Low Germination Percentage Research Articles

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 15/30oC. Continuous darkness significantly reduced the germination percentage for both seed types. Although T. laxa seeds displayed some salt tolerance, high salt concentrations (0.6mol/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 oC 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.

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.

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%)

Effect of temperature, pretreatments, gibberellin (GA3), salt and drought stress on germination of Thymus satureioides coss of Morocco

Thymus satureioides Cosson is an endemic medicinal and aromatic plant species of both Morocco and Algeria, holds significant cultural and economic importance. It is used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases and also as a culinary spice herb. T. satureioides has become a key export for Morocco. However, increasing market demand and the effects of climate change have led to a decline in its wild populations, raising concerns about the scarcity of this valuable natural resource. To address these challenges, a comprehensive understanding of the environmental requirements for the germination of T. satureioides is essential for planning and prioritizing conservation efforts in its native habitats. In this context, the aim of this study was to assess the combined effects of various pretreatments and temperature and of salinity, drought stress, and gibberellin on the germination parameters of T. satureioides. Seeds were collected from a wild plant population in the Anti-Atlas Mountains. The tests included five pretreatments (mechanical scarification, sulfuric acid (95%), dry heat, boiling water and hydrogen peroxide) in conjunction with five temperature conditions (10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 °C). Additionally, six concentrations of sodium chloride (0, 25, 50, 100, 150 and a 200 mM), six water potential levels of polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) (0, −0.07, −0.14, −0.22, −0.32 and - 0.53 MPa) and six concentrations of gibberellin (0, 50, 100, 500, 1000 and 2000 ppm) were tested. Results showed that seeds can germinate without any treatment. However, seeds treated with dry heat followed by incubation at 20 °C improved all the germination parameters. In addition, germination parameters progressively decreased and delayed with increasing levels of both salt and water stress. Without stress, the germination percentage was 100%, with increasing salt stress to 200 mM germination was completely inhibited. Although, seeds showed a low germination percentage (5,67%) at the highest osmotic potential (−0.53 MPa).

Effect of Meteorological Parameter on Growth and Yield of Different Varieties of Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.) in the Bundi District, Rajasthan, India

A field experiment was conducted in a farmer field of Bundi district, Rajasthan, Department of Environmental Science and Natural Resources Management College of Forestry, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences Prayagraj, during Rabi 2020-2021. The experiment used a factorial randomized block design with three different planting dates: D115 October, D2–5 November, and D3– 25 November, as well as three different varieties: V1- Annapurna, V2-Azad -111, and V3- SS- 10. The findings discovered The maximum germination percentage (78.51%) and lowest germination percentage (66.78%) of seeds per plot were found in plots D1 and V1 (15th October + Annapurna). The maximum number of branches (4.00) were found in D1 and V3 (15th October + SS-10), while the lowest number of branches were found in D3 and V1 (25th November + Annapurna) (2.33). D1 and V1 (15th November + Annapurna) reported the highest plant height of 26.00, 91.38, and 124.15cm at 30, 60, and 90 DAS, whereas D3 and V3 (25th November + SS-10) recorded the minimum plant height of 19.00, 25.54, and 67.95cm at 30, 60, and 90 DAS. D3 and V3 (05th November + SS-10) had the highest blooming percentage (50.41), whereas D3 and V2 (25th November + Aazad-111) had the lowest flowering percentage (46.18). D1 and V3 (15th October + SS-10) had the highest seeds/pods (7.0), whereas D3 had the fewest (4.0).D2 and V3 (05th November + SS-10) had the highest grain yield (12.68), whereas D3 and V1 (25th November + Annapurna) had the lowest grain yield (11.01). Variety-1 plant height was shown to have a substantial positive relationship (Annapurna).

Seed Dormancy Characteristics of Kadsura coccinea (Lem.) A. C. Smith, a Unique Medicinal Plant in Southeast Asia

Kadsura coccinea (Lem.) A. C. Smith is a significant tree species of non-timber forest. However, the low germination percentage and lengthy germination time of its seeds pose obstacles to industry development. Aiming at the problem of seed dormancy, this study first determined the seed dormancy period through seed germination test, and then comprehensively evaluated the dormancy characteristics by observing the seed coat structure, measuring endogenous inhibitors, and in vitro embryo culture. The results indicated the dormancy of K. coccinea seeds, and that the germination period was up to 80 days. Its seed coat is composed of exotesta and endotesta. The dense seed coat structure causes water absorption and air permeability obstacles to the seeds and causes mechanical restraint to the development of the embryo. Meanwhile, its seeds have substances that inhibit seed germination, and there are germination inhibitors in distilled water, methanol, petroleum ether, and ethyl acetate extracts of kernels and seed coats. The inhibitory activity of kernel petroleum ether extract was the highest, and the inhibitory activity of seed coat methanol extract was the highest. In addition, the embryo of K. coccinea developed completely and could germinate normally under in vitro conditions. This study has basically proved that the dormancy of K. coccinea seeds is caused by the seed coat (physical dormancy) and endogenous inhibitors (physiological dormancy), which provides a scientific theoretical basis to further explore the method of seed dormancy release of K. coccinea.

Studies on Seed Borne Mycoflora of Soybean Seeds by Incubation Methods

The present study was conducted to detect and identify seed-borne pathogenic fungi in some soybean varieties and their effect on seed germination. Six varieties of soybean seed samples viz.JS 95-60, JS 97-52, RSC 10-46, RSC 10-71, CG Soya-1 and local variety were selected for the experiment. Twelve seed-borne mycoflora viz. Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Alternaria spp., Cladosporium spp., Curvularia spp., Rhizopus spp., Trichoderma spp., Rhizoctonia spp., Nigrospora spp., Macrophomina spp., Fusarium spp. and Penicillium spp. were detected and identified from the seeds of six soybean varieties by using the standard blotter method, agar plate method, 2,4-D blotter method, roll paper towel method and deep freeze method. The seed sample of local variety recorded the highest percentage of mycoflora with the lowest germination percentage, whereas CG Soya-1 variety found as the least percentage of mycoflora with the highest germination percentage compared to other varieties of soybean taken in the study. Among all of the incubation methods, the agar plate was found as the most effective in detecting seed-related mycoflora, on soybean seeds.