Highest Germination Percentage Research Articles

Seed morphology characterization and salinity effects on two popular rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties of Nagaland

Salinity is one of the significant problems in rice production as it limits its growth and development. Salinity can occur through natural processes due to weathering and human intervention, such as irrigation. The present study reports two different rice varieties, 'Makrilha' and 'Thevur' which are categorized as very long (< 7.50 mm) and slender in shape (< 3.0 mm) and subjected to different salt treatments (0 mM, 100 mM, 200 mM, and 300 mM NaCl solutions) and their germination responses, such as germination percentage (GP), germination index (GI), mean germination time (MGT), vigor index (VI), root and shoot length. The study concluded that Makrilha has a higher GP (88.33%) as compared to Thevur (63%) at 200 mM NaCl solution. Both the rice showed 100% germination in the control 0 mM and 100 mM salt solutions, and no germination was recorded in the 300 mM NaCl solution. GI was recorded at its maximum in Makrilha as compared to Thevur. MGT and VI were more concentrated in Thevur than Makrilha. There was a significant difference in GI, VI, root, and shoot length (P < 0.05) as salinity increased for both rices. There was no significant difference in GP (P = 0.122) and MGT (P = 0.088). The study also found a positive correlation between GI and GP. MGT is negatively correlated with GP and GI. VI is positively correlated with GP, and GI is negatively correlated with MGT. Root and shoot length are positively correlated with GP, GI, and VI but negatively correlated with MGT for both rice varieties. The rice root and shoot length are affected as salt concentration increases and are statistically significant (root P = 0.012, shoot P = 0.001). Salt is used to control weeds in almost every part of Nagaland. Thus, the effect of salt applications needs to be studied in rice. Based on the data obtained for germination parameters such as GP, GI, VI, MGT, root and shoot length, 'Makrilha' tends to show more tolerance towards salinity as compared to 'Thevur' under controlled environmental conditions. Thus, this study can provide insight into selecting rice with a higher salt tolerance for cultivation.

Effect of Off-season Planting Dates and Varieties on Seed Quality Parameters of Soybean (Glycine max L.) Upon Accelerated Ageing

Three soybean varieties AISb-50, Basara and JS-335 were used in the current study in Adilabad. They were seeded on December 15 and January 15, respectively during the Rabi (2021–2022) season. During the off-season, the varieties were sowed on three replications. To make sure that the requirements for the seed quality of off-season soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) at initial, 3 days of ageing and 5 days of accelerated ageing are explained, as well as the results of different varieties and sowing dates. The plants' collected seeds are sent for an examination of their quality. During the experiment, the following features were examined: speed of germination, field emergence (%), electrical conductivity (µScm-1 g-1), and the following: germination (%), seedling length (cm), seedling vigor index I, seedling dry weight (mg), and seedling vigor index II. The study's conclusions demonstrated how cultivars and planting dates had a substantial impact on the parameters. The 15th January seeded crop (85.78%) had the best germination percentage among the initial, 3 days of aging, and 5 days of accelerated ageing. The AISb-50 variety (88.67%) had the greatest germination percentage among interactions, and the AISb-50 of 15th December (89.00%) had the highest germination percentage. The seedling vigour index I was highest in 15th December sown crop (2605), AISb-50 (2447) variety and in JS-335 of 15th December (2803). The highest seedling dry weight (mg) was recorded in 15th December sown crop (838.40mg), Basara (792.7mg) and in AISb-50 of 15th December (853.1mg). Vigor index II was recorded maximum in Basara (65291),15th December sown crop (71541) and in AISb-50 (74571) of 15th December. While field emergence % was highest in 15th December (81.22%), JS-335(83.17%) and in JS-335, AISb-50 of 15th December sown crop (84.33%). The seed quality parameters was recorded at the initial stage were higher for the above parameters except for electrical conductivity, whereas the highest electrical conductivity was recorded after 5 days of ageing in the 15th January crop (65.75 µScm-1 g-1), Basara (82.50 µScm-1 g-1) and in Basara of 15th January (85.00 µScm-1 g-1). It was noticed that seed quality parameters were significantly affected by sowing date, varieties and accelerated ageing, the freshly harvested seed had good seed quality compared to the aged seed.

Effect of intraspecific seed trait variation on the germination of eight tropical dry forest species

Functional traits can have intraspecific and interspecific variations essential in the structure and dynamics of natural communities. These traits may have implications in the germination and seedling establishment phases in seeds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of variations in mass, volume, and nutrient content (C, N, and P) on the germination of eight species representative of the tropical dry forest (TDF). Our results showed that seed size, both in terms of mass and volume, did not predict germination rates or percentages, nor were they related to nutrient content. In contrast, N content was the most important trait in the germination phase. Larger seeds did not germinate more or faster, but they could offer better resistance against desiccation, since they had higher C/N ratios in their tissues, a characteristic of orthodox seeds. The species A. guachapele, B. arborea, H. crepitans, and V. tortuosa presented a high biological potential in terms of their regeneration capacity, particularly, because the characteristics of their seeds, as well as the nutrient content, revealed consistent implications in their reproductive success, promoting high germination percentages in less time. In general, the results obtained in this study provide basic knowledge for future research, offering starting points for further exploration of species-specific adaptations and how they may be affected by the environment.

Antifungal Activity of Phyllospheric Bacteria Isolated from Coffea arabica against Hemileia vastatrix.

Peru is one of the leading countries that produce and export specialty coffees, favorably positioned in the international markets for its physical and organoleptic cup qualities. In recent years, yellow coffee rust caused by the phytopathogenic fungus Hemileia vastatrix stands out as one of the main phytosanitary diseases that affect coffee culture yields. Many studies have demonstrated bacteria antagonistic activity against a number of phytopathogen fungi. In this context, the aim of this work was to select and characterize phyllospheric bacteria isolated from Coffea arabica with antagonistic features against coffee rust to obtain biocontrollers. For that purpose, a total of 82 phyllospheric bacteria were isolated from two coffee leaf rust-susceptible varieties, typica and caturra roja, and one tolerant variety, catimor. Of all the isolates, 15% were endophytic and 85% were epiphytes. Among all the isolates, 14 were capable of inhibiting the mycelial radial growth of Mycena citricolor, and Colletotrichum sp. 16S rRNA gene sequence-based analysis showed that 9 isolates were related to Achromobacter insuavis, 2 were related to Luteibacter anthropi and 1 was related to Rodococcus ceridiohylli, Achromobacter marplatensis and Pseudomonas parafulva. A total of 7 representative bacteria of each group were selected based on their antagonistic activity and tested in germination inhibition assays of coffee rust uredinospores. The CRRFLT7 and TRFLT8 isolates showed a high inhibition percentage of urediniospores germination (81% and 82%, respectively), similar to that obtained with the chemical control (91%). An experimental field assay showed a good performance of both strains against rust damage too, making them a promising alternative for coffee leaf rust biocontrol.

Evaluation of Traditional Rice Genotypes (Oryza sativa L.) for Seed Quality Traits under Aerobic Condition

Freshly harvested seeds of 58 traditional rice genotypes and two checks (KRH-4 and Doddabyranellu grown under aerobic condition were subjected to seed quality evaluation. Among traditional rice genotypes lowest electrical conductivity (3.48 (dScm-1 g-1), highest germination percentage (99.67 %), α-amylase activity (2.03 cm) and total dehydrogenase activity (1.123) was observed in Neralisale, whereas highest thousand seed weight (30.00 gm), mean seedling length (37.83 cm), mean seedling dry weight (22.53 mg), seedling vigor index-I (3693) and II (2216) was noticed in Chinnaponni compared to other genotypes. Among checks, Doddabyranellu showed better seed quality traits. From this study it could be concluded that genotypes Chinnaponni and Neralisale are well-suited for aerobic condition, benefiting farmers facing irrigation constraints by ensuring improved seed quality.

Study of Germination and Seedling Growth of Piper guineense

Natural regeneration of black pepper (Piper guineense Schumach and Thonn) through seeds is poor and cultivation by local farmers is very limited since it is usually collected from the wild. High demand has put a pressure on its population in our declining forests and a call for domestication of non-timber forest plant species is ongoing. This study identified germination requirements, germination characteristics and seedling growth of Piper guineense with a view to providing information on its propagation from seeds. There were two major pre-sowing treatments - Fresh or dry fruits or seeds. Germination and seedling growth parameters were measured for all treatments. Results showed that Piper guineense seeds undergo epigeal germination, the radicle developing into three-legged hairy rootlets. The highest percentage germination, germination rate and germination index were recorded in the treatment with fresh seeds planted in petri dish. The dry seeds and fruits recorded no germination even after 38 days of planting. For seedling growth, the developing leaves have a higher sink strength between the fourth and fifth month of development and this stage may be crucial to the growth of the seedling. Piper guineense seeds must be sown fresh for germination to take place.

Effects of Different Priming Treatments on The Germination and Growth of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

The study was designed to overcome the low germination of okra seed and to assess the effects of different seed priming treatments on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) seedlings, which were encompassed nine treatments: control, hydro priming, SMP-sand metrix priming, H2SO4 - 40%, H2O2 - 2%, NaCl - 3%, KCl - 3%, CaCl2 - 3%, and KI - 1%. A randomized complete block design was used with three replications. Germination percentages, germination speed index (GSI), seedling vigor index (SVI), and relative growth rate (RGR) were measured. The highest germination percentage (89.77%) and GSI (9.6) were observed with (H2O2 - 2%). T3 (H2SO4 - 40%) exhibited the highest SVI (0.7), indicating robust seedling health. Additionally, H2O2 - 2%. demonstrated the longest root and shoot length (11.7 cm and 14.2 cm, respectively) and highest seedling fresh weight (0.87 g). Treatment with H2SO4 - 40% displayed the highest dry weight (0.18 g). Notably, H2O2 - 2% treatment significantly enhanced germination and growth compared to the control. These findings underscore the potential of seed priming, particularly H2O2 - 2%, in enhancing okra seedling growth and development, offering valuable implications for crop productivity and establishment.

Identification of Single Nucleotide Polymorphic Loci and Candidate Genes for Seed Germination Percentage in Okra under Salt and No-Salt Stresses by Genome-Wide Association Study.

Excessive soil salinity is a major stressor inhibiting crops' growth, development, and yield. Seed germination is a critical stage of crop growth and development, as well as one of the most salt-sensitive stages. Salt stress has a significant inhibitory effect on seed germination. Okra is a nutritious vegetable, but its seed germination percentage (GP) is low, whether under salt stress conditions or suitable conditions. In this study, we used 180 okra accessions and conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on the germination percentage using 20,133,859 single nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) markers under 0 (CK, diluted water), 70 (treatment 1, T1), and 140 mmol/L (treatment 2, T2) NaCl conditions. Using the mixed linear model (MLM) in Efficient Mixed-model Association eXpedated (EMMAX) and Genome-wide Efficient Mixed Model Association (GEMMA) software, 511 SNP loci were significantly associated during germination, of which 167 SNP loci were detected simultaneously by both programs. Among the 167 SNPs, SNP2619493 on chromosome 59 and SNP2692266 on chromosome 44 were detected simultaneously under the CK, T1, and T2 conditions, and were key SNP loci regulating the GP of okra seeds. Linkage disequilibrium block analysis revealed that nsSNP2626294 (C/T) in Ae59G004900 was near SNP2619493, and the amino acid changes caused by nsSNP2626294 led to an increase in the phenotypic values in some okra accessions. There was an nsSNP2688406 (A/G) in Ae44G005470 near SNP2692266, and the amino acid change caused by nsSNP2688406 led to a decrease in phenotypic values in some okra accessions. These results indicate that Ae59G004900 and Ae44G005470 regulate the GP of okra seeds under salt and no-salt stresses. The gene expression analysis further demonstrated these results. The SNP markers and genes that were identified in this study will provide reference for further research on the GP of okra, as well as new genetic markers and candidate genes for cultivating new okra varieties with high GPs under salt and no-salt stress conditions.

Effect of Euphorbia hirta Leaf and Root Extracts on the Early Growth of Cucurbit Crops

The research investigates the allelopathic influence of Euphorbia hirta extracts on the germination and seedling development of various cucurbit species, including Bottle gourd (Sp. A), Winter melon (Sp. B), Ridged gourd (Sp. C), Sponge gourd (Sp. D), Bitter gourd (Sp. E), Snake gourd (Sp. F), Muskmelon (Sp. G), and Pumpkin (Sp. H). The experimental design incorporated the use of both aqueous and methanol extracts of E. hirta, applied at different concentrations, with distilled water employed as the control. The findings reveal that the methanolic extract of E. hirta significantly impedes both the germination process and the subsequent growth of seedlings for all cucurbit species tested. For instance, at 12 days post-treatment, control groups exhibited high germination percentages (78%, 90.67%, 95.33% and 90% for Sp. A, Sp. C, Sp. D and Sp. E, respectively), which drastically declined with a 20% methanol extract concentration (23.33%, 18.33%, and 17.67% and 18.33% for the same species, respectively). Similarly, shoot and root length measurements indicated that higher concentrations of both extracts suppressed growth, with methanol extract showing a stronger inhibitory effect compared to the aqueous extract. Interestingly, Lower extract concentrations occasionally boosted shoot growth, revealing a hormetic effect. This two-fold response, notably in Pumpkin and Snake Gourd, illuminates the complexity of allelopathic interactions. The study suggests E. hirta extracts could serve as eco-friendly herbicides, urging further research to isolate their active components. This could lessen synthetic herbicide use, promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.

Effect of organic seed priming on germination and growth of bhendi (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) in coastal saline soil 

An experiment was conducted in the Vegetable Unit, Department of Horticulture, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu during 2022 to find out the effective seed priming method in bhendi. The experiment was carried out in Complete Randomized Design (CRD) which includes different organics in different concentrations viz., Panchagavya @ 2% and @ 4%, Cow urine @ 2% and 4%, Vermiwash @ 0.1% and 0.25%, Beejamrutham @ 2% and 4%, Coconut water @ 25% and 50% and Control. The results of the experiment demonstrated that among the organic seed priming evaluated, Coconut water @ 50% has resulted in a higher germination percentage, speed of germination,shoot length,root length,seedling length,seedling fresh weight,dry weight and seedling vigour index.

Effect of seed priming on germination parameters of Bael (Aegle marmelos Corr.) under laboratory conditions

The current experiment was conducted during 2020-21 at the Microbiology Laboratory, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station Bawal to examine the impact of bio-inoculants and chemicals seed priming on bael seed germination. There were 15 seed priming treatments i.e., control, IBA @ 100 ppm and 50 ppm for 24 hours, NAA @ 50 and 100 ppm for 24 hours, GA3 @ 50 and 100 ppm for 24 hours, KNO3 @ 1 per cent for 24 hours, Azotobacter (HT 54) for 30 minutes, Trichoderma viride for 30 minutes, Rhizobium (CK 16) for 30 minutes, PSB (P 36) for 30 minutes, hot water for 30 minutes, nitric acid for 3 minutes, sulphuric acid for 3 minutes. Among different seed priming treatments, shortest germination time (12.7 days) was recorded with sulphuric acid for 3 minutes in agar medium at 28 ⁰C under laboratory conditions and the highest germination percentage (83.3 %), dry weight per seedling (153.2 mg), seedling length (12.2 cm) and vigour index I (976) and II (12256) were observed when bael seeds primed with GA3 @ 100 ppm for 24 hours under laboratory conditions.

Isolation, morphological characterization, and screening virulence of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium robertsii fungal isolates in Galleria mellonella

Background Entomopathogenic fungi exists naturally in plants as an asymptote and have the potential to reduce the population of insect pests through indirect interactions. This study was conducted to detect and characterize the endophytic fungi Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium robertsii from the rhizosphere soil of tomato plants and their virulence effect on Galleria melonella. Methods From the rhizosphere soil of 40 tomato fields, three Beauveria bassiana and seven Metarhizium robertsii isolates were isolated using the galleria bait method. All fungi isolate were morphologically characterized by their colony color, shape, and surface texture. Isolates with the highest percentages of germination, conidial yield, and radial growth were selected, and their virulence was evaluated on second instar larvae of Galleria melonella under laboratory conditions. Results In this study, Beauveria bassiana showed white colony color and aseptate hyphae, whereas Metarhizium robertsii showed dark green to light green colony color and septate hyphal structures. Maximum spore production and conidial length were obtained by Beauveria bassiana isolate APPRC-27 with 2.67x107 spores ml-1 and 3.24 µm, respectively. Colony radial growth rates ranged from 1.73 to 3.24 mm day-1. The results revealed that the highest mortality rate of Galleria melonella (100%) was obtained by Metarhizium robertsii isolates K-61 and K-102 at a concentration of 1x108 conidial ml-1 at 7 days post-inoculation. The lowest mortality rate was registered by Metarhizium robertsii isolate RST-11. Conclusions In the present study, isolates that produced the most spores and had the highest germination rates were the most virulent to Galleria mellonella second instar larvae. Therefore, virulent entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium robertsii, are promising bioagents for the control of insect pests.

Impact of Priming with UV Radiation on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Chakhao Rice Cultivar

The development of eco-friendly technology with innovative ideas is always essential to enhance plant growth and improve yield in a sustainable manner. Seed priming methods such as conventional and physical priming are well-known pre-sowing techniques that are considered to be effective in improving the growth and yield of a crop. In view of this, an experiment was conducted to study the impact of physical priming with non-ionizing radiation like UV-C on seed germination and early seedling growth of Chakhao cultivars of rice (Oryza sativa). Three Chakhao rice cultivars namely Black (Amubi) - V1, Red (Angangbi) - V2, and White (Angoubi) - V3 were used, and seeds were initially exposed to UV-C (8.32 KJm-2) radiation for 3 hours. Then seeds were soaked in water at 28 ± 2 ºC for 2 days and the emerging seedlings were again treated with UV-C (8.32 KJm-2) for different durations i.e. 30 mins (T3), 45 mins (T4) and 60 mins (T5). Seeds without any UV-C treatment (T1) and only seed treatment for three hours (T2) were taken as control. The data on germination rate, speed of germination, root length, shoot length, and seedling vigor index were recorded as per standard procedures. The study found that all three types of rice, V1, V2, and V3, had the highest germination percentage (71.07%, 73.63%, and 69.71%), speed of germination (9.53 days, 9.40 days, and 9.320 days), shoot length (9.83 cm, 8.43 cm, and 10.70 cm), root length (9.03 cm, 6.40 cm, and 8.97 cm), and seedling vigor index (1688.50, 1570.23, and 1729.13) when treated with UV-C for 60 minutes followed by 45 minutes of seedling treatment. This indicates that UV-C seed priming is an effective method for enhancing the growth of rice seedlings.

A Study on the Genetic Variations and Germination Characteristics of Rhododendron sobayakiense to Prepare for Climate Change Threat

Rhododendron sobayakiense is an endemic and near-threatened species (Korean Red List, NT) found in the alpine regions of South Korea that requires conservation. This study investigated the species’ genetic variations and seed germination characteristics and predicted its potential habitat change according to climate change scenarios. The genetic diversity of R. sobayakiense at the species level (P = 88.6%; S.I. = 0.435; h = 0.282) was somewhat similar to that observed for the same genus. The inter-population genetic differentiation was 19% and revealed a relatively stable level of gene exchange at 1.22 in each population. The main cause of gene flow and genetic differentiation was presumed to be the Apis mellifera pollinator. Seed germination characteristics indicated non-deep physiological dormancy, with germination at ≥10 °C and the highest percent germination (PG) of ≥60% at 15–25 °C, while the PG was ≥50% at 30 °C. The PG increased at constant temperature than at variable temperatures; the mean germination time decreased as temperature increased. The climate scenarios SSP3 and SSP5 were analyzed to predict future R. sobayakiense habitat changes. The variables of the main effects were Identified as follows: elevation > temperature seasonality > mean diurnal range.

Conservation implications of seed germination studies of Aquilegia fragrans Benth.: A native and endangered medicinal plant species of Kashmir Himalaya

Insufficient investigation of seed germination studies of threatened plant species creates practical obstacles to their conservation efforts. Here, we investigate the seed germination of Aquilegia fragrans Benth.-an endangered medicinal plant species native to Himalaya. The effects of stratification conditions including time (10, 20, 30, and 40 days), temperature (−4, −10, and −20 °C), and hormone treatments (250 ppm GA3, 30 ppm BAP, and 30 ppm Zeatin) on germination of A. fragrans seeds collected from the alpine belt of Kashmir Himalaya were examined. Seeds of species exhibited non-deep simple morphophysiological dormancy (MPD). Seed germination showed significant differences among the various treatments. It was observed that the application of GA3, zeatin, and BAP significantly improved seed germination as compared with the control. The highest germination percentage (73 ± 1 %) along with maximum germination index (1.05 ± 0.05) was recorded in T30 (Seeds stratified for 30 days at −10 °C and treatment with Zeatin 30 ppm) followed by T19 (seeds stratified at −10 °C for 20 days and treatment with zeatin 30 ppm). The seed germination studies of A. fragrans have not been carried out before, and the information gathered in the present study may prove useful for the conservation of the target plant species. The present study will help in the conservation, sustainable development, and restoration of this prized medicinal plant species.

Effect of environmental, seed burial depth, and straw mulch on germination and seedling emergence in Cichorium glandulosum

AbstractCichorium glandulosum Boiss. et Huet is a species that has recently spread widely in the autumn crops of northwestern Iran. A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of environmental factors on the germination, emergence, and management of two populations of C. glandulosum. The effects of temperature, photoperiod, NaCl concentration, osmotic potential, seed burial depth, and straw mulch on seed germination and seedling emergence were evaluated for two populations of C. glandulosum from Tabriz and Marand, Iran. The highest germination percentage was observed in the Tabriz (93%) and Marand populations (94%) at 20/10 C (day/night). In both populations, germination was 82% to 93% across a wide range of light/dark periods (8 to 24 h of light). However, germination was significantly reduced (∼70%) under continuous darkness. The osmotic potential required to inhibit 50% of germination was 0.68 MPa for the Tabriz population and 0.62 MPa for the Marand population. The concentration of NaCl required to inhibit 50% of germination was 4.76 dS m−1 for the Tabriz population and 3.81 dS m−1 for the Marand population. The seed burial depths that caused a 50% decrease in emergence for the Tabriz and Marand populations were 1.86 cm and 2.22 cm, respectively. In the Tabriz and Marand populations, the application of 6000 kg ha−1 of straw mulch resulted in a decrease in C. glandulosum emergence to 3% and 10%, respectively. This study’s results inform the conditions required for C. glandulosum germination and establish a theoretical and practical foundation for predicting, preventing, and managing this species using scientific principles.

In vitro cultivation of Vismia japurensis: Isolation of the new anthrone 1,8,10-trihydroxy-3,10-dimethyl-9(10H)-anthracenone.

Vismia japurensis Reichardt is a plant of ecological and chemical importance from which a variety of bioactive substances have been isolated. The current study aimed to establish in vitro cultures of this species as a source of secondary metabolites. Appropriate decontamination treatments and germination tests were performed and, after in vitro culture establishment, the propagated plants were multiplied in a sterile environment to increase the biomass of available experimental material. Seeds showed low contamination and a high germination percentage on Woody Plant Medium (WPM) supplemented with gibberellic acid (both at concentrations of 5 and 10 mg/L). V. japurensis nodal segments rapidly regenerated when first grown in WPM and then transplanted to Murashige and Skoog medium (MS). After 60 days in MS medium, the propagated plants were removed, lyophilized, and extracted with hexane and methanol. The hexane extract was fractionated via open column chromatography, and the substance isolated was purified by high performance liquid chromatography. Structural determination of the isolated substance was carried out using one and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. The isolated substance was identified as 1,8,10-trihydroxy-3,10-dimethyl-9(10H)-anthracenone, which, based on the conducted literature search, is reported for the first time.

Seed priming as a method of preservation and restoration of sunflower seeds

The study focused on determining the preservative and restorative effects of seed priming with gibberellic acid (GA3) and potassium nitrate (KNO3) on sunflower seeds against deterioration. The seeds were immersed in different concentrations (0, 250, 500, and 1000 mg L−1) of GA3 and KNO3 solutions before and after being subjected to accelerated aging (AA). Unprimed seeds (NT) were used as control. The results showed that AA led to a reduction in germination percentage, germination index, and seedling growth parameters. However, seed primed with GA3 had a higher germination percentage after AA than NT. All seed primings shortened mean germination time and improved germination index. Seedling growth was stimulated by seed priming, and seed priming after AA produced more vigorous seedlings than primed seed before AA because they were severely affected by AA. In addition, hydration sufficiently induced the germination and seedling growth of aged seeds. A significant difference was found between GA3 and KNO3, and seeds were effectively protected from aging by GA3, while hydration promoted germination of aged seeds. Consequently, the recovery effect of seed priming was more pronounced than the conservative effect, and sunflower seeds should be primed with 500-1000 mg L−1 GA3 before storage or, if this is not possible, hydration improves the vitality and subsequent growth of aged sunflower seeds.

Effect of different pretreatments of Aquilaria malaccensis seeds for enhancement of germination rate

A few plant species of the Thymelaeceae family are highly valuable and demanding because they contain resinous oil in their stems, branches, and roots. From this plant, resinous oil is extracted through the distillation process. Traditionally and from the religious point of view, the oil has a higher potential in the manufacturing of perfume, incense sticks, smoke, and many other medicinal and religious purposes. It is a highly economic plant, so its conservation is very important. Aquilaria plants are propagated through seeds and the seeds are recalcitrant, i.e., they are chilling sensitive and also cannot be stored at room temperature because of their high moisture content. They are also called desiccation sensitive. Below a certain level of moisture content, their embryos become death or inviable. Conservation of germplasm in the case of recalcitrant seeds is a major issue to be solved in the current situation. Our main focus was to enhance the germination of the Aquilaria malaccensis seeds for the early development of the seedlings within a short time. Here we are applying different pretreatments of Aquilaria seeds, such as Acetone for 1 min, 2 min, and 3 min, likewise Methanol, Ethanol, hot water, acetic acid, etc for enhancing seeds germination and it was found that highest germination percentage in the treatment where seeds are soaked in 1 min acetone (70%) in comparison to the control, which shows only a 56.7% germination rate. Their germination rate was determined by regular observation for up to 2 months, and the growth curve was also prepared by calculating the weight of the seeds. The findings of the current study will help to develop a protocol for early germination as well as mass propagation within a short period of time. The results of the Aquilaria species are significantly different from each other.

Divergent germination responses to fire-related cues of Suaeda glauca dimorphic seeds under salinity stress

Suaeda glauca is an annual herb in the family Amaranthaceae that produces dimorphic seeds (soft brown seeds and hard black seeds) on the same plant under natural conditions. Experiments were conducted to determine the salinity-alleviating effect of fire-related cues. Germination of both black and brown seeds was inhibited with an increase in salinity. Brown seeds had a higher germination percentage than black seeds in all conditions. Heat shock, smoke and their interaction had some effect in alleviating the salinity effect in brown seeds at 100-300 mM NaCl. This study provides valuable information to the understanding of the germination biology of Suaeda glauca.