Large-sized Seeds Research Articles

Assessment of DUS Traits in Rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Genotypes: A Comprehensive Study on Genetic Diversity and Morphological Characteristics

The study was conducted at Dry Land Agriculture Research Station (DARS), Rangreth, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India aimed to comprehensively assess 40 genotypes, alongside 5 checks, for Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) characterization. Employing an Augmented Block Design in the field in kharif season of April-August, 2022 and a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) in the laboratory from September–March 2023, the genotypes underwent evaluation for 21 DUS traits and 43 morphological, maturity, yield and quality traits. The evaluation followed descriptors specific to rajmash genotypes, utilizing frequency distribution based on “state” and “code” for each trait. The results indicated that majority of genotypes exhibited early flowering (<50 days), with 91% displaying an absence of anthocyanin coloration. Erect plant types were prevalent (51.11%), with 51% and 60% being viny and determinate, respectively. Most genotypes featured medium-sized, light green, ovate leaves (46.66%, 53%, and 22%, respectively). White-colored flowers (48.88%) with striped petal surfaces (57.77%) and medium curvature (40.00%) were predominant. Seed-related traits, such as cordate pod shapes (51%) and concave pod sutures (50%), along with acute pod distal shapes (69%), were observed. Pale green pods (57.77%) and 76% of genotypes exhibiting pod stringiness were noted. Seed shapes were mainly kidney-shaped (60%), and absent pigmentation in pod shells (73%) was observed. Large-sized seeds (40%) with dark red testa color (44%) were common, and seed testa variegation was “absent” in 75.55% of genotypes.

Genetic mapping identifies genomic regions and candidate genes for seed weight and shelling percentage in groundnut.

Seed size is not only a yield-related trait but also an important measure to determine the commercial value of groundnut in the international market. For instance, small size is preferred in oil production, whereas large-sized seeds are preferred in confectioneries. In order to identify the genomic regions associated with 100-seed weight (HSW) and shelling percentage (SHP), the recombinant inbred line (RIL) population (Chico × ICGV 02251) of 352 individuals was phenotyped for three seasons and genotyped with an Axiom_Arachis array containing 58K SNPs. A genetic map with 4199 SNP loci was constructed, spanning a map distance of 2708.36cM. QTL analysis identified six QTLs for SHP, with three consistent QTLs on chromosomes A05, A08, and B10. Similarly, for HSW, seven QTLs located on chromosomes A01, A02, A04, A10, B05, B06, and B09 were identified. BIG SEED locus and spermidine synthase candidate genes associated with seed weight were identified in the QTL region on chromosome B09. Laccase, fibre protein, lipid transfer protein, senescence-associated protein, and disease-resistant NBS-LRR proteins were identified in the QTL regions associated with shelling percentage. The associated markers for major-effect QTLs for both traits successfully distinguished between the small- and large-seeded RILs. QTLs identified for HSW and SHP can be used for developing potential selectable markers to improve the cultivars with desired seed size and shelling percentage to meet the demands of confectionery industries.

Enhanced magnetic properties of YBa2Cu3O7−δ bulk superconductors with tailored structure by a novel seeding assembly

YBa2Cu3O7−δ (YBCO) bulk superconductors are regarded as the most promising alternatives for conventional permanent magnets as they provide high field trapping capacity at low temperatures. However, for further improving their superconducting properties, it remains a significant challenge to enlarge the c growth sector by large-sized seeds or multi-seeds while maintaining the microstructure with a low porosity or clean grain boundaries that enables their performance. Here, we report a novel seeding assembly approach by vertically-connecting strip-seeds for inducing potential [110]-oriented overgrowth. Initially, from naturally right-angled corners, YBCO rapidly crystallized to form kite-liked convex areas, which, together with the original seed, effectively functioned as a large-sized seed to generate a sizable c growth sector. The novel-seeded sample exhibited a promising structure not only free of grain boundaries, but also with a favorable porosity of 20.29%. Such a low value is similar to 19.77% of the small-seeded one and much lower than 34.20% of the large-seeded one. Finally, due to structure tailoring towards an enlarged c growth sector with maintained pore characteristics, high and mono-peak trapped fields of 16 mm diameter YBCO bulks were reliably attained, up to a record value of 0.7025 T. This work offers insights into design principles for boosting magnetic properties of other members in the YBCO family.

Effect of seed size on germination and seedling performance during storage of bhekal (Prinsepia utilis) seeds

The present study was conducted to determine the effect of various grades of Prinsepia utilis (bhekal) seeds on germination and seedlings performance during storage. Freshly collected seeds were grouped into three sub-lots viz. large size seeds (size 10 mm or > 10 mm), medium size seeds (size < 10 mm and > 7 mm), and small size seeds (size < 7 mm) with the help of specified sieves. Seeds of all grades were sown in nursery beds as fresh and after 35 days of storage. Various grades of seeds had shown significant effect on germination percentage as fresh and after 35 days of storage. Large size seeds exhibited significantly higher germination percentage, lower mean germination time, and higher germination values as compared to medium and small size seeds. Only small size seeds significantly exhibited lower germination percentage, higher mean germination time (MGT), and lower germination values as compared to large and medium-size seeds. However, no significant difference was observed in Germination Value (GV) and germination percentage between large and medium size seeds. The large size seeds exhibited a significantly good value of seedling length, the number of leaves, collar diameter, total biomass, vigour index, sturdiness quotient, volume index and quality index as compared to medium and small size seeds.

Effect of seed size on germination in three species from arid Arabian deserts

In many species, seeds with different sizes show diverse responses in their requirements for temperature and light for optimal germination. In this study, the effect of seed size (i.e., small and large) on germination was tested in seeds of Brassica tournefortii Gouan, Lotus garcinii DC., and Salvadora persica L. from arid Arabian Desert habitats. The mean seed size of all three study species differs significantly between small and large-sized seeds. Differences were observed in seed germination between large and small seeds of B. tournefortii and L. garcinii. We found that the large seeds of B. tournefortii and L. garcinii showed a higher germination percentage at all tested temperatures than that displayed by the small seeds. However, both small and large seeds of S. persica germinated equally (100%) well under all tested incubation conditions. Our results show significant differences in germination percentage between the small and large seeds of B. tournefortii at 25/35 °C under a 12 h light regime. However, seeds of L. garcinii showed a significant difference in germination percentage at low temperatures (15/25 °C) under a 12 h light regime.

Simulation and Experiment for Growth of High-Quality and Large-Size AlN Seed Crystals by Spontaneous Nucleation.

Seed crystals are the prerequisite for the growth of high quality and large size aluminum nitride (AlN) single crystal boules. The physical vapor transport (PVT) method is adopted to grow AlN seed crystal. However, this method is not available in nature. Herein, the temperature field distribution in the PVT furnace was simulated using the numerical analysis method to obtain free-standing and large-size seeds. The theoretical studies indicate that the temperature distribution in the crucible is related to the crucible height. According to the theory of growth dynamics and growth surface dynamics, the optimal thermal distribution was achieved through the design of a specific crucible structure, which is determined by the ratio of top-heater power to main-heater power. Moreover, in our experiment, a sole AlN single crystal seed with a length of 12 mm was obtained on the tungsten (W) substrate. The low axial temperature gradient between material source and substrate can decrease the nucleation rate and growth rate, and the high radial temperature gradient of the substrate can promote the expansion of crystal size. Additionally, the crystallinity of the crystals grown under different thermal field conditions are analyzed and compared. The Raman results manifest the superiority of the thermal inversion method in the growth of high quality AlN single crystal.

Design of Palm Seeds Sorting Machine

The need for oil palm seeds in Indonesia has increased lately. Palm seeds can be grown from the kernel. To get a uniform size kernel requires uniform size seeds. This study aims to design, make a separator of palm seeds so that the size of the uniform seeds. The design phase did using a CAD program to draw engineering drawings. Based on engineering drawings, we analyzed and made prototypes of palm seed sorting machines. The size of the prototype was 182 cm long, 50 cm wide and 94 cm high. This machine sorted seeds into large, medium and small dimensions The test results of 300 seeds consisting of 100 large size seeds, 100 medium size seeds and 100 small size seeds, produced 29.5% large size, 30.8% small size 28.2% small size. The capacity of the machine was 60,2 kg per hour. The palm oil seed sorting machine has an optimum percentage of 88.87%.

TEKNOLOGI SAMBUNG MINI UNTUK MENDAPATKAN BIBIT TANAMAN DURIAN UNGGUL BAGI MASYARAKAT PEKEBUN DURIAN DI BATU BUSUK

Kampung Batu Busuk, kelurahan Lambung Bukit, Kecamatan Pauh, Kota Padang merupakan salah satu daerah penghasil durian unggul. Namun durian yang ada saat ini merupakan durian alam yang dibudidayakan dengan pemeliharaan yang minim. Tanaman durian juga sudah tua sehingga kurang produktif dan berasal dari perbanyakan biji sehingga kualitas produk tidak seragam. Dengan demikian dibutuhkan transfer teknologi tepat guna yang dapat menyediakan bibit dalam waktu singkat dan cepat, mudah diimplementasikan dengan tingkat keberhasilan yang tinggi. Teknologi sambung mini diharapkan menjadi solusi permasalahan pertanaman durian di Batu Busuk. Kegiatan pendampingan pekebun durian telah dimulai dari tahun 2018 dan berlanjut hingga sekarang. Pembibitan durian dilakukan dari bulan Juli 2019 dan penyerahan bibit kepada masyarakat dilakukan pada Februari 2020. Penyuluhan, demonstrasi plot dan pelatihan digunakan sebagai metode kegiatan transfer teknologi sambung mini kepada masyarakat pekebun durian. Berdasarkan kegiatan yang telah dilakukan, dapat disimpulkan bahwa permasalahan penyediaan bibit untuk peremajaan tanaman durian di Batu Busuk dapat diatasi dengan penyediaan bibit durian sambung mini. Pembibitan durian dengan teknologi sambung mini berhasil dilakukan dan mendapatkan kurang lebih 1100 bibit. Tingkat keberhasilan sambung mini yang dilakukan oleh pekebun durian baru mencapai 43%, mengindikasikan keterampilan berperan penting terhadap tingkat keberhasilan sambung. Hasil evaluasi terhadap pertumbuhan bibit menunjukkan bahwa pekebun durian sebaiknya menggunakan benih berukuran sedang dan besar sebagai sumber bibit untuk batang bawah karena memberikan pertumbuhan yang lebih baik. Teknologi sambung mini pada kegiatan pembibitan durian perlu terus dilakukan secara mandiri dan berkelanjutan dengan menggunakan entres yang berasal dari durian unggul lokal Batu Busuk sendiri dalam rangka pengembangan durian Batu Busuk.

Design and experiment of electronic seeding system based on response surface method

ABSTRACT A new electronic seeding device was designed for large-sized seeds, such as soybean, corn, and peanuts, that supports an independent electronic-controlled seeding process. The developed seeding device consists of a programmable logic controller, pulse generator, stepper motor, and stepper motor driver. Based on the Box–Behnken Design model, the effects of different factors on the plant spacing control were analyzed, and the control parameters of the seeding system were optimized by correlation analysis. Through performance tests, the results of the research showed that the coefficient of variation of plant spacing was found to be affected by the interaction between shaft speed and belt speed, in which the belt speed was dominant. And the optimal control conditions by using Box–Behnken Design model are as follows: the seed shaft speed was 0.60 r/s, the soybean hundred-grain weight was 22 g, and the belt speed was 1.5 m/s. The results of the experiments showed that the socket-roller seeding device successfully completed the seeding test, and its performance index was in accord with the applicable standards for single grain precision seeding equipment.

Susceptibility of different stored pulses infested by pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis (Lin.)

The susceptibility of different stored pulses infested by Callosobruchus chinensis L. (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) was observed in three varieties of stored pulses i.e. gram (Cicer arietnum L.), pea (Pisum sativum L.) and mung (Vigna radiata L.) during April, 2017 to May, 2018. The longest incubation-, larval- and pupal period of pulse beetle were in gram 5.4 ± 0.29, 12.6 ± 0.25, 5.5 ± 0.32 days, respectively and the shortest were in mung 4.6 ± 0.25, 11.3 ± 0.28, 4.2 ± 0.19 days, respectively. The shortest developmental period of pulse beetle was 20.1 ± 0.46 days in mung. The incubation-, larval-, pupal- and total developmental period of pulse beetle varied significantly between the pulse beetle grown in gram and mung (p < 0.05). The highest longevity and fecundity were in gram, 8.2 ± 0.33 days and 70.2 ± 7.53, respectively. The fecundity did not vary significantly in different stored pulses (p > 0.05). The longevity and number of adults emerged varied significantly (p < 0.05) between the gram and pea. The number of male emerged did not vary significantly (p > 0.05) between the different stored pulses and the number of female emerged varied significantly (p < 0.05) between gram and pea, pea and mung. The experiment revealed that pulse beetle preferred smooth coated and large size seeds to oviposit. Pea was found to be most resistant to attack by C. chinensis L. whereas mung was more susceptible than gram and pea.
 Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 29(1): 19-25, 2020 (January)

Angiospermic plant dispersal profile of India-a maiden analysis.

Plant-disperser relationship is a mutual approach that regulates the species composition and habitat diversity. Here, we unfold the dispersal profile of India and provide comprehensive information on plant-disperser relationships, emphasising on plant longevities (annual, biennial, and perennial), plant life forms (tree, shrub, herb, liana), and vegetation types. The floral data were collected from a national database, and the dispersal information of 3301 geo-tagged plant species was gathered. The plant dispersal types were mainly (1) abiotic (hydrochory-water, anemochory-wind) and (2) biotic (endozoochory-internal gut, epizoochory-adherence to external surface, anthropochory-human, ornithochory-bird, myrmecochory-insect, and chirepterochory-bat) that included five dispersal modes, i.e. monochory (single), dichory (double), trichory (triple), quadrichory (four), and quintuchory (five). The generalised linear model was utilised to evaluate plant-disperser relationships. Monochory could explain variances of 56.8%, 51.2%, and 45.1% in perennials, annuals, and biennials, and 45.3%, 46.3%, 39.4%, and 47.7% for trees, shrubs, herbs, and lianas, respectively. Monochory has more significant influence on all major vegetation types, with at least 40% variance explanation. Anemochory, the dispersal by wind factor, was found to exercise by most plants. The life form wise analytics revealed inclination of multiple modes of dispersal for herbs with abiotic factors might be due to lighter weight, followed by trees with biotic dispersers could be owing to large size seeds. The same trend was reported from herb-dominant grassland where abiotic factors mostly contribute to dispersal, whereas the tree-dominant vegetation types exhibit dispersal primarily due to biotic means. This study provides a synoptic diagnosis to understand the dispersal profile of India, which has been an understudied domain.

Spitting Seeds From the Cud: A Review of an Endozoochory Exclusive to Ruminants

Given their strong masticatory system and the powerful microbial digestion inside their complex guts, mammalian ruminants have been frequently considered seed predators rather than seed dispersers. A number of studies, however, have observed that ruminants are able to transport many viable seeds long distances, either attached to the hair or hooves (i.e. epizoochory) or inside their body after ingesting them (i.e. endozoochory). However, very few studies have investigated a modality of endozoochory exclusive to ruminants: the spitting of usually large-sized seeds while chewing the cud. A systematic review of the published information about this type of endozoochory shows a marked scarcity of studies. Nonetheless, at least 48 plant species belonging to 21 families are dispersed by ruminants by this way. Most of these plants are shrubs and trees, have fleshy or dry fruits with large-sized seeds, and are seldom dispersed via defecation. Many cases have been observed in tropical areas, where more frugivorous ruminant species occur, but other records are from temperate and dry areas, covering thus all continents except Antarctica. Twenty one species of ruminants from 18 genera have been reported as endozoochore spitters. They involve domestic and wild species belonging to the families Tragulidae, Cervidae and Bovidae. This suggests that almost any ruminant species could potentially eat fruits and regurgitate large hard seeds during rumination. Likely, this seed dispersal mechanism has been neglected due to the difficulty of observing rumination behaviour and locating spat seeds. Further research on the potential of wild and domestic ruminant species as long-distance seed dispersers through spitting seeds from the cud appears particularly important given their increasing pervasiveness and abundance worldwide.

Germplasm Collection and Seed Diversity of Cowpea (<i>Vigna unguiculata</i> (L.) Walp.)

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) is a legume crop cultivated in whole of Arabian Peninsula countries including Oman as a dual crop for both food and fodder during summer. Both consumers and farmers prefer large size seeds. This paper presents the results of collecting missions of indigenous cowpea germplasm and analysis of seed diversity of collected accessions. The collecting mission led to the accumulation of seed samples of 64 accessions with large number from the governorates of Sharqiya (North Eastern) (19), followed by Dhofar (Southern) (17), Al-Dakhiliyah (Interior) (10), South Batinah (South Coast) (9), North Batinah (North coast) (5) and Dhahira & Buraimi (4). The accessions were diverse in respect to all the seed traits studied, i.e. seed length (cm) and width (cm), 100-seed weight (g) and seed color. The accessions were grouped into 14 genetically diverse clusters based on the Principal Component Analysis, which revealed the contribution of seed length and 100-seed weight to the total variation existing in indigenous germplasm collected from all the governorates of Oman. The results of critical examination of seed color pattern of these samples indicated the presence of as many as 31 groups of which the largest group had 16 accessions followed by a group with 4 accessions, 2 groups with 3 accessions each and 9 groups with 2 accessions. There were 19 accessions numbering 193, 197, 251, 269, 276, 280, 293, 297, 301, 303, 325, 327, 328, 331, 332, 333, 339, 343 and 347 which formed groups of their own due to a unique combination of seed coat colors.

THE EFFECTS OF SEED’S SIZE, AND REMOVAL TESTA TREATMENT ON GERMINATION RATIO AND PERIOD OF FABA BEAN STORED SEEDS (VICIA FABA VAR. ECUADELJE)

The research was conducted at - Sulaimani Polytechnic Universit (SPU), Bakrajo Technical Institute in Sulaymaniyah city, Iraq in begging of 2018. Three different sizes and varieties Ecuadelje of bean seeds were used and treated. Water-soaking, dilute acid soaking, and dilute base with scarification soaking. They were distributed in 36 pots by using CRBD with three replicates. The results showed the significant differences only with the effect of seeds size from the period of sowing seeds to the end of germination. The small size seeds had significant differences compare to the others. But the effect of removal test was high significant in all studied characteristics. Seeds which socked with diluted base and diluted acid had significant differences compare to the other treatments form the initial to the final stage of seeds germination. The interaction between seeds sizes and removable testa treatment showed significant differences among small size seeds which treated with diluted HCl during the initial and final stage, and the large size seeds treated with diluted NaOH. Seeds scarification treatment did not show any positive effects in both of germination periods, but showed significant differences in the percentage of initial and final germination. We suggested to sock the broad bean seeds in one of diluted bases or diluted acids and scarification of seed treatment in order to stimulate germination percentage reduce of the germination period and develop broad beans stored seeds germination.

Contrasting responses of insects and vertebrates as seed consumers of two neotropical oak species: The interactive effects of individual crop size and seed mass

Tree species often exhibit considerable variability among individuals in seed crop size and averaged seed mass within the same year. However, very little is known about the consequences for seed consumers’ preferences of this potentially large between-individual variability. In this study we quantified seed production and seed manipulation rates by animals over three years in two coexisting oak species of southeast Mexico (Quercus germana and Q. xalapensis) with the principal aim of evaluating the influence of two relevant plant traits (individual crop size and seed mass) on the responses of two guilds of acorn consumers with contrasting foraging behaviors and dietary breadths (vertebrate versus granivorous insects). We detected interactive effects of these two plant traits on seed consumers’ preferences, with important differences between the two groups of acorn-feeding animals. In general, high densities of large-sized acorns triggered a negative density-dependent response (i.e. satiating effect) in granivorous insects and a positive response (i.e. attractive effect) in vertebrates, whereas the opposite occurred when considering the fraction of small-sized acorns. The potential consequences of producing bigger seeds will partly depend on the relative abundance of the two guilds of acorn consumers. Thus, in plant populations with overabundance of vertebrates, the higher attraction of large-sized seeds for these generalist consumers could counteract the satiating effect exercised on granivorous insects through multi-infestation. However, in forest sites with less abundance of vertebrates, the risk of seed predation (mostly by insects) could be reduced in those trees producing huge quantities of large-sized seeds. In summary, we found clear evidences that the direction and magnitude of density-dependent seed removal can differ not only between different groups of seed consumers but also among different fractions of seed size, which highlights the importance of considering this plant trait to better understand the complexity of mechanisms operating in these plant-animal interactions.

Growth of Nanobipyramid by Using Large Sized Au Decahedra as Seeds

Au nanobipyramids (NBPs) are important nanostructures which attract much attention due to their unique structure, optical, and catalytic properties. The controlled synthesis of Au NBPs and corresponding mechanistic study are highly desirable for both fundamental research and practical applications. Herein, we demonstrate a strategy that large sized Au decahedra with well-defined shape act as seeds for growing NBPs. Furthermore, through using different sized decahedra seeds with edge from 25 to 49 nm, various sized NBPs can be easily prepared (longitudinal length from 110 to 210 nm; transverse length from 36 to 70 nm). Our study provides hard evidence for the growth of NBPs that they surely stem from the overgrowth on penta-twinned decahedra. Because these used large size seeds have well-defined shape and structure, the growth of the NBPs can be easily determined. Results show that the formation of NBPs is primarily determined by the molar ratio of Au(3+) and Au seeds (MRAA). MRAA less than 4 only causes size enhancement and no significant shape change. In cases of MRAA higher than 4 and lower than 8, quasi-nanorods are produced. When MRAA range from 8 to 10, NBPs form and the yield is higher than 90%. The effect of reaction time and temperature also are vital to the growth of NBPs. These prepared NBPs are found to exhibit excellent surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) performance because of many present hotspots, edges, steps, and tips on their surfaces.

Biodiversity of Quercus Semecarpifolia (Smith)

Quercus semecarpifolia (Smith) serves as a superior food plant of oak tasar silkworm among the other food plants. The seeds (acorn) are damaged by seed borer which creates problem in natural germination. Frequency of nature grown seedling is further decreased by tremendous grazing and heavy lopping so artificial regeneration has to be resorted as an alternative to supplement natural regeneration. Large size seeds collected during the month of June gave better germination (70.00%). Hence, seeds of large size should be collected during June-July just after their ripening for raising nursery for regeneration of Quercus semecarpifolia.

Drought response of pearl millet landrace-based populations and their crosses with elite composites

Abstract Drought is the primary constraint in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) production in the drier semi-arid and arid regions of south Asia and Africa. The traditional landraces from drier regions are good sources of drought adaptation but often lack high yield under near-optimum growing environments. The objective of this paper was to assess whether crosses between landrace populations and elite germplasm can produce hybrids with better grain yield under favourable conditions than landraces, without compromising grain yield under drought. The research evaluated 20 crosses and their nine parents (consisting of landrace-based populations and elite composites) under drought and non-drought conditions. Drought response index (DRI), based on flowering and grain yield measured in drought and non-drought environments, was used to assess drought tolerance. Landrace populations yielded significantly more grain under drought stress than elite composites and crosses and had the highest mean DRI (3.99). In contrast, composites showed maximum sensitivity to drought with significantly negative DRI (−3.64). Adaptation to either drought or high productivity conditions appeared to be associated with different plant types: higher panicle number, lower grain number per panicle, and smaller seed size were associated with drought adaptation; low tillering and greater number of large-sized seeds per panicle were favoured for optimum growing conditions. Crosses yielded significantly better than composites under drought, better than landrace populations under non-drought and had a wide range in drought sensitivity. Around 40% of crosses produced on average 23% higher grain yield than the best landrace under favourable conditions, without compromising grain yield under drought. The results illustrate that hybridization of landrace populations with elite composites can produce germplasm that combines drought tolerance of traditional material with high production potential of elite genetic material.

Large acorns benefit seedling recruitment by satiating weevil larvae in Quercus aliena

Plants can enhance their seed viability and survival through reducing the fitness costs of herbivory by satiating seed predators at either plant or seed level, or both. The former satiates with production of large crops while the latter with large-sized seeds, enhancing the probability of seed survival. We analyzed both types of satiation in the interaction between the Quercus aliena and the weevil Curculio spp in 2 years with different crop size and acorn size. Larger crop size seemed to satiate less effectively weevils due to higher proportions of the seeds were attacked in oaks producing more crops of smaller acorns. However, prematurely abscission of infested acorns in large crop year might compensate this ineffectiveness. Larger acorns in lean year well satiated weevil larvae, as a larger acorn size increased the likelihood of embryo survival and seedling establishment. Although effective satiation by larger acorns would be negated by smaller seed crops, the proportion of attacked acorns that survived increased with large acorn size in lean year. These results highlighted the importance of annual variation in acorn size of Quercus aliena in satiating and defending weevil larval predations, consequently in successful seedling recruitment and establishment.

Shadowing growth of three-dimensional nanostructures on finite size seeds

We reported the fabrication of silicon (Si) nanorods and springs on arrays of seeds with different diameters by using glancing angle deposition technique. Single nanorod is possible to grow on individual seeds if the size of the seeds is small enough. On large size seeds, however, multiple Si nanorods are observed in experiments. The effects of the size of seeds were studied by using Monte Carlo simulations based on a ballistic aggregation model. The simulation model also includes ballistic sticking, shadowing, and surface mobility. Both of the top-view and cross-sectional images of the nanostructures were generated in simulation and compared to the images of experimental samples taken by scanning electron microscopy. We also investigated the effect of surface diffusion on the formation of nanostructures. In our experiments, no separate rods formed when the surface mobility is sufficiently high, such as the deposition of cobalt on the large size seeds.