Highest Germination Index Research Articles

A novel hybrid system for continuous biodegradation and toxicity removal of low molecular weight phthalates

Dimethyl phthalate (DMP) and diethyl phthalate (DEP) are environmental toxicants that can interfere with the endocrine system and cause adverse health impacts by mimicking the natural hormone activity. The present study focused on the biodegradation of DMP and DEP mixture by Cellulosimicrobium bacteria in a bioreactor under batch, fed-batch, continuous and continuous with biomass recycle modes. Biomass recycling was done followed by microfiltration using an indigenous low-cost tubular ceramic membrane. Under the batch mode of operation, maximum degradation values of 85 % and 58 % were observed at 1000 and 2000 mg/L initial concentrations of DMP and DEP, respectively, in mixture, whereas, complete degradation was achieved in the fed-batch system at the same initial concentrations. In continuous operation mode at 24 h hydraulic retention time, complete degradation was achieved for all inlet DMP and DEP concentrations. The biomass recycle operation mode was found to be the best strategy owing to complete degradation of the phthalates, even at very high inlet concentrations and at a short hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 16 h. A high germination index (GI) value of 91.86 % and 0 % brine shrimp mortality further demonstrated the potential of the biomass recycle system for the treatment of phthalate containing wastewater.

Effect of acid media on seed germination performance of Swiss-chard (Beta vulgarise L.)

Objectives: An experiment was designed with the objectives of studying the effect of acidity (pH) on the seed germination performance of Swiss-chard, and to determine the optimal pH level for the highest seed germination. Methods: The study was carried out in the laboratory of the Department of Horticulture of the University of Wolkite. The treatments were different pH levels (2, 4, 6 and 7) obtained from solutions of citric acid and distilled water in different concentration mixtures. The CRD design was used with three replicates. Findings: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that all recorded germination parameters (germination rate, mean germination time, germination speed and germination index) were all most significantly different (p<0.001) for different pH levels. The highest seed germination rates (85.33% and 81.33%) were recorded at pH 7 and pH 6 respectively. Similarly the highest mean germination time (13 days and 11 days) and the highest germination speed (3.88/day and 3.7/day) were recorded at pH 6 and pH 7, respectively. However, the lowest seed germination rate (4%), the lowest mean germination time (0.5 days) and the lowest seed germination speed (0.18/day) at pH 2. The highest germination index (100 and 95.42) was recorded at pH 7 and pH 6 respectively while the lowest seed germination index (4.61) was recorded at pH 2. In general pH 7 and pH 6 can give the best results to the highest germination yield of Swiss chard.

Variability of Sesamum indicum L. germoplasm after reaction to suboptimal temperature and its agronomic value

The paper presents data on the influence of the minimum temperature (15 °C) on the genotypes of sesame, 40 in number, from the gene bank of the Plant Genetic Resources Laboratory, by modeling artificial environmental stress under laboratory conditions. Cluster analysis (k – means) of a set of cultivars and lines of sesame highlighted a cluster of 23 genotypes with higher germination indices, length of root and stem. Among these, the genotypes L1, Iubileinâi, Cubanet 55 and Delco recorded the highest values according to the number of capsules per plant (45.5-53.9) and productivity per plant (7.4-8.3 g) in combination with indications of important agronomic characters and resistance to low temperatures obtained in the experiences of field.

Rapid production of organic fertilizer using subcritical water treatment on waste biomass

Waste biomass are highly valuable and have potential to be converted to organic fertilizers or compost. This is a great alternative to replace the uses of commercial chemical fertilizers towards sustainable agriculture. However, due to its complex molecular structure and high lignin content, it hinders full decomposition of these wastes into mature compost. Therefore, subcritical water (SCW) pre-treatment was studied to enhance the hydrolytic degradation of biomass waste such as rice straw, banana peel, and chicken feathers to be converted into mature compost within a shorter time. Validation on the maturity of the treated substrates and measurements of the level of phytotoxicity in the compost were studied based on the germination index (GI) of Japanese mustard seeds. Results showed that all treated substrates provided high GI of more than 60% at its optimum concentration which indicates the significant contribution of SCW pre-treatment to produce effective mature compost.

Production and optimization of Jeevamrutha bio-fertilizer formulations for soil fertility and its role in waste minimization

Intense inorganic fertilization practices exponentially detriment upon the soil health and enhance input costs of production. Henceforth, organic bio-fertilizers such as Jeevamrutha being developed with rurally available low cost nitrogen and carbon sources are necessary to serve as alternate fertilization systems for soil nutritional enrichment and plant growth. Associated mechanism with respect to the interaction of precursors such as jaggery and gram flour in Jeevamrutha bio-fertilizer have not been vividly explored in the prior art. Considering this lacunae, the article addresses the optimization of these precursors for the affirming of their fundamental role in the nutrient characteristics of the Jeevamrutha bio-fertilizer. Thereby, the article targets the optimization of Jeevamrutha bio-fertilizer formulations using the Central Composite Design (CCD)-based statistical tool for summer and winter seasons. The corresponding Total Kjehdahl Nitrogen (TKN), Ammonium Nitrogen (AN) and Phosphate (P) during the summer (0.67%, 427.56 mgL−1 and 1405.78 mgL−1) and the winter (0.28%, 135.86 mgL−1 and 1046.75 mgL−1) seasons were achieved in North-East India. This study provides critical insights for waste-to-value added product development through the utilization of rurally available substrates for nutrient enhancement of soil that will aid waste management approach. Also, in comparison with the control group (0%) and various treated samples for the optimized formulation (25%, 50%, 75% and 100% v/v), the highest Germination Index (GI) of 87.87% was obtained for the 50% (v/v) treated sample (mung bean) indicating its efficacy towards phytotoxic effects. Thereby, the methodology and results aim to revolutionize agricultural systems and improve soil health due to reduced cost and preparation time and wider utility of land and waste precursors in comparison to other organic fertilizer preparation techniques.

BIOCIDAL-EFFICACY OF GORGONEIA LATIFOLIUM, MYRISTICA FRAGANS AND ALPRON- PLUS ON SEED HEALTH, GERMINATION PERCENTAGE, SEEDLING VIGOUR OF SWEET MELON (CUCUMIS MELO L.) SEEDS AND ASSOCIATED FUNGI ORGANISMS

Laboratory experiment was conducted to test the effects of bio-medicinal plants (Gongronema latifolium (Utazi) leaves and Myristica fragans (Nutmeg) seeds) and synthetic fungicide (Alpron- Plus) on seed health, germination percentage and seedling vigour of sweet melon seeds. The experiment was conducted at the Crop Science and Horticulture Laboratory, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State. Bio-medicinal plants were used as crude powdery seed dressers as well as synthetic fungicide. The experiment was laid out in a simple completely randomized design (CRD) with ten replications which consisted of blotter paper germination/ seed health tests of sweet melon seeds and seedling vigour and seedling vigour index tests using soil medium. Ten petri dishes and ten polybags were used respectively for each of the plant extracts and synthetic fungicides simultaneously for both blotter paper and soil medium tests. Twenty seeds which were independently dressed with various plant extracts and synthetic fungicide were plated into one 9cm Petri dish containing three layers of blotter paper in circular form. For soil medium method, ten polybags with few small perforations underneath filled with sterilized top soil were used for each fungicide. The Petri dishes containing the plated seeds were incubated on the Laboratory benches for eight days while seedlings in polybags were kept in the screenhouse and observations were taken and recorded daily for germination count, fungal growth then germination index and seedling vigour index which were derived later with appropriate formulae and their values being expressed in percentages. The results of this investigation revealed that bio-medicinal plant crude extracts had significant effect on germination percentage and germination index of Sweet- melon seeds. Gongronema latifolium crude extract had the highest germination index. The synthetic fungicide was effective in protecting the seeds of sweet melon though had low germination percentage. Nutmeg was not effective when used in crude powdery form as dressers as it had the lowest germination percentage and the highest infestation percentage. It could therefore be recommended that the plant extracts tested in this experiment should not be used as powdery seed dressers but as essential oil using appropriate extracting solvents in order for the bioactive ingredients to act effectively in preventing micro-organisms that hinder germination of sweet melon seeds.

Sustainable ammonia recovery from anaerobic digestion effluent through pretreating the feed by biomass ash

Ammonia recovery from anaerobic digestion (AD) effluent by vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) is a sustainable and low-carbon footprint strategy for nitrogen fertilizer production and waste treatment. However, due to the good buffering performance of AD effluent, lots of alkali chemicals are consumed to adjust the pH value, thereby increasing the treatment cost. To reduce the consumption of alkali chemicals, biomass ash (BA) is proposed as the alternative to replace the alkali chemical for pretreating the AD effluent before ammonia recovery in this study. Compared with the case using NaOH for pH adjustment, the ammonia separation factor increases by 40 % for BA addition case. Meanwhile, the 30-h VMD experiment for AD effluent treatment is conducted to testify to the stability. Additionally, the high germination index (GI) value (0.84) illustrates the potential of ammonia-removed AD effluent in agricultural applications. Furthermore, the greenhouse emission of ammonia recovery from AD effluent pretreated with BA is only 2.06 kg-CO2 eq/kg, which decreases by 51 % compared with that of the Haber-Bosch process. Finally, BA addition adopted for AD effluent pretreatment has economic superiority to NaOH addition. Inferably, using BA to pretreat the AD effluent can be acted as a high-efficacy and sustainable candidate strategy for ammonia recovery.

Vermicomposting with food processing waste mixtures of soybean meal and sugarcane bagasse

Vermicomposting is considered a clean, sustainable, and effective technology to recycle food waste. However, the current knowledge of how different food waste combinations produce high-quality compost remains poor. Hence, the present study investigated the vermicomposting of soybean meal (SM) waste with sugarcane bagasse (SCB) in different ratios of SM:SMB (v/v, based on dry weight), i.e., 0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, and 100:0. Vermicompost quality was evaluated based on its maturity, agrochemical properties, earthworm ( Eisenia fetida ) biomass, and reproduction. The results showed that SM increased the activities of dehydrogenase, acid- and alkaline-phosphatase, and urease while decreasing the activity of cellulose. The β -glucosidase activity was highest with 25:75, followed by 50:50 of SM:SCB ratio. A higher proportion of SM increased the mineralization and nitrification rate during the vermicomposting, whereas total and available nutrients contents increased in the final product. The concentration of all heavy metals in the final vermicomposts was below than threshold. The degree of polymerization (DP) showed that all of the final vermicomposts were sufficiently mature for agricultural application. A higher percentage of SCB ( ≥ 50%) in SM:SMB mixtures, however, resulted in best vermicompost owing to reduced pH and EC, increased CEC and humic substance concentration, and higher germination index. So far, earthworm mass and abundance were highest in SM:SCB ratio of 50: 50. In short, a 50:50 mixture of SM:SCB promoted earthworm growth and produced the best quality vermicompost. • The addition of SM to SCB enhance mineralization and nitrogen transformation. • SCB in the mixtures improved product quality by increased CEC and humic substance. • Combination of 50% SCB and 50% SM promoted earthworm growth. • The content of total heavy metals increased in resulting vermicomposts.

Role of multistage inoculation on the co-composting of food waste and biogas residue

Effect of diverse Lactobacillus amylophilus, Geobacillus thermoleovorans, and Bacillus subtilis inoculation patterns on the co-composting performance of food waste and biogas residue was explored. Experimental results revealed that, compared to the single-stage inoculation and non-inoculation groups, the multistage inoculation pattern prolonged the thermophilic period during composting, consequently improving organic matter decomposition and humification [with a high germination index (120.9%)]. In addition, it could promote the development of humic substances [with a high humus index (4.3) and biological index (1.4)] and lower emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and ammonia (NH3). Additionally, it could improve the microbial variety and the amounts of functional bacteria (i.e., Chloroflexi) in compost, which might be advantageous for the decomposition of refractory organic materials and plant growth. Therefore, the multistage inoculation pattern is recommended for organic waste composting in terms of its gas emissions, compost quality and efficacy benefits.

Co-composting of kitchen waste with agriculture and forestry residues and characteristics of compost with different particle size: An industrial scale case study

Since the implementation of domestic waste classification in China, the kitchen waste production has increased rapidly. The unique physical and chemical properties of kitchen waste make it impossible for direct composting for composting alone. This study investigated the co-composting of kitchen waste with agriculture and forest residues at an industrial scale at the Nangong Composting Plant (Located in Beijing). Cornstalks, garden waste, and watermelon seedlings were composted with kitchen waste, with the added agriculture and forestry residues comprising 5%, 10% and 20% of the weight. Industrial composting was performed 30 days at a scale of 165–180 tone. The mixed compost products were screened to different particle sizes, and the maturity, humification, and calorific value were analyzed. The kitchen waste mixed with 20% agricultural complementary materials reached hyperthermophilic temperature (82 °C), had reduced moisture content (45%), and resulted in better composting performance at an industrial scale. By adding 20% complementary materials to kitchen waste produced mature compost with a higher germination index (GI) (91%) by adjusting the pH, electrical conductivity (EC), carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N), and moisture content. The compost in the 5% and 10% complementary materials treatments did not fully mature and had a GI of<10%, influenced by the higher EC and NH4+-N content. The property of final compost with different particle size vary greatly. The small particle size compost (≤45 mm) had higher uniformity, maturity, and humification degree, and it was suitable to use as a fertilizer; the larger particle size (>45 mm) had more material with lower calorific value (8000–10,000 kJ·kg−1), and could be used as refuse-derived fuel. To make better use of kitchen waste compost, 45-mm particle size screening is suggested at an industrial-scale composting plant. These results support industrial-scale kitchen waste composting in China.

Utilization of Thermophilic Aerobic Oxidation and Electrocoagulation to Improve Fertilizer Quality from Mixed Manure Influent

Thermophilic aeration and electrochemical reactions are well-established methods for wastewater treatment to reduce metallic content, organic and inorganic matter, turbidity, coloration, and nutrient levels. In this study, thermophilic aerobic oxidation (TAO) and electrocoagulation (EC) were implemented together to improve the quality of liquid fertilizer by reducing the nutrient load and toxicity of swine manure. The influent in this study was prepared by mixing anaerobic digestate and liquid swine manure at a 1:9 ratio and treating it for 3 days at 50–60 °C in a field-scale TAO system. The TAO effluent was then processed in an EC reactor for 180 min with a 30 V electric supply through two sets of iron and aluminum hybrid electrodes. The combined TAO and EC processes led to a germination index of 133% using the final efflux. The high retention of important nutrients such as total nitrogen and potassium, combined with the 100% reduction in heavy metals, over 60% reduction in trace minerals, and 89% reduction in pollutants in the final product, helped to achieve a higher germination index. Overall, the combination of TAO and EC was demonstrated to be an effective technique for enhancing the quality of liquid fertilizer derived from swine manure.

Optimizing the In-Vessel Composting Process of Sugarbeet Dry-Cleaning Residue

Rapid urbanization and industrialization around the world have created massive amounts of organic residues, which have been prioritized for conversion into valuable resources through the composting process to keep their harmful effect at a minimum. This research aimed to assess the influence of active and passive aeration on composting mass of sugar beet residues in the case of using additives (e.g., charcoal only or manure only or combination). Some physicochemical properties of composting mass were analyzed on certain days of composting. Some parameters including temperature–time profile, carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N ratio), moisture content, electrical conductivity, pH, germination and microbial population enumeration of compost were measured. Cress germination test was conducted for each medium of germination which contains a mixture of soil and compost (at a ratio of 3:1) taken from each treatment. The results showed that temperature–time profile data of composting mass showed an irregularity. Forcedly aerated composting mass did not demonstrate a thermophilic phase while passively aerated ones did not show a mesophilic phase. Carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio reduction was greater in most forcedly aerated composting mass than passively aerated on days from 1 to 33 of composting period. The results further showed that electrical conductivity decreased at the end of the composting period where it ranged from 2.55 to 3.1 dS/m. Germination medium containing forcedly aerated compost treated with a combination of charcoal and manure achieved the highest germination index which was higher than the control sample by 58.63% followed by forcedly aerated composting mass treated by charcoal only which exceeded the control sample by 5.35%. Strong correlation coefficient (r &gt; 0.80) for the relationship between germination index and number of bacteria was obtained on day 17th of composting period.

Enhancement of Agro-Industrial Waste Composting Process via the Microbial Inoculation: A Brief Review

Composting is an important technology used to treat and convert organic waste into value-added products. Recently, several studies have been done to investigate the effects of microbial supplementation on the composting of agro-industrial waste. According to these studies, microbial inoculation is considered to be one of the suitable methods for enhancing the biotransformation of organic materials during the composting process. This review provides up-to-date research findings on microbial inoculation strategies and their role and functions in enhancing the composting process and the improvement of compost quality. Based on this review, the addition of microorganisms could enhance the composting process such as accelerating the organic matter degradation, mineralization and microbial enzymes activities, and the quality of the end-products such as high germination index. It is important to notice in this strategy that sludge’s microbial consortium is feasible to enhance the composting process in pilot-scale and industrial-scale productions. Besides, it also reduces the cost of compost production. The findings of this review show the various positive impact of microbial inoculation on agro-industrial waste composting which in turn might be useful as a reference for selecting a suitable inoculum based on the type of waste materials.

Genetic variation and genetic control of intraspikelet differences in grain weight and seed dormancy in wild and domesticated emmer wheats.

Seed dormancy, a vital strategy for wild plant species to adapt to an unpredictable environment in their natural habitats, was eliminated from cereals during the domestication process. Intraspikelet differences in grain size and seed dormancy have been observed in wild emmer wheat. To elucidate the genetic variation of these intraspikelet differences and to determine their genetic control, grain weight ratio (first florets/second florets) (GWR), germination rate, and germination index (GI) were analyzed in 67 wild and 82 domesticated emmer wheat accessions, as well as F1 hybrids, F2 populations, and F3-F6 populations derived from reciprocal crosses between wild and domesticated lines. Only the grains on the first florets of two-grained spikelets in wild accessions had varying degrees of dormancy with GI ranging from 0 to 1, which positively correlated with their GWR. This implies that wild emmer populations comprised genotypes with varying degrees of dormancy, including nondormant genotypes. According to segregations observed in F2 populations, the intraspikelet grain weight difference was controlled by two independently inherited loci. Furthermore, low-GWR populations with low or high GI values could be selected in F5 and F6 generations, implying that the major loci associated with dormancy might be independent of intraspikelet grain weight difference.

Eisenia fetida for vermiconversion of waste biomass of medicinal herbs: Status of nutrients and stability parameters

Vermiconversion possibility of waste biomass of two medicinal herbs Zingiber officinale and Curcuma longa has been investigated. The Eisenia fetida, an epigeic earthworm was used in the vermicomposting process. The vermicomposting caused shifting in pH towards neutral range, reduction in electrical conductivity, total organic carbon, C/N and C/P ratios whereas1.8–2.73 folds enhancement in macronutrients (TKN, AP, T Ca and T Mg) and ash contents in the substrate mixture. The heavy metals and trace elements content in the vermicompost were found within 3.25–1380 mg/kg and are under the permissible limits of compost applications. Besides, high germination index value in the vermicompost extract indicates loss of phytotoxicity and safe agricultural application potential of the end product. Finally, enhanced growth in Eisenia fetida confirms the application potential of harvested waste biomass as the raw materials for vermiconversion process.

Germination and Seedling Parameters of Wheat as Affected by Storage Conditions

A storage experiment was carried out from 27th April to 27thDecember, 2019 to study the effect of storage conditions i.e. methods (open air, under sunshade and in stores), packages type (normal, gunny, polyethylene and metal containers) and periods of seeds fumigation with phosphine (15, 30 and 45 days) on germination and seedling parameters of wheat. The experiment was arranged in a factorial experiment in randomized complete block design (R.C.B.D.) with four replications. Stored wheat seeds under sunshade produced the highest values of final germination percentage, germination index, mean germination time, plumule length, radical length, seedling vigor index and seedlings dry weight, followed by stored wheat seeds in stores. The highest germination index, mean germination time, plumule and radical lengths, seedling vigor index and seedlings dry weight were recorded in the samples of wheat seeds sealed stored in metal containers, followed by normal stored in gunny packages. The highest percentage of final germination was obtained by normal stored in gunny packages, followed by sealing storage in metal containers. The highest final germination percentage, germination index, mean germination time, plumule length, radical length, seedling vigor index and seedlings dry weight and the lowest abnormal seedlings percentage, rotten and sold seeds percentages, speed germination index, co-efficient of germination and germination energy percentage were recorded when treated with phosphine at the rate of 3 tablets/m3after 15 days from beginning the storage. This study recommended that stored wheat seeds under sunshade in metal packages and treating with phosphine at the rate of 3 tablets/m3 after 15 days from beginning the storage to enhance germination and seedlings parameter of wheat under the environmental conditions of Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt.

New insight into the impact of moisture content and pH on dissolved organic matter and microbial dynamics during cattle manure composting

Composting is an effective way to treat agricultural waste, whereas inappropriate initial conditions could cause lower maturity and system instability. In this study, the dissolved organic matter dynamics and microbial community succession of cattle-manure composting were investigated under different initial moisture content (MC) and pH of raw material. The results indicated that the extended duration of thermophilic phase and the highest GI (germination index) value of final product were observed at matrix 60% MC and pH 8.5 (AT2 treatment). Microbial analysis showed that the succession of bacterial and fungal community was significantly influenced by total carbon (TN), pH and MC (P < 0.05). The relationship between microbial community and fluorescence regional integration (FRI) parameters demonstrated that Thermobifida (bacterial genus), Mycothermus and Thermomyces (fungal genera) were positively correlated with PV, n (the integral aera of Region V). This study could provide a potential strategy for large-scale industrial application of compost.

Application of locally available microbial inoculant to accelerate green waste composting at a community level

The present study investigates application of locally available microbial inoculants to accelerate green waste composting and selection of best inoculant based upon selected physico-chemical and biological parameters for 45 days composting duration. Five inoculants were prepared using cow-dung, cow-urine, jaggery, processed food waste, vegetable waste, and mature compost, each prepared in different ways named as C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 and C0 (control) and sprayed over 500 kg green waste and fed into aerated in-vessels. The blades of reactors provided adequate aeration to diverse microbial populations in different inoculants to degrade recalcitrant compounds resulting in high thermophilic phase duration (3–8 days), high volatile solid reduction (13–29%), high germination index (85–97%), fecal population < 1000, NPK value in range of N (1.6–2.4%) P (2.8–5.2 mg/kg) and K (6.2–9.3 mg/kg) and low C/N ratio (14.5–20.2). Performance of C1 inoculant (processed food waste) was most effective followed by C5 inoculant (vegetable waste).

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) germination indices and physiological properties affected by priming and genotype under salinity stress

Seed priming has proved to be an effective method in imparting stress tolerance to plants using natural and/or synthetic compounds to treat the seeds before germination. The present study was designed to investigate the physiological mechanism of seed priming with ZnSO4 (osmopriming) and distilled water (hydropriming) on sugar beet genotypes (‘Shokofa’, ‘Sina’, ‘Paya’, ‘Turbata’, and ‘Aria’) germination indices, seedling growth parameters, and biochemical properties under salinity stress (0, 2, 5, and 12 dS/m NaCl). A significant reduction in germination percentage (33.23%), germination rate (77.2%), chlorophyll a, b, and total contents (43.9, 31.9, and 39.9%, respectively) while, a significant increase in radical, plumule, and seedling length (57.1, 44.4, and 51.2%, respectively), seedling vigour index (48.9%), superoxide dismutase activity (61.3%), proline (54.0%) and sugar (56.3%) contents were achieved at 12 dS/m NaCl in compared to the control treatment. Seed hydropriming and osmopriming caused significant improvements in photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant enzyme activity, and proline content reflected in high germination percentage and rate as well as seedling vigour index and reduced mean germination time under salinity. ‘Paya’ and ‘Aria’ genotypes had a superiority according to the germination percentage and seedling vigour index, respectively. The hydropriming of ‘Paya’ genotype resulted in the highest germination percentage (95%) under high level of salinity (12 dS/m) which 11.84% increase compared to the control treatment. Hydropriming of ‘Sina’ seeds showed the highest chlorophyll a and total, and carotenoids under non-stress conditions (22.89, 31.65, and 2116.6 µg/g FW). Also, hydropriming by increases chlorophyll b content led to the modulation of the negative effects of high salinity stress (12 dS/m). In conclusion, different seed priming treatments in sugar beet seeds improved the salinity tolerance by physiological characteristics nonetheless hydropriming was the most effective treatment to get higher germination indices in ‘Paya’ and ‘Aria’ genotypes.

Decontamination of seed borne disease in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seed and the enhancement of seed quality by the emulated plasma technology

Fungal diseases are a leading cause of crop destruction. The antifungal impact of plasma technology emulation against phytopathogenic fungi is documented in this research. The purpose of this research was to analyze the impact of plasma technology emulation against mycelium growth and spore germination of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, a causal agent of anthracnose disease in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seeds and its effect on pepper seed quality. The emulation of plasma condition in liquid media was simply created by treating sterilized water or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solution with UV-C irradiation to obtain the emulation of plasma activated water (EPAW) and plasma activated H2O2 solution (EPAS-H2O2), respectively. Accordingly, in vitro study, mycelium and spores of C. gloeosporioides fungi like (Cgfl) were treated with sterilized water (control), H2O2 solution at 1, 3 and 5%, EPAW and EPAS-H2O2 at 1, 3 and 5% for 60 min. The treated mycelium and spores were placed on PDA medium and incubated at 25 ± 3 ℃. The results revealed that only EPAS-5% H2O2 treatment completely inhibited both mycelium growth and spore germination. Spores were more sensitive to EPAW and EPAS-H2O2 than mycelium. Under scanning, the electron microscope (SEM) showed that the EPAW and EPAS-H2O2 condition destroyed the cell structure of fungal pathogens, leading to the loss of cell membrane integrity and morphological changes. The effects of 5% H2O2, EPAW and EPAS-5% H2O2 on the quality of artificially inoculated pepper seeds were determined in comparison with fungicide (0.15% w/v captan) treated seeds and non-treated seeds (only water). The results indicated that EPAS-5% H2O2 showed the best result to suppress the seed infection and improved seed germination as compared to other treatments, and stimulated seed quality as employing high germination index, seedling growth rate and fresh and dry weight of seedlings. This study implies that the application of plasma technology emulation is the simple and innovative treatment, which proved to be extremely effective towards seed decontamination and enhancement of pepper seed quality.