Germination Energy Research Articles

Seed Bio-priming of wheat with a novel bacterial strain to modulate drought stress in Daegu, South Korea.

Wheat is one of the major cereal crop grown food worldwide and, therefore, plays has a key role in alleviating the global hunger crisis. The effects of drought stress can reduces crop yields by up to 50% globally. The use of drought-tolerant bacteria for biopriming can improve crop yields by countering the negative effects of drought stress on crop plants. Seed biopriming can reinforce the cellular defense responses to stresses via the stress memory mechanism, that its activates the antioxidant system and induces phytohormone production. In the present study, bacterial strains were isolated from rhizospheric soil taken from around the Artemisia plant at Pohang Beach, located near Daegu, in the South Korea Republic of Korea. Seventy-three isolates were screened for their growth-promoting attributes and biochemical characteristics. Among them, the bacterial strain SH-8 was selected preferred based on its plant growth-promoting bacterial traits, which are as follows: abscisic acid (ABA) concentration = 1.08 ± 0.05 ng/mL, phosphate-solubilizing index = 4.14 ± 0.30, and sucrose production = 0.61 ± 0.13 mg/mL. The novel strain SH-8 demonstrated high tolerance oxidative stress. The antioxidant analysis also showed that SH-8 contained significantly higher levels of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ascorbic peroxidase (APX). The present study also quantified and determined the effects of biopriming wheat (Triticum aestivum) seeds with the novel strain SH-8. SH-8 was highly effective in enhancing the drought tolerance of bioprimed seeds; their drought tolerance and germination potential (GP) were increased by up to 20% and 60%, respectively, compared with those in the control group. The lowest level of impact caused by drought stress and the highest germination potential, seed vigor index (SVI), and germination energy (GE) (90%, 2160, and 80%, respectively), were recorded for seeds bioprimed with with SH-8. These results show that SH-8 enhances drought stress tolerance by up to 20%. Our study suggests that the novel rhizospheric bacterium SH-8 (gene accession number OM535901) is a valuable biostimulant that improves drought stress tolerance in wheat plants and has the potential to be used as a biofertilizer under drought conditions.

Formation of the phytopathogenic mycobiome of seeds of sunflower hybrids in the conditions of the Сentral Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

A high level of contamination of the seeds of sunflower plants with phytopathogenic micromycetes can lead to a significant decrease in the yield of this valuable crop, a decrease in the oiliness of the seeds, a deterioration of its sowing qualities, and an increase in the quantitative and qualitative losses of the crop during storage. As a result of the vital activity of microorganisms on plant seeds, both the sowing qualities of the seeds (germination energy, germination, viability and productivity) and food quality indicators are significantly reduced (the fatty acid composition changes, oiliness decreases and the acid number of the oil increases). Therefore, the goal of our work was to determine the number and spectrum of phytopathogenic micromycetes in the mycobiome of sunflower seeds in the conditions of the Central Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. According to the research results, it was found that the biological properties of Dushko and Oliver hybrids, in the conditions of traditional and organic cultivation technologies, can both suppress and stimulate the number of micromycetes in the seed mycobiome. The formation of the number of phytopathogenic micromycetes in the mycobiome of the seeds of Dushko and Oliver hybrids under the organic technology of growing sunflower plants was at the level of traditional technology and ranged from 5.0 to 5.5 thousand CFU/g in the fruit shell, and from 2.1 to 2.6 thousand CFU/g of dry seeds. The seed microbiome of the investigated sunflower hybrids is represented by micromycetes with phytopathogenic properties (A. alternata and F. oxysporum) and species capable of causing seed mold (Penicillium, Aspergillus), the frequency of which varies from 5 to 65%. Phytopathogenic fungi inhabiting the seeds of sunflower plants are a powerful factor in the biological pollution of agroecosystems and are capable of significantly reducing seed quality and nutritional quality indicators of seed production of sunflower plants.

GWAS reveals novel loci and identifies a pentatricopeptide repeat-containing protein (CsPPR) that improves low temperature germination in cucumber.

Low temperatures (LTs) negatively affect the percentage and rate of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) seed germination, which has deleterious effects on yield. Here, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was used to identify the genetic loci underlying low temperature germination (LTG) in 151 cucumber accessions that represented seven diverse ecotypes. Over two years, phenotypic data for LTG i.e., relative germination rate (RGR), relative germination energy (RGE), relative germination index (RGI) and relative radical length (RRL), were collected in two environments, and 17 of the 151 accessions were found to be highly cold tolerant using cluster analysis. A total of 1,522,847 significantly associated single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) were identified, and seven loci associated with LTG, on four chromosomes, were detected: gLTG1.1, gLTG1.2, gLTG1.3, gLTG4.1, gLTG5.1, gLTG5.2, and gLTG6.1 after resequencing of the accessions. Of the seven loci, three, i.e., gLTG1.2, gLTG4.1, and gLTG5.2, showed strong signals that were consistent over two years using the four germination indices, and are thus strong and stable for LTG. Eight candidate genes associated with abiotic stress were identified, and three of them were potentially causal to LTG: CsaV3_1G044080 (a pentatricopeptide repeat-containing protein) for gLTG1.2, CsaV3_4G013480 (a RING-type E3 ubiquitin transferase) for gLTG4.1, and CsaV3_5G029350 (a serine/threonine-protein kinase) for gLTG5.2. The function for CsPPR (CsaV3_1G044080) in regulating LTG was confirmed, as Arabidopsis lines ectopically expressing CsPPR showed higher germination and survival rates at 4°C compared to the wild-type, which preliminarily illustrates that CsPPR positively regulates cucumber cold tolerance at the germination stage. This study will provide insights into cucumber LT-tolerance mechanisms and further promote cucumber breeding development.

Effect of selenium nanoparticles on biological and morphofunctional parameters of barley seeds (Hordéum vulgáre L.)

The purpose of this work was to study the effect of selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) on the biological and morphofunctional parameters of barley seeds (Hordéum vulgáre L.) We used seeds of Hordéum vulgáre L. with reduced morphofunctional characteristics. For the experiment, Se NPs were synthesized and stabilized with didecyldimethylammonium chloride. It was found that Se NPs have a spherical shape and a diameter of about 50 nm. According to dynamic light scattering data, the average hydrodynamic radius of the particles was 28 ± 8 nm. It is observed that the nanoparticles have a positive ζ-potential (+ 27.3 mV). For the experiment, we treated Hordéum vulgáre L. seeds with Se NPs (1, 5, 10 and 20 mg/L). The experiment showed that treatment of Hordéum vulgáre L. seeds with Se NPs has the best effect on the length of roots and sprout at concentration of 5 mg/L and on the number and thickness of roots at 10 mg/L. Germinability and germination energy of Hordéum vulgáre L. seeds were higher in group treated with 5 mg/L Se NPs. Analysis of macrophotographs of samples, histological sections of roots and 3D visualization of seeds by microcomputing tomography confirmed the best effect at 5 mg/L Se NPs. Moreover, no local destructions were detected at concentrations > 5 mg/L, which is most likely due to the inhibition of regulatory and catalytic processes in the germinating seeds. the treatment of Hordéum vulgáre L. seeds with > 5 mg/L Se NPs caused significant stress, coupled with intensive formation of reactive oxygen species, leading to a reorientation of root system growth towards thickening. Based on the results obtained, it was concluded that Se NPs at concentrations > 5 mg/L had a toxic effect. The treatment of barley seeds with 5% Se NPs showed maximum efficiency in the experiment, which allows us to further consider Se NPs as a stimulator for the growth and development of crop seeds under stress and reduced morphofunctional characteristics.

The effect of cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen on the viability of flax seeds

Background. A promising technique for preserving plant genetic resources is cryopreservation of seeds in liquid nitrogen at –196°C. The lack of information on cryopreservation of flax seeds and on the effect of liquid nitrogen on their viability makes this work relevant for the conservation of valuable flax germplasm.Materials and methods. Seeds of the fiber flax cultivar ‘Orshansky 2’ were used in the experiment. The experiment was carried out in 2 replications; each of them included 6 options. In options 1 and 2, the seeds were stored in paper bags at room temperature (1 – control, seeds without treatment; 2 – treated with a biodegradable polymer of 3-hydroxybutyric acid [P(3GB)]). In options 3, 4, 5 and 6, the seeds were stored in liquid nitrogen without treatment and with P(3GB) treatment (in 3 and 4 in gauze packaging, and in 5 and 6 in laminated foil bags).Results. Laboratory-based germination energy and viability of control seeds were the same in all options of the experiment (99%), and field viability averaged 83%. The lowest germination energy, laboratory-based and field germination capacity were observed after storage in laminated bags, without P(3HB) processing: option 5. stage II (79%); option 5, stage III (74%), and with P(3HB): processing: option 6, stage II (78%); option 6, stage III (82%). A two-factor analysis of variance showed that liquid nitrogen had significant effect on laboratory germination energy, field germination capacity, laboratory germination energy and capacity after 6 months of storage at room temperature: the effect size was 42, 11, 31, and 24%, respectively, while treatment with P(3HB) had no significant effect on any of the options of the experiment with its application.Conclusion. Flax seeds tolerated direct immersion in liquid nitrogen (t = –196°C) best of all in gauze packaging. The biodegradable polymer P(3HB) did not produce a significant effect on seed viability in any option.

The effect of mineral fertilisers and herbicides on the seed productivity of perennial grasses in Yenisei Siberia

On the dark grey forest soils of the taiga zone of the Yenisei Siberia, the structure of the weed component of agrophytocenoses of perennial grasses is dominated by perennial segetal and segetal-ruderal weed species, the proportion of which is 60-70%. Using Magnum herbicides in timothy grass Kazachinskaya 2 and Lontrel-300 in the crops of meadow fescue grass Kazachinskaya 182 allowed for reducing the contamination of fields with perennial weeds from medium to weak. Herbicides reduce 94% the weight of weeds from 1 ha while increasing the biomass of timothy grass by 30%. Against the background of fertilizers, the weight of weeds decreased by 85.3%, and the importance of timothy grass increased by 118%. Mineral fertilizers increase the yield of timothy seeds for three years of use from 3.64 c / ha to 5.31-8.62 c / ha and oatmeal seeds - from 3.22 c/ ha to 4.97-6.91 c /ha. The complete collection of grass seeds was obtained on variants N60P60K60 with the leading share of the influence of nitrogen fertilizers, the introduction of which increased the yield of timothy seeds by 125% and fescue by 87%. The introduction of potash fertilizers caused an increase in the output of timothy grass of the 2 and 3 g. p. by 160 and 190%, respectively, and fescue of the 2 g. p. by 160%. The sowing qualities of seeds characterized by germination energy, germination and weight of 1000 seeds of timothy increased under the influence of phosphorus and potash fertilizers.

The effect of pre-sowing treatment biological preparations of common bean seeds for their sowing qualities

Relevance. The use of biological preparations in agricultural technology of agricultural crops contributes to the preservation of agrophytocenosis, reduces environmental pollution and has a positive effect on the growth and development of the plants themselves. In this regard, the determination of the effectiveness of the use of biological products in the presowing treatment of common bean seeds is relevant and timely.Materials and methods. In our study, we studied the effect of presowing treatment of common bean seeds with biological products: Polydon Bio Profi, Polydon Amino Mix, Polydon Aminomix, Alfastim on germination energy, germination, seed sprout size, number of roots and length of the root system. Three varieties were taken as objects of study: Athlete, Omichka, Sirenevaya.Results. A different effect of preparations on the time of seed germination was revealed. The average germination time in options 1-4 was higher than the control values for all varieties, i.e. drugs slowed down germination. The seeds of the tested varieties responded positively to treatment with Alfastim (option 5): the average germination time in Fizkulturnitsa and Sirenevaya decreased by 8.5 and 9.8%, in the Omichka variety by 45%, compared with the control. Among the tested varieties, it is necessary to single out the Sirenevaya variety, which has the highest germination energy (ES) from 90% to 100% and seed germination (VS) from 98-100% in all treatment options. The most effective treatment of the Omichka variety was in option 2 (EP-90%, germination rate 90%), the values exceeded the control by 5%. For all options, the germination energy of the Fizkulturnitsa variety ranged from 72 to 90%, germination from 73 to 93%. A positive effect of drugs on the germination of seeds of this variety was established. The defeat of bean seeds by mold fungi was noted. Seed damage is mild to moderate. Seed damage by mold fungi in the variants using Polydon Bio Profi was absent, or it was weak up to 3.3% for all tested varieties. Morphobiometric indicators of seedlings and their root system in all varieties developed more effectively on variants with the use of Polydon Bio Profi and Alfastim preparations, and their mixtures

Effectiveness of Soaking with Gibberellic Acid and Kinetin on Germination and Growth Indicators of Two Cultivars of Pistachio Plant Pistaciavera L.

The study was conducted in the plant canopy of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape/College of Agriculture/University of Kerbala during the season 2021-2022 to study the effect of three factors, the first factor is two cultivars (Ajami and Nab Al-Jamal) and the second factor is gibberellic acid in three concentrations (0,100,200 mg. L-1) respectively, and the third factor is kinetin in three concentrations and symbolizes (0, 15, 30 mg. L-1) respectively. The results of the statistical analysis showed the following: Nab Al-Jamal cultivar, kinetin at a concentration of (15) mg. L-1 and gibberellin at concentration (100 and 200) mg. L-1 were superior in most of the studied traits as single factors. For bilateral interactions, the concentration of gibberellin with kinetin is (200 + 15) mg. L-1 has outperformed in most of the studied traits. As for the interaction of the cultivar with gibberellin, the interaction treatment (Nab Al-Jamal + 100 mg. L-1 gibberellin) gave the best results in the percentage of germination, speed of germination and germination energy, while the treatment (Ajami + 200 mg. L-1 gibberellin) gave the best results in plant height and stem diameter, while the interaction treatment (Nab Al-Jamal +200 mg. L-1 gibberellin) gave the best results in the number of leaves. The triple interaction was (Ajami + 200 gibberellin + 15 kinetin) mg. L-1 was superior in the results of the following traits: percentage of germination, germination energy, stem diameter and number of leaves. As for the overlap treatment (Nab Al-Jamal + 100 gibberellin + 0 kinetin) mg. L-1 has outperformed in germination speed and plant height.

Impact of green antioxidants on decreasing the aflatoxins percentage in peanut oil seed (Arachis hypogaea L.) during storage.

The present study conducted an experimental investigation to impede the degradation of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) seeds and enhance their quality while being stored. The efficacy of eco-friendly chemicals such as ascorbic acid, salicylic acid, acetic acid, and propionic acid in seed preservation was evaluated over a period of six months. After a period of six months of storage in a greenhouse, an examination was conducted on peanut seeds that had undergone treatment. Rhizoctonia was observed after Cephalothorax, whereas Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium were the prevailing fungi throughout the storage period. The optimal outcomes were obtained from the conversion of acetic acid to propionic acid. The study observed a decline in seed oil, protein, carbohydrates, germination percentage, energy, index, length, vigour index, dead and rotten seeds, rotted seedlings, and surviving healthy seedlings, with an increase in storage duration ranging from zero to six months. The application of 100% propionic acid to peanut seeds throughout the storage duration resulted in decreased occurrences of deceased seeds, decaying seeds, and deteriorated seedlings. Peanut seeds that underwent treatment with green chemical agents of moderate and high intensity were found to be free of aflatoxin B1. The highest levels of chlorophylls a and b, carotenoids, and total phenols were observed in seeds stored in greenhouses and treated with 100% propionic acid and acetic acid extract. The application of propionic acid 100%, acetic acid 100%, salicylic acid 4 g/l and ascorbic acid 4 g/l proved to be the most effective treatments for peanut seeds, exhibiting the lowest total aflatoxin level of 0.40. The correlation coefficient between shoot fresh weight and shoot dry weight was found to be 0.99, whereas the correlation coefficient between root dry weight and shoot length was 0.67. The seed chemical analysis, seedling characteristics, and germination characteristics were subjected to clustering analysis, resulting in the formation of two distinct groups. The first group consisted of germination percentage and energy levels across all time points (0-6 months), while the second group consisted of the remaining characteristics. The findings of this research propose the utilisation of 100% propionic acid as a viable method for preserving peanut seeds and preventing their deterioration during storage. The application of 100% acetic acid has been found to be effective in enhancing the quality of seeds and minimising losses.

Effect of Pre-Sowing Treatment of Spring Wheat Seeds (<i>Triticum aestivum</i> L.) with Organic Acids of Natural Origin in a Rarefied Medium on Plant Growth and Development

The effect of pre-sowing treatment of spring wheat seeds (Triticum aestivum L.) with succinic and salicylic acids at concentrations of 10–5 M and 10–3 M with and without the use of a vacuum infiltrator was studied. The obtained results showed a positive effect of seed treatment under conditions of rarefied pressure (0.9 atm, 15 min) on the development of coleoptile and seedling root on the 7th day of germination. On day 3 (when determining the germination energy), the effect of a rarefied medium did not reveal a significant effect. Under stressful conditions of plant development with hyperthermia, it was found that treatment of seeds with salicylic acid at a concentration of 10–3 M in a rarefied environment provided the best result in reducing stress load by suppressing catalase activity. Succinic acid at a concentration of 10–5 M proved to be the best option as a growth enhancer. Together with the use of a rarefied medium, such treatment most significantly accelerated the development of the coleoptile and the root of the seedling on the 7th day of germination.

Study the germination of seeds of Sudanese grass (Sorghum × drummondii) treated by ethylene glycol and propylene glycol cryoprotectants

The present study was conducted at an objective study of the seeds of Sudanese grass for cryopreservation and viability of seeds. Laboratory studies were carried out on 4 varieties of Sudanese grass: Nika, Tigai, Novosibirskaya 84, and Alina. The results showed that cryopreservation had a positive effect on germination rates. Thus, in the Tugay variety, the best germination rates of 99 % were observed in the variant with cryopreservation with defrosting of seeds in a water bath. A positive effect was also noted for the variety Novosibirskaya 84, where cryopreservation during defrosting of seeds at room temperature increased germination by 7 % and amounted to 89 %. For varieties Nika and Alina, cryopreservation had the opposite effect, the indicators decreased by 27 %, by 10 %, respectively, compared with control. Under conditions of seed defrosting at room temperature, cryopreservation with ethylene glycol and propylene glycol had a positive effect on the germination of seeds for all varieties, with the exception of the Alina variety, where its germination did not differ significantly from the control. Cryopreservation using ethylene glycol under conditions of seed defrosting at room temperature showed that for the Tugay variety the recommended concentration of the cryoprotectant is 5 % and 10 %. The germination rate was 98 %, and the germination energy was 99 % and 96 %, respectively. Ethylene glycol concentration of 20 % significantly reduced the germination rate and amounted to 47 %. For the Nika variety, we recommend using a concentration of 15 %; but the concentration of 10 %, the germination rate is lower and amounts to 58 %. Almost 100 % germination were observed in the Novosibirskaya 84 variety at concentrations of 5 % and 20 %. Thus, the recommended method for thawing Sudan grass seeds after cryopreservation using ethylene glycol and propylene glycol cryoprotectants is thawing at room temperature. These results can be used to create a cryo collection of Sudan grass seeds.

EFFECT OF EXTREMELY HIGH FREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC IRRADIATION TREATMENT ON GERMINATION, GROWTH AND AMYLASE ACTIVITY OF WHEAT SEEDS

In this work, the effect of low-intensity (non-thermal, flux capacity 0.06 mW/cm2) electromagnetic irradiation (EMI) of extremely high frequency (EHF) (42.2 GHz and 50.3 GHz) as pre-sowing treatment on germination, early growth and α-amylase activity of wheat seeds (Triticum aestivum L.) has been studied. The measurements conducted during seed germination were the germination energy and germination power, germination index, shoot and root length, as well as fresh weight. The labo­ratory experiment followed a completely randomized design, with four treatments (control, 5 min – T5, 10 min – T10, and 15 min – T15) and three replications. It was shown that EHF EMI pre-sowing treatment at both used frequencies favored the germination and growth of wheat seeds, and results were more expressed at a frequency of 50.3 GHz – the resonant frequency of water. We found that EMI with 50.3 GHz for 10 min significantly improved germination energy (by 6.5%) and germination power (by 7.6%). At the same time, shoot high (by 11%), root length (by 12%) and fresh weight (15%) were enhanced significantly at seedling stage compared with the control. Furthermore, the measured activity of α-amylase reviled that EMI-treatment increased the enzyme activity more than 2-fold, thereby probably promoting wheat germination.

Реакция семян культур-фитомелиорантов при условии природного и техногенного засоления почв и грунтов

Abstract. The purpose of the study is to establish the optimal and critical values of different chemisms and the degree of salinity and the corresponding indicators of osmotic pressure, pH of the medium for the germination energy and germination of seeds of alfalfa and sweet clover. Objectives of the study are to identify the parameters of 50 and 99 % death of seeds of the studied crops, taking into account the chemistry and degree of salinity, to determine the most toxic water-soluble salts in solonetzic soils and drill cuttings; to identify the degree of participation of osmotic pressure and pH of the medium for the studied options, to conduct a comparative study of chemisms and the degree of their salinity on the germination and germination of seeds of phytomeliorants. Methods. The experiments were carried out in laboratory conditions. Seeds of sweet clover of the Alsheevskiy variety and alfalfa of the Yaroslavna variety were used as the object of the study. The energy and germination of seeds were determined according to GOST 12038-84. Scientific novelty. For the first time, the parameters the average lethal dose and the dose is absolutely lethal for sweet clover and alfalfa seeds were established in relation to different salinity chemisms, represented by one easily soluble salt, identical to soil and technogenic salinization. The parameters of osmotic pressure and pH of the medium for the average lethal dose and the dose is absolutely lethal were determined for each salinity chemistry. Results. It was found that a low concentration of MgSO4 (up to 0.3 %) did not reduce the energy and germination of seeds of sweet clover and alfalfa. Sodium neutral salts (Na2SO4, NaCl) led to the loss of seed germination of sweet clover and alfalfa (the dose is absolutely lethal) at a salinity degree of 2.0–2.9 %, which corresponds to a high osmotic pressure of 8.9–13.9 atm. Sweet clover seeds had a higher capacity for maximum salinity. Under soda salinity (Na2CO3, NaHCO3), 50 % death of sweet clover and alfalfa seeds corresponded to salinity levels of solonetzes and drill cuttings of 0.09 and 0.25 %. The phenomenon corresponding to the dose is absolutely lethal was noted here, respectively, at the level of salinity of soils and drill cuttings of 0.42 and 0.95 %. It is important to take into account the average lethal dose indicator when recultivating solonetzes and drill cuttings in order to establish seeding rates and select phytomeliorant crops.

Small γ-Radiation Doses Impact in the Conditions of Controlled Micropenological Octores of Spring Barley

Barley, characterized by early ripening, cold and drought resistance, is an important agricultural grain crop. Ionizing radiation use in the pre-sowing seed treatment technology is promising in order to control pathogens and increase the grain crops yield. The study aims at developing a microphenological sprouting phases scale of spring barley variety in Remembrance of Vyacheslav Chepelev treated with small doses of gamma radiation under controlled ontogeny conditions. The authors gave the concepts interpretation of “sprouted grain” and “grain sprouts”. To remove the dormant state of the original seeds (grains) of spring barley variety in Remembrance of Vyacheslav Chepelev harvested in 2021 and zoned in the Sverdlovsk region, a man treated it with small doses of γ-radiation ionizing (5, 10, 15 and 20 Gy) by a radiation source 60Co. The researchers developed a microphenological sprouting phases scale of spring barley grains with the dry grain phase and the micrograin phase introduced; and classification levels differentiated. A man revealed that the change in grain moisture and grain germ in all microphenophases was comparable with the results obtained during barley sprouting. The most intensive water absorption occurs at the swelling phase with an increase in grain moisture by 2.7 times and in the embryo by 9.3 times. Spring barley grains radiostimulation has an impact on the grain sprouting due to increased germination energy. The authors determined that after 5 days there was a maximum increase in the germination capacity to (92 ± 2) % and (94 ± 2) % in barley grains samples treated with doses of 5 and 10 Gy, respectively, with lower values when processing grains with doses of 15 Gy and 20 Gy. A man ascertained inhibitory effect of a radiation dose of 20 Gy. Despite a higher germination energy index of 75 % in barley grains treated with a dose of 20 Gy, and unlike untreated grains – 74 %, the germination ability in radiation-treated grains was 4 % lower. The germination rate of the first seed is 3 days on average.

Effect of Presowing Magnetic Field Stimulation on the Seed Germination and Growth of Phaseolus vulgaris L. Plants

Background: The problem of the influence of magnetic fields (FMs) on the growth and development of common bean plants is still far from being fully explained due to its complicated physical nature and the geometry of the seeds. FMs can practically penetrate through living organisms. Aim: The present work aimed to determine the effect of the presowing FM stimulation of common bean seeds on plant growth and development elements. Material and Methods: The present study was based on a field experiment carried out between the years 2015 and 2017 in Żyznów (N 49°81′, E 21°84′, 239 m above sea level). The experiment was carried out using three repetitions of the randomized block method. The experimental factor was the amount of exposure to FM seed stimulation: (I) 15 s, (II) 30 seconds, and (III) the control object without seed stimulation. The plant material of the study was a common bean: cv. Gold Saxa. Results: The biostimulation of the sources with an FM improved the germination energy, strength, and capacity of the seeds. The presowing FM stimulation of the common bean seeds favourably affected the fresh weight of the first and fifth leaves but did not affect their dry weight. The leaves’ collection dates measured the new first and fifth plates and their dry weight content. The collection dates of the leaves determined the level of the fresh weight of the first and fifth leaves and the content of their dry weight. Conclusions: The biostimulation of the seeds with the FM contributed to a higher germination capacity, energy, and strength of the common bean seeds. The highest level of the leaves’ fresh weight was achieved during full flowering, and the highest dry matter content of the leaves was found in the phase of pod setting.

Optimization of the Mung Bean Seed Coating with Alginate in a Bottom-Sprayed Wurster Fluidized Bed Coater

Seed coating is used to improve seed handling or target the delivery of different active ingredients: (micro)nutrients and biofortifying minerals, plant biostimulants, and plant protection compounds. One type of coating is based on using film-forming biopolymers. The coating could be applied using various equipment, including the Wurster fluidized-bed coater. Deterministic models have been proposed to predict the coating process performance in the Wurster fluidized-bed coater. However, such deterministic models do not closely match real behavior. This paper proposes a statistical model approach to optimize the mung bean seed coating with a mixture of alginate/glycerol in a Wurster fluidized bed coating process. The process was optimized for a specific case through a factorial experimental design for the following parameters: the liquid flow rate, the mass of seeds, the backpressure period, and the nozzle pressure. The statistical analysis was done using Design-Expert 11®. The formed film was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Finally, the germination percentage (GP), germination energy (GE), germination rate (GR), mean germination time (MGT), and vigor index (VI) were determined for the coated mung bean seeds. An algorithm is proposed to identify the optimal coating conditions in a bottom-spray Wurster fluidized-bed coater for any coating solution or seed pair.

ПРОДУКТИВНІСТЬ СОЇ ЗАЛЕЖНО ВІД ЗАСТОСУВАННЯ ОРГАНІЧНИХ ДОБРИВ, ІНОКУЛЯЦІЇ НАСІННЯ ТА РЕГУЛЯТОРІВ РОСТУ РОСЛИН

Вивчено вплив комплексу технологічних чинників на формування врожайності та якості насіння різностиглих сортів сої. Виявлено співвідношення заходів, що дають можливість прискорити ріст і розвиток рослин, збільшити площу листкової поверхні, підвищити врожайність та якість насіння досліджуваних сортів. Авторами встановлено, що інокуляція насіння штамом 634б збільшувала вміст білка в насінні порівняно з контролем у сорту Легенда на 1,6%. Аналіз олійності насіння засвідчив, що найвищий вміст олії (21,4%) становив у варіанті з обробкою насіння штамами 634б і 614А на фоні внесення зеленого добрива.

Conditioning of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) sowing material

ABSTRACT Scots pine is the main forest forming species in Poland. Despite the great importance of natural reconditioning of forest trees, a substantial source of reforestation is the nursery production of seedling material. Pre-sowing seed conditioning, consisting of chemical and physical treatments, is commonly used to improve seed quality as well as to advance uniform development and increase plant efficiency. The influence of semiconductor laser irradiation wavelength on Scots pine seeds (Pinus sylvestris L.) was tested in both laboratory and pot experiments. Irradiation rates used in trials were (D3) three-, (D6) six- and (D9) nine-fold of the basic rate of 2.5·10−1 J·cm−2 with a control (D0) of non-irradiated seeds. Irradiation accelerated emergence and increased seedling numbers. The germination energy and capacity of tested Scots pine genotypes were reduced under higher (D6) doses of laser irradiation. Stimulation of morphological traits and increase in chlorophyll contents was observed under the lowest (D3) irradiation rate, while an increase in polyphenol contents occurred under the highest, nine-fold rate of irradiation.

Seed Priming Treatments to Improve Heat Stress Tolerance of Garden Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Heat stress seriously affects the production of cool-season food legume crops such as garden peas. Seed priming is a widely used technique that increases germination and improves plant growth and development, resulting in better field performance and higher yield of crops. In the current study, we investigated three seed priming treatments—hydropriming (dH2O), osmopriming (2.2% w/v CaCl2), and hormopriming (50 mg L−1 salicylic acid—SA)—and their effect on germination, initial seedling development, and physiological traits of two novel garden pea cultivars, under optimal conditions and heat stress. Seed priming with H2O, CaCl2, and SA enhanced garden pea performance under both optimal and stress conditions via significant improvements in germination energy, final germination, mean germination time, mean germination rate, seedling vigor index, shoot length, root length, fresh seedling weight, dry seedling weight, shoot elongation rate, root elongation rate, relative water content, chlorophyll content, and membrane stability index, as compared to control. The highest effect on the examined parameters was achieved by osmopriming and hormopriming in both cultivars, suggesting that these treatments could be used to improve the heat stress tolerance of garden pea, after extensive field trials.

Всхожесть семян хвойных интродуцентов в условиях Центрального Казахстана при различной стратификации и внесении в субстрат хвойного опада

This study observes the issues of the possible usage of wastes from timber industry in the sprouting of seeds of coniferous plants in the arid climate of Central Kazakhstan. Such treatment of coniferous seeds is easily implementable and cost-effective, compared to the other methods. However, the complex chemical composition of needle litter in the soil substrate has the multifactorial and controversial effects on such indicators as germination energy, seed germination capacity and rest energy. In addition, the article discusses the use of long-term natural seed stratification as an alternative method of planting seeds in forest nurseries. The other studies have shown that natural stratification has a more significant effect on the indicators of seed rest energy and germination energy. However, it should be said that these parameters mostly correlate with the generic assignment of the objects. Thus, representatives of the genera Picea and Abies have more significant rates of germination during spring stratification. Whereas, representatives of the genera Pinus and Pseudotsuga – with natural stratification. This may be the result of their ecological and biological adaptation. The conditions of Central Kazakhstan are characterized by a sharply continental climate, which includes not only a sharp climate change, but also a rather low snow cover and low temperatures. Under these conditions, the seeds of the genera Pinus and Pseudotsuga may have higher adaptive abilities, which may become a further subject of research. At the same time, it was determined that despite the rather convincing data obtained during autumn stratification, the highest results of seed germination in most experimental species were noted during spring stratification, including variation with the use of needle litter. Again, it is not entirely advisable to introduce the use of this method based only on the indicators of seed germination in arid conditions of Central Kazakhstan, since the favorable period for seed germination in this area is unstable from year to year. Thus, based on the results of the study, it was concluded that the most suitable method for germinating seeds of conifers, with some exceptions, is natural stratification. The use of needle litter affects insignificantly the rates of seed germination, and in some cases even suppresses this process.