Highest Seed Germination Percentage Research Articles

Enhancement of Drought Tolerance and Plant Growth in Tomato by Trichoderma harzianum Seed Treatment

The proficiencies of soil microorganisms to drought tolerance have been known for many years, but their use as crop inoculants was not explored in agriculture commercially. One possibility to increase the drought tolerance is to use beneficial microorganisms as seed treatment. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Trichoderma harzianum on the growth and development of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plant under water stress condition. Trichoderma harzianum is applied to the seeds by treating seeds with Trichoderma harzianum before sowing. Parameters including germination percentage, chlorophyll content, leaf area, number of leaves, plant height, root length, plant fresh and dry weight and yield were recorded in all the treatments along with the untreated control. Tomato seeds treated with Trichoderma harzianum had higher seed germination percentage and chlorophyll content 95.50%, (2.41%), 42.59 SAPAD units (13.83%) respectively than untreated seed. Maximum leaf area and number of leaves 11.71 cm² (19.40%), 190.75 (15.43%) respectively recorded in the plants of Trichoderma harzianum treated seeds in water stress condition as compared to untreated seeds. Under extreme water stress condition plant height and root length of tomato plant increased significantly 98.25 cm, (19.45%), 41.25 cm (42.24%) respectively in Trichoderma harzianum treated seeds as compare to untreated seed. Also, Trichoderma harzianum seed treatment in tomato showed a significantly higher plant fresh and dry weight 189.43 g (8.65%) and 31.98 g (47.57%) respectively in drought condition as compared to untreated seeds. Trichoderma harzianum seed treatment played critical role in drought condition by increasing yield 731.25 g/plant (27.62%) increase over untreated seeds. Taken together, the study recommends that in drought condition for enhanced tomato growth Trichoderma harzianum should be used as eco-friendly solutions by seed treatment.

Evaluation of the Impact of Chemical Mutagens on the Phenological and Biochemical Characteristics of Two Varieties of Soybean (Glycine max L.).

Mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency are the most important factors determining the success of mutation breeding, a coherent tool for quickly enhancing diversity in crops. This study was carried out at Lovely Professional University's agricultural research farm in Punjab, India, during the year 2023. The experimental design followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The experiment aimed to assess the effect of three chemical mutagens, sodium azide (SA), ethyl methyl sulphonates (EMSs), and methyl methane sulfonate (MMS), at three different concentrations (0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6%), in SL958 and SL744 soybean varieties to select the mutant exhibiting the highest yield. The data were collected and analysed using a two-way ANOVA test through SPSS software (version 22), and the means were separated using Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT) at the 5% level of significance. Between the two varieties, the highest seed germination percentage (76.0% seedlings/plot) was recorded in SL958 (0.4% SA), while the lowest (30.33% seedlings/plot) was observed in 0.6% MMS as compared to the control (53% and 76% in SL744 and SL958 at 10 days after sowing, respectively). Several weeks after sowing, the average plant height was observed to be higher (37.84 ± 1.32 cm) in SL958 (0.4% SA) and lower (20.58 ± 0.30 cm) in SL744 (0.6% SA), as compared to the controls (SL958: 26.09 ± 0.62 cm and SL744: 27.48 ± 0.74 cm). The average leaf count was the highest (234.33 ± 3.09 tetrafoliate leaves/plant) in SL958 (0.4% SA) while it was the lowest (87 leaves/plant) in 0.6% MMS as compared to the control (SL744 180.00 ± 1.63 and SL958 160.73 ± 1.05). The highest total leaf areas recorded in the SL958 and SL744 M1plants were 3625.8 ± 1.43 cm2 and 2311.03 ± 3.65 cm2, respectively. Seeds of the SL958 variety treated with 0.4% SA resulted in the development of tetrafoliate leaves with a broad leaf base and the maximum yield (277.55 ± 1.37 pods/plant) compared to the narrow pentafoliate leaves obtained through the treatment with EMS. Meanwhile, in the SL744 variety, the same treatment led to tetrafoliate leaves with a comparatively lower yield of 206.54 ± 23.47 pods/plant as compared to the control (SL744 164.33 ± 8.58 and SL958 229.86 ± 0.96). The highest protein content (47.04 ± 0.87% TSP) was recorded in the SL958 (0.4% SA) M2 seeds followed by a content of 46.14 ± 0.64% TSP in the SL744 (0.4% SA) M2 seeds, whereas the lowest content (38.13 ± 0.81% TSP) was found in SL958 (0.6% MMS). Similar observations were recorded for the lipid and fibre content. The 0.4% SA treatment in SL958 proved to be efficient in generating the highest leaf area (tetrafoliate leaves) and a reasonable yield of M1 (the first generation after mutation) plants.

Practical Guidelines for Farm Waste Utilization in Sustainable Kale Production

Natural amendments from agricultural waste to improve soil physicochemical properties continuously attract research interest in promoting eco-friendly plant production. The present study evaluated the proper use of sawdust, biochar, and compost made from farm waste for kale production from seedling propagation to field conditions. From the seedling propagation process, the results demonstrate that the most suitable growing medium for kale seedings was 0.5:1:1 v/v of sawdust + biochar + compost, which gave the fastest mean germination times (2.71 days) and the highest seed germination percentage (78.33%). In addition to investigating the selected growing media as the soil amendments at five different rates (0, 6.25, 12.50, 18.75, 25.00, and 31.25 t ha−1), the result reveals that the fresh weight of marketable leaves was significantly highest under the 31.25 t ha−1 treatment. The application rate that yielded the highest gross profit margins was eight times higher than the control. Moreover, in some harvesting periods, the kale leaf yields under the treatment of 31.25 t ha−1 showed higher total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents.

Improvement of Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Faba Bean (Vicia Faba L.) through Seed Priming

In a lab experiment using seed priming, the faba bean (Vicia faba L.) seed germination and seedling development were studied. Twenty different priming techniques were utilized in the study, each comprising varying concentrations of NaOCI, CaCl2, KNO3, Manitol, PEG, KCL, H2O and a control group that received no priming. Four replications of a completely randomized design (CRD) were used in the experiment. Among the three priming treatments, there were substantial differences in the seedling growth metrics and germination rate. When 500 ppm NaOCl was used as a treatment, the highest seed germination percentage (96%) was attained. Although 100 ppm PEG had the greatest germination index (42.92), 10000 ppm NaOCl had the quickest mean germination time (8.27). Additionally, at a concentration of 1500 ppm NaOCl, the greatest seedling vigor index (29.79) and maximum germination coefficient (12.28) were likewise obtained. With H2O treatment, the maximum shoot length (21.09 cm) was observed for seedling growth parameters. The largest root length was produced by a 10000 ppm KNO3 treatment (11.19 cm). With 20000 ppm KNO3, the maximum root dry weight was achieved (88.50 mg), whereas H2O produced the highest shoot dry weight (51.0 mg). Additionally, it was discovered that a treatment with 10000 ppm KNO3 had the best root-shoot ratio (0.72). The research thus supports the possible use of seed priming as a method to improve faba bean seed germination and seedling growth. NaOCl and KNO3 seemed to work best for faba bean seed germination and seedling growth.

Flower bagging affects seed quality and dormancy period in Na-Oogst tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. var H-382)

Seeds of tobacco plants are unable to germinate immediately after harvest because they have a dormancy period. The seed dormancy period may be shortened by bagging methods to affect the hormone content in the seeds. The bagging flower makes the dark conditions in the process of flowering and seed development, affecting the content of the hormone’s auxin and ABA. This study aimed to determine the effects of different bag colors on the dormancy period of tobacco seeds as evidenced by their vigor and viability. The research was conducted from March to August 2022 at PT. Dwi Light Tobacco Green House, Lombok Wetan, Bondowoso, Indonesia. Four crepe colors of paper were used as bagging treatments (black, red, yellow, blue) and control (without bagging) and replicated four times. The results showed that the bagging treatment significantly affected one hundred-seed weight, seed germination, seed growth rate, and seedling height. Black crepe paper resulted in the highest seed germination percentage (98.5%) and seed growth rate (11.68). 
 Keywords: bag color, seed germination, viability, vigor

Effects of Seed Invigoration Treatments with Bio-priming on Germination, Vigour and Seedling Growth in Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.)

A study had been conducted in black gram to observe the effect of different seed invigoration treatments with bio-priming for seed germination, seedling growing and vigour. The variety of black gram i.e., Uttara, was selected and seed had been treated with control (T1); Seeds soaked in distilled water/ hydropriming (T2); Rhizobium leguminosarum 10% (T3); Rhizobium leguminosarum 15% (T4); Rhizobium leguminosarum 20% (T5); Rhizobium leguminosarum 25% (T6); Rhizobium leguminosarum 30% (T7) respectively. Treated seeds were grown in different glass plate and patri plate at Seed Testing Laboratory, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal, India. Seed invigoration with Rhizobium leguminosarum at 20% followed by T4 was found very effective for seed germination with vigorous seedlings. Higher seed germination percentage (82.60), shoot length (17.89 cm), root length (12.99 cm), seedling fresh weight (1.87 g), seedling dry weight (0.19 g), seedling vigour index I (2393.62) and seedling vigour index II (15.96) results were observed for the seed bioprimed with Rhizobium leguminosarum at 20%. Seed treatment with Rhizobium leguminosarum at 20% recorded better performance than rest the treatments for all characters observed. The present investigation clearly depicted that the germination, vigour and seedling growth revalidated seed lots can be improved by pre-sowing and invigoration treatments.

EFFICACY OF DIFFERENT MULCHING MATERIALS ON PERFORMANCE AND YIELD OF OKRA IN MAHOTTARI, NEPAL

The efficacy of different organic and inorganic mulches in modulating the environment, growth, performance, and yield of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.)] was compared in the field experiment in Matihani, Mahottari from 2078 Falgun to 2079 Ashad. Okra (variety SVOK 5151) was direct seeded in single rows. The experiment consisted of 5 treatments as follows: control, black plastic mulch, rice straw, wheat st, raw, and sawdust with four replications designed in RCBD. Seed germination significantly differed with the type of mulching material used. The highest seed germination percentage was recorded from the black plastic mulch plot and the lowest seed germination percentage was recorded from the control plot. The highest plant height was recorded from black plastic mulch at 20, 35, 50, and 65 DAS than that of other treatments. Black plastic mulch enhanced the number of leaves per plant than that of other treatments. Black plastic mulch enhanced the early flowering of okra leading to increased early and total yield of okra in comparison to bare soil. Vegetative attributes and yield-related attributes were found to be significantly better and higher in crops with plastic mulch rather than organic mulches. The highest productivity (30.93 Mg ha-1) was recorded from black plastic mulch followed by rice straw (24.71 Mg ha-1). Okra productivity with the highest net return and the highest benefit-cost ratio was obtained from black plastic mulching. The highest B: C ratio (3.23) and lowest B: C ratio (1.75) were calculated from the control plot. Because of these findings, it is believed that plastic culture has positive effects on the growth and yield of vegetables. The use of plastic mulch is an absolute tool for promoting vegetable production in Matihani. Further studies need to be performed to have a better understanding of the effects of vegetable crops grown with organic and plastic mulches.

Application of gamma irradiation on morphological, biochemical, and molecular aspects of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under different seed moisture contents

Nuclear technology is currently used as a tool in mutation breeding to improve crops by increasing genetic variation. The ionization of gamma rays produces large amounts of free radicals, simulating stressors in the natural environment. To avoid gamma-ray-induced oxidative stress, plants use antioxidant defense systems. Exposure of plants to irradiation can affect the germination, growth, and production of metabolites. Plants' sensitivity to irradiation depends on genetic and environmental factors such as moisture content. For this purpose, the effects of different gamma irradiation doses [0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 Gray (Gy)] and different seed moisture contents (7, 13, and 19%) on traits such as seed germination, seedling growth, molecular and biochemical alterations in antioxidant enzymes were examined in the current study. Based on the results, the highest seed germination percentage was observed in the interaction effect of seed moisture at 13% with an irradiation dose of 400 Gy (98.89%). Seedling survival percent and seedling length decreased with increasing doses of gamma irradiation at different seed moisture contents. Increasing gamma irradiation doses were reduced root and stem fresh and dry weight, and root and stem length. The highest level of catalase enzyme activity and expression was observed at 200 and 300 Gy irradiation doses at different moisture contents. The peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase gene expression were reduced at all contents of gamma irradiation doses and seed moisture compared to the control. It can be concluded that the dose of 200–300 Gy of gamma irradiation reduced plant growth by 30% in terms of fresh and dry weight and length of plants, as well as enhanced the expression of antioxidant enzymes. The results of this study could help plant breeders select an appropriate dose rate in wheat for further research.

Effect of Seed Priming of Two Stored Sudangrass Genotypes on Seed Germination, Seedling Vigor, Growth and Forage Yield and Its Component

Seed priming is a technique, which could improve the germination and establishment on the seeds, which were stored for 1.5 years under normal conditions. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the effect of different seed priming techniques, through un-soaked seed (control), Hydro-priming (soaked with distill water), 25 ppm of salicylic acid, 1.5% of Calcium chloride (CaCl2) and 3% of Potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4) for 10 hours on seed germination%, seedling vigor and forage yield of two sudangrass genotypes (Piper black and Giza1). Two experiments (laboratory and field) were conducted at Sakha Agric. Res. Station, ARC, Egypt, during the two successive summer seasons 2019 and 2020.The results obtained indicated that 25 ppm of salicylic acid followed by 1.5% of CaCl2 and 3% of KH2PO4 treatments significantly affected on seed germination percentage, shoot and root length, fresh and dry seedling weight, seed vigor index, seedling vigor index, electrical conductivity and forage yield. Piper black genotypes were the highest in seed germination percentage, seed vigor index and seedling dry weight, but it was the lowest of electrical conductivity. It could be concluded that seed priming may serve as an appropriate treatment for accelerating the emergence so improve cutting and forage yield of sudangrass genotypes under study. Significant differences for fresh yield ton /hectare and piper black had higher fresh, dry and total yield ton /hectare than Giza1. Seed priming had highly significant differences at all cuts in the two seasons and SA25 ppm Salsilc acid treatment had superior and the highest dry yield in the two seasons, while control treatment was the lowest dry yield. Technique of seed priming led to improving germination, seedling characters, and forage yield under experiment conditions in comparison to non-primed seed (dry seed) in sudangrass seed stored for 1.5 years. Salicylic acid with 25 ppm had the highest values followed by1.5% of CaCl2 and 3% of KH2PO4 in the field conditions. Piper black genotype was the best as compared with Giza1 genotype, which gave the highest seed germination %, seedling vigor and viability. May be recommended for hydropriming seeds for 10 hours in water, which led to an increase in the total fresh yield by 30%, the highest seed germination percentage (94.00 and 92.50%), seed vigor index (20.79 and 19.84) and seedling vigor index (2194.11 and 2236.47) as practical seeds about 10 hours treatment.

Identification and characterization of chickpea genotypes for early flowering and higher seed germination through molecular markers.

Chickpea is the fourth most important legume crop contributing 15.42% to the total legume production and a rich source of proteins, minerals, and vitamins. Determination of genetic diversity of wild and elite cultivars coupled with early flowering and higher seed germination lines are quintessential for variety improvement. In the present study, we have analyzed the genetic diversity, population structure, cross-species transferability, and allelic richness in 50 chickpea collections using 23 Inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers. The observed parameters such as allele number varied from 3 to 16, range of allele size varied from 150 to 1600bp and polymorphic information content (PIC) range lies in between 0.15 and 0.49. Dendrogram was constructed with ISSR marker genotypic data and classified 50 chickpea germplasms into groups I and II, where the accession P 74 - 1 is in group I and the rest are in group II. Dendrogram, Principal component analysis (PCA), dissimilarity matrix, and Bayesian model-based genetic clustering of 50 chickpea germplasms revealed that P 74 - 1 and P 1883 are very diverse chickpea accessions. Based on genetic diversity analysis, 15 chickpea germplasm having been screened for early flowering and higher seed germination and found that the P 1857-1 and P 3971 have early flowering and higher seed germination percentage in comparison to P 1883 and other germplasm. These agronomic traits are essential for crop improvement and imply the potential of ISSR markers in crop improvement.

Seed Germination, Vegetative Growth and Flowering Performance of Cockscomb (Celosia cristata L.) in Response to Different Potting Media

The experiment was carried out at the Horticulture Garden, Department of Horticulture, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan, during the cropping season March 2017 to May 2017. To estimate germination percentage, vegetative growth and flowering performance of Cockscomb (Celosia cristata L.) in response to different potting media. Aim of the research was to evaluate the best potting media and select the best segregating genotype of Cockscomb for superior performance on flowering traits. The trial was laid out in randomized complete block (RCBD) with three replications. The experiment consisted with two genotypes G1 (Amigo Red) and G2 (Prestige scarlet) were planted in different potting media T1 (100% Canal sediment), T2 (75% Canal sediment + 25% FYM), T3 (50% Canal sediment + 50% Coco peat), T4 (25% Canal sediment + 50% bagasse + 25% Coco peat) and T5 (25% Canal sediment + 70% bagasse + 5% Coco peat) in the earthen pots. Our present findings of genotype (G2) in potting media (T4) indicated highest seed germination percentage (87.50%), germination index (1.77), plant height (36.55 cm), seedling vigor index (3394.2), fresh weight of shoot (56.40 g), fresh weight of root (13.35 g), fresh weight of a single flower (16.97 g), days taken to initiate flowering (74.88 days), number of flowers per plant (5.05) and chlorophyll content of leaf (36.08%). To compare mean of the G2 obtained better results in comparison to genotype (G1). The interaction of the genotypes and potting media was highly significant in G2 from the plants grown in (T4) potting media. This study showed that based on the potting media performance of the Cockscomb genotypes found maximum performance in (T4) potting media at Tandojam location. Others potting media along with genotypes and geographical locations might be explored for future research activities.

Effectiveness of magnetic field in stimulation of biochemical and enzymes activities in seedling and callus of Nigella sativa

This current study investigated the influence of Magnetic Field from Winding coil magnet about ( 400 mT ) for different exposure periods ( 0, 30 , 60 , 90 , 120 , 150 min ) on seed germination, callus initiation, and callus fresh weight, protein, carbohydrate and proline content and vitality , in addition to the efficacy of some antioxidant enzymes . The results indicated that the highest seed germination percentage was when exposed for an (90 Minutes). Also found that the best exposure period for acceleration of callus initiation was (30 minutes). Fresh weight, protein, proline, carbohydrates content and callus vitality got a better result under (90 minutes) of magnetic field exposure . On the other hand, the antioxidant enzymes activity significantly increased with 150 minutes M.F treatment.

EFFECTS OF CULTURE FILTRATES OF PATHOGENIC FUNGI ON SEED GERMINATION AND SEEDLING INDICES OF Chrysophyllum albidum (G.Don)

This research was to evaluate the effects of culture filtrates of pathogenic fungi on seed germination and seedling indices of Chrysophyllum albidum (G.Don). The experiment was carried out at the Mycology Unit, Department of Forestry and Environment, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworkwo and was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and the treatment was replicated twenty times and the mean value separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test at probability of 5%. The biodeterioration of the fruits were caused by micro-organisms associated with the infected fruits obtained from three markets in Port Harcourt Metropolis. The micro-organisms isolated and identified include; Apsergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results on frequency occurrence of micro-organisms in the three markets revealed that fruits obtained from Mile 1 market, Rhizopus stolonifer (8.0% ± 0.21) had the highest frequency occur, Mile 3 market, Aspergillus niger (12.0% ± 0.30) had the highest frequency, while from Fruit garden market, Aspergillus niger (15.0% ± 0.28) was the highest. Results on the mean percentage of frequency of micro-organisms isolated from infected fruits of C. albidum revealed that Mile 3 (51.6%) had the highest mean percentage followed by Fruit garden (48.3%) and Mile 1 (31.6%) was the lowest. Pathogenicity test results revealed that Trichoderma harziarum extract (29.5mm ± 0.28) caused significant (p ≤ 0.05) rot damage on a relatively healthy fruits of C. albidum followed by Aspergillus niger (26.5mm ± 0.06) and the least were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (25.5mm ± 0.31) and Rhizopus stolonifer (25.0mm ± 0.25). Results on effect of culture filtrates on seed germination and seedling indices of C. albidum revealed that T. harzianum (70%) had the highest seed germination percentage and the lowest was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20%). Results on vigour index showed that T. harzianum (13.8) had the highest index followed by the control (12.0), R. stolonifer (4.8), A. niger (4.2) and the lowest was P. aeruginosa (1.2). It was reported that culture filtrate of A.niger inhibited seed germination and subsequent seedling indices while culture filtrates of T. harzianum caused effective increase of seed germination and seedling indices. Results of this research therefore recommended T. harzianum extracts for improved seed germination and subsequent seedling performance of C. albidum. KEYWORDS: Culture filtrates, micro-organisms, germination, seedling indices DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/12-8-04 Publication date : April 30th 2022

Allelopathic effects of Juglans regia leaf extract on seed germination and seedling growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and rye (Secale cereale)

This investigation was conducted to study the allelopathic effects of Juglans regia (Walnut) leaf extract on seed germination and seedling growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and rye (Secale cereale). For this J. regia leaves extract was selected to analyze its allelopathic effects on seed germination and seedling growth of wheat and rye seeds. Applied seeds was treated with J. regia leaves extract using 2%, 4% and 6% concentrations. Different parameters i.e., seed germination, seedling growth, mortality percentage, fresh and dry weight of plumule and radicle was observed after the experiments. The higher seed germination percentage (50%) was recorded at 2% level, in both the applied seeds, which is followed by 4% in comparison to control. Almost higher concentration showed deleterious effects than the lower doses on germination percentage and seedling growth. The highest mortality percentage (70%) has been recorded at 4% level in wheat and 6% level in both wheat and rye seeds. Therefore, the results indicated that the growing weeds in high quantity between crops can affect the productivity rate of crops due to its allelopathic effects. The allelopathic compounds can be used as natural herbicides and other pesticides; they are less disruptive of the global ecosystem than are synthetic agrochemicals.

Effect of Micronutrients on Growth and Quality Parameters of Sponge Gourd Seeds (Luffa cylindrica) Through Priming

The experiment of seed priming was conducted in the post-graduate laboratory, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, SHUATS, Naini, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during 2021 in Pusa chikni of Sponge gourd. The micro-nutrients were used in the treatments of the Sponge gourd seeds which are treated with T1 - ZnSO4 0.1%, T2 - ZnSO4 0.5%, T3 - ZnSO4 1%, T4 - MnSO4 0.1%, T5 - MnSO4 0.5%, T6 - MnSO4 1%, T7 - CuSO4 0.1%, T8 - CuSO4 0.5%, T9 - CuSO4 1%, T10 - B2(SO4) 3- 0.1%, T11 - B2(SO4) 3- 0.5%, T12 - B2(SO4) 3- 1% with T0 as control for 12 hrs. Between paper method and sand method were adopted to observe the effect of micronutrients on germination percentage, root length, shoot length, seedling length, fresh weight of seedlings, dry weight of seedlings, vigour index I, vigour index II. The highest seed germination percentage was recorded in ZnSO4 0.5%. ZnSO4 0.5% showed best result in all the quality parameters followed by ZnSO4 1%

Silicon nutrition stimulates Salt-Overly Sensitive (SOS) pathway to enhance salinity stress tolerance and yield in rice

In rice (Oryza sativa), Si nutrition is known to improve salinity tolerance; however, limited efforts have been made to elucidate the underlying mechanism. Salt-Overly Sensitive (SOS) pathway contributes to salinity tolerance in plants in a major way which works primarily through Na+ exclusion from the cytosol. SOS1, a vital component of SOS pathway is a Na+/H+ antiporter that maintains ion homeostasis. In this study, we evaluated the effect of overexpression of Oryza sativa SOS1 (OsSOS1) in tobacco (cv. Petit Havana) and rice (cv. IR64) for modulating its response towards salinity further exploring its correlation with Si nutrition. OsSOS1 transgenic tobacco plants showed enhanced tolerance to salinity as evident by its high chlorophyll content and maintaining favorable ion homeostasis under salinity stress. Similarly, transgenic rice overexpressing OsSOS1 also showed improved salinity stress tolerance as shown by higher seed germination percentage, seedling survival and low Na+ accumulation under salinity stress. At their mature stage, compared with the non-transgenic plants, the transgenic rice plants showed better growth and maintained better photosynthetic efficiency with reduced chlorophyll loss under stress. Also, roots of transgenic rice plants showed reduced accumulation of Na+ leading to reduced oxidative damage and cell death under salinity stress which ultimately resulted in improved agronomic traits such as higher number of panicles and fertile spikelets per panicle. Si nutrition was found to improve the growth of salinity stressed OsSOS1 rice by upregulating the expression of Si transporters (Lsi1 and Lsi2) that leads to more uptake and accumulation of Si in the rice shoots. Metabolite profiling showed better stress regulatory machinery in the transgenic rice, since they maintained higher abundance of most of the osmolytes and free amino acids.

Combined Use of Two Trichoderma Strains to Promote Growth of Pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.)

Trichoderma spp., which widely exist in nature, are always used as plant growth-promoting stimulants. However, there is little reporting about the combined use of Trichoderma strains to promote growth of plants. We explored two different Trichoderma strains (Trichoderma atroviride LX-7 and Trichoderma citrinoviride HT-1) and a mixture of the two on the growth-promoting effects of pakchoi. In this study, in vitro-promoting traits of two Trichoderma strains were determined, and six treatments were used: T. atroviride LX-7, T. citrinoviride HT-1, different mixtures of these two (1:1, 1:2 and 2:1) and no inoculation in the seed germination and pot experiment. The results showed that T.atroviride LX-7 and T. citrinoviride HT-1 had the ability of siderophore and indol acetic acid (IAA) production, and LX-7 had the capacity for potassium solubilization. The highest seed germination percentage (GP), germination energy (GE), germination index (GI), vitality index (VI) and growth of radicles and plumules was observed in the LX-7 + HT-1 (1:1) combination, the highest biomass and quality of plants was observed in the LX-7 + HT-1 (1:2) inoculation (followed by a single LX-7 or HT-1 strain inoculation), while the lowest values were obtained in the untreated seeds or plants. On the basis of this study, combined use of two Trichoderma strains had greater benefits for growth and quality of pakchoi, making this formulation attractive for future field applications.

Bradyrhizobium spp. inoculation associated with nitrogen application enhances the quality of soybean seeds

ABSTRACT The physiological seed quality can be altered by nutritional management of the soybean crop, especially by the fertilization with nitrogen (N), which is a structural component of several organic compounds, including proteins, and has an important catalytic role in the activation of several enzymes. The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of sources and application rates of mineral N fertilizer associated with inoculation of Bradyrhizobium spp. on physiological quality of soybean seeds. The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized block design, in a 3 × 5 factorial arrangement [three N fertilizer sources (Bradyrhizobium spp. inoculation; Bradyrhizobium spp. inoculation + urea application; and, Bradyrhizobium spp. inoculation + ammonium sulfate application) and five N application rates (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg N ha-1)], with four replicates. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied in topdressing at R2 stage when soybean plants were in full flowering. The quality parameters evaluated in soybean seeds were: 1,000-seed mass, seed protein content, germination, first germination count test, seedling emergence, emergence speed index, accelerated aging, electrical conductivity, vigor and viability of seeds by tetrazolium test. The application of 50 kg N ha-1 of mineral fertilizer (ammonium sulfate or urea) associated with the Bradyrhizobium spp. inoculation enhanced the physiological quality of soybean seeds, resulting in higher seed germination percentage and higher emergence and seedling emergence speed index. The application of ammonium sulfate or urea (50 kg N ha-1) at full flowering of soybean plants inoculated with Bradyrhizobium spp. can improve the physiological quality of soybean seeds.

Assessing Different Media Composition on Germination, Growth and Yield of Transplanted Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Sesamum, a traditional oilseed crop, is susceptible to poor plant establishment due to various biotic and abiotic factors for which transplanting is a suitable option. Still, suitable media for promoting the growth and establishment of sesame seedlings have not yet been exploited. Therefore, a preliminary field experiment was conducted in 2019 at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai, India, to study the effect of various media compositions on the performance of transplanted sesame. Media compositions such as red earth, FYM, vermicompost and composted coir pith were used. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with four replications. Results revealed that higher seed germination percentage ( 88), establishment percentage (94), vigor index (1674), seedling height (15 cm), capsules plant-1(83), seeds capsule-1 (58), and seed yield ( 839 kg ha-1) were recorded in media comprising red earth: sand: vermicompost: composted coir pith (2:1:1:1) followed by red earth: sand: vermicompost (2:1:1). Therefore, the media composition of red earth: sand: vermicompost: composted coir pith is highly suitable for promoting growth, seedling vigor, and yield enhancement in transplanted sesame.

Effect of Different Mulching Materials on Growth and Yield of Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.)

A field experiment was conducted at Bhauratar in Bahudarmai Municipality of Parsa district of Nepal during spring-summer season started from February to May 2018 to assess the effectiveness of different organic and inorganic mulches in modulating the soil environment, growth, performance and yield of okra. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 5 treatments as follows: (1) Control, (2) Black plastic mulch, (3) Rice straw, (4) Saw dust and (5) Transparent White plastic mulch. Each treatment was replicated four times. Seed germination was significantly differed with the type of mulching material used. The highest seed germination percentage (82.00) was recorded from white plastic mulch plot and the lowest germination percentage (63.75) was recorded from control plot. The highest plant height was recorded from white plastic mulch at 30, 45, 60 and 75 DAS than that of other treatments. The highest number of picking (15.5) was recorded from black plastic mulch followed by white plastic mulch (14.25). The maximum fruit length (12.18 cm) was obtained from black plastic mulch and lowest (10.84 cm) was recorded from rice straw mulch. The highest productivity (29.86 Mt/ha) was recorded from black plastic mulch followed by white plastic mulch (25.03 Mt/ha). These findings suggest that plastic mulch causes positive effects on the growth and yield of Okra and maximum yield was obtained from black plastic mulch.