Germination Research Articles

Effect of arsenic exposure on learning and memory in rat models and its underlying mechanisms

Objective To explore the effects of arsenic exposure on learning and memory and its potential mechanism in rats. Methods Water-based arsenic-exposed rat models were established on 4-10 postnatal days.The experimental animals were divided into 4 groups (10-12 cases in each group): the control group, the 15 μg/L As2O3 water group, the 30 μg/L As2O3 water group, and the 45 μg/L As2O3 water group.Cognitive functions were examined with the Morris water maze, exploratory behavior was detected by the exploratory behavior test.The hippocampus of pups from each experimental group was sectioned at various time points after arsenic exposure.The morphologies and neurogenesis of the neurons in the hippocampus CA1-CA3 region and dentate gyrus (DG) were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, Nissl staining, and doublecortin (DCX) immunostaining at different time points after arsenic exposure. Results Compared with the normal control group, the escape latency of the rats in the arsenic-exposed group was prolonged.The average escape latency of the rats in the normal control group, 15 μg/L As2O3 group, 30 μg/L As2O3 group and 45 μg/L As2O3 group were (17.00±9.53) s, (35.89±19.81) s, (26.60±18.84) s, and (33.79±18.08) s, respectively, and the difference among 4 groups was statistically significant (F=3.591, P<0.05), and the residence time in the original target quadrant was shortened, respectively, (38.93±8.33) s, (36.03±16.25) s, (29.85±9.27) s, and (29.84±10.16) s, respectively, and there was no significant difference among 4 groups (F=1.681, P=0.187). HE staining and Nissl staining showed that pathological changes such as edema, degeneration and necrosis were observed in the hippocampal CA1 area and CA2 area as well as dentate gyrus cells in rats exposed to arsenic in the acute phase.The higher the concentration of arsenic exposure, the more obvious the cell structure disorder was.However, 5 weeks after exposure, the pathological changes in hippocampal neurons in the arsenic-exposed group gradually returned to normal.Immunohistochemistry showed that the expressions of DCX in the CA1, CA2 and dentate gyrus of rats exposed to arsenic decreased significantly 24 h after arsenic exposure, especially in the 45 μg/L group.Five weeks after arsenic exposure, there was no expression in the hippocampal CA1-CA3 area, and there was still a small amount of expression in the dentate gyrus. Conclusions Postnatal low-concentration arsenic exposure may impair learning and abnormal germination of neurons in the hippocampal dentate gyrus may be the underlying mechanism. Key words: Arsenic exposure; Learning and memory; Hippocampus; Mechanism

Effect of nonionizing rays on growth, chemical constituents, and molecular aspects of Catharanthus roseus plant

Background and objective Catharanthus roseus (L.) is a perennial tropical plant and is considered one of the important ornamental and medicinal plants of the family Apocynaceae. It is used as an anticancer and antidiabetic agent. Catharanthus leaves are used for menorrhagia and rheumatism. The laser rays are used as a physical method to improve the germination, the plant growth, and the vigor of the seeds. The study aimed to evaluate vegetative growth, flowering, and marker gene on Catharanthus leaves and to investigate its chemical constituents under the effect of laser rays. Materials and methods The pot experimental study was carried out at greenhouse of National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt, on C. roseus. Two types of laser [helium cadmium (He-Cd) and argon (Ar) laser] were used at different exposure times (0, 4, 8, and 12 min), and various morphological, flowering, chemical constituents were determined. Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) marker was used to illustrate the effect of He-Cd and Ar laser on C. roseus at different exposure time. Results Generally, the highest values of number of leaves, plant height, root length, fresh and dry weight of leaves, and number of days to flower, photosynthetic pigments, proline %, carbohydrate, vinblastine, and vincristine were obtained with 8 and 12 min of He-Cd laser treatments. Conversely, 4-min He-Cd and 8-min Ar laser time exposure recorded decrease in photosynthetic pigments, proline %, and carbohydrate concentration. ISSR showed that mean polymorphic percentage was 25%. ISSR investigation demonstrated that the control, He-Cd laser exposure for 8 min, and Ar laser exposure for 12 min of Catharanthus plant produced unique positive markers, which were found to be mutant specific. Conclusion It was concluded that laser rays with different time exposure had potential effect on growth, flowering, chemical constituents, and the production of Catharanthus plant.

Effects of Different Seed Stems on Germination and Emergence of Sugarcane

Effects of Different Seed Stems on Germination and Emergence of Sugarcane

Influence of Abiotic Treatments on Isoflavone Accumulation in Soybean Seeds during Germination

Influence of Abiotic Treatments on Isoflavone Accumulation in Soybean Seeds during Germination

Phytotoxic property of Piper retrofractum fruit extracts and compounds against the germination and seedling growth of weeds

The fruits of Piper retrofractum Vahl. contain a variety of compounds, but no phytotoxic compound with plant growth inhibitory activity has been reported. Therefore, the phytotoxic activity of P. retrofractum fruit extracts was investigated and found the reduction of seedling growth of cress, lettuce, alfalfa, barnyard grass, Italian ryegrass, and jungle rice. Seven bioactive compounds were isolated from the fruit extracts and identified as 3-phenylpropanoic acid (1), (2E,4E)-methyl piperate (2), (2E,4Z)-methyl piperate (3), piperlonguminine (4), dihydropiperine (5), isochavicine (6), and piperine (7). There have been no reports for their phytotoxic activity. The activity of these compounds was determined against the germination and seedling growth of cress and barnyard grass. The total germination percentage (GP) of cress was significantly inhibited by 1, 2, and 6 (40–100% inhibition), while its germination index or progressive total of cumulative germination (GI) was the most sensitive to 1, leading to the longest time required for 50% germination (T50) at 57 h behind control. However, the seedling growth of cress was highly inhibited by 6 with I50 values of 11 µM. The compounds 1 and 5–7 showed significant inhibition on GP of barnyard grass by 55–47%, while 5 and 1 effectively reduced GI and extended T50 to 42–48 h behind control, and 7 showed the most growth inhibition with I50 values of 37 µM. The inhibitory effects of the seven compounds indicate the phytotoxic property of P. retrofractum fruits, which 1, 5–7 may be the main compounds responsible for the phytotoxicity.

Banque de graines du sol et déterminants de la germination du tali, Erythrophleum suaveolens (Guill. &amp; Perr.) Brenan

Cette étude évalue l’abondance des graines d’Erythrophleum suaveolens dans la banque de semences du sol des forêts denses humides d’Afrique centrale. Les travaux ont été menés au Nord-Congo dans deux types forestiers : la forêt à Celtis sur des sols argilo-sableux à sablo-argileux et la forêt à Manilkara sur des sols sableux. Les tiges d’E. suaveolens (dhp ≥ 10 cm) ont été inventoriées dans deux blocs de 400 ha, et les structures diamétriques de leurs populations ont été comparées. En outre, 80 fosses (2 x 40 fosses par type de forêt) ont été creusées au pied de 20 arbres (10 par forêt), sur trois couches contiguës de 10 cm chacune, soit à une profondeur totale de 30 cm, et l’abondance des graines dans la banque de semences du sol a été évaluée. La dormance des graines récoltées a été testée par des essais de germination après traitement au H2SO4 et cinq graines prélevées jusqu'à une profondeur de 20 cm dans la forêt à Celtis ont été utilisées pour estimer leur âge par spectroscopie de masse par accélérateur (AMS). Dans les deux types forestiers, les structures diamétriques présentent une distribution gaussienne, illustrant un déficit de régénération. Alors que les densités de tiges (dhp ≥ 10 cm) sont proches, avec 0,85 et 1,05 tige/ha respectivement, dans la forêt à Celtis et la forêt à Manilkara. Les densités de graines sont significativement plus élevées dans la forêt à Celtis (8,55 graines/m2) que dans la forêt à Manilkara (0,15 graine/m2). Le pourcentage maximum de germination obtenu était de 19,1 % pour des graines n’ayant subi aucun traitement. Les lots traités à l’acide ont présenté de moindres taux de germination. Ces graines semblent pouvoir se conserver une dizaine d’années au moins dans la banque du sol. Les facteurs pouvant influencer les variations de densité des graines sont discutés et des recommandations sylvicoles sont formulées.

Fabaceae species: physiological behavior of desiccation tolerance during the germination process

This study aimed to evaluate the behavior of seed, as the sensitivity of desiccation tolerance after being subjected to drying, and observe their effects on the germination of seeds of Tamboril and Mororo. It was determined the moisture content of the seeds for the greenhouse method at 105 ± 3 °C for 24 hours. To determine the standard curve was determined by soaking, as to characterize the loss of desiccation tolerance, seeds were dried for 72 hours over silica gel using a soaking treatments: 0, 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours. Then the seeds were placed in humid chambers and replaced in germination conditions for the resumption of growth analysis thus seeds that germinated and continued its growth were considered tolerant to desiccation, the others were considered hard or killed. The experimental design was completely randomized and the data were submitted to analysis of variance and polynomial regression. It was observed that the initial seed moisture content was 7.33% and 19% for Tamboril and Mororo, respectively. During drying the seed weight of both species showed sharp drop in the first 12 hours. It was found that drying did not cause serious damage to the seed monkfish, in which there was no loss of desiccation tolerance at any stage of germination. Already the seeds of Mororo in periods of 72 and 96 hours, the seeds did not resume growth, highlighting the loss of desiccation tolerance will be shown.

Embryogenesis in Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) using leaf segments

Abstract: A simple procedure for direct embryogenesis without an intervening callus production was developed in valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) using the leaf segments. Direct somatic embryogenesis were induced using by half-strength MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D (0.5 mg·l -1 ), glutamic acid (100 mg·l -1 ), 4% sucrose and 8 g·l -1 agar. Germinated embryo to form plantlets enhanced on MS medium supplemented with NAA (0.1 mg·l -1 ) and Kin (2 mg·l -1 ). Regenerated plants with well-developed root and shoot systems were successfully (72%) transferred to greenhouse.

ENKAPSULASI PROTOKORM UNTUK KONSERVASI JANGKA PENDEK Grammatophyllum speciosum Blume (ORCHIDACEAE)

Grammatophyllum speciosum Blume is one of the threatened orchid species due to over exploitation and forest degradation, therefore this species needs to be conserved. One of the conservation efforts is to propagate through synthetic seed using sodium alginate as encapsulation matrix and calcium chloride as complexing solution. This research was conducted to obtain an optimal concentration of sodium alginate and calcium chloride for synthetic seeds forming and the best storage condition (temperature and storage period). Protocorm was used as the propagule of the synthetic seed. Sodium alginate 4% produced uniform and isodiametric shape, while calcium chloride 75 mM generated rigid and clear matrix wall to ensure the protection of propagule during storage. Extending storage period resulted in lower germination percentage. The encapsulated protocorms of K3-K6 which stored at 4 o C up to 4 weeks still give the highest germination rate (93,33-100%). The synthetic seed of K2-K6 stored at 25 o C was viable up to 16 weeks with the highest germination rate 93,33­­­­-100% and also has better regrowth than those having been stored at 4 o C

Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of silver nanoparticles on meristematic cells of Allium cepa roots: A close analysis of particle size dependence

The use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in commercial products has increased significantly in recent years. However, findings on the toxic effects of the AgNPs are still limited. This paper reports an investigation on the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of the AgNPs on root cells of Allium cepa. Germination (GI), root elongation (REI), mitotic (MI), nuclear abnormality (NAI), and micronucleus index (MNI) were determined for seeds exposed to various AgNPs diameters (10, 20, 51, and 73 nm) as well as to the silver bulk (AgBulk) (micrometer-size particles) at the concentration of 100 mg·L−1. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) provided the particle size distribution, while dynamic light scattering (DLS) was used to get the hydrodynamic size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of the AgNPs. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and inductively coupled plasma/optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) were applied for quantifying the AgNPs content uptake by roots. Silver dissolution was determined by dialysis experiment. Results showed that the AgNPs penetrated the roots, affecting MI, GI, NAI, and MNI in meristematic cells. Changes in these indicators were AgNPs diameter-dependent so that cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in Allium cepa increased with the reduction of the particle diameter. The results also revealed that the AgNPs were the main responsible for the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity since negligible silver dissolution was observed.

Extrato de neem no tratamento de sementes de tomate

Os sistemas de produção orgânica devem ser implantados utilizando sementes orgânicas livres de microrganismos e sem utilizar produtos químicos. Extratos de neem têm apresentado eficiência no controle de microrganismo, porém o efeito do neem na qualidade fisiológica das sementes tratadas por ele é pouco conhecido. Objetivou-se, no presente trabalho, propor extrato aquoso de folha de neem, alternativo ao tratamento químico de semente de tomate cultivar Super Marmande. O experimento foi realizado na Universidade Estadual do Piauí campus Corrente. Produziram-se diferentes concentrações de extrato aquoso de neem utilizando 0, 40, 80, 120, 160 e 200 g de folha para cada L de água destilada. Doses de cada concentração contendo 8 ml do extrato aquoso foram utilizadas para tratar 100 sementes de tomate, além da dose de Thiran utilizando 3 gramas por quilo de semente (testemunha químico). Após tratadas as sementes foram submetidas às avaliações de germinação, primeira contagem da germinação, frio, emergência a campo, índice de velocidade de emergência, matéria seca das plântulas e índice de frequência de contaminantes. Utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente ao acaso com 7 tratamentos em 4 repetições. Nenhuma das concentrações com extratos aquosos de folha de neem alteraram a qualidade fisiológica das sementes de tomate, porém apenas as concentrações contendo 160 e 200 g L-1 foram eficientes na redução de contaminantes presentes nas sementes. Diante dos dados obtidos recomenda-se para o tratamento orgânico de sementes de tomate utilizar extrato aquoso de neem nas concentrações entre 160 e 200 g L-1 como alternativa ao tratamento químico.

Diferencias fisicoquímicas de suelo suplementado con pilas eléctricas

Existen prácticas de campesinos en el departamento del Caquetá y testimonios de personas en la ciudad de Florencia que involucran el uso de pilas eléctricas como base del abono orgánico para plantas. Frente a la hipótesis que las pilas eléctricas pueden contribuir al desarrollo saludable de una planta, se planteó como objetivo del presente estudio, evaluar la incidencia de las pilas eléctricas en las propiedades físicas y químicas de una muestra de suelo destinado a la siembra de fríjol. El experimento consistió en un diseño completamente al azar (DCA) con arreglo factorial 1 x 4, donde el factor A corresponde fríjol y el factor B a la variedad de pilas eléctricas (genéricas y alcalinas) con tres repeticiones. En cada tratamiento se determinó: pH, acidez intercambiable (A.I.), carbono orgánico (C.O), cenizas, color y conductividad. El estudio permitió evidenciar que la adición de pilas eléctricas al suelo favorece la absorción de la energía solar, haciendo que la temperatura media del suelo tienda a ser más elevada lo que tendería a promover una germinación rápida en las semillas, aspecto positivo en la etapa germinativa de estas. No obstante, puede incidir en la baja liberación de nitrógeno al suelo, en sus fases posteriores al crecimiento.

Ecotoxicological Risk of Alkaline Sodic Waste on Plant Development

The influence of mixtures of soils and Solvay sediments on plant development was investigated under laboratory conditions to explore the possibility of the revegetation of abandoned post-industrial areas. The sodic alkaline wastes used as a substrate in the research come from settling tanks of the former KZS Solvay Works in Cracow. Such sediments are a mixture of different chemical compounds, characterized by high values of pH and salinity that can constitute strong limiting conditions for future reclamation processes of the area. White clover (Trifolium repens L.), was used in this research as a plant indicator representative of common and sensitive species to the toxic effects of soil high alkalinity and salinity. This work examined the effect of soda factory waste pollution, mixed with three types of soils in four variants of soil: waste ratio, on germination rate and root length development as response variables. The results, analyzed statistically, confirm an inhibiting effect of soda wastes on Trifolium repens L. germination with the significant inhibition of early phase of radicle growth and their elongation. Experiments were conducted on Petri dishes and were based on the Zucconi test. Ecotoxicological risk was evaluated by the percentage of relative seed germination (RSG), relative radicle growth (RRG) and calculated index of germination (GI).

Stratification period, imbibition time in solutions of GA3, H2O and NaClO in the germination of yellow araçá tree

Para iniciar a insercao de uma nova cultura, como e o caso do aracazeiro, e necessario tecnicas eficientes para producao de mudas de qualidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar periodo de estratificacao, bem como a aplicacao do tipo de solucao composta por GA 3 ou NaClO com o tempo de imersao, na influencia da germinacao de sementes de aracazeiro amarelo. Foi realizado experimento em DIC no arranjo multifatorial triplo [periodo de estratificacao x tipo de solucao x tempo de imersao na solucao]. Cinco periodos de estratificacao (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 dias), cinco tipos de solucao de imersao (nenhuma, H 2 O, NaClO 5%, GA 3 100 mg L -1 , GA 3 300 mg L -1 ) e tres tempos de imersao em solucao (seis, 12 e 24 horas) com quatro repeticoes de 100 sementes. Avaliou-se a germinacao, o indice de velocidade de germinacao (IVG) e o tempo medio de germinacao (TMG). O GA 3 mostrou-se promotor eficiente para rapida germinacao de sementes de aracazeiro. A estratificacao so e recomendada para sementes de aracazeiro amarelo se nao associados ao uso do GA 3 . Os periodos de estratificacao podem ter o vigor das sementes afetados se aumentar os tempos de embebicao nas solucoes.

Testing germination methods and survival for a rare endemic, Barton’s raspberry (Rubus bartonianus)

Testing germination methods and survival for a rare endemic, Barton’s raspberry (<i>Rubus bartonianus</i>)

Turismo e migrazioni. Un percorso nell’immaginario sociale

In the last year I have been engaged along three research paths dealing with themes that intersect, in various ways, the relationship between tourism and migration or , even better still, the connexions between the “tourist” and the “migrant”. These paths are all inconclusive, to date: the first two due to Covid-19 and the last one, because of it. Nonetheless, the accumulated materials, the reflections, the scattered notes, gradually became welded in the construction of a socially evolutionary profile of this relationship, marked by the intertwining of distinct “figures” of the collective imagination: Contrast, Germination, Correlation. Albeit in a preliminary form, in this paper I attempt to present this representational dynamic, which will need conceptual deepening as well as documentary enrichment.

Antioxidant Activity of Peanut Flours with Germination and Roasting

Antioxidant Activity of Peanut Flours with Germination and Roasting

Use of fish residue as a substrate in lettuce germination

A cadeia produtiva do pescado gera residuos solidos que sao descartados de forma inadequada comprometendo o meio ambiente, assim, objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar a utilizacao da compostagem e silagem elaborada com residuo de peixe como substrato na germinacao de alface. Os residuos de peixe obtidos no mercado municipal do municipio de Braganca – PA foram decompostos em compostagem e na fabricacao da silagem biologica sendo, posteriormente, utilizados como substratos na germinacao de alface cv. Monica. O semeio foi realizado utilizando tres sementes por celula em bandejas de 200 celulas utilizando como substratos: S1 (controle), S2 (compostagem de peixe), S3 (compostagem de peixe + silagem de peixe), S4 (controle + compostagem de peixe), S5 (controle + silagem de peixe). O delineamento experimental adotado foi em blocos casualizados (DBC) com cinco tratamentos e quatro repeticoes de 50 sementes. Ao longo de 25 dias avaliou-se porcentagem e o indice de velocidade de germinacao e, ao final deste periodo o vigor das plântulas, comprimento da parte aerea e da raiz e massa fresca e seca da parte aerea e raiz. O substrato S2 (compostagem de peixe) conferiu maior porcentagem de germinacao (93,2%), velocidade de germinacao (9,1), vigor das plântulas (91,3%), na massa fresca da parte aerea (0,43 g) e da raiz (0,18 g) diferindo significativamente (p<0,05) dos demais substratos. A adicao da compostagem e da silagem biologica conferiu melhores resultados sobre a germinacao e vigor das plântulas quando comparados ao substrato S1 (controle). Deste modo, o residuo de peixe e uma alternativa viavel para ser utilizada como substrato na germinacao e na formacao de mudas de alface.

Reproductive potential of the functionally female native Croatian grapevine 'Grk bijeli'

A native Croatian grapevine 'Grk bijeli', sharing a parent-offspring relationships with 'Tribidrag' (aka 'Zinfandel'), is grown exclusively on the Adriatic island of Korcula. It is one of the grape cultivars with female-only functional flowers, causing reduced fertilisation and leads to problems in grape production and wine quality. A typical cluster of 'Grk bijeli' at maturity contains fully developed seeded berries, in addition to a highly variable proportion of undersized seedless berries. The aim of this study was to identify the cause of the reduced reproduction potential of 'Grk bijeli' in order to establish a better growing environment for improved yield and grape quality. 'Grk bijeli' female gametophyte develops normaly and at maturity contains both egg and central cell, together with two synergid cells and three antipodal cells. On the other hand, 'Grk bijeli' pollen grains show developmental deviations. Specifically, most of the pollen grains undergo the first pollen mitosis and contain one vegetative cell and one generative cell, while 20 % of ungerminating grains also accomplish the second pollen mitosis, giving rise to two sperm cells and one vegetative cell. Morover, 'Grk bijeli' pollen has acolporate morphology, which prevents germination and contributes to reduced reproduction. Furthermore, fertilisation after pollination with other varieties results in various degrees of ovule abortion depending on the pollinator, revealing Croatian cultivars 'Plavac mali crni' and 'Posip bijeli' as favourable varieties. Although this study describes a highly valuable cultivar of local importance, it also contributes to fundamental knowledge of grapevine reproductive biology and offers a strategy for improvement of wine production and oenological performance of semi-fertile varieties in general.

Survey on heavy metal concentrations and maturity indices of organic fertilizer in China

A nationwide survey of organic fertilizer was carried out in China, and 263 samples were collected to be analyzed for maturity indices (moisture content (MC), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), E4/E6, and germination index (GI)) and 7 heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Cr, As and Ni). The MC, pH, EC, E4/E6 and GI showed large variations among the organic fertilizer samples with ranges of 6.9%-66.68%, 4.40-9.19, 0.76-13.38 mS/cm, 1.07-9.40, and 10%-150%, respectively. The concentrations of 7 heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, As, Cr, Ni) were also with large variations at 7.53-580.4, 0-2818, 0.02-149.3, 0 (not detected)-1321, 0.14-26.9, 3.70-1237, and 0 (not detected)-214.6 mg/kg dry weight. Compared with the limit values of the Chinese standard for organic fertilizers (NY525-2012), 9.51%, 73.4%, 3.19%, and 3.04% of the samples exceeded the limit values of Cd, Pb, As and Cr, respectively. No limits have been set for Cu, Zn and Ni in China, and 35.0%, 13.3% and 16.7% of the samples exceeded the Cu, Zn and Ni limits for composts in Germany, respectively. Monte Carlo simulations indicated that with the continuous application of organic fertilizer, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb and Cr would accumulate to the risk control standard for soil contamination of agricultural land (GB15618-2018) within a relatively short period. It is urgent to establish suitable limits of heavy metals in organic fertilizer in China to control the risk of heavy metal pollution in agricultural land. Keywords: heavy metal, organic fertilizer, risk assessment, maturity indices DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20181106.4671 Citation: Zhang X, Meng H B, Shen Y J, Li J, Wang J R, Zhou H B, et al. Survey on heavy metal concentrations and maturity indices of organic fertilizer in China. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2018; 11(6): 172–179.