Low Germination Percentage Research Articles

Evaluation of seed dormancy-breaking techniques for enhancing germination potential, seedling growth, and vigour of Carissa carandas L.

Carissa carandas L. is a versatile evergreen shrub of the Apocynaceae family and its fruit is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. It is commonly propagated by seeds, which are characterized by low germination rates due to the presence of a hard seed coat that causes physical dormancy and limits water absorption and gas exchange. In this study, the effects of different dormancy-breaking treatments viz., chemical treatment with potassium nitrate and thiourea at two concentrations (1% and 2%), hormonal therapy with gibberellic acid (GA3) at two concentrations (500 and 1000 ppm) and physical treatments (hot water and simple water immersion) were investigated on germination and seedling growth using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications and the statistical significance of each treatment was tested at the five percent probability level (p ? 0.05). Key germination indices, seedling growth parameters, and seedling vigour were observed. Among all treatments, 2% KNO3 was most effective in breaking seed dormancy that achieved significantly higher (86.33%) germination with accelerated completion of germination in 18 days and the highest (4.80) mean daily germination (MDG). Thiourea 2% attained a germination percentage of 82.91% and MDG of 4.36 while GA3 treated seeds had a lower germination percentage and MDG than KNO3 and thiourea treatments. The significantly highest seedling length vigour index (LVI) of 1085.1 and weight vigour index (WVI) of 12.67 were also obtained in 2% KNO3 treated seeds which was followed by 2% thiourea with LVI of 1003.6 and WVI 10.12 . Both LVI and WVI were significantly lower in GA3 treatments compared to KNO3 and thiourea treatments. The significantly lowest germination percentage (61.19%), MDG (2.78), LVI (575.8), and WVI (3.67) were recorded in the control. This study offers valuable insights into the efficient techniques for seed dormancy breaking and optimizing seed propagation techniques for C. carandas L.

Enhancing Germination Efficiency of Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus spp.) Seeds under Varied Climatic Conditions in East Nimar, Madhya Pradesh, India

The current study sought to identify optimal pre-treatment approaches for increasing seed germination percentage and vigor. Regardless of the therapies. The experiment was set up in randomized block design (RBD), with three replications. The nursery experiment was carried out in 2024 at the School of Agriculture Science, Dr. C.V. Raman University in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh. Dragon fruit seeds from seven treatments were pretreated with various pretreatments, viz. T1 Darkness + water soaking 12 hours; T2 Darkness + water soaking 24 hours; T3 Continuous light (24 hours) + water soaking 12 hours. T4 Continuous light (24h) + water soaking for 24 hours, T5 Alternating light (12h light/12h dark) + water soaking for 12 hours T6 alternating light (12h light/12h dark) + water soaking for 24 hours, T7 Control (without pretreatment) to examine the impacts on germination %, germination value, mean germination time, and seedling vigour index. Seeds pre-treated with T-6 Alternating light (12h light/12h dark) + water soaking 24 hours had the highest average germination percentage (94.66%), while control had the lowest germination percentage (78.66%) when compared to other pre-treatments among all treatments, and the highest average mean germination value (9.57), while T7 Control had the lowest mean germination value (6.71). Seeds were pre-treated with T7 control recorded average highest mean germination time 21.21 days, while T6 Alternating light (12h light/12h dark) + water soaking 24 hours showed lowest mean germination time as compared to other pre-treatments among all treatments, When compared to other pre-treatments, T7 control had the lowest mean seedling vigor index (694.09) across all treatments.

Differential germination responses of plump and shriveled seeds to environmental factors and storage conditions in Tamarix laxa Willd.

Tamarix laxa Willd. is a vital shrub widely distributed in arid and semi-arid regions. It serves as an excellent species for sand-fixing afforestation in saline-alkali and sandy desert lands and has medicinal properties for wind-dispelling and detoxifying. This plant produces two types of seeds: plump and shriveled. However, the effect of seed plumpness on germination has not been extensively studied. In this research, we found that 42 % of the seeds in T. laxa were plump, and 58 % were shriveled. We then investigated how different temperatures, light conditions, salt concentrations, and storage methods affect the germination of these seeds. Shriveled seeds were significantly smaller and had a lower germination percentage compared to plump seeds. T. laxa seeds exhibited a broad adaptability to temperature. Plump seeds showed over 90 % germination at three different temperatures, whereas shriveled seeds had a 57 % germination percentage at 15/30 °C. Continuous darkness significantly reduced the germination percentage for both seed types. Although T. laxa seeds displayed some salt tolerance, high salt concentrations (0.6 mol/L NaCl) markedly decreased their germination percentage. Freshly mature seeds initially had a 99 % germination percentage. However, seeds stored at room temperature for 90 days nearly lost their viability. In contrast, seeds stored at −18 °C for 180 days maintained a germination percentage above 80 %. Low-temperature storage effectively delayed the short-term loss of seed vitality. This study offers comprehensive insights into T. laxa seed germination, providing valuable information for desert restoration efforts.

Heavy Metals Analysis of Breweries Effluent used in Soil Cultivated with Glycine Max (L.) Merr. Accessions with Biochar Augmentation

Beer production has promulgated the prevalence of heavy metal contamination in the environment (soil and water bodies). The magnitude of breweries wastewater-effluent effect discharged on soil and its effect on crop quality in terms of growth and physiology must therefore be investigated. This study aims to assess the level of seven heavy metals (HM) (lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe)) in breweries wastewater-effluent and its effect on the growth of Glycine max accessions (TGM-3990, TGM-1348, TGM-1732, TGM-2175 and TGM-928) as well as the influence of biochar soil amendment in the induction of HM tolerance in G. max. Effluent properties were analyzed using the A1 portable TDS/EC meter. HM in the wastewater-effluent was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). The experiment was set up in a complete block design. 3 seeds G. max accessions were planted in 7kg of sterilized soil (control, effluent and biochar treatments). Growth parameters were taken using standard methods, while the total photosynthetic pigments (TPP) were determined using the atLeaf chlorophyll meter. The wastewater-effluent recorded an electrical conductivity (EC) of 928µS/cm, total dissolved solids (TDS) (464ppm), Temperature (31.9-32.6°C) and pH (5.37). Results for HM concentration showed; Pb (0.20mg/L), Ni (<0.001mg/L), Cr (0.03mg/L), Cu (<0.001mg/L), Cd (<0.001mg/L), Zn (<0.001mg/L) and Fe (8.74mg/L). The trend shows that Fe˃Pb˃Cr˃Cd˃Cu˃Ni˃Zn. Cr, Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn were significantly below the World Health Organization (WHO) and Waste Water Forum (WWF) permissible limit, while Fe and Pb significantly higher. G. max accessions TGM-928 (80%) and TGM-3990 (80%) had better germination percentage (GP), TGM-1348 (60%) had the lowest GP, while TGM-2175 recorded no germination in all treatments. At 6 weeks after planting (WAP), it was observed that irrigation of G. max accessions with breweries wastewater-effluent significantly (p=0.001) stimulated growth parameters such as shoot length for TGM-3990 which recorded; Treatment=19.53±0.94cm; Control=17.10±0.67cm; Biochar=40.83±1.01cm) while TGM-1732 had the highest shoot growth (T=38.57±1.53cm; C=25.00±0.00cm; B=82.33±5.70cm) when compared to their controls. TGM-3990 (T=32.20mg/kg, C=34.10mg/kg, 43.30mg/kg) recorded the least TPP contents, while TGM-928 (T=51.00mg/kg, C=45.60mg/kg, B=43.50mg/kg) recorded the highest TPP in all treatments. Amelioration of soil with biochar significantly (p=0.001) stimulated growth above the effluent treatment and control. Similar trend was observed for leaf area, petiole length, leaf number, stem girth and internode length. This study has shown that breweries effluent has the potential of growth enhancement in G. max cultivation and in combination biochar application reduces the need for additional fertilizer application.

Proline Priming Enhances Seed Vigour and Biochemical Attributes of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) during Germination.

Seed vigour is a desirable trait especially for direct seeded rice (DSR) cultivation. Seeds with high vigour could improve seed germination, support seedlings in competing with weeds for water and nutrients, and improving seedling establishment throughout the early stages of crop growth. The success of DSR system which account for more 25% of world cultivation areas is highly dependent on the seed vigour and seedling establishment. Seed priming is a promising technique to improve seed vigour. Proline is an amino acid that has been well studied for its roles in plants under different environmental stress conditions. Nevertheless, the effect of proline as a seed priming agent in improving seed vigour in rice remain elusive. In this research, the effect of 24 h of proline priming at various concentrations (0 mM, 1 mM, 2 mM, 10 mM and 20 mM) on rice seed vigour, amylase activity, and total soluble sugar (TSS) content of a Malaysia indica rice variety, MR269 was investigated. Results showed that seeds primed with lower concentration of proline (0 mM, 1 mM and 2 mM) had better germination responses while priming at high concentrations (10 mM and 20 mM) reduced seed germination. Among the concentration tested, priming with 1 mM proline enhanced seed vigour with significantly higher germination percentage (GP), germination rate index (GRI) and seedling vigour index (SVI). In addition, proline primed seeds also exhibited increased amylase activity and TSS content as compared to unprimed seeds. However, priming seed with 20 mM proline was detrimental to the seed vigour and seedling growth whereby lower GP, GRI and SVI and higher mean germination time (MGT) were observed. In short, this study shows that proline could be a potential seed priming agent to improve seed vigour in rice.

Effect of alternating temperature regimes on seed germination of guar [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.

Guar [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] 2n=14, is an annual crop that belongs to the Fabaceae family and has a spring–summer growth cycle. This species has been assuming increasing importance among agro-industrial crops due to the high galactomannan content of its seeds for which a multitude of food and non-food applications have been developed. Guar is a viable rotation crop for growers in Mediterranean areas and can result in diversification in crop production systems. The effects of four alternating day/night temperature regimens on C. tetragonoloba seed germination were tested: (T1) 23/15 °C, (T2) 21/13 °C, (T3) 19/ 11 °C, and (T4) 17/09 °C with a 16/08 h light/dark photoperiod, respectively. Seeds from two guar cultivars (RGC-0936 and RGC-1066) were used. Treatments consisted of four replicates of 50 seeds each, arranged in a split-plot design with temperatures as the main plot and cultivars as the subplot. The results showed that lower temperatures reduced guar seed germination. The highest germination percentages were obtained at the 21/13 °C and 23/15 °C temperature regimens, while a significant drop in germination percentage occurred for the 19/11 °C treatment, and the lowest germination percentages were observed at 17/09 °C. No statistically significant differences were found between the two cultivars studied for seed germination percentages. The interaction effects among the different alternative temperature regimes on seed germination and guar cultivars were not statistically significantly different. The values obtained at the 21/13 °C temperature treatment allow us to conclude that this regimen is the minimum acceptable combination of temperatures to program the sowing date.

Dormancy-Related Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity during Optimization of Germination Conditions for Onopordum nervosum subsp. platylepis Murb. Using Response Surface Methodology

Onopordum nervosum subsp. platylepis Murb. is an Asteraceae species found in Tunisia, Algeria, and Libya. It has been studied for its potential use as a vegetable rennet alternative to animal-derived rennet, making it important to understand its germination characteristics. This species often shows low germinability due to dormancy, which limits its large-scale cultivation. In preliminary experiments, many factors were analyzed to evaluate the seed germination of this thistle including physical stratification with abrasive paper and high-temperature water, chemical treatments with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and the exogenous use of the growth regulator gibberellic acid (GA3). Based on the obtained results and subsequent analysis, GA3 and cold stratification durations were selected for the second experiment, which used a full factorial RSM design with three levels for each factor. Additionally, the total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), condensed tannin content (CTC), and DPPH assay were analyzed during the optimization process and for ungerminated seeds. The findings revealed that 14 days of cold stratification followed by 750 ppm GA3 was the most efficient method for breaking the dormancy of these thistle seeds. The highest TPC was recorded in ungerminated seeds. However, germinated Onopordum nervosum ssp. platylepis seeds showed higher levels of TFC and CTC (14.83 mg QE/g DW and 6.49 mg EC/g DW, respectively) compared to the non-germinated ones and demonstrated the greatest potency in inhibiting free radicals (DPPH EC50 = 0.018 mg/mL) at the identified optimal germination conditions. Ungerminated seeds indicated significant phenolic content (TPC) and a limited ability to reduce oxidants, which could explain their low germination percentage. Our findings on the seed germination and dormancy characteristics of this endemic thistle will aid in the protection and development of its germplasm.

Apomictic seed formation and viability in Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil. (Aquifoliaceae)

The objective of this study was to investigate fruit and seed formation in Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil. without sexual reproduction in addition to evaluating their viability. This study was based on the hypothesis that the formation of apomictic fruit and seeds occurs, but the seeds are non-viable, contributing to the low germination percentage of the species. Five branches of 20 pistillate mother plants were bagged before anthesis (T1) and five immediately after fruit formation (TC). Once they reach maturity, the fruit were collected and counted. Their seeds were cut lengthwise and classified as intact (with embryo and endosperm) or non-intact (empty and/or deteriorated). The viability of intact seeds was evaluated with the tetrazolium test when they were classified as viable or non-viable. The data were submitted to the Kruskal-Wallis Test. The formation of viable fruit and seeds occurred in smaller numbers in T1, all statistically different from TC (p<0.05). Although in smaller quantities and with a statistical difference, the formation of viable fruit and seeds occurs without sexual reproduction, suggesting that the process responsible for their formation is the facultative apomixis. The higher percentage of viable fruit and seeds in TC is probably a result of the occurrence of both apomixis and sexual reproduction. The percentage of non-viable seeds does not differ between the two treatments, suggesting that apomixis may not be the cause of the low percentage of viable seeds and germination, requiring further studies to understand its causes.

Germination ecology of Phytolacca americana L. in its invasive range

AbstractInvasive species are a worldwide problem, and the germination process is useful to understand the characteristics that allow alien species to be invasive and their projected response to global climate change. Phytolacca americana is one of the most invasive plants in Italy, and we tested, for different populations (from different altitudes) how light, temperature, and cold stratification affect seed germination. According to our analyses, P. americana produces an exceptionally high number of seeds that may potentially survive in soil for extended periods. Seeds subjected to cold stratification and exposed to warmer temperatures, both in light and darkness, exhibited faster germination, with a higher germination rate and a shorter T50. Seeds collected at the highest elevation (337 m a.s.l.) have germinated in all tested thermal conditions, albeit with a lower germination percentage and a longer T50 compared with seeds collected at lower elevations (5 and 50 m a.s.l.) and tested under warm and moderate temperatures. In general, P. americana seems to adapt to moderate‐warm temperatures (at low elevations) and moderate‐cool temperatures (at highest elevations) and appears to increase germination with seeds exposed to cold stratification. These results, in a scenario of climate change, show that the invasiveness of P. americana may increase in the future.

Manure-based composts influence soil quality after lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) production

Declining soil fertility is a major constraint for vegetable crops like lettuce in sub-Saharan Africa. With the purpose of contributing to enhancing crop yields and soil productivity, while safeguarding the environment, this study aims to assess the effect of composts made from chicken droppings (CCD) and horse dung (CHD) on soil quality after lettuce growing. The phytotoxicity of the composts was assessed by testing the germination of two varieties of lettuce (V1: Eden and V2: Blonde de Paris) with aqueous extracts of the composts at different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 %). For the field evaluation, treatments (C0: control without fertilizer, C1: 15 t.ha−1 of chicken droppings, C2: 15 t.ha−1 of horse dung, C3: chemical fertilizers) and varieties were distributed in a completely randomized block design with three replications. Physico-chemical soil analysis was carried out before (Ct) and after lettuce production depending on the treatments. Soil’s parameters determined included: pH, organic matter, carbon, C/N ratio, granulometry, cation exchange capacity, exchangeable bases, nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium contents. The results of the phytotoxicity test showed that the lowest germination percentages were obtained at V1C2100%Ster+ (48.33 ± 6.01 %) and V2C2100%Ster+ (53.33 ± 6.01 %). These values were around the standard (50 %), showing that these composts were non-toxic. The results showed that overall, the composts improved soil properties, with significant increases in P and Ca content. So, soil Ca contents of C0, C1, C2 and C3 were respectively 2, 3, 2 and 2 times that of Ct. CCD and CHD can be therefore recommended for growing lettuce and maintaining soil quality.

THE EFFECT OF GIBBERELLIC ACID APPLICATION ON GERMINATION CHARACTERISTICS OF COMMON VETCH (Vicia sativa L.) UNDER SALT STRESS

Common vetch is an annual legume plant widely cultivated all over the world. Salinity is one of the most important abiotic stress factors. Successful germination and seedling development are very important for obtaining high yield. The aim of this study was to determine the performance of different doses of gibrylic acid (GA) under saline conditions. In the study, control, 100 and 200 ppm giberylic acid and control, 5 and 10 EC salt were used. In the study, germination percentage, shoot and root length, wet and dry weight data were analysed. According to the results obtained, the highest germination percentage, shoot and root length and wet and dry weight were determined as 95.33%, 5.43 cm, 4.40 cm, 4.10 mg and 0.59 mg in 100 ppm control salt treatment, respectively. The lowest germination percentage was obtained in 200 ppm GA application in 10 EC salt application, the lowest shoot and root length was obtained in 10 EC salt and control GA application and the lowest wet and dry weight was obtained in 200 ppm GA and 10 EC salt application. As a result of the study, it was determined that Ga application at increasing salt doses reduced the damage of salt stress.

INTRODUCTION TO IN VITRO CULTURE OF RHAPОNTICUM CARTHAMOIDES

The article presents the results of studies on the introduction into in vitro culture of the valuable medicinal plant Rhaponticum carthamoides, growing in the territory of the Kazakhstan Altai. R. carthamoides - or maral root is a source of various biologically active compounds (flavonoids, polysaccharides, saponins, cumanins). This species is of particular value as a producer of ultra-high quantities of ecdysteroids, which have a hepatoprotective and hypoglycemic effect, acting as adaptogens. Currently, natural reserves of this species are sharply reduced due to increasing demand and, as a consequence, lead to the depletion of natural populations. Modern biotechnology methods make it possible to develop highly effective approaches for the propagation and preservation of R. carthamoides for subsequent introduction and expansion of the range of fodder and medicinal crops that meet the needs of agriculture, medicine and the food industry. Seeds collected from their natural habitats were used as research material. A seed sterilization protocol has been developed; it has been established that to obtain aseptic seedlings it is necessary to use a multi-stage sterilization protocol using various sterilizing agents. Surface-sterilized seeds were placed on MS and MS media containing ½ mineral salts with different hormonal compositions. The results showed that the percentage of seed germination varied depending on the hormonal status of the environment and ranged from 42.9 to 85.5%. Thus, the lowest percentage of germination was noted on the B0 medium option (½ MS) - 42.9%. The highest percentage of germination was in seeds on the B3 medium option (MS + 3 mg/l BAP + 3 mg/l kinetin) - 85.5%.

Germination test, seedling growth, and physiochemical traits are used to screen okra varieties for salt tolerance

Excess soil salinity is a major stress factor that inhibits plant growth, development, and production. Among the growth stages, seed germination is particularly susceptible to salt stress. Okra, a nutraceutical vegetable, has a low germination percentage. Literature has revealed genetic diversity in okra, which can be studied to develop salt-tolerant varieties. This study examined the salt tolerance of 13 okra varieties using germination tests and then tested five varieties in pot experiments with different NaCl levels (75, 100, and 125 mM NaCl). Results showed that salt levels affected all varieties, with differential variations in stress response. Salt stress reduced agronomic, and physiochemical traits in the studied varieties. In variety “MALAV-27”, the highest salt concentration significantly reduced the shoot length (68.12 %), root length (65.11 %), shoot fresh weight (78.73 %), root fresh weight (68.32 %), shoot dry weight (75.60 %), and root dry weight (75.81 %), along with different physiochemical traits. Variety “NAYAB-F1” performed the best, and maintained the highest shoot length (57.12 %), root length (58.72 %), shoot fresh weight (68.26 %), and root fresh weight (58.34 %), shoot dry weight (69.23 %), root dry weight (62.50 %), and numerous physiochemical traits such as sugar (0.74 μg/g), proline (0.51 μmol/g), and chlorophyll ‘a’ (7.97 mg/g), chlorophyll ‘b’ (9.56 mg/g). The study recommended ‘NAYAB-F1′, ‘Arka anamika’, and ‘Shehzadi’ as salt-tolerant varieties suitable for selection in salt-tolerant okra breeding programs.

Effect of sowing date of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) mother plants on germination of their seeds

Quinoa production in Israel has great agricultural potential as a dual-purpose plant for grains and as a fodder crop. One of the main problems in growing quinoa in Israel is the low germination percentage of seeds from local production. This might be due to non-optimal seed production for growers. Thus, our main objective was to examine the effect of mother plant sowing dates on the germination parameters of quinoa seeds. Sowing date of quinoa mother plants affected the germination percentage and quality of the seeds. Mother plants sown during July-October produced more viable seeds than mother plants sown in November-January. This could be due to the prevailing hot temperatures during the filling phase of the developing seeds on the plant. Because the harvest date for July-October sowings is still within the rainy season in Israel, it is likely that quinoa can be grown for seed production in dry areas such as the southern Arava.

Traditional African vegetables’ seed access and management practices: case of Vernonia amygdalina (Delile) in southern Benin

Vernonia amygdalina is an African traditional leafy vegetable which is a source of income for many households involved in its production in West and Central Africa. The species possesses several medicinal and nutritional properties. Despite its importance, there is limited information on farmers’ access to seed, seed production practices, seed trade, and related constraints. This research aimed at investigating farmers’ seed access and management practices. A non-probabilistic snowball method was used to sample and interview 164 bitter leaf seed sector actors from urban and peri-urban areas in Benin. Results indicated that vegetable farming is mainly practiced by men and it was the main occupation for 94.47% of the farmers interviewed. A significant association was found between the location and farmers’ experience (p-value = 0.01358). A diversity of Vernonia amygdalina morphotypes were found. Sixty-three percent of the farmers surveyed use seeds as planting material, 29% use purchased seedlings and only 7% use stem cuttings for Vernonia amygdalina production. Most of the seeds used (74%) were from farmer-saved seeds, harvested from isolated plants during production. The main constraints to V. amygdalina production reported by farmers were the unavailability of seeds (41% of respondents), low germination percentage (18%) and low seed longevity (12%). Findings from this study can inform solutions to improve farmers’ access to high-quality seeds and enhance V. amygdalina vegetable production.

Effect of different Gamma Rays doses on Seed Germination, Seedling parameter on local seed okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.)

The experiment was carried out to study the effect of different gamma irradiation in 100 -800 Gy with non-irradiated control on seed okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.). The study carried in Microbiology Dept. Directorate of Agricultural Research. Ministry of Science and Technology in 2020. The results showed that 100-300 Gy had positive effects with respect to all studied growth seeding parameters. With increase in radiation above 300 Gy a decreasing germination potential, The lowest germination percentage was recorded at 800Gy,speed of germination was noted by Control (10.00 day) followed by gamma irradiation dose 800(9.90 day) and the same dose was logged lowest mean daily germination (7.85 seed day-1 ), higher doses (800,700,600 ) Gy marked reduction in root, shoot length, vigor index , chlorophyll a chlorophyll b .and total chlorophyll. The result showed a decreasing of the fresh weight of okra when radiation dose was increased While, dry weight was increasing when the radiation dose was increased. This study shows that the low dose gamma radiation may enhance the germination rate and the seedling growth during the early seedling state of okra seeds.

Germination test of maize (Zea mays L.) seeds in a NaCl solution

R bjective: To evaluate the germination behavior and to define the initial vigor of maize seeds. Methodology: The genetic material consisted of four batches of 20 hybrid seeds each (M-2014, SR-2014, SR-2012, and SR-2011), which were germinated in a NaCl solution (0, 5, 10, and 15 dS m-1) in a germination chamber. A randomized complete block experimental design was used, in which the seed batch and salinity level were the experimental units, with four repetitions each. Seeds with defined radicle and plumule were counted for evaluation. Results: As a result of the comparison of the three batches from the same environment (production site) and different years, the statistical analysis indicated that the longest-lived seeds have a lower germination percentage. Similarly, when batches from different production environments and the same year were compared, M-2014 obtained the highest average germination percentage (92.19%). When the maximum level of salinity (15 dS m-1) was evaluated, an average 41.25% loss in germination was observed. Conclusions: The test efficiently discriminated seed batches, based on speed and uniformity in NaCl-based germination, therefore providing acceptable results for the evaluation of the viability and vigor of a seed batch.

Variations in Morpho-Cultural Characteristics and Pathogenicity of Fusarium moniliforme of Bakanae Disease of Rice and Evaluation of In Vitro Growth Suppression Potential of Some Bioagents

Bakanae is one of the important diseases of rice in Bangladesh that causes substantial yield loss every year. We collected thirty isolates of Fusarium spp. from bakanae-infected rice plants from different agroecological zones of Bangladesh and investigated the variations in cultural and morphological characteristics and pathogenicity. Diversity was found in cultural characteristics, viz., colony features, phialide, chlamydospore formation, shape, and size of macro- and microconidia. Three variants of Fusarium species such as F. moniliforme, F. fujikuroi, and F. proliferatum were identified on PDA media based on their cultural and morphological characteristics. Isolate FM10 (F. moniliforme) exhibited the highest disease aggressiveness in developing elongated plants (26.50 cm), the highest number of chlorotic leaves (5.75), and a lower germination percentage. We evaluated different bioagents against the virulent isolate of F. moniliforme to develop a rice bakanae disease management approach. Four bioagents, viz., Trichoderma spp., Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Achromobacter spp., were evaluated for growth suppression of F. moniliforme. Among the bioagents, Achromobacter spp. and B. subtilis (BS21) showed 73.54% and 71.61% growth suppression, respectively. The investigation revealed that the application of Achromobacter spp. and B. subtilis (BS21) would be a potential candidate for effective and eco-friendly management of the bakanae disease of rice.

Presowing Mechanical Seed Treatment Influencing the Emergence and Primary Seedling Vigor of Jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.)

Rootstock preparation from seed is the prerequisite for fruit crop multiplication through grafting or budding, and hard seed coat in jujube has been the proven question for uniform seed germination and subsequent seedling growth. Therefore, the study aimed at successful and rapid production of uniform and healthy jujube rootstocks through applying mechanical seed priming at the presowing stage. The experiment was set in a randomized complete block design where scrapped seeds, cracked seeds, seed kernels, and intact seeds (control) were sown in polybags keeping five replications. The emergence and initial seedling growth were evaluated to sort out the best pretreatment methods for successful stock seedling production in jujube. Seed cracking resulted in the highest germination (69.00%) compared to other pretreatments and also showed better performance in respect of earliness of emergence (10.40 days (d) for the first emergence and 20.40 d for final emergence). Regarding the early plant vigor, significantly maximum seedling height (23.73 cm) and fresh (3.91 g) and dry weight (1.17 g) of seedling and the second‐best leaf number (14.24 seedling−1) were also noted in seed cracking. Although seed kernel had the fastest emergence in 7.20 d, and statistically similar seedling vigor with that of cracked seed but it possessed very low germination percentage (27.00%) compared to the best treatment. Meanwhile, seed priming by scrapping exhibited statistically inferior germination rate (32%) as of intact seed (21%), and below par seedling growth compared to cracked seed. So, seed pretreatment by cracking can be suggested for commercial stock plant regeneration in hard seed‐coated plant species.

IMPROVEMENT OF SEED VIABILITY AND VIGOR OF SEVERAL RICE VARIETIES WITH VARIOUS PRIMING METHODS

Rice serves as Indonesia's main food source, but inadequate storage conditions can lead to seed deterioration and diminished germination performance. To enhance the viability and vigor of stored seeds, this study explores various priming methods' effects on multiple rice varieties. Employing a completely randomized design (CRD) with two factors, the first factor involves rice varieties (V) categorized by germination ranges: 41–50% (V1 = Toyonishiki, V2 = Yoneshiro), 51–60% (V3 = Jaya, V4 = IR50), 61–70% (V5 = Fortuna, V6 = Sulutan), and 71–80% (V7 = IR 24, V8 = Inpago 5). The second factor is seed priming (P), including control, hydropriming, and osmopriming. Results indicate that priming enhances maximum growth potential, germination percentage, vigor index, growth speed, plumule and radicle length, as well as fresh and dry weight. Hydropriming outperforms osmopriming, particularly in vigor index, growth speed, plumule and radicle length, and dry weight. Priming proves more effective in improving maximum growth potential, germination percentage, vigor index, and growth speed at lower germination percentage ranges (41–60%). The most significant priming-induced increases in radicle length, fresh weight, and dry weight occur in higher germination percentage ranges (61–80%)