Highest Vigor Index Research Articles

RESPONSE OF DIFFERENT STORAGE CONTAINERS IN RICE GENOTYPES DURING STORAGE

Rice is the staple food of more than half the world’s population and is being cultivated in Asia since ancient time’s generation after generation. Good quality seeds are the seeds of the green revolution, it has been assertively and emphatically shown that 15-20% increased yield could be achieved by the use of good quality seeds alone. Good quality seed is one of the most important requirements for production and supply to achieve higher production and productivity in any crop. The seed quality is depended on various factors Viz. genetic, edaphic, environmental, biotic, etc. Good quality seed production depends on complex conditions evoking the most favorable interactions between the genetic makeup of the seed and the environment, under which it is produced, harvested, processed, and stored. Seeds undergo deterioration at various levels during storage resulting in a decline in vigor and viability. With the above considerations, the present investigation has been undertaken to observe the potentials of ten rice genotypes and observed its seed quality after harvesting in 2016-2017 at Seed Testing Laboratory, Department of Seed Science and Technology, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal, India. Just after harvesting G2 (Gobindabhog) and G9 (IR-36) showed highest germination percentage (97.66) and G9 (IR-36) showed highest Vigor index (3204.13). But most of the varieties germination and vigor were nearer to G2 & G9. Among the containers with seed moisture content aluminum foil packet with seed moisture content, 8% is the best storage container for rice among the other containers as up to one-year storage vigor index was observed highest in that conditions.

Compost Inoculated with Fungi from a Mangrove Habitat Improved the Growth and Disease Defense of Vegetable Plants

Municipal organic wastes could be exploited as fertilizers, having been given the ability to suppress plant diseases by the inoculation of the waste with certain fungi in the composting process. Our aim was to develop a novel fertilizer using composting in combination with fungi associated with mangrove forests. Nine fungal species were isolated from a mangrove forest habitat and screened for their activity against five phytopathogenic fungi, their plant-growth promotion ability, and their phosphate solubilization ability. Two fungal isolates, Penicillium vinaceum and Eupenicillium hirayama, were inoculated into organic waste before the composting experiment. After 90 days, the physico-chemical properties of the compost (color, moisture, pH, C:N ratio and cation exchange capacity (CEC)) indicated the maturity of the compost. The C:N ratio decreased and the CEC value increased most in the compost with the inoculum of both mangrove fungi. The vegetable plants grown in the mangrove fungi-inoculated composts had a higher vigor index than those grown in the control compost. The seeds collected from the plants grown in the fungi-inoculated composts had higher disease defense ability than the seeds collected from the control compost. The results indicated that the properties of the fungi shown in vitro (antagonistic and plant-growth promotion) remained in the mature compost. The seeds of the plants acquired disease defense ability, which is a remarkable observation that is useful in sustainable agriculture.

Culture-dependent analysis of seed bacterial endophyte, Pseudomonas spp. EGN 1 against the stem rot disease (Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc.) in groundnut

BackgroundGroundnut, Arachis hypogaea L., crop is an important oil seed crop in India and is prone to attack by numerous fungal and viral diseases, among the soil-borne diseases, stem rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. is economically important.Main body of abstractIncidence (86.6%) of the stem rot disease was recorded in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, India, during the roving survey. For its management, an attempt was made to isolate bacterial endophyte from peanut seeds of different groundnut cultivars by culture-dependent analysis. Totally, 16 bacterial endophytes (endophytes groundnut (EGN) 1 to EGN 16 along with standards TNAU-Pf1 and EPC 5) were obtained and characterized through morphological, biochemical and molecular studies and also phytostimulation activities were performed. Among the isolates, EGN 1 and EGN 4 showed positive results for indole acetic acid (IAA), siderophore, phosphate solubilization and protease tests in vitro. The dual culture analysis showed inhibition rates of 60.1% (dual plate assay), 68.23% (filter paper disc assay) and 100% (triangle method of streaking and culture filtrate assay) for EGN 1 against S. rolfsii. Further, the crude metabolite assay showed 97.7% inhibition in EGN 1, followed by 87.7% in EGN 4. The roll towel study showed a high vigour index of 4286.7 in EGN 1; hence, this isolate was chosen. Further, thin-layer chromatography (TLC) analysis showed various bands at 0.72 Rf, whereas GC-MS analysis indicated the prominent peaks of hexadecanoic acid and cis-vaccenic acid that may responsible for antifungal activity. In a molecular approach, the genomic DNA of EGN 1 strain was used to amplify a 1200 bp PCR-fragment and sequenced.Short conclusionThe overall outcome of this study showed that Pseudomonas spp. EGN 1 had a great potential as a bio-stimulant and biocontrol agent to manage effectively the stem rot in peanut.

Identification of optimum stage of harvesting for seed yield and seed quality parameters of forage grasses

A field experiment was conducted at Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Southern Regional Research Station, Dharwad during kharif 2016 and laboratory studies in 2017 to identify the harvesting stages on seed yield and quality in guinea and brachiaria grasses. The experiment was laid out in simple RCBD with eight treatments replicated thrice. The results of the investigation revealed that treatment T8, i.e. seeds collected at 20 days after panicle emergence (DAPE) produced maximum number of panicles and number of racemes/panicle in guinea and brachiaria grasses, respectively. On the contrary, number of seeds/panicle were highest in treatment T1 (seeds harvested at 6 DAPE) in guinea grass and in treatment T6 in brachiaria grass. Likewise, the fresh weight of the seeds/panicle was highest in T1 in guinea grass and in T6 in brachiaria grass. Whereas, the treatment T5 (seeds harvested at 14 DAPE) in case of guinea grass and T6 (seeds harvested at 16 DAPE) in case of brachiaria produced maximum seed yield/panicle and ha, respectively. The treatment T8 recorded the highest germination percentage in guinea and brachiaria grasses, respectively. The same treatment also recorded the lowest dead seed per cent. The lowest seed germination (%) was recorded in T1 in both the crops. On the contrary, highest fresh un-germinated seeds was recorded in case of guinea grass seeds in T3 and in case of brachiaria seeds in T8. Higher vigour index was recorded in T8 (seeds harvested at 20 DAPE) in both the crops. Guinea grass can be harvested at 16 DAPE and brachiaria grass can be harvested at 18 DAPE to get maximum quantity of high quality seeds.

Seed filling under different temperatures improves the seed vigor of hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.) via starch accumulation and structure

Seed filling is crucial for seed vigor and starch accumulation and structure. Differences in hybrid rice seed vigor were evaluated in field experiments, conducted across two sites in 2017 and 2018, under different seed filling temperatures along with the underlying mechanisms related to the seed filling characteristics and starch accumulation and structure. Significant differences in the seed vigor parameters were revealed, with different seed filling characteristics observed under different temperatures. When averaged across cultivars, the seeds with a low seed filling rate and long seed filling duration obsessed 11.9% higher germination percentage (GP) and 22.7% higher vigor index (VI) than those with a high seed filling rate and short seed filling duration. Moreover, a high seed filling rate and short seed filling duration significantly decreased the total starch and amylose contents and increased the amylopectin content. Additionally, when averaged across cultivars, the relative crystallinity and starch granule diameter obtained with a high seed filling rate and short seed filling duration were 3.8% and 15.1% higher, respectively, than those with a low seed filling rate and long seed filling duration. In summary, it can be speculated that seed filling characteristics determine hybrid rice seed vigor by affecting starch accumulation and structure.

Screening for drought resistance during germination of modern and old Iberian wheat cultivars

Abstract Climate change is expected to reduce water availability in several wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growing areas. Drought, during and immediately after sowing can compromise germination, seedling development, and ultimately crop yield. Our study’s objective was to investigate early drought stress resistance and evaluate genetic diversity of four bread wheat cultivars – three modern elite germplasm lines (‘Antequera’, ‘Jordão’ and ‘Roxo’) and an ancient Portuguese cultivar (‘Mestiço’) – at five water potentials, ranging from 0 to –1.5 MPa. Germination was annotated daily during eight days. Dry and fresh weights as well as root and shoot growth were measured. Genetic variability among cultivars was evaluated using start codon targeted (SCoT) markers. Overall, when water potential was lowered, germination rate and seedling growth were delayed. Final germination percentages were only affected by the higher stress intensity. This study reinforces the importance of research into ancient wheat cultivars, such as ‘Mestiço’. This cultivar showed the highest genetic difference when compared with the remaining cultivars. ‘Mestiço’ presented the highest coleoptile size, high vigor index values, and the lowest variation in water content due to stress conditions. Therefore, it may be able to germinate in extremly dry soil and be the least affected by drought stress. Still, due to the comparatively reduced yield of older wheat cultivars, stress tolerance should be researched within elite cultivars. Among these, Jordão revealed particularly good germination and early biomass development characteristics across water potentials, presenting a likely choice for future studies under drought stress conditions.

The Viability And Vigor Of Rice Varieties (Oryza Sativa L. ) Under High Temperature

The growth and initial development of the plant greatly determines the survival of the plant at the next stage. This initial phase is also the most sensitive phase of abiotic stress. The level of viability and vigor to produce normal sprouts can explain the success of germination. The aim of this research is to study the temperature change to viabilily and vigor in four rice varieties. Research started from January to February 2018 at Seed Technology and Plant Physiology Laboratory Andalas University and Chemistry Laboratory University Of Padang. This research applies Factorial Experiment in Completely Random Design, where the first factor is four levels of rice varieties, Anak Daro, Batang Piaman, Cisokan and Inpari 30. The second factor is temperature level, 28 0C, 32 0C, 36 0C, 40 0C, 44 0C and 48 0C. Viability and vigor decrease when temperature increase. The optimum temperature for rice germination is 28-32 0 C for Anak Daro, 28-36 0 C for Cisokan, at 28 0 C for Batang Piaman and Inpari 30. Anak Daro and Inpari 30 can germinate until 40 0C. The highest vigor index value at 28 0 C in Cisokan and Inpari 30 (89,33 %). At 28-32 0C Cisokan, Batang Piaman and Inpari 30 has been able to germinate on the second day after planting, but Anak Daro can normal germinate on the third day after planting.

Effect of moisture content and storage temperature on germination and seedling vigor index in Clitoria ternatea L.

Clitoria ternatea L. commonly known as Aparajita is a valuable medicinal plant used in the traditional Indian systems of medicine. The major problem in propagation of C. ternatea through seed is poor germination and seedling vigor. In the present study, the effect of moisture content and storage temperature on germinability and seedling vigor during long term storage of Clitoria ternatea seed was investigated. The seed moisture level was decreased to 5% and increased to 10–12% and stored at-20, 20 and 30oC for one year. Both the control and treated seeds showed a gradual increase in germination percentage after 6 months duration indicating physiological dormancy. The increase in moisture level to 10–12% during storage at-20 and 20oC resulted in higher germination percentage and vigor index from 3 months of storage onwards till one year. The storage of seeds with higher moisture level at 30oC showed relatively less mean germination time and higher germinability up to 6 months and thereafter it declined significantly. Among the different moisture levels and storage conditions investigated, seeds desiccated to 10% moisture level and stored at 20oC showed relatively higher germinability, less mean germination time and high vigor index. Results indicate that in Clitoria ternatea, since the seeds are moisture sensitive, altering the level of seed moisture is an effective method to break dormancy and storage at low temperature (−20 and 20oC) is crucial for maintaining the viability of these seeds.

A Malian native plant growth promoting Actinomycetes based biofertilizer improves maize growth and yield

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Actinomycetes with Plant growoth promoting activity on the growth and yield of maize. This allowed the selection of three Actinomycetes: Actinomycetes sp. H7, O19 and AHB12 for their ability to solubilize phosphates, fix atmospheric nitrogen, and produce antimicrobial substances, enzymes, phytohormones and for their high vigour index. Five seeds, previously sanitized, inoculated and coated, were sown per pot. The best isolates selected in greenhouses were tested in station experiments. In pot, the inoculated seeds, with Actinomycete sp. H7 gave the best growth in plant size, 19.3% more compared to the uninoculated control (P ≤ 0.05). In station experiments, it was found that Actinomycete sp. H7 significantly increased the fresh and dry biomass of the aerial part with 919.7 g and 405.6 g, respectively, against 636.70 g and 297.36 g respectively for the control. The best yield of seeds was obtained with the combination O19-AHB12 with a yield of 311.5 g for 1000 seeds compared to 178.28 g for the uninoculated control. All corn seeds inoculated showed better growth than controls. These results confirm the value of the PGPRs and above all open a way for the formulation and the use of biofertilizers based on PGPRs in Mali.

The Effect of Priming on Germination and Growth Indices in Chamran Wheat Variety in North of Khuzestan Province, Iran

Abstract In order to study the plant growth regulator, using salicylic acid (SA) on germination and growth indices for laboratory research in crop year 2014-2015, which was conducted at the research center Safiabad-Dezful, Khuzestan province. The treatments included four levels of priming with salicylic acid {control (distilled water), 0.7, 1.2, 1.7 mM} in a completely randomized design in three replications. The results showed that the control treatment reduced the decrease in germination time. The highest percentage of germination and related characteristics of the control (distilled water) was obtained. Seed vigor and seedling vigor index were reduced in high concentrations of salicylic acid. The germination percentage of an average daily germination, seed vigor and seedling vigor index had a positive and significant correlation with the daily germination rate showed a significant negative correlation. The results of comparison of treatments showed that the treatment concentration of 0.7 mM salicylic acid highest (22.3 days) and control (distilled water) lowest (0.3 day) had mean germination time. Effects of priming showed the highest mean daily germination (15.44) related to the control and the lowest (2.97) related to the concentration of 7.1 mM salicylic acid. Also, the results showed that the 1.7 mM salicylic acid treatment had the highest number of germinated seeds per day (0.3880) and control treatment had the least number of germinated seeds per day (0.6467). The highest vigor index was observed in control treatment with seedling length of (8.15 cm) and the lowest vigor index was observed in 1.7 mM salicylic acid treatment with seedling length of (1.54 cm). The highest seedling vigor index was observed in control treatment (33.58) and the lowest seedling vigor index was observed in 1.7 mM salicylic acid treatment (17.20). The coefficient velocity germination rate in control treatment was highest (3) and in the 1.7 mM salicylic acid treatment was lowest (0.15). The correlation coefficient between vigor index and seedling vigor index has the highest value (98%). There was a positive correlation between germination percentage and mean daily germination and there was a negative correlation between germination percentage and daily germination speed.

Comparative efficacy of garlic, BAU-biofungicide, Bavistin and Tilt on seed borne fungal flora in chilli

Efficacy of BAU-Biofungicide (3%), garlic extract (1:1), Bavistin (0.2%) and Tilt 250EC (0.2%) were evaluated against seed borne fungal pathogens of chilli collected from Lakshmonkhola, Mugarchar and Tulatuli villages under Comilla district. Four hundred seeds of each sample were tested following blotter incubation and sand culture method. Using blotter incubation method, five different seed borne fungi, namely, Colletotrichum capsici, Alternaria tenuis, Aspergillus spp, Fusarium spp, and Curvularia lunata were detected from the chilli seeds. BAU-Biofungicide (3%) and followed by garlic extracts (1:1) was found most effective among five different treatments for increasing the germination percentage as well as controlling the associated seed borne fungi in chilli seed. Highest germination percentage (89.50%) was observed in BAU-Biofungicide (3%) treated seeds. Highest reduction of Colletotrichum capsici, Alternaria tenuis, Aspergillus spp, Fusarium spp, and Curvularia lunata was observed when seeds were treated with BAU-Biofungicide (3%) and garlic extract (1:1). The highest vigour index of chilli seed collected from Lakshmomkhola, Mugarchar and Tulatuli villages were 494.56, 403.23 and 333.37, respectively was observed in BAU-Biofungicide treated seeds.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 15(1): 41-46, January 2017

Seed health and quality of some selected rice varieties and their management

A study was conducted for assessing seed health status of four varieties of rice (Oryza sativa) viz. BR 11, BRRI Dhan 28, BRRI Dhan 29 and BRRI Dhan 40 and management of seed borne fungal pathogens by selected chemical namely Thiovit (4%) and a bio-control agent BAU-Biofungicide @ 2% (Trichoderma based preparation) at Seed Pathology Center (SPC) and M.S. Laboratory, Department of Plant Pathology, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh. Seed health test by blotter method revealed that seven seed borne fungi belonging to six genera viz. Alternaria padwickii (0.5%-1%), Bipolaris oryzae (1%-6.5%), Curvularia lunata (1%-5.5%), Fusarium moniliforme (3%-8.5%), Fusarium oxysporum (2%-9%), Aspergillus flavus (0.5%-1.5%) and Penicillium spp (0.5%-1%) were associated with the seeds. Germination of seeds of the four selected rice varieties varied from 94% to 98.50% (blotter method). In treated seeds, germination ranged from 88-100%. The highest germination (100%) was found in BRRI Dhan 28 when seeds were treated with BAU-Biofungicide and the lowest was (88%) in BRRI Dhan 29. The tested samples produced healthy seedlings (77 to 98%), diseased seedlings (2 to 15%), diseased seeds (0 to 7%) and dead seeds (0 to 5%). Upto 18.18% higher formation of healthy seedlings over control was achieved by treating seeds with BAU-Biofungicide and it also significantly decreased (upto 81.82%) formation of diseased seedlings over the control treatment. The highest vigor index (1306%) was in BRRI Dhan 28 when seeds were treated with BAU-Biofungicide and the lowest was (2805%) in BRRI Dhan 29 under control (untreated). Moreover, BAU-Biofungicide increased up to 81.82% Vigor index over untreated control. Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2017, 2 (1), 75-80

Induced Systemic Resistance and Evaluation of Bio-control Agents for Management of Pigeonpea Wilt Caused by Fusarium udum

The performance of the four fungal and two bacterial bioagents were evaluated for the bicontrol efficacy and ability to induce systemic resistance against Fusarium udum causing wilt of pigeonpea which is posing a serious threat to pigeonpea growing regions of India. Among the six isolates, maximum mycelial inhibition was noticed in Trichoderma harzianum (Th- R) as compared to other biocontrol agents. Among contact fungicides, maximum inhibition (> 75 %) of mycelium was recorded in Mancozeb and capton at 0.20 and 0.3 % concentrations. More than 90% inhibition was recorded among the systemic fungicides at all the all the concentrations except thiophanate methyl which recorded 53.67 % inhibition at 0.05 % concentration. Among different treatment combinations of biocontrol agents, the highest vigour index was recorded in P. fluorescense (RP- 46) + P. putida (RP- 56) treated seeds in both the cultivars (Moderately resistant and susceptible). The level of expression of defense related enzymes (PO, PPO & PAL) was more in moderately resistant cultivar(BSMR- 736) rather than susceptible one(ICP- 2376). In glass house experiment seeds treated with P. flourescens (RP- 46) + P. putida (RP-56) recorded least wilt incidence as compared to other treatments. In both Kharif seasons of 2013/14 and 2014/15 recorded significantly lowest wilt incidence and highest yield in soil drenching with 0.2 % Carbendazim fungicide. Among the biocontrol agents, seed treatment @4 g / kg seeds + soil application of PGPR (P. flourescens & P. putida) consortium @ 25kg/ ha in FYM @ 50 kg/ ha, recorded least wilt incidence and highest yield.

Morphometric and phytochemical profile of seeds of metallicolous and nonmetallicolous Echium vulgare populations

The morphometric and phytochemical parameters of seeds of three populations of Echium vulgare L. were compared. Two metallicolous populations (designated as MZ and MC) originated from waste deposits left over ZnPb ore smelting and processing and the reference population originated from an uncontaminated area (NM - nonmetallicolous population). The length, width, weight, and surface area of collected seeds were measured; additionally, the germination ability and vigour index for each population were determined. Moreover, heavy metal, seed oil, and secondary metabolite concentrations were measured. The results obtained indicated differentiation in the seed size and germination ability between the populations. The smaller size of seeds from the metallicolous populations was accompanied by lower germination ability; however, the seeds from the MC population achieved the highest vigour index. Furthermore, the MC population was characterized by the lowest concentration of allantoin and rosmarinic acid; additionally, the seeds of the MC population contained higher content of seed oils and increased contribution of saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids by ca. 60 and 45%, respectively, and a decreased (by 16%) fraction of polyunsaturated fatty acids compared with the NM population. The strong differentiation of the MC population coincided with the high seed metal accumulation.

Effect of treated tannery effluent and domestic waste water irrigation on Tagetes erecta

ABSTRACT : Tanning industry is generating enormous quantities of effluent every day. The scientific ways and means of utilizing this liquid waste is of utmost important in reducing pollution load to the environment. Present study has been carried out to apply treated tannery effluent (TTE) diluted with domestic waste water (DWW) as irrigation sources at different concentration of 25 per cent, 50 per cent, 75 per cent and 100 per cent on a non food crop Tagetes erecta. Results reveal that application of diluted mixture of TTE along with DWW can be used efficiently for crop production. Germination percentage of 73.13 per cent was recorded with 25 per cent of TTE and 75 per cent of DWW dilution as compared with 71.17 per cent in control. Different growth parameters showed variation with different level of diluted tannery waste water application. Highest root and shoot length was observed in control (11.08 cm and 10.70 cm) followed by 25 per cent effluent irrigation (11.22 cm and 10.47 cm). Different concentrations of tannery effluent were found to influence the vigour index significantly. The highest vigour index was observed at control (1601.1) followed by 25 per cent effluent concentration (1585.59). The lowest vigour index was observed in case of treatment receiving 100 per cent effluent concentration (173.48). Red soil with different concentration of treated tannery effluent with domestic waste water recorded good results as compared to the black cotton soil.

Microbial inoculant influences the germination and growth of Albizia lebbeck seedlings in the nursery

Microbial inoculants (MI), a biofertilizer, composed of many different beneficial microorganisms has positive role on seed germination and growth of plants. In the present study, its efficacy on seed germination and seedling growth of Albizia lebbeck in the nursery was studied. The seeds were sown in polybags filled with a mixture of forest soil and cow dung (3:1) and treated with 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 5% and 10% concentrations of MI. Most of the parameters studied (seed germination, shoot and root lengths, dry weights of shoot and root, collar diameter, leaf number etc) were found maximum in 2% of MI . Although the highest vigor index, volume index and quality index (7053, 3738 and 1.106, respectively) were found in 2% MI, but the highest sturdiness (65.95) was found in 1% MI solution. The nodule number was higher at a very low (0.5%) concentration of MI but it normally decreased with the increase of concentration. Total pigment content in leaf was recorded highest (112.86 mg.L-1) in 2% of MI. Therefore, MI influences seed germination and seedling growth of A. lebbeck and the low concentration (2%) of the inoculant can be recommended for getting maximum seed germination and seedling growth of the species studied.Banko JanakariA Journal of Forestry Information for NepalVol. 26, No. 1, Page: 82-89, 2016

Effect of seed washing either alone or in combination with garlic extract and Knowin 50WP on quality of jute seeds

Efficacy of seed washing, garlic extract, prewashed seeds treated with garlic extract, Knowin 50 WP (Carbendazim) and prewashed seeds treated with Knowin 50WP were evaluated on seed borne fungi of jute seeds. Nine seed borne fungi were detected on both deshi and tossa jute seed samples collected from sadar upazilla of Barisal district viz., Macrophomina phaseolina, Botryodiplodia theobromae, Fusarium spp, Colletotrichum corchori, Curvularia lunata, Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Penicillium spp. and Alternaria spp.. Physical seed washing and garlic extract were found effective against seed borne diseases of jute which significantly decrease the association of seed borne fungi from jute seeds. Prewashed seeds treated with garlic extract showed highest germination and highest reduction of seed borne mycoflora from desi and tossa jute seeds. Knowin 50WP or prewashed seeds treated with Knowin 50WP were found effective to reduce seed borne fungi from jute seeds. Highest vigor index was obtained in jute seedlings raised from prewashed seeds treated with Garlic or Knowin 50WP. Thus, prewashed seeds treated with Garlic or Knowin 50WP resulting significant reduction of seed-borne fungal population and enhancing seeding vigor.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2016, 2(2): 318-323

Seed Germination and Growth Parameters of (Zea mays L.) as influenced by Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Fly Ash (MSWIFA) and Sewage Sludge (SS) amended Soil.

Seed germination trials have relevance in measuring soil toxicity. As a consequence, this present work was carried out to investigate the effect of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWIFA) and sewage sludge (SS) from Phuket municipal waste incinerator and wastewater treatment plant as the fertilizer substitutes on the seed germination and growth parameters of sweet corn ( Zea mays L.). Field experiment was conducted at National Corn and Sorghum Research, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The main treatments are 1) non-amended soil, 2) 378.125 kg MSWIFA ha -1 , 3) 543.75 kg SS ha -1 , 4) 756.25 kg MSWIFA ha -1 , 5) 1087.5 kg SS ha -1 , and 6) 378.125 kg MSWIFA ha -1 + 543.75 kg SS ha -1 . The results showed the different application rates of MSWIFA and SS had profound effects on plant establishment and growth characteristics relative to the fertilizer application. The highest germination index (22.26), vigor index (146.4), leaf numbers (5.65), and fresh and dry weight (5.78 and 2.35 g plant -1 , respectively) were recorded from seeds treated with SS (1087.5 kg ha -1 ), while the highest seed germination is found in F1M6 (378.125 kg MSWIFA ha -1 + 543.75 kg SS ha -1 ). This suggests the alternative use of MSWIFA and SS without the addition of fertilizer in agricultural land.

Role of priming technique in germination parameters of calendula (Calendula officinalis L.) seeds

Seed priming is known for its promoting effects on seed and seedling properties under stress conditions such as salinity, temperature and drought stresses. Poor plant stand establishment is a common problem for marigold production. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different seed priming techniques on calendula seed germination and seedling enzyme activity. For this purpose, different seed priming techniques: hydropriming (distilled water, 24 and 72 h), osmopriming (0.02% or 0.04% KNO3 for 24 and 72 h) and hormonal priming (100 or 500 mg L-1 GA3 for 24 and 72 h) were assessed. Seeds without any treatment were considered as control. Compared with control, 100 mg L-1 GA3 and distilled water for 72 h showed the highest promoting effects on germination percentage. The highest vigor index (525.75) was related to hydropriming (for 24 h) treatment. Also, the maximum root length was found with 0.02% KNO3 for 72 h. Catalase significantly increased in the primed seeds. The highest CAT activity and total soluble sugars were found in the seeds primed with 100 mg L-1 GA3 for 72 h. Moreover, the enzyme activity was significantly higher in the distilled water and KNO3 treatments compared with the untreated seeds.

Skrining Salinitas Padi Mutan Insersi Pembawa Activation-Tagging pada Fase Perkecambahan

<p>Insert mutation is a method in the functional genomics analysis, using Ac and Ds transposable elements that capable of transposing genes in plant genome, including rice. Using such method, it is possible to identify functional genes, such as abiotic stress tolerance genes in rice plant. The objectives of this research were to screen activated-tag mutant rice for tolerance to salinity stress. Seventy-five lines were chosen from a 1,000 fast screening<br />experiment to identify mutant responsive to salinity stress. The mutant was validated in three screening batches (A, B and C) at germinating stage in Yoshida solution containing 200g/L NaCl. Three potential tolerant mutants, with the highest vigor index were identified from each batch. Insertion analysis of the nine mutants showed that the activator/dissociation (Ac/Ds) elements were still present in the genome, based on the bar and hpt marker genes <em>as</em> identified from the positive PCR.</p>