydroponic experiment, the shoot and root dry weights of oat seedlings increased significantly when treated with the T4 or D74 fermentation filtrate under the 15% PEG induced drought stress (S15). Simultaneously, the T4 treatment also significantly increased the surface area, volume, the number of tips and the root activity of oat seedlings. Both T4 and D74 treatments elicited significant increases in proline and soluble sugar contents, as well as the catalase and peroxidase activities in oat seedlings. The results of comprehensive drought resistance capacity (CDRC) calculation of oat plants showed that the drought resistance of oat seedlings under the T4 treatment was better than that under the D74 treatment, and the effect was better under higher drought stress (S15). Findings of this study may provide a novel and effective approach for enhancing plant defenses against drought stress.

Exogenous melatonin improves germination rate in buckwheat under high temperature stress by regulating seed physiological and biochemical characteristics.

The germinations of three common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) varieties and two Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) varieties seeds are known to be affected by high temperature. However, little is known about the physiological mechanism affecting germination and the effect of melatonin (MT) on buckwheat seed germination under high temperature. This work studied the effects of exogenous MT on buckwheat seed germination under high temperature. MT was sprayed. The parameters, including growth, and physiological factors, were examined. The results showed that exogenous MT significantly increased the germination rate (GR), germination potential (GP), radicle length (RL), and fresh weight (FW) of these buckwheat seeds under high-temperature stress and enhanced the content of osmotic adjustment substances and enzyme activity. Comprehensive analysis revealed that under high-temperature stress during germination, antioxidant enzymes play a predominant role, while osmotic adjustment substances work synergistically to reduce the extent of damage to the membrane structure, serving as the primary key indicators for studying high-temperature resistance. Consequently, our results showed that MT had a positive protective effect on buckwheat seeds exposed to high temperature stress, providing a theoretical basis for improving the ability to adapt to high temperature environments.

Characterisation of the Endophytic and Rhizospheric Bacillus licheniformis Strains Isolated from Sweet Potato with Plant Growth-Promoting and Yield Enhancing Potential

The primary aim of the present study was to identify bacterial isolates with yield-enhancing potential for application as biofertilisers in the cultivation of sweet potato. Therefore, endophytic and rhizospheric strains were isolated from sweet potato plantations in Hungary to identify bacterial strains with plant growth-promoting and antifungal potential. In total, seven Bacillus licheniformis strains were identified and subjected to detailed ecophysiological investigations. Experiments have been conducted to investigate the tolerance of selected strains to different limiting factors such as pH, temperature, and water activity, which affect survivability in various agricultural environments. The majority of tested B. licheniformis strains exhibited plant growth-promoting potential (e.g., production of indole-3-acetic acid up to 40.42 μg mL−1, production of ammonia up to 0.87 mg mL−1, phosphorus solubilising activity, siderophore production), with two strains (SZMC 27713 and SZMC 27715) demonstrating inhibitory activity (ranging between 7% and 38%) against plant pathogenic fungi prevalent in sweet potato cultivation. Furthermore, strain SZMC 27715 induced accelerated germination and a significantly higher germination rate in tomato seeds compared to the control. In a field study, it was observed that strain SZMC 27715 had a potent yield enhancing effect in sweet potato, where a significant yield per plant increase was observed in all treatments (1.13, 1.09 and 1.40 kg) compared to the control plants (0.92 kg). The highest yield per plant was observed when the cuttings were soaked combined with two additional foliar treatments. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the successful utilisation of the B. licheniformis strain as a biofertiliser for yield enhancement in sweet potato cultivation. Based on our results, strain SZMC 27715 has potential for application as a biofertiliser in sweet potato cultivation either as a standalone option or in a microbial consortium.

Seeding detection and distribution evaluation using the developed automatic maize seeding machine

Seeding is a time-consuming and labour-intensive process in the detection of maize seeds germination rate. Automatic seeding can reduce labour requirements and improve efficiency. The quality of automatic seeding plays an important role in collecting accurate germination rates. In this research, a newly developed automatic maize seeding machine (AMSM) was used to detect the maize seeds and evaluate distribution by advanced computer vision and analysis methodologies. Three methods were utilized to detect maize seeds after they were loaded into the holes of the seed plate of AMSM: colour segmentation + connected component analysis, support vector machine (SVM) + sliding window, and YOLOV5. The results showed that compared with colour + connected component analysis and sliding window + SVM, YOLOV5 exhibited higher accuracy and improved computational efficiency. When the input image pixel size was 960 × 960, the precision of YOLOV5 + merge-NMS was 97.3 %, the recall was 0.918, the F1-score was 0.945, and the processing time of a single image was 0.38 ms, which is the optimal performance. YOLOV5 + merge-NMS demonstrated robust detection maize seeds in images with different illumination equalization processing. Based on maize seeds detection results, seeding distribution evaluation was realized with an average accuracy of 91.14 %. In addition, the normal seeding of the AMSM was 82.3 %. Utilization of YOLOV5 + merge-NMS enables rapid and precise detection of maize seeding while establishing a basis for accurately calculating seed distribution. The AMSM can meet the requirements of automatic maize seeds detection and distribution evaluation and the developed methodologies have the potential for automatic germination detection.

Bплив ранньовесняних строків сівби насіння ромашки лікарської на польову схожість та виживання рослин в умовах правобережного лісостепу України

An important place in the effective technology of growing medicinal chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) is occupied by the early spring sowing period. Therefore, they provide a dense emergence of seeds, as evidenced by many conducted scientific studies in the field of plant breeding. The article presents the results of experimental research on the effect of early spring sowing dates of medicinal chamomile on field seed germination and plant survival. It was established that medicinal chamomile plants depended on weather and climatic conditions, sufficient amount of moisture in the soil, soil crust, which as a result led to variation in the passage of growth and development phases, and therefore, a question arose in the study of agrotechnical techniques aimed at the productivity of medicinal raw materials. The cultivation of tetraploid of medicinal chamomile variety Perlyna Lisostepu and Zloty Lan in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine during the period of research (2018-2023) in the early spring sowing period was studied. It was established that the investigated varieties of medicinal chamomile had the highest field germination of seeds due to the content of productive moisture. The highest field seed germination rates of 74.16% were recorded during the early spring (15-18.04) sowing period of the Perlyna Lisostepu variety, and the Zloty Lan variety was 72.68%, respectively. According to six-year research data, the highest field seed germination of 68.00% on the control variant (1-3.04) according to the sowing dates was noted in the Perlyna Lisostepu variety, and the lowest 67.00% – in the Zloty Lan variety. The maximum rate of plant survival at the end of the growing season was 88.96%, which was obtained in the variant of the early spring (15-18.04) sowing period of the Perlyna Lisostepu variety, the minimum rate was 69.15% in the control (1-3.04) of the Zloty Lan variety. The germination rate on average over six years exceeded the control by 6.14%, and the survival of chamomile plants on average over the years of research exceeded the control option by 1.5%. The difference in factors was insignificant (2-3%)

The effects of salinity stress on Amorpha fruticosa Linn. seed germination, physiological and biochemical mechanisms

Salinity stress is serious threat to crop productivity and globe food security. This study investigated the impact of NaCl (neutral salt) and basic salt (basic salt) on seed germination physiological and biochemical traits of Amorpha fruticosa. Salt stress had no significant effect on seed germination rate, however, alkali stress significantly decreased (p≤0.05) rate of germination. Both stresses also negatively affected the growth of radicle and germination (P <0.05), and the effect of alkali stress was greater than that of salt stress. The concentration of K+, Mg2+ and Na+/K+ in radicle and germ remained relatively stable, which was conducive to adapting to salt and alkali stress, but the concentration of K+, Mg2+, NO3-, H2PO4- and SO42- changed differently under salt and alkali stress. Tartaric acid was the main component of the 8 organic acids, and the accumulation changes of each component were different under salt stress and base stress. Tartaric acid was accumulated in large quantities under salt stress, and the accumulation of other acids (citric, malic, acetic, oxalic, formic and lactic acids) were markedly enhanced under alkali stress (P <0.05). Among the 16 free amino acids, arginine, alanine and threonine are the response solutes under salt stress, and glutamic acid and threonine are the response solutes under base stress. In In conclusion, proper concentration of salts can promote seed germination and radicle growth. Therefore, plant performance can be improved by soaking seeds in appropriate concentration of salts.

A wheat heat shock transcription factor gene, TaHsf-7A, regulates seed dormancy and germination

Heat shock transcription factors (Hsfs) play multifaceted roles in plant growth, development, and responses to environmental factors. However, their involvement in seed dormancy and germination processes has remained elusive. In this study, we identified a wheat class B Hsf gene, TaHsf-7A, with higher expression in strong-dormancy varieties compared to weak-dormancy varieties during seed imbibition. Specifically, TaHsf-7A expression increased during seed dormancy establishment and subsequently declined during dormancy release. Through the identification of a 1-bp insertion (ins)/deletion (del) variation in the coding region of TaHsf-7A among wheat varieties with different dormancy levels, we developed a CAPS marker, Hsf-7A-1319, resulting in two allelic variations: Hsf-7A-1319-ins and Hsf-7A-1319-del. Notably, the allele Hsf-7A-1319-ins correlated with a reduced seed germination rate and elevated dormancy levels, while Hsf-7A-1319-del exhibited the opposite trend across 175 wheat varieties. The association of TaHsf-7A allelic status with seed dormancy and germination levels was confirmed in various genetically modified species, including Arabidopsis, rice, and wheat. Results from the dual luciferase assay demonstrated notable variations in transcriptional activity among transformants harboring distinct TaHsf-7A alleles. Furthermore, the levels of abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellin (GA), along with the expression levels of ABA and GA biosynthesis genes, showed significant differences between transgenic rice lines carrying different alleles of TaHsf-7A. These findings represent a significant step towards a comprehensive understanding of TaHsf-7A's involvement in the dormancy and germination processes of wheat seeds.

Boron nutrition improves peanuts yield and seed quality in a low B sandy soil

ABSTRACT Peanuts are mainly grown in sandy soils with low boron content, which may limit the crop yield, especially runner-type cultivars that have high-yields. Boron deficiency causes hollow heart in peanut seeds, reducing yield and seed quality, but the best strategy to supply boron to peanut is still not known. This study aimed to evaluate peanuts nutrition, yield, and seed quality as a function of boron rate, source, and application form. The study was conducted for two years in sandy soils with low boron in southeastern Brazil. Treatments included application of boron via soil: control (boron unfertilized), boric acid at 1.5 kg ha -1 of B, Ulexite (1.5 and 3.0 kg ha -1 of B), and sodium tetraborate (1.5 and 3.0 kg ha -1 of B) combined with foliar fertilization (sub-plots): 0, 400, 800 and 1200 g ha -1 of B (boric acid) with four replicates. Boron fertilization via soil and foliar increased peanuts yield by 20 % (1100 kg ha -1 ) and 14 % (700 kg ha -1 ) - the average of the two crops, respectively. Combined use of soil and foliar fertilizer was justified only in years with water deficit and when the rate applied via soil was low (<3.0 kg ha -1 ). Boron application via soil or application of 400 g ha -1 of B via foliar fertilization increased seed germination rate by 10 to 13 %. Boron fertilization increased the percentage of normal seedlings, seedling weight, and length and reduced the germination time. Foliar and soil boron applications efficiently improved peanut seed nutrition, yield, and quality. However, soil application performed better, showing a higher percentage of yield increase.

The effect of different light wavelengths on the germination of lettuce, cabbage, spinach and arugula seeds in a controlled environment chamber

The rapid development of vertical farming techniques in recent years has accelerated the necessity for a more thorough investigation into the utilization of artificial lighting. Cultivation in controlled environment systems primarily relies on artificial lighting to provide energy to the plants. One food category that has surged in popularity in recent years is microgreens, which are seedlings consumed during their early stages of growth. Hence, enhancing seed germination and promoting rapid seedling growth can yield significant benefits in this field. The main aim of this study was to analyze how lettuce, cabbage, spinach, and arugula seeds respond under various light spectra and photoperiodic schemes. The selected spectra were UV-A, blue, red, far-red, blue+red, blue+red+far-red, cool-white LED, warm-white LED and darkness, under three different photoperiods: 4, 12 and 24 h. All lighting treatments presented different effects on both seed germination and the morphological characteristics of the seedlings. Lettuce and spinach seeds exhibited robust germination capacity in both darkness and light. However, significant increases in germination rates were observed for cabbage and arugula when exposed to light. In the case of lettuce, a 12 h photoperiod with a blue spectrum led to a 100% germination rate and a leaf area of 77.4 mm². For cabbage, the highest germination rate observed was 70%, which occurred under a blue-red spectrum with a 12 h light cycle. The corresponding leaf area was 44 mm². Spinach exhibited its highest leaf area, reaching 119.16 mm², and a 90% germination rate when exposed to a four h far-red spectrum. Arugula achieved its greatest leaf area, measuring 58.57 mm², and a germination rate of 70% when exposed to a 24 h photoperiod combined with blue-red-far-red lighting. The proper combination of spectra can significantly enhance seed germination rates and guide the plants’ growth towards the desired morphological characteristics.

Overexpression of transcription factor FaMYB63 enhances salt tolerance by directly binding to the SOS1 promoter in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Salinity is a pivotal abiotic stress factor with far-reaching consequences on global crop growth, yield, and quality and which includes strawberries. R2R3-MYB transcription factors encompass a range of roles in plant development and responses to abiotic stress. In this study, we identified that strawberry transcription factor FaMYB63 exhibited a significant upregulation in its expression under salt stress conditions. An analysis using yeast assay demonstrated that FaMYB63 exhibited the ability to activate transcriptional activity. Compared with those in the wild-type (WT) plants, the seed germination rate, root length, contents of chlorophyll and proline, and antioxidant activities (SOD, CAT, and POD) were significantly higher in FaMYB63-overexpressing Arabidopsis plants exposed to salt stress. Conversely, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were considerably lower. Additionally, the FaMYB63-overexpressed Arabidopsis plants displayed a substantially improved capacity to scavenge active oxygen. Furthermore, the activation of stress-related genes by FaMYB63 bolstered the tolerance of transgenic Arabidopsis to salt stress. It was also established that FaMYB63 binds directly to the promoter of the salt overly sensitive gene SOS1, thereby activating its expression. These findings identified FaMYB63 as a possible and important regulator of salt stress tolerance in strawberries.

Effects of acid and aluminum stress on seed germination and physiological characteristics of seedling growth in Sophora davidii

ABSTRACT Sophora davidii, a vital forage species, predominantly thrives in the subtropical karst mountains of Southwest China. Its resilience to poor soil conditions and arid environments renders it an ideal pioneer species for ecological restoration in these regions. This study investigates the influence of acidic, aluminum-rich local soil on the germination and seedling growth physiology of S. davidii. Experiments were conducted under varying degrees of acidity and aluminum stress, employing three pH levels (3.5 to 5.5) and four aluminum concentrations (0.5 to 2.0 mmol·L−1). The results showed that germination rate, germination index, and vigor index of S. davidii seeds were decreased but not significantly under slightly acidic conditions (pH 4.5–5.5), while strong acid (pH = 3.5) significantly inhibited the germination rate, germination index, and vigor index of white spurge seeds compared with the control group. Aluminum stress (≥0.5 mmol·L−1) significantly inhibited the germination rate, germination index, and vigor index of S. davidii seed. Moreover, the seedlings’ root systems were sensitive to the changes of aluminum concentration, evident from significant root growth inhibition, characterized by root shortening and color deepening. Notably, under aluminum stress (pH = 4.3), the levels of malondialdehyde and proline in S. davidii escalated with increasing aluminum concentration, while antioxidant enzyme activities demonstrated an initial increase followed by a decline. The study underscores the pivotal role of cellular osmoregulatory substances and protective enzymes in combating aluminum toxicity in S. davidii, a key factor exacerbating growth inhibition in acidic environments. These findings offer preliminary theoretical insights for the practical agricultural utilization of S. davidii in challenging soil conditions.

Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Melilotus albus to Saline and Alkaline Stresses

Sweet clover (Melilotus albus) is a high-quality leguminous forage grass with salinity tolerance, drought tolerance, and cold hardiness. We selected four varieties of sweet clover with different sensitivities (061898, 061930, No. 55 white flower, and Ningxia white flower) and analyzed the effects of different concentrations of three sodium salts (Na2CO3, NaHCO3, and NaCl) on their physiology and biochemistry responses. Growth and development indexes (such as germination rate, root length, shoot length), chlorophyll content, osmotic regulators (proline, soluble sugar), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) were determined under saline–alkali stress. Seed germination and seedling growth of all four clover species were significantly inhibited under saline–alkali stress. During germination, seed germination rate, root length, and shoot length decreased with increasing saline and alkaline concentration. Under saline–alkali stress, chlorophyll content tended to increase and then decrease, cell damage and death increased, and malondialdehyde, soluble sugar, and proline content tended to increase and then decrease. Moreover, the activities of SOD, POD, and CAT all increased and then decreased. Under Na2CO3 stress, the decrease in chlorophyll content of the resistant variety 061898 was less than in the sensitive Ningxia white flower variety. As the concentrations of Na2CO3, NaHCO3, and NaCl increased, the maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII was significantly affected. The resistant 061898 is capable of maintaining higher photosynthetic efficiency. Furthermore, under treatments with the three kinds of saline–alkali solutions, cell damage and death for Ningxia white flower were greater than in 061898. For 061898, the increases in soluble sugar and proline content were greater and the increase in malondialdehyde content was less, while the antioxidant enzyme activities were higher than those in Ningxia white flower. All four sweet clover varieties had higher stress resistance with neutral than with alkaline salts. When stressed by medium to high saline–alkali concentrations, sweet clover seedlings had increased osmotic substance content, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, and regulated physiological metabolism. Additionally, sweet clovers regulated the expression of WRKY33, GH3, CYCD3, OXI1, MKK2, MYC2, JAZ, COI1, PYL, PP2C, TGA, and MPK3 to adapt to the saline–alkali environment and improve saline–alkali tolerance. Our analysis of the sweet clover salinity tolerance mechanism contributes to its further use and is of significant importance for addressing land salinization and promoting sustainable agricultural and pastoral practices in China.

Evaluation of the Effect of Combining Fusarium oxysporum and Macrophomina phaseolina on the Incidence of Jute (Corchorus olitorius) Disease

Background: Jute charcoal rot and wilting caused by Macrophomina phaseolina and Fusarium oxysporum fungi severely hampered production. Methods: To determine the combined effects and the interaction of Macrophomina phaseolina and Fusarium oxysporum, experiments using the double culture technique, inoculation experiments using cut stems and experiments using soil inoculation were designed. Result: In the experiment with dual cultures, M. phaseolina did not exhibit any aggressive behaviour toward F. oxysporum and provide results that any abnormality in hyphae of both the fungi. Healthy sesame stems were inoculated with Macrophomina, Fusarium and Macrophomina + Fusarium and it was discovered that the stem colour varied from white to grey to black at different days after inoculation, but the colour of the control stem remained green“during the whole trial period. According to a study on soil inoculation, seed germination rates for inoculations of Macrophomina + Fusarium were as low as 20.00% owing to disease incidence, whereas seed germination rates for inoculations of Macrophomina alone were 30%. The germination rate in the control pot was as high as 78%. Although Macrophomina grows more quickly than Fusarium does, their combination had no antagonistic effects and was shown to make the illness worse than any one of them acting alone.

Bacillus megaterium: Evaluation of Chemical Nature of Metabolites and Their Antioxidant and Agronomics Properties.

Bacillus megaterium is particularly known for its abundance in soils and its plant growth promotion. To characterize the metabolites excreted by this specie, we performed successive liquid/liquid extractions from bacteria culture medium with different polarity solvents (cyclohexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and butanol) to separate the metabolites in different polarity groups. The extracts were characterized regarding their total phenolic content, the amount of reducing sugar, the concentration of primary amines and proteins, their chromatographic profile by HPLC-DAD-ELSD and their chemical identification by GC-MS. Among the 75 compounds which are produced by the bacteria, 19 identifications were for the first time found as metabolites of B. megaterium and 23 were described for the first time as metabolites in Bacillus genus. The different extracts containing B. megaterium metabolites showed interesting agronomic activity, with a global inhibition of seed germination rates of soya, sunflower, corn and ray grass, but not of corn, compared to culture medium alone. Our results suggest that B. megaterium can produce various metabolites, like butanediol, cyclic dipeptides, fatty acids, and hydrocarbons, with diverse effects and sometimes with opposite effects in order to modulate its response to plant growth and adapt to various environmental effects. These findings provide new insight into bioactive properties of this species for therapeutic uses on plants.

The effect of parica seed water immersion time on the success of parica seed initiation (Schizolobium amazonicum Huber ex Ducke)

Parica culture has the potential to overcome problems in parica seed germination. One factor that influences the successful initiation of parica culture is the process of sterilization and pre-treatment in the form of breaking seed dormancy. This paper aims to analyze the effect of the immersion time of parica seeds on the germination rate of parica seeds. The explants used were parica seeds with a size of ± 2 cm. Seeds are given pre-treatment, the seeds are immersed in hot water at around 70°C for 10 minutes, the immersion time in hot water is 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours according to treatment. The variables observed were the first time the parica seeds germinated, the percentage of germinated seeds, the percentage of contamination (fungi, bacteria), and the percentage of browning. The results showed that the immersion time for pre-treatment affected the success of parica seed initiation, especially seed germination. The 3-hour immersion treatment used resulted in the highest germination of parica seeds (55%) and significantly differed from the germination rates in other immersion times. Based on the high germination rate and low level of contamination, this becomes prospectively to provide optimal in vitro parica germination.

Comprehensive review of the skin use of bakuchiol: physicochemical properties, sources, bioactivities, nanotechnology delivery systems, regulatory and toxicological concerns

AbstractBakuchiol is a meroterpene that has recently aroused great interest in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Its main source is the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia, a medicinal plant native to Asia, despite having a wide geographical distribution. However, this medicinal herb faces endangerment due to low seed germination rates and high seedling mortality. In this context, this review article highlights studies that have focused on describing plant regeneration from root fragments. Subsequently, given its morphological similarity to other species, a technique that can be used to verify the authenticity of the plant and prevent counterfeiting is also mentioned and explored. Additionally, a “green” extraction method for obtaining bakuchiol is presented, and the possibility of obtaining bakuchiol through chemical synthesis routes is also explored. Furthermore, we provide an exhaustive description of bakuchiol's wide range of biological activities, with particular relevance to the skin. The main skin bioactivities of bakuchiol include antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiaging, depigmenting, and anticancer. However, the particular physicochemical properties of bakuchiol require and benefit from the development of innovative skin delivery systems that allow its encapsulation. These include micro- and nano-sized systems for therapeutic and cosmetic applications, which are also carefully described in this review article. Finally, regulatory issues, metabolic considerations, and toxicological concerns related to the use of bakuchiol in cosmetic and dermopharmaceutical formulations will be addressed, relating not only to the user but also to the environment. Graphical abstract

Occurrence and Levels of Mycotoxins in On-Farm-Stored Sesame in Major Growing Districts of Ethiopia

Mycotoxins in sesame seeds pose a significant risk to both food safety and Ethiopia’s economy. The purpose of this study was to determine the presence and concentrations of mycotoxins in sesame seeds kept on farms in Ethiopia’s key sesame-producing areas. Purposive sampling was used to obtain 470 sesame seed samples from farmers′ storage facilities in five important districts. Total aflatoxin (AFT), ochratoxin A (OTA), total fumonisin (FUM), and deoxynivalenol (DON) were identified using both a lateral flow reader and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The analysis revealed that all samples contained mycotoxins to varying degrees, with AFT and DON being particularly common. AFT levels varied between 2.5 and 27.8 parts per billion (μg/kg), averaging 13.8 μg/kg, while OTA concentrations were between 5.0 and 9.7 μg/kg, averaging 7.1 μg/kg. Total fumonisin levels spanned from 300 to 1300 μg/kg, averaging 800 μg/kg. DON was found in the range of 560 to 700 μg/kg. Notably, 96.8% of the samples fell within the safe range for AFT, FUM, and DON mean levels as defined by the Federal Drug Administration’s maximum limits. The co-occurrence rates of AFT-OTA, DON-OTA, AFT-FUM, FUM-DON, and FUM-OTA were observed at 44.0%, 38.3%, 33.8%, 30.2%, 29.8%, and 26.0%, respectively. Around 37.2% of the samples showed signs of fungal infection, and seed germination rates varied between 66.8% and 91.1%. The Limmu district exhibited higher total aflatoxin levels, greater kernel infection, and reduced germination rates compared to other districts. The Wollega sesame variety was more susceptible to kernel infection, had higher total aflatoxin levels, and lower germination rates compared to other varieties. Additionally, the age of the grain significantly affected (p < 0.05) both kernel infection and germination. Current storage practices in Ethiopia’s primary sesame-growing districts are conducive to the growth of mycotoxin-producing fungi. Given the public health implications of mycotoxin levels in sesame, it is imperative for stakeholders to collaborate in identifying and implementing secure and effective storage solutions to preserve both the quantity and quality of sesame at the smallholder farmer level. This study underscores the necessity for improved storage technologies to safeguard sesame quality and diminish the risk of mycotoxin contamination.

Ultrasonic seed treatment improved seed germination, growth, and yield of rice by modulating associated physio-biochemical mechanisms

Ultrasonic seed (US) treatment could alter seed germination mechanism, however, US induced alterations in morph-physiological attributes and yield of fragrant rice were rarely reported. In the present study, the seeds of three fragrant rice cultivars viz., Xiangyaxiangzhan, Meixiangzhan 2, Ruanhuayou 6100 and one non-fragrant rice viz., Wufengyou 615 were exposed to ultrasonic waves at 20–40 kHz for 1.5 min (T) whereas the seeds without exposure were taken as control (CK). Results showed that US treatment caused minor cracks on seed surface while improved seed germination rate (1.79 %-11.09 %) and 3-indoleacetic acid (IAA) (3.36 %-46.91 %). Furthermore, peroxidase (POD) activity and methionine sulfoxide reductase activity was increased by 29.15 %-74.13 % and 11.26 %-20.87 %, respectively; however, methionine sulfoxide reductase related protein repairing gene MSRA4 was down-regulated by 17.93 % −41.04 % under T, compared to CK. Besides, US treatment also improved soluble protein in flag leaf (0.92 %-40.79 %), photosynthesis (3.37 %-16.46 %), biomass (5.17 %-31.87 %), as well as 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline content (4.77 %-15.48 %) in rice grains. In addition, multivariate analysis showed that the dry weight at the maturity stage were significantly related to the POD, glutathione reductase (GR) activity, IAA, and abscisic acid (ABA) content while germination rate was positively related to the GR activity, ABA content, and yield, but which were negatively related to the IAA and gibberellic acid content.

Dispersal and persistence of cup plant seeds (Silphium perfoliatum): do they contribute to potential invasiveness?

Background and aims – The cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum) is being grown in Germany as a promising new bioenergy crop with an increasing area under cultivation in the last years. Its alien status, its high productivity, and high reproductive potential could carry the risk of this species becoming invasive. The present study investigates the dispersal and persistence of cup plant seeds, to contribute to the assessment of its invasive potential. Material and methods – For this purpose, four experimental studies were conducted in Germany, Central Europe: wind dispersal distance was measured in a field experiment for wind speeds up to 7 m.s-1. The seeds were offered to rodents in different habitats near to a cup plant field. We observed seed persistence and germination over 4 weeks storing in water and over 4 years storing in different soil depths. Key results – Cup plant seeds are dispersed by wind only over a few meters. In the forest, rodents removed 100% of the offered seeds, in open habitats none. Independent of the duration of storage in water, germination rate of the cup plant seeds was constantly high. Most of the seeds already germinated in water in the first two weeks. Stored on the soil surface and at 10 cm soil depth, the seeds germinated already in the first two years. Stored at 30 cm depth, one third of the seeds retained their germination ability over four years. Conclusion – Wind serves as short-distance dispersal vector for cup plant seeds. Rodents remove the seeds, but it is unknown whether they disperse them or just eat them. Water could disperse the seeds, which retain their germination ability, over long distances. The cup plant could therefore spread and possibly become invasive in Central Europe, and therefore measures are suggested to prevent its dispersal and spontaneous settlement.

The Impact of Magnetic Field and Gibberellin Treatment on the Release of Dormancy and Internal Nutrient Transformation in Tilia miqueliana Maxim. Seeds

The seeds of Tilia miqueliana Maxim. exhibit deep dormancy, which is categorized as combinational dormancy. This study utilized a comprehensive treatment involving magnetic fields, gibberellin (GA3), and cold stratification to promote the release of seed physiological dormancy and enhance germination rates. After being soaked in 98% H2SO4 for 15 min, mature seeds of Tilia were exposed to magnetic field treatments (150 MT, 250 MT) for different durations (25 min, 45 min, 65 min, and 85 min), as well as GA3 solution soaking (concentration: 0 μmol·L−1, 1443 μmol·L−1). Subsequently, cold stratification (0–5 °C) was applied to investigate the effects of these treatments on seed dormancy release and nutrient transformation. The results indicated that the comprehensive treatment involving magnetic field, GA3 solution soaking, and cold stratification effectively released the physiological dormancy of Tilia seeds and improved germination rates. Among the treatments, M150T85G1443 (magnetic field intensity: 150 MT, magnetic field treatment time: 85 min, GA3 soaking concentration: 1433 μmol·L−1) exhibited the most favorable outcome. After 75 days of cold stratification following the comprehensive treatments, the germination rate of M150T85G1443 seeds reached 89%. Additionally, the levels of storage substances such as starches and crude fats within the seeds decreased, while the utilization of soluble sugars and soluble proteins increased. The M150T85G1443 treatment exhibited the highest degree of variation, leading to gradual increases in metabolic activities of the seeds and a transition from dormancy to germination.