Highest Germination Percentage Research Articles

Influence of the Presence of Weeds and Other Impurities in Natural Alfalfa Seed on Finishing Machines Work and Seed Quality During Three Years

The paper presents the results of three - year tests (I, II, III) of finishing alfalfa seed of three different purities. Natural alfalfa seeds were classified into three groups: 1) without the presence of quarantine weeds; 2) with the presence of quarantine weeds of Cuscuta spp. and Rumex spp., but in smaller quantities; 3) in which there were also quarantine weeds in larger quantities. The alfalfa seeds were cleaned on a selector with sieves and on a magnetic separator manufactured by Emceka-Gompper. Depending on the purity of natural alfalfa seed, the finishing process had to take place in one to three passes through a system of machines, which caused different finishing output and losses of finishing processed alfalfa seed (9.2 to 38.0%). After finishing, the highest quality of processed seeds was from the group with the highest quarantine weeds (group 3), which was reflected in the lowest percentage of hard seeds (16%) and the highest percentage of germination (83%) in all years. This is also shown by a highly significant negative correlation between germination and hard seed (r=-430) after three years of seed processing.

Environmental Variation in Seed Mass in Sanguisorba Minor

ABSTRACT: Seed mass is an important characteristic of seed quality because larger seeds contain more resources and are likely to exhibit greater vigor than smaller seeds, characteristics that are commonly targeted in plant breeding programmes. Seed mass variation in 359 populations (accessions) of Sanguisorba minor were evaluated across its geographical range in Iran. In addition, the seed and germination parameters of 13 populations that had been stored for 12 years at 4°C in the Natural Resources Gene Bank of Iran were analysed. Seed mass among the 359 populations varied from 1.4g to 14.5g with an average of 5.65g. In this study, the seed mass variation was compared with eco-geographical variables across the original habitats of S. minor . An increase in the maximum temperature of the warmest month, annual precipitation, precipitation of the wettest month, precipitation of the wettest quarter and precipitation of the coldest quarter led to increases in seed mass. Smaller seeds were produced in the hotter and drier environments located in the center of Iran, and in wetter sites. Significant differences in seed traits were found among the 13 stored populations of S. minor and seed germination was positively corrrelated with seed mass (R2 = 0.9). The highest germination percentage after 12 years of storage was obtained in the Hamedan (75%) and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari (74%) populations, which had heavier and larger seeds. The positive correlation between longevity in ex-situ facilities and seed mass, suggests heavier seeds may have an advantage during storage and for use in breeding programmes.

Reproductive ecology offers some answers to the pepperbark tree persistence puzzle in the Kruger National Park, South Africa

Warburgia salutaris (pepperbark tree) is an endangered species greatly valued in South Africa for use in traditional medicine. In one of the few remaining W. salutaris conserved sites, the Kruger National Park (KNP), fruit production is extremely low, with a relatively low proportion of juveniles in the population. This study aimed firstly, to understand the reproductive ecology of W. salutaris and, secondly, to investigate factors that may contribute to the limited fruit (and seed) output in KNP by comparing results from KNP with a reproductively successful orchard in Eston, KwaZulu-Natal Province. In the first part of the study, potential pollinators were observed and collected for further analysis; four pollination treatments (i.e. autonomous self-, geitonogamous self-, cross- and natural pollination) were set-up to elucidate the breeding system; pollen viability was assessed; and pollen tube growth for self-, cross- and natural pollination was compared. In the second part of the study, fruit production and maturation was assessed; seed dispersers were identified; and germination success of seeds from natural and cultivated populations were compared. Pollination trials revealed that W. salutaris is likely self-incompatible as self-pollinated flowers in neither KNP nor Eston resulted in mature fruit. In addition, the majority of flowers that began to form fruit in the natural-bagged treatment (i.e. naturally pollinated flowers bagged to protect from seed predation) were aborted. Pollen viability was high across both the KNP sub-populations and Eston, while percentage pollen tube occurrence for self- and cross-pollination was higher in Eston than KNP. Mature KNP fruit were only present on three trees in one sub-population during the two-year study period. Ceratitis cosyra , the marula fly, was the only seed predator in W. salutaris fruit, and 20% of collected KNP fruit were affected by seed predation. Frugivore observations in a supplemental population at Leshiba Mountain Retreat (Limpopo) revealed that baboons ( Papio ursinus ) and vervet monkeys ( Chlorocebus aethiops pygerythrus ) eat W. salutaris fruit (but not the exocarp) and possibly orally discard the seeds at a later stage. Seeds from KNP fruit were viable and had the highest percentage germination, followed by Eston, and Leshiba. Overall, W. salutaris has many floral visitors, with Lepidoptera the most likely pollinators, pollen viability is high, and seeds that are produced germinate successfully. Therefore, the impaired reproductive output in KNP appears to be in the high occurrence of aborted fruit, supporting the hypothesis that the species relies on clonal reproduction and resprouting to persist in KNP. However, long-term reliance on clonal reproduction may impair the ability to reproduce sexually, which is ultimately necessary to establish genetically diverse genets that can adapt to environmental changes.

Uticaj različitih vrsta višegodišnjeg malča na banku semena korova u voćnjaku

Mulching is an agrotechnical measure often used in orchards and it means covering the soil with the organic or inorganic material in order to prevent the germination of the weeds. The other positive effects imply: the improvement of the physical and chemical soil characteristics, decrease of soil erosion and water loss, the prevention of the soil crusting, etc. The research of the weed seed bank under the different types of mulch was conducted during the growing season of 2021. in a plum orchard located at Rimski Šančevi. The black and white agrotextile and white mulch film, unlike the other mulches, left the surfaces clean, without the weeds. The analysis of the weed seed bank revealed the seeds of 20 weed species, of which 12 were not found to be present in the orchard during the experimental year. The overall germination rate of the obtained weed seeds is low because in the three-year experiment with mulches, there was no influx of new weed seeds for several years, while the old ones lost their germination. The highest germination percentage was noted for the seeds of the following species: Amaranthus retroflexus, Stellaria media and Solanum nigrum, due to their ability to retain germination for a long period of time. The highest number of the seeds per m2 was found in the inter-row space due to the large influx of the seeds during the growing season. The highest germination rate was observed in case of the seeds found under the sawdust mulch. None of the ungerminated seeds showed the viability, as determined by the Crush test.

Seed-borne Fungi of Pinus tecunumanii Seeds in Tanzania

Seed health is an important attribute to be taken care of since it is from a healthy seed that a healthy plant is regenerated. Seed-borne fungi are among the severe pathogens causing significant losses in the quantity and quality of Pinus seeds. Fungi reduce seedling vigor and low seed germination to disease. The study aimed to detect and identify seed-borne fungus in certified and uncertified Pinus tecunumanii seeds in Iringa area. The research was conducted from January to May 2022. Seed samples were collected from four seed lots: Mafinga, Kilolo, Makungu, and the Private Forestry Programme (PFP). The blotter test method was used to grow seed-borne fungi. For identification, a compound microscope was used to look at the formed fungal colonies. The percentages of pure seeds from PFP were higher at (99%) than those collected from Kilolo (95%), Mafinga (94.5%), and Makungu (91.5%). PFP seeds had the highest germination percentage (94.75%), followed by Kilolo (91.75%), Mafinga (91.25%), and Makungu (89.25%). The highest frequency of Fusarium spp. was observed in PFP (65%), followed by Makungu (48.04%), Kilolo (47.67%), and the lowest was Mafinga (43.75%). The frequency of Aspergillus niger was highest in Makungu (34.31%), Mafinga (32.29%), Kilolo (29.07%), and PFP (20.48%), while the frequency of Rhizopus spp. was higher in Makungu (5.88%), followed by Kilolo (5.81%), and Mafinga (5.20%). There was no occurrence of Rhizopus spp. in PFP. Moreover, the incidences were higher in non-certified seeds than in certified seeds. The research will help to sustainably produce high-quality seeds for the growth of pinus trees in forests and nurseries.

Effect of different growth media on biometric parameter of brinjal and chilli seedlings under shade net house

The study was undertaken for two consecutive years (2017 and 2018) to evaluate the effect of different growth media on various growing parameters and incidence of insect pest on brinjal and chilli seedlings. Seedlings were grown in protray using six types of growing media. The highest germination percentage (71.11), plant height (11.05 cm), number of leaves (5.81) and percentage healthy seedlings (89.82) were observed with vermiculite + perlite + vermi- compost (1:1:2) during both the years in brinjal. Similarly in chilli, highest germination percentage (66.33), plant height (9.81 cm), number of leaves (5.62) and percentage healthy seedlings (87.61) were observed with vermiculite + perlite + vermi-compost (1:1:2). There was significantly low incidence of whitefly in brinjal (1.49 whitefly/leaf) and chilli (1.65 whitefly/ leaf) seedling grown in media with vermiculite + perlite + vermi-compost (1:1:2). Hence, vermiculite + perlite + vermi-compost (1:1:2) was found as optimum growth media for growing of chilli and brinjal seedlings. The findings of this study recommend the use of vermiculite + perlite + vermi-compost (1:1:2) as growth media for raising nursery by farmers as it had significant positively effect on plant growth parameters of seedlings that lead to increase production of chilli and brinjal.

Potential of two hydration treatments for improvement of sunflower seed vigour

Seed deterioration is an unavoidable process to which seeds of oilseed plant species such as sunflower are especially sensitive. This study aimed to determine whether different invigoration techniques can improve the attributes of germination in sunflower and alleviate the effects of seed ageing. Both aged and non-aged seeds were subjected to invigoration by pre-soaking with distilled water and with 3% of KH2PO4for 24 hours at 25°C. Germination performance, seedling growth and SDS-PAGE protein profile were determined. The outcome of invigoration depended on the condition of the seeds: invigoration of seeds with both water and KH2PO4reduced the percentage of germination in non-aged seeds, while in aged seeds there was an increase in germination compared to the control. The SDS-PAGE seed protein profiles revealed that the low molecular weight proteins produced high-intensity bands and the high molecular weight proteins were in low concentrations. After accelerated ageing followed by H2O treatment, some bands of proteins appeared in the region of 2S albumins and were associated with a higher percentage of germination. Our results point out that invigoration treatments were more effective in low vigour seeds which can provide wide practical benefits.

Evaluation of the optimum threshold of gamma-ray for inducing mutation on Polianthes tuberosa cv. double and analysis of genetic variation with RAPD marker

Purpose This experiment aimed to investigate the effect of gamma irradiation on morpho-physiological characteristics and molecular-induced variations in Polianthes tuberosa L. Methods Experiments were designed according to a completely randomized design with eight different gamma-ray doses (0, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 Gy) via a source of cobalt-60 with three replications. Some morpho-physiological characteristics of tuberoses were screened and evaluated at the end of the flower growth and development phases. The RAPD-PCR molecular marker technique was further used to identify the mutants of phenotypic variation flowers. Results Results indicated that the effect of different levels of γ-rays on some morphological and physiological traits was significant as the gamma-ray level was increased up to 50 Gy. The doses higher than 50 Gy were found to cause stand or no growth. The 50 Gy gamma irradiation reduced germination by 70.59%, germination rate by 66.36%, dry weight by 88.15%, fresh weight by 87.41%, flowering stem height (cm) by 69.22%, leaf area (cm2) by 57.35%, leaf number by 34.41%, chlorophyll content (mg g−1 FW) by 44.79%, number of florets by 92.57%, spike height (cm) by 27.80%, bulblet number by 32.57%, and bulblet diameter (mm) by 30.21%. On the contrary, gamma radiation at 50 Gy increased relative water content (%) and electrolyte leakage (ds m−1) by 41.27 and 237.65%, respectively. The results also showed that bulbs treated with 20 Gy gamma ray had the highest germination percentage and dry weight. The RAPD analysis indicated that among 10 primers tested, nine primers showed clear bands as the highest number of amplified fragments (90) was related to the OPM13 primer and the lowest number (40) to the OPM10 primer. However, the DNA polymorphism was dose-dependent. Conclusion Overall results showed that although the plant morphology was changed with gamma-ray level, no changes occurred in tuberose color.

GROWTH EVALUATION OF CUCUMIS SATIVUS L. (CUCUMBER PLANT) IN ARSENIC AND CHROMIUM TREATED SOILS

Evaluation of the growth of Cucumis sativus in arsenic (As) and chromium (Cr) treatedsoils was carried out. Parameters measured were germination, plant height, number ofleaves, relative water content and total chlorophyll. The concentrations of metalsolutions applied were 0, 30, 60, 120 and 240 ppm of arsenic and chromium saltsseparately. The study was conducted as potted field experiment. The treatments werereplicated four times. Three days after planting (DAP), C. sativus seeds germinated inall soil treatments. The highest percentage germination was obtained in controltreatments 15 DAP. The metal treatments depressed germination. Similarly, plantheight was depressed significantly by As and Cr treatments (?=0.05). Plant heightvalues recorded for 240 ppm As and 240 ppm Cr were 24.1% and 36.5% of theirrespective values for control. Differences in number of leaves produced per plants werefound to be statistically significant under arsenic treatment only. The values obtained forrelative water content and total chlorophyll showed that plants grown in As and Crtreated soils were inhibited. Generally, plants grown under control conditions gavehigher values. From the growth parameters evaluated, arsenic treatments was moretoxic to Cucumis sativus than chromium treatments.

Effects of Different Potting Media on the Germination and Early Growth of Newbouldia laevis. (P. Beauv.) Seem.

The research was conducted at the screen house of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra state, Nigeria. The study was carried out from January to May 2021 to access the effect of different potting media on germination and early growth of Newbodia laevis.
 Treatments were laid out in a Complete Randomize Design (CRD) with four replications. The germination parameters measured were days to germination, germination period and germination percentage while the growth variables measured includes plant height, collar diameter and number of leaves. The potting media used were T1 (topsoil and cow dung), T2 (topsoil and goat dung), T3 (topsoil and poultry dropping), T4(topsoil and sawdust), T5 control (topsoil only).
 Data collected were subjected to R software, using the following packages: plyr, car, gvlma, one-way tests, user friendly science, ggplot. Results obtained indicated that T1 had the highest germination percentage (85%) followed by T2 and T3 with germination percentages of 82% and 80% respectively. T4 had the poorest germination percentage (60%). The results also showed that the treatment had direct effect on the seedling early growth; the highest mean collar girth was observed in T1 with 1.85 cm while the least was observed in T4 with 0.72 m. The highest mean height was observed in T2 with 22.15 cm while the least was observed in T4 with 7.23 cm. Also, the highest mean number of leaves was observed in T2 with 21leaves while the least was observed in T4 with 7 leaves. Based on the findings of these experiments it is recommended that for maximum growth and optimum germination of Newbodia laevis, T1 and T2 should be used, sawdust had poor germination and growth performance and thereby is not recommended for the early growth of Newbodia laevis seedlings.

Screening the toxicity profile and genotoxicity mechanism of excess manganese confirmed by spectral shift

In this study, the toxicity induced by excessive doses of manganese (MnCl2), which is one of the essential trace elements for the continuation of the metabolic activities of the organisms, was investigated with the help of the Allium test. Toxicity was investigated by using physiological (percent germination, root length, weight gain), cytogenetic [mitotic index (MI), micronucleus (MN), chromosomal abnormalities (CAs)], biochemical [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) catalase (CAT)] and anatomical (root tip meristematic cell damage) parameters. Allium cepa L. bulbs were divided into four groups as one control and three treatments. The control group was germinated with tap water, and the treatment groups were germinated with 250, 500 and 1000 µM doses of MnCl2. The germination process was continued for 72 h without interruption. At the end of the period, the root tips were collected, washed in distilled water and made ready for microscopic and spectrophotometric analyzes with the help of routine preparation techniques. As a result, the highest germination percentage, root length, weight gain and MI, and the lowest MN frequency, CAs numbers, MDA level, SOD and CAT enzyme activities were determined in the control group (group I). MnCl2 exposure caused a decrease in physiological parameter values and an increase in cytogenetic (except MI) and biochemical parameter values, depending on the dose. MnCl2 exposure induced MN and CAs such as fragment, sticky chromosome, vagrant chromosome, unequal distribution of chromatin and bridge. This genotoxic effect of MnCl2 was associated with DNA–MnCl2 interaction, and this interaction was also confirmed by bathochromic and hypochromic shifts in spectral analysis. Anatomical damages such as epidermis cell damage, flattened cell nucleus, cortex cell damage and cortex cell wall thickening were observed after MnCl2 treatment. As a result, it has been determined that excessive doses of the trace element Mn cause physiological, cytogenetic, biochemical and anatomical toxicity and A. cepa test material is a reliable bio-indicator in determining this toxicity.

Germinação de sementes e substratos para mudas de Melocactus zehntneri

ABSTRACT The populations of Melocactus zehntneri 'chapéu-de-frade' have shown an alarming decline due to the constant withdrawal of individuals from their natural areas. The low percentage of germination of M. zehntneri seeds, added to the slow growth, requires a system for commercial propagation of this species. This study aimed to test the influence of water, hydrochloric acid or acetic acid pre-treatments on seed germination and the influence of different substrates on the initial development of M. zehntneri seedlings. The seeds were immersed in deionized water, hydrochloric acid (5N) or glacial acetic acid (100%) for 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 minutes and placed to germinate in a Petri dish containing filter paper moistened with 5 mL deionized water. The seedlings obtained from this germination (≡ 0.4 cm diameter) were cultivated on Carolina Soil® and vermiculite [2:1] substrates; Carolina Soil® and vermiculite [2:1] + drainage; medium-grained sand; medium-grained sand + drainage; medium-grained sand and organic compost [1:1]; medium-grained sand and organic compost [1:1] + drainage; and Carolina Soil® and medium-grained sand [1:1]. The highest percentage of germination was obtained with the pre-treatment by immersion in water, in the times of 10 and 30 minutes, totaling 55% of germinated seeds. Treatments with hydrochloric acid did not increase the percentage of germinated seeds, which were also close to 50%. In the test with the substrates, in Carolina Soil® there were the best rates of seedling survival after transplanting (87.5%) and seedling development performance. Treatments containing organic compost resulted in lower survival (69%) and seedling development. Seed germination and seedling development in Carolina Soil® substrate and sand proved to be an excellent alternative for the production of M. zehntneri seedlings.

In vitro asymbiotic seed germination, protocorm formation, and plantlet development of Orchis simia Lam.: A threatened terrestrial orchid species

• Seed germination and plantlet growth were impacted by organic constituents and nitrogen sources. • Individual application of organic nitrogen compounds led to higher germination efficiencies. • The present protocol could be used for large-scale in vitro micropropagation of terrestrial orchids. The present study examined the seed morphometric and viability, asymbiotic seed germination, protocorm formation, and plantlet growth in Orchis simia Lam., an at-risk Euro-Mediterranean terrestrial orchid species. Furthermore, tissue histology pattern in vitro grown plantlets and field-established was compared. After one month, shoot and root primordia started to grow on developing protocorms and small plantlets became visible after 2–3 subculturing. Asymbiotic in vitro seed germination and plantlet growth attributes were significantly ( P <0.05) impacted by both type of main organic constituent and nitrogen sources. The seeds sown on media supplemented with pineapple juice (PJ) and casein hydrolysate (CH) had the highest germination percentage. In terms of required days to see the first signs of germination, CW+AV treatment brings about the fastest germination (6.8 ± 0.20 days). Protocorms grown on the media comprising PJ in combination with Aminoven (AV) or casein hydrolysate (CH) or Pep showed higher dimensions and therefore higher weight (% 450 increase) compared to protocorms grown on other media. Altogether, treatments with higher germination percentage, faster germination, and bigger protocorms finally resulted in better plantlet growth. Acclimatization of in vitro grown plantlets occurred by converting scattered vascular tubes into fully developed xylem and phloem vessels facilitating sap flow. Taking into account the fragmentation of O. simia populations in the Middle East and the Euro-Mediterranean basin mainly due to tuber overharvesting and climate change, the present procedure could be used for large-scale multiplication of in vitro raised seedlings to re-introduce into endangered regions.

Synthesis and properties of CA/ZnONPs electrospun nanofiber as seed coating to enhance germination of aerobic rice seed

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) incorporated cellulose acetate bio-polymer (CA) sustainable nanofiber (NFs) seed coating material was produced by electrospinning technique. Varying concentrations (12wt% to 17wt%) of CA as binder and 100mg/L of Zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnONPs) as an active ingredient were used to produce electrospun nanofiber seed coating. FESEM, water contact angle (WCA), and membrane porosity analysis were performed to determine the physical properties of the CA/ZnONPs NFs. The germination capacity (%) of the aerobic paddy seed cv. MRIA was used to examine the effect of treated coated seeds. Results indicate that CA-ZnONPs of 17wt% CA with 100mg/L of ZnONPs produced beads-free homogenous morphological fiber with a nanometric scale of 526±139nm. 17wt% of CA-ZnONPs electrospun nanofiber results in high porosity by 94% and increases hydrophobicity to 131±2.0° compared to (CA NFs) respectively. The highest germination percentage was obtained from coated seed with 17wt% of CA with 100mg/L of ZnONPs with 60% and 67%, respectively, at 3 and 7 days after incubation. It was enhanced by about 45% and 33% (3 days), 20.8% and 29.8% (7 days) as compared to CA NFs and control. Higher germination capacity is essential to paddy cultivation as it is a physiological element that contributes to producing good in growth performance and quality of rice yield.

Condição de luz, vedação dos frascos e tempo de cultivo na germinação e desenvolvimento inicial in vitro de Dendrobium nobile lindl.

Abstract One of the obstacles for the production of Orchidaceae plants is the seed propagation. Thus, in in vitro cultivation, luminosity and the type of sealing of the bottles are factors that influence germination and initial development of orchids. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the light condition, the type of sealing of the bottles and the evaluation time in germination and initial in vitro development of Dendrobium nobile Lindl. After sowing, cultures were subjected to two irradiance conditions according to the sealing of the flasks: 7.0 µmol m-2 s-1 (threaded cap) and 19.0 µmol m-2 s-1 (plastic film) and two light conditions: white fluorescent lamp and red fluorescent lamp. At 30, 60 and 90 days, the percentage of germination, survival, of protocorms in stage 1, stage 2, stage 3 and stage were evaluated 4. DIC was used, in a sub-divided plot scheme for 30 and 60 days after sowing and in a 2 x 2 factorial scheme at 90 days. The highest germination percentage was observed when using white fluorescent lamp with a plastic film cover (70.33%) and at 30 days (70.13%). The highest survival percentage (100%) was observed when using plastic film cover and white fluorescent lamp at 90 days. The greatest development of propagules, reaching stage 4 was verified in the red fluorescent lamp with threaded cap (9.55%).

Effect of Different Concentration of Fungicide Mancozeb on Protein Concentration and Alpha Amylase Activity of Eleusine coracana. (L.) Gaertn.

Abstract: Experiments were carried out to study the effect of fungicide Mancozeb on seed germination, seedlings growth, chlorophyll content, protein concentration and alpha amylase activity. The experiments were conducted under a completely randomised design, consisting of 8 treatments in a 2×4 fractorial system [2 seed variety × 4 Mancozeb Concentration : 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.0% (control) in 3 replicates each consisting of 20 Ragi seeds.. The Ragi variety used was INDAF 7 and KMR 301. In KMR 301, the highest percentage of germination, high chlorophyll content, high protein concentration and high alpha amylase activity was recorded in seeds treated with 0.4% concentration of Mancozeb and lowest was recorded in control. In INDAF 7, the highest percentage of germination, high chlorophyll content, high protein concentration and high alpha amylase activity was recorded in Control and lowest was recorded in seeds treated with fungicide concentrations

Management of Pulse Beetle in Green Gram Seed Using Modified Atmosphere

The experiment was conducted at Seed Research and Technology Center, PJTSAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India during June, 2019 under laboratory conditions using modified atmosphere with elevated levels of CO2 in two varieties of green gram namely LGG-460 and LGG-407. The study indicated that biological parameters of the test insect and the seed quality parameters were highly influenced by different levels of CO2 and storage intervals and varied between the two accessions of green gram. Emergence of adults decreased with increased concentrations of CO2. Among the two accessions, LGG-460 had least adult emergence with comparatively less insect damage than LGG-407. Higher concentrations of CO2 (45%) significantly reduced the per cent insect infestation and weight loss of both the accessions. The efficacy of different concentrations of CO2 on seed infestation and population build up revealed that exposing the bruchid infested green gram seed to 45% and higher concentrations of CO2 not only checked seed infestation but also checked the progeny production of the pest even after prolonged periods of storage up to 2 MAS. The green gram seeds stored in CO2 rich atmosphere also maintained seed quality with high germination percentage and seedling vigor up to 2 MAS. Two months storage period was effective for control of insect infestation and weight loss. Among the 2 accessions, seedling vigour I and II were found to be high in LGG 460 even at 6 months storage interval.

Influence of Seed Priming on Germination of Pea (Pisum sativum)

Purpose: The Seed priming is an efficient method for synchronizing germination and increasing seed vigor. The experiment was performed in Sindh Agriculture University, Tando Jam, Sindh, Pakistan, to study and quantify the effect of different types of seed priming on the seed germination percentage and shoot and root length of pea.&#x0D; Methodology: The experiment was laid down in randomized complete block design with split plot arrangements. Five different priming treatments we used; T1 Soaking in water for 12 hours, T2 Soaking in 50oC hot water for 10 minutes, T3 Soaking in 2% NaCl solution for 10 minutes, T4 Soaking in 50% H2SO4 solution for 10 minutes, T5 Control (no priming).&#x0D; Findings: The results indicated a significant/ high effect of the priming treatments on the germination percentage, length of shoot, and length of roots. The highest germination percentage about (98%), the highest length of shoot about (4.26 cm), and the highest length of root about (10.92 cm) were observed from T3. The lowest germination percentage about (76%), the lowest length of shoot about (2.24cm), or the lowest length of root about (1.12 cm), result was observed from the (T5). These treatments were followed by germination percentage of about (94%), shoot length about (3.54 cm), and the length of root about (9.74 cm) from T2. It was followed by germination percentage of (88%) shoot length about (3.34 cm), length of root about (8.28 cm) from T1. This was followed by the germination percentage about (86%), shoot length about (2.44 cm), and length of root about (8.4 cm) from T4.&#x0D; Conclusion: Result of this experiment show significant effect of the priming treatment on the majority of seed germination and growth of components in the pea grain, including seed germination percentage, shoot and root length of pea.&#x0D; Recommendations: The study recommended that farmers to adopt seed priming. These practices among smallholder’s farmers should focus on enhancement of farmer awareness and know about seed priming. When farmers see that seed does not germinate properly like they expect, they should apply seed priming treatments.

Results of the Introduction of Some Species of Lianas on the Absheron

The article presents data on the methods of reproduction, the dynamics of growth and development of primary seedlings, the study of phenology, as well as the structure of the root system and the nature of the growth of 1-3-year-old plants of the species Trachelospermum jasminoides (Lindl.) Lem., Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd., Vitis amurensis Rupr., Jasminum sambac (L.) Aiton and Smilax aspera L. in the conditions of Absheron. In 2017-2019, in the conditions of open and closed ground of the Central Botanical Garden, research was carried out on seed and vegetative propagation. Since they are new introducers, a number of bioecological features have not been comprehensively studied. The species V. amurensis, T. jasminoides and S. aspera were studied in the open conditions of Absheron, and in the closed conditions: B. spectabilis and J. sambac. The species V. amurensis, T. jasminoides, B. spectabilis, S. aspera grew rapidly in sunny areas, while the species J. sambac grows better in shady places. During the study, the highest results when propagated by cuttings were found in the species S. aspera (90%), B. spectabilis(80%) and V. amurensis (90%). During seed propagation, the highest percentage of germination was observed in the species V. amurensis (80%) and S. aspera — (80%) in the first ten days of March when seeds were sown to a depth of 2-3 cm. When studying the root system of the vines of the studied species, it was observed that V. amurensis has about 20 lateral roots, S. aspera has 60, and J. sambac with a fibrous root system has more than 60 lateral roots. As a result, it was found that under the soil and climatic conditions of Absheron, of the studied species, V. amurensis and S. aspera grow and develop normally, bloom profusely and form high-quality seeds, while in the species B. spectabilis and J. sambac, despite abundant flowering during the year, the formation of seeds is not observed.

Effect of LF-microwave hybrid plasma treatment on radish seed germination and sprout growth

The atmospheric pressure non-thermal plasma generated by low-frequency (LF)-microwave hybrid discharge has been employed to investigate the effects of plasma treatment on the germination and growth of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) sprout seeds. The plasma generated with admixture discharge gas of Ar-O2 was adopted for the irradiation of seeds. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analyses were performed to elucidate the physical and chemical state changes of seed surfaces after plasma treatment. The reactive species produced in the plasma were investigated using optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and chemical indicator (CI). The results demonstrate that higher reactive oxygen species were generated from the LF-microwave hybrid plasma compared to conventional LF plasma jet. Moreover, the higher germination percentage and shorter germination time were obtained with the LF-microwave hybrid plasma compared to LF plasma jet and control group. It is considered that reactive species produced in the LF-microwave hybrid plasma are related to the germination time of the radish sprout seed.