Germination Tests Research Articles

Comparative study of the physiological and health quality of traditional and biofortified cowpea seeds.

Cowpea is one of the main crops in family agriculture, especially in the Northeastern region of Brazil, and it is expanding to other regions in Brazil. The use of seeds with low physiological and health quality is reflected in the plant development and consequently yield, making it important to study the seed physiological and health quality. The objective of the present study was to assess the physiology and health of traditional and biofortified cowpea seeds. The traditional cowpea varieties (Angelim, Mercado and Manteguinha) and the biofortified cowpea cultivars (BRS Aracê, BRS Xique-Xique and BRS Tumucumaque) were assessed for the following physiological parameters: water content (WC), first count (FC), germination test (G), germination speed index (GSI), seedling emergence in the greenhouse (E), emergence speed index (ESI), seedling aerial part and root length (APL and RL) and electric conductivity test (EC). The seed health quality was assessed by the Blotter Test. The water content present in the seeds of the traditional and biofortified varieties ranged from 10% to 14%. All the traditional and biofortified varieties showed high germination and emergence value in the greenhouse. The germination and emergence speed indexes indicated the BRS Aracê and BRS Xique-Xique cultivars as the most vigorous. In the health tests the highest indexes were the storage fungi Aspergillus sp., Cladosporium sp. and Penicillium sp., with the highest prevalence in the BRS Tumucumaque variety, which was probably related to the higher water content present in this variety.

Osmopriming with selenium: physical and physiological quality of tomato seeds in response to water deficit

Abstract: Tomato is a crop sensitive to water deficit and the responses of seeds to germination under these conditions involve biochemical, physiological, and molecular processes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical, physiological, and biochemical changes in tomato seeds osmoprimed with selenium (Se) and subjected to water deficit during germination. Tomato seeds of the LA 4050 and LA 3475 accessions were osmoprimed with PEG 6000 solution (-1.0 MPa) plus Na2SeO4 (12.5 μM) or only with PEG 6000 solution for 24 h or unprimed. The seeds from the different treatments were subjected to water deficit (-0.3 MPa) or to control (0 MPa). Image analyses were performed (X-ray), physiological variables were obtained by the germination test and activities of SOD, CAT and POX enzymes were determined. Osmopriming, especially with PEG, provided the seeds of both accessions with higher densities and gray mean when compared to unprimed ones. Seeds under water deficit showed lower physiological performance and lower enzymatic activity. Se did not induce seed resistance to water deficit. Osmopriming with PEG 6000 at -1.0 MPa is an efficient technique for improving the physiological quality of seeds of tomato accessions susceptible and tolerant to water deficit. Moreover, the antioxidant enzyme CAT proved to be an indicator of oxidative stress tolerance in tomato seedlings under water deficit.

Standardization of vigour test to predict field emergence and difference of seed vigour among lentils (Lens culinaris L.) seed lots

Selecting seeds with high vigour eminently affects initial plant growth and determines plant stand. Various tests including electrical conductivity (EC), radicle emergence counts (RE), and standard germination (SG) tests were used to assess the vigour of eleven lentils (Lens culinaris L.) seed lots. Lentil seed lots with over 75% normal germination, were germinated with the use of an ISTA standard germination test. The radicle emergence (2 mm) was tallied at constant intervals from 24-120 h. The seed lots were sown in the fields and 40 days after sowing, the final seedling emergence was evaluated. The standard germination test demonstrated that there was no substantial correlation between standard germination and field emergence. However, after 24-h of germination, there was a highly significant correlation between seed emergence and radicle emergence count (r = 0.89; p < 0.001). Hence, at 24 h, radicle emergence counts attributed to variations in field emergence by 80%. Results revealed that at 24 h, radicle emergence count during germination could be used as a vigour test to evaluate the full potential of field emergence of lentil seed lots.

Chapter 5: The germination test

Chapter 5: The germination test

Regulation of dormancy break and germination of safflower seeds: the role of GA3, light and cold temperatures.

The safflower crop is considered a great alternative for crop rotation since drought tolerance and low production cost are attractive for its choice. However, safflower seeds show dormancy soon after dispersal from the mother plant, making it difficult to successfully establish plants using newly harvested seeds. The influence of temperature, gibberellin and light/dark on dormancy break of safflower seeds during storage were investigated. In a completely randomized design, freshly harvested seeds or stored for 100 and 200 days (paper bag, 20 °C/ 60% UR) were treated with GA3 (0 and 100 µM), at 4, 10 and 25 °C, in the presence and absence of light, during the germination test. Seeds were evaluated for germination percentage, germination speed and seedling survival after 21 days. The temperature of 10 °C, in combination with GA3 (0/100 µM), or light/dark, provided the highest seed germination results, for freshly-harvested seeds and stored seeds. Collectively, these observations indicate that dormancy was not affected by gibberellic acid (100 µM GA3) and the germination results at 21 days were significantly higher, in relation to the use of GA3, under light or dark. Recently harvested seeds could efficiently germinate at 10 °C in the dark, while seeds dry-stored at 20 °C had decreased germination percentages.

Processing on the physical and physiological quality of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) seeds

Abstract: Processing consists of sequential operations aimed at cleaning, classifying, and treating seeds, with the goal of improving the quality of the lot. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the processing stages on the physical and physiological quality of chickpea seeds, cultivar BRS Cícero. Seeds were sampled before processing and after passing through the air screen machine (upper sieve of 12 mm and lower sieve of 7.5 mm), elevators, storage silo, and gravity table (upper discharge, high intermediate, low intermediate, and lower discharge). The seeds were evaluated for moisture content, physical purity, germination test, electrical conductivity test, emergence in sand, emergence speed index, accelerated aging, and tetrazolium test. The processing resulted in increased physical purity and reduced percentage of broken seeds in the lot of chickpea seeds. Seeds collected from the upper and intermediate chutes of the gravity table showed higher germination values. Seed processing using the air screen machine and the gravity table is effective in improving the physical and physiological quality of the lot of chickpea seeds, cultivar BRS Cícero.

Fruit biometrics and maturity on the quality of Diospyros inconstans Jacq. Seeds

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the biometric characteristics of fruits and seeds of Diospyros inconstans Jacq., germination and formation of seedlings obtained from fruits at three maturity stages, subjected to different temperatures. Biometric data were obtained from 100 fruits and 100 seeds. The determining parameters in the biometry of the fruits were: length, width, mass and number of seeds/fruit and for the seeds: length, width, thickness and mass. In the germination test, a factorial scheme (3x4), three maturity stages (green, intermediate and reddish), and four temperatures (20, 25, 30 and 35 °C) were used. The analyzed variables were: germination, germination speed index (GSI), mean germination time (MGT), time to obtain 50% germination (t50), percentage of seedlings, length and dry mass of shoots and roots, and collar diameter. Fruits and seeds showed greater variation in the parameters fresh mass and number of seeds per fruit. The germination speed index was higher in seeds from reddish fruits, and seeds from green fruits originated better-developed seedlings. Temperatures of 25 and 30 °C are recommended for conducting the seed germination test at the three maturity stages.

Influence of fruit color on the oil quality and seed germination of Idesia polycarpa Maxim.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Idesia polycarpa fruit blackening on fruit and seed morphological characteristics, oil content, fatty acid content, seed germination rate and physiological properties. Germination tests were conducted under dry and wet storage at 5 °C for 0 d, 20 d, 40 d, 60 d and 80 d. The fruit mass, the 100-grain weight, the moisture content, the oil content of seeds and oleic acid in unsaturated fatty acids of black fruit are significantly lower than red fruit (P &lt; 0.05). The germination rate of black fruit seeds was higher than red under wet storage and the malondialdehyde content of black fruits decreased with increasing storage time. Our results demonstrated that black fruits of I. polycarpa should not be discarded indiscriminately and that the color of the fruits can be chosen according to the purpose of use. Black fruits are picked for species propagation, while red fruits are mainly harvested for oil extraction.

Влияние препарата «Биостим» на рост и развитие семян и сеянцев древесных видов в засушливой зоне

The aim of the study was to study the effect of the biostimulator of growth «Biostim» on the germination and development of seeds and seedlings of woody species in order to develop a resource-saving technology of cultivation for nursery breeding in the Volgograd region. The objects of research were the woody species Quercusrobur L., Robiniapseudoacacia L., PopulusbolleanaLouche., Populusnigra var. italica Münchh., Catalpa bignonioides, Pinusnigra subsp. pallasiana (Lamb.), Platycladusorientalis (L.) Franco., Piceapungens Engelm. ofdifferentgeographicalorigin. As a result of the conducted studies, the best result was shown by poplars and catalpa with a concentration of «Biostim» at a dose of 2.5 l/ha (20 ml) for cuttings and 20 ml/l for seeds. The concentration of the preparation at a dose of 10 ml / kg (the consumption of the working solution is 1.5-2 l/kg) with soaking of seeds before sowing for 10-20 minutes, followed by drying, was suitable for Robiniapseudoacacia. The concentration of the preparation in a dose of 10 ml / l with soaking of the seeds before sowing for 10-20 minutes followed by drying was suitable for robiniapseudoactation. The worst result in the test of laboratory germination of seeds was shown by oak petiolate, due to the lack of reaction of seeds to processing and their mold formation. In coniferous species, the best result was shown by Crimean pine with a concentration of the preparation«Biostim» of 10 ml / l and 2.5 l / ha. The germination of spruce and thuja seeds was weak. According to the results of the test of the preparation «Biostim» on seedlings and seeds in a nursery on dark chestnut soils, the best result was shown by seedlings of poplar and catalpa species with a concentration of «Biostim» at a dose of 2.5 l/ha and 20 ml/l for seeds. Additional top dressing with poplar preparation proved to be effective, after which good growth, development and leafing of plants were observed. Seedlings and seeds of eastern thuja and blue spruce after additional processing grew and developed satisfactorily, subsequently their drying and loss was observed, which makes the topic of testing biostimulators of growth on conifers is promising for further research.

Viability of melon seeds using the pH testing of exudate

Abstract: Melon is one of the most consumed cucurbits and commercially significant cucurbits in the world. It is planted predominantly through seedlings, and seed quality is essential in this process. Among the rapid tests used in seed analysis, the pH testing of exudate has shown promise for several cultivated species. Thus, this study aimed to verify the viability of melon (Cucumis melo L.) seeds through the pH testing of exudate. For this, seeds of the hybrids Premier and Supreme (three lots each) were subjected to germination and vigor tests (first germination count, tetrazolium, accelerated aging, emergence speed index, and emergence). The pH testing of exudate was evaluated using phenolphthalein and sodium carbonate solutions. The results indicated the possibility of classifying the lots into three quality levels for both hybrids, similar to most tests used to assess initial quality. Therefore, the pH testing of exudate was effective in determining the viability of lots of melon seeds and can be conducted with a soaking period of 120 minutes at 25 or 30 °C.

PRE-HARVEST DESICCATION FOR PRODUCING HIGH QUALITY COWPEA SEEDS

Pre-harvest desiccation of indeterminate growth habit plants such as cowpea may improve harvest efficiency, uniform maturation and seed quality. This research aimed to determine the effects of pre-harvest desiccation and harvesting time on the yield and quality of cowpea seeds. Two experiments were carried out in Dourados, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, in the 2015 and 2017 growing seasons. The experimental design was a split-plot, with main plots arranged as a randomized complete block design, with four replications. Main plots corresponded to the application or no application of paraquat at physiological maturity and subplots to harvesting times: 0, 3, 6. 9, 12 and 15 days after that stage. Moisture content, weight and yield were assessed for each treatment. Physiological quality was evaluated by germination and vigor tests. Means of desiccation conditions were compared by the Tukey test (p 0.05) and harvest times by regression analysis, arranged as a 2x6 factorial. Seed yield and weight were negatively influenced by pre-harvest desiccation with paraquat and delayed harvest. Isolated and interactive responses for desiccation treatments and harvesting time on seed quality varied depending on the growing season. Seed germination and vigor were decreased by late harvest, while desiccation effects varied depending on harvest time.

Endo-β-mannanase and superoxide dismutase as enzymatic markers for lettuce seeds thermotolerance

Abstract: At higher temperatures, lettuce seeds may not germinate, resulting in problems for crop establishment in the field and production. This study aimed to evaluate the maternal effect for thermotolerance on lettuce seeds and find enzymatic markers. We used the thermoinhibition tolerant cultivar ‘Everglades’, the sensitive ‘Verônica’, their reciprocal hybrids, F1 and F2 generation. Seeds were submitted to germination and enzymatic tests (catalase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and endo- β-mannanase). Germination (first and final counting) and speed index were compared through Tukey’s test. ‘Everglades’ and its reciprocal hybrids, have not been influenced by temperature regarding germination compared to the other treatments. Also, the maternal effect was observed for the F1 generation. Higher temperatures interfere with the activity of all enzymes evaluated, consequently in the physiological parameters. However, superoxide dismutase and endo- β-mannanase have shown direct and more expressive correlation with changes on the physiological parameters compared to the other enzymes. Thus, it is possible to conclude that those enzymes can be used as markers for thermotolerant genotype selection.

Effect of Alternaria alternata on seed germination and seedling vigour

Isabgol seed samples were collected from different mandis, shops, farms, farmers, and seed division of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jalore. Nagour. Experiment were conducted to evaluate the effect of Alternaria alternata fungi of Isabgol on seed germination and seedling vigour. Seed germination and seedling vigour tests were conducted using seed inoculation (in Petri plates), seed inoculation (in pots) and foliar application. Alternaria alternata caused blight symptoms and observed highly pathogenic causing pre- and post- emergence mortality and reducing vigor index.

Classification of lentil seed vigor based on seedling image analysis techniques and interactive machine learning

Abstract: The search for techniques that allow for the rapid and accurate assessment of seed vigor, such as the Seedling Analysis System (SAPL®) and ILASTIK®, can be promising alternatives for seedling image analysis. The objective of this work was to classify the vigor of lentil seeds using seedling image analysis techniques and interactive machine learning. Seeds from seven lots were characterized for physiological potential through germination and vigor tests. For computerized seedling analysis, the seeds were subjected to seedling growth tests at 20 °C for three, four, five, and ten days, and then photographed using a digital camera. The images were processed using SAPL® software, yielding values for total length, root length, shoot length, and vigor, growth, and uniformity indices. ILASTIK® provided data on the percentage of vigorous seedlings, non-vigorous seedlings, and dead seeds. The total length of seedlings, root length, shoot length, and vigor indices determined at 4 days of germination by SAPL® allowed for the classification of lots in terms of vigor. Data obtained by ILASTIK® at 4 days of germination, used in machine learning studies, enable the development of models with high accuracy for seed vigor assessment.

Mobilização de reservas de sementes e morfologia de plântulas de soja geneticamente modificada tratada com glifosato

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of the application of the glyphosate herbicide on seed reserve mobilization and seedling morphology of genetically modified soybean. Two herbicide-tolerant (TMG 1264RR and P98Y11) and two herbicide-sensitive (Emgopa 315 and UFUS 7415) cultivars were selected for the study and subjected to germination, seedling length, and reserve mobilization tests after treatments with glyphosate solutions at the concentrations of 0.00, 0.06, and 0.12%. The hypocotyl/radicle ratio and the efficiency of conversion of reserves to seedlings were also determined. The higher the concentration of glyphosate, the lower the percentage of normal seedlings and the shorter seedling length, mainly in the herbicide-sensitive cultivars. The 'TMG 1264RR' glyphosate-tolerant genotype mobilized more reserves and was more efficient in converting biomass into seedlings. Herbicide application reduced the average length of the seedlings and caused the roots to become shorter than the hypocotyls. During germination, the herbicide changes seedling morphology since the seedling hypocotyl becomes proportionally larger than the radicle. Although, when applied, glyphosate altered the length, weight, and reserve mobilization of the four evaluated genotypes, the most affected were 'Emgopa 315' and 'UFUS 7415', the glyphosate-sensitive ones.

Morphology and germination of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. seeds

Abstract: The occurrence of damage and empty space inside the seed can directly affect germination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the occurrence of damage or empty space inside cowpea seeds and the physiological potential. In this study, seven lots of seeds of the cultivar ‘BRS Guariba’ were subjected to the X-ray test to identify damage by tissue deterioration, mechanical damage, damage by insects and malformed seeds and, later, to the germination test. The percentage of empty space between the embryonic area and the seed coat was determined from radiographic images in ImageJ software. Based on the results obtained, the seeds were classified into different categories, and the results were compared with the germination data. It was concluded that the analysis of radiographic images allowed the identification of damage and measurement of empty space in the internal cavity of the seeds, making it possible to establish a relationship between internal morphology and germination. The presence of damage, especially that caused by tissue deterioration or mechanical damage, depending on its location and intensity, has the potential to negatively affect the germination of cowpea seeds. Likewise, seeds that contain higher levels of empty space in their internal cavity tend not to germinate or to generate abnormal seedlings at the time of germination.

Overexpression of a pear B-class MADS-box gene in tomato causes male sterility

B-class MADS-box genes are sufficient for the specification of petals and stamens; however, the role of <italic>Tomato MADS-box protein 6</italic> (<italic>TM6</italic>) in seed formation in pear remains largely unknown. In this study, <italic>PbTM6a</italic> and <italic>PbTM6b</italic>, characterized as negative regulators of the response to GA₄₊₇, were identified as classic B-class MADS-box genes. Additionally, both of the genes encoding proteins carried the highly conserved MADS-box domain, and showed high expression levels in anther, petal and filament of 'Dangshansu'. Overexpression of <italic>PbTM6a</italic> in tomato reduced the number of seeds per fruit. Analysis of the anatomical structure of floral organs revealed that the reduction in seed number in transgenic fruits might be attributed to an obstacle of pollen release due to strongly formed stomium and limited ovary space of ovule development. Moreover, triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and <italic>in vitro</italic> germination tests of pollen grains indicated that <italic>PbTM6a</italic> overexpression reduced pollen viability and germination rates. Reciprocal crosses showed that the reduction in seed number in transgenic fruits was dominantly caused by the decreased fertility of pollen grains. Subsequent scanning electron microscopy showed that sterile pollen grains were caused by abnormal pollen grains. Additionally, the reduced levels of jasmonic acid (JA), abscisic acid (ABA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellin A3 (GA3) in transgenic stamens contributed to the development of sterile pollen. Collectively, our results reveal the role of <italic>PbTM6a</italic> genes in controlling male infertility and broaden our understanding of the mechanism underlying the function of B-class MADS-box genes in pear.

An alternative approach to conducting germination tests on chemically treated and untreated stored cotton seeds

An alternative approach to conducting germination tests on chemically treated and untreated stored cotton seeds

EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF DISTILLERY EFFLUENTS ON THE INITIAL GROWTH OF SOYBEAN CULTIVARS

This study examined the effects of different levels of distillery effluents (referred to as RSW, BSW, and LS) on two varieties of soybean (Glycine max) called Punjab-1 and Alankar collected from Shamli Distillery and Chemical Works at Shamli (U.P.). In the study, concentrations ranged between 0.5% to 55% were used. Standard tap water was used as a control. Workers conducted germination tests on seeds of both soybean varieties with various levels of effluent treatments. The results showed that at lesser concentrations, there was a noticeable increment in both the proportion of germination and the germination rate index. However, if the concentration exceeded 5% for RSW and 10% for BSW and LS effluents, it hindered seed germination. These trends remained similar pertaining to the growth and biochemical aspects of plants from the two cultivars

Allelopathic potential of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit leaf extracts on native species.

Allelopathy is seen as one of the possible factors that favor the invasion of exotic plants in the environment, as these species, by releasing allelochemicals, can negatively interfere with the establishment of native plants, facilitating the growth and dissemination of invasive exotic plants. This study aimed to verify the possible allelopathic effects of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit (leucaena) on native tree species Pterogyne nitens Tul. and Peltophorum dubium (Spreng.) Taub., via laboratory bioassays. We used Petri dishes containing seeds of native species and aqueous extract of leucaena leaves with 2, 4, 8, 10 and 20% concentrations (m/v) for germination tests and estimated the percentage, mean time, and germination speed index at the end of the germination period. For initial growth, we kept the Petri dishes containing aqueous leucaena extract and germinated seeds of native species in a germination chamber at 25 °C, and after 48 hours we obtained the length of the primary root, hypocotyl, and fresh and dry biomass of the seedlings. We obtained the a, b, and total chlorophyll and carotenoid content of seedling leaves kept in the aqueous extract at different concentrations. We verified the content of total phenolic compounds in mg/L from the aqueous leucaena extracts. Both native species showed a reduction in the percentage and germination speed index when in contact with the aqueous leucaena extracts at the highest concentrations. The initial growth of native species was also negatively affected, and P. nitens showed a reduction of all growth parameters analyzed in all concentrations of the aqueous extract. P. dubium showed a reduction in growth, especially at the highest concentrations. The effects can be associated with phenolic compounds present in leucaena extracts, and we found the highest total phenolic content in the extract with the highest concentration. The results show the allelopathic potential of leucaena, which may contribute to this plant ability to settle in natural areas.