Mean Germination Research Articles

Aegle marmelos- Effect of Seed size and pre-sowing treatment on seed germination

Aegle marmelos (L) corr. is a medicinal tree, mentioned in Charka Samhita and mentioned as necessary item in Ayurvedic medicine. Its fruits and leaves are used to treat dysentery, dyspepsia, neurological disease, edema, vomiting, and rheumatism. Seeds of Bael were collected from three locations in Rajasthan. These seeds were after proper cleaning and storage was tested for germination vigour and other parameters using different treatments and growth regulators in different concentrations. It was found that about 50 percent of germination occurs in freshly harvested seeds without any growth regulators and with GA3 it increases to 75 percent. Various other parameters viz. mean germination time and average germination percentage etc of all three seedlots were tested and presented in this paper.

Exogenous Ca/Mg quotient reduces the inhibitory effects of PEG induced osmotic stress on Avena sativa L.

Drought is one of the most damaging abiotic stress that hinder plant growth and development. The present study aimed to determine the effects of various Ca/Mg quotients under polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced osmotic stress on growth, uptake and translocation of Ca and Mg in Avena sativa (L). Plants were grown in nutrient solution supplemented with three different Ca/Mg molar quotients (0.18, 2, and 4). After 30 days plants were exposed to two different PEG (Polyethylene glycol) concentrations (0.6 MPa & 0.2 MPa) for 8 days, and solutions were renewed after 4 days. A solution containing Ca and Mg nutrients has mitigated the negative impact caused via osmotic stress on relative growth rate (RGR), absolute growth rate (AGR), crop growth rate (CGR), leaf area ratio (LAR), Leaf index ratio (LAI), root-shoot ratio (RSR), water use efficiency (WUE) and net assimilation rate (NAR). In addition, it adversely affected germination parameters, including final emergence percentage (FEP), mean germination time (MGT), Timson germination Index (TGI), germination rate index (GRI) and percent field capacity (%FC), of oat (Avena sativa L.). Mg and Ca in shoot and root and Ca translocation factor decreased with increasing Ca in solution, while Mg translocation factor increased with increasing Ca in nutrient solution. In this work, the combined effects of various Ca/Mg quotients and osmotic stress produced by polyethylene glycol (PEG) in different concentrations (0.6 MPa, 0.2 MPa) on the growth and element uptake of Avena sativa L. are examined. As a result, the Ca/Mg Quotient may naturally combat the moderate drought stress experienced by field crops.

The effects of NaCl, KCl, CaCl2 and MgCl2 on the germination and seedling growth of Oryza sativa L. seeds

The effect of increasing concentrations (50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300 mM) of chloride salts (NaCl, KCl, CaCl2 and MgCl2) on the seed germination and seedling characteristics in the early growing stage was investigated during the period 2021-2022. The seeds of five introduced varieties grown on alluvial-meadow soil type in the territory of the town Plovdiv, Bulgaria were used. The trials were performed in two replicates of 25 seeds for each variant. Germination of seeds was performed between rolls of filter paper with 20 ml of the respective solutions tested. Different chloride salts and their concentrations caused different effects on the studied germination and seedling characteristics. Rice seeds showed a higher germination rate under salinity stress caused by NaCl and KCl than under stress caused by CaCl2 and MgCl2. Increasing the salt concentration extended the mean germination time for all four salts. The highest value of the relative injury coefficient was recorded when rice seeds were treated with MgCl2 at salt concentrations of 150, 200, 250 and 300 mM, as well as when treated with CaCl2 at a concentration of 300 mM. The seedling height reduction varied widely from 14.10% (at 50 mM NaCl) to 100% (at 250 mM and 300 mM MgCl2, 300 mM CaCl2). In general, the application of increasing concentrations of NaCl and KCl salts from 50 mM to 300 mM caused an osmotic stress on rice seeds, while CaCl2 at 300 mM and MgCl2 at 250-300 mM solutions caused a toxicity effect.

Effect of prechilling and nano-selenium on seed germination of Dorema ammoniacum

The aim of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of nano-selenium (nano-Se) on germination properties of vasha (Dorema ammoniacum), an endangered medicinal plant in Iran. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomised two-factor, experiment with five concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg L –1) of nano-Se and seed prechilling treatment (4°C). All the germination characteristics, including percentage germination, mean germination and vigour indices were improved by nano-Se treatments (p <; 0.05). Among the treatments, the combination of prechilling and 20 mg L –1 nano-Se conditioning was the best treatment, both in improving germination and the growth characteristics of seedlings. It can be concluded that pretreatment of seeds with nano-Se and prechilling can be used for promoting germination of D. ammoniacum seeds.

Radicle emergence test for soybean vigour testing

This study was carried out to determine the use of single counts of radicle emergence to test seed vigour and estimate seedling field emergence of soybean (Glycine max) seed lots. Results of radicle emergence (RE) (production of 2 mm radicle) at 20°C for 48 hours and 25°C for 24 hours, mean germination time (MGT), tetrazo lium vigour test (TZ) and field emergence (FE) were compared using nine soybean seed lots with standard germination above 80%. The single counts of RE performed at 20 and 25°C were significantly correlated with the MGT at the same temperature (R2 = 0.82 and 0.89, respectively) and with the TZ vigour (R2 = 0.96 and 0.93, respectively). The RE counts at both temperatures also estimated the field emergence of the seed lots (R2 = 0.74 at 20°C and 0.68 at 25°C). The TZ vigour results had a significant correlation with the seedling field emergence (R2 = 0.70). Results indicate that a single count of radicle emergence after 48 hours at 20°C or 24 hours at 25°C is an efficient option for soybean seed vigour assessment.

Effects of storage temperature and pre-treatments on seed germination of Primula mallophylla and P. sertulum (Primulaceae), two narrowly-distributed endemic species from southwest China

Primula mallophylla and P. sertulum are wild ornamental species of south-west China, but the responses of their seeds to storage have not been determined. When seeds were dry-stored for 24 months at room temperature (RT) (ca. 21°C) and at 4°C, germination increased during the first six months, but then decreased over the following 18 months. The decrease in germination was slower for seeds stored at 4°C than for those stored at RT. When seeds of these two species were dry-stored at -20°C for 24 months, germination percentage was significantly higher than that of the control seeds by the sixth month; the high germination percentages persisted at 24 months. In addition, pre-germination treatments (i.e., immersion in 100 μmol L -1 GA3 for 24 hours, cold stratification for 30 days or both) improved the final germination and reduced mean germination time of P. mallophylla seeds stored for 12 months at RT, but not those of P. sertulum. Taken together, storing seeds at -20°C is feasible and convenient for both primrose species; thus, it is possible to safely store seeds for future research and conservation.

Seed dormancy-break and germination of Cynanchum forrestii (Asclepiadaceae), an endemic medicinal species of southwest China

Cynanchum forrestii is an over-harvested medicinal plant species in China. At present, wild resources of this species urgently need to be conserved and cultivated to meet the demand of the pharmaceutical industry. However, information on reproduction and propagation is not available. Here, different treatments were assessed to develop an effective protocol for facilitating seed germination of this species. Once seeds were released from physiological dormancy, using 25/15°C with a 12-hour light period promoted germination. Seeds cold stratified at 4°C for 90 days and 120 days germinated to 87 and 91%, respectively, and mean germination time was 11.53 and 10.52 days, respectively. The combination of 60 days cold stratification and 200 mg L-1 GA3 significantly increased germination from 11% (fresh seeds) to 87%. Among four concentrations used, 200 mg L -1 GA3 was the most effective for promoting germination of 90-day dry-stored seeds. Taken together, cold stratification for 90 days or more is recommended as a practical measure to break innate dormancy of this species.

Non-deep physiological dormancy in seeds of two endangered medicinal alpine species of Rhodiola from the Hengduan Mountains of southwest China

We investigated seed dormancy and germination characteristics of two endangered medicinal species, Rhodiola crenulata and R. fastigiata, from the high altitude (alpine) Hengduan Mountains in China. Germination of fresh seeds was tested in light and dark at six constant (1, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25°C) and three alternating (5/1, 15/5 and 25/15°C) temperatures and again, after six months of dry after-ripening (DAR) and cold-wet stratification (CS). Fresh seeds of R. crenulata germinated to ≥ 80% at 10, 15, 25/15 and 15/5°C in light, but germination was significantly lower at 1, 5, 20 and 25°C. Germination of fresh seeds in dark was 0 to 25% across the range of temperatures. DAR and CS for six months increased germination and/or decreased mean germination time in both light and dark. Fresh seeds of R. fastigiata germinated to > 95% in both light and dark, except at 1°C in light and 1, 5, and 5/1°C in dark, where germination was < 50%. DAR and CS for six months increased germination and/or decreased mean germination time. Seeds of the two Rhodiola species have (conditional) non- deep physiological dormancy. Germination responses to temperature and light prevent seeds from germinating in the autumn of dispersal, but allow them to germinate quickly after snow melt the next spring. This study provides a method for obtaining plants from seeds of the two Rhodiola species for medicinal uses, which could reduce the harvesting pressure placed on natural populations.

Comparative assessment of onion seed longevity under ambient storage and artificial ageing conditions

A study was carried out to assess the storage potential of onion genotypes under natural as well as accelerated ageing conditions. Freshly harveted seeds of thirty onion genotypes were subjected to nine months of natural ageing as well as accelerated ageing for 3 and 6 days (42oC and 75% RH). Significant effects of seed ageing on germination percent, seed vigour index, mean germination time and germination index were recorded. Germination percent ranged from 56.0- 96.0 percent in unaged seeds, which declined to 31.0-82.0 and 18.0-83.0 percent respectively after natural (9 months) and accelerated ageing treatments (6 days). In the current study, the seed germination and vigour indices decreased significantly, whereas the mean germination time increased for all the genotypes under both ageing treatments. Further, cluster analysis was utilized to categorize the onion genotypes into good or poorer storers. A significant and positive correlation was found among both natural as well as artificial ageing treatments. The study facilitated the categorization of onion genotypes into distinct storage groups by evaluating their performance under both natural as well as accelerated ageing.

Effects of Salicylic Acid Priming Application in Some Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) Cultivars

This study aimed to determine the effects of salicylic acid (SA) seed priming applications on the germination parameters of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). The research was carried out in Siirt University, Faculty of Agriculture, Field Crops Laboratory, under controlled conditions at 25±1 °C. The subject of the study consists of the SA priming doses which is (0, 0.10, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00 and 1.25 mM) applied to 3 different cultivars of switchgrass (P. virgatum L.) (Kanlow, Shawnee and Trailblazer). The experiment was carried out in Petri dishes according to the randomized complete design with four replications. In the study, germination parameters such as germination percentage, mean germination time, germination index and coefficient of uniformity of germination, and seedling growth parameters such as seedling fresh and dry weight, seedling vigor index were examined. It was detected that all parameters except for seedling fresh weight were statiscally differences among the cultivars (p

Germination Parameters of Different Types of Black Carrot Seeds of Ereğli Local Population

Consumer interest in healthy foodstuffs and vegetables has continuously been increasing. In this sense, quality has become a prominent issue in production, consumption and marketing of vegetables. Seeds and planting processes significantly affect quality of vegetables. Black carrot production is an important source of income for local farmers of Ereğli and Karapınar Districts of Konya province. Bare seeds of Ereğli local population are commonly used in black carrot production. Farmers produce their own seeds. These seeds undergo only one sieving and are not calibrated. In this study, uncalibrated bare, calibrated and coated seeds were planted and germination parameters were investigated. Experiments were conducted in Kuzukuyu village of Ereğli District, at three different planting distances (2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 cm) in randomized blocks design (3x3) with 3 replications. Planting was done in three rows on a ridge (with 7.5 cm row spacing) at a forward speed of 0.64 m s-1. Mean germination time was calculated as 19.90 days for uncalibrated bare seeds, 20.14 days for calibrated bare seeds and 20.79 days for coated seeds; germination rate index values were respectively calculated as 0.431, 0.761 and 0.656 [seeds (m days)-1]; field emergence rates were respectively calculated as 37.13%, 60.97% and 55.19%; number of plants per unit area were respectively determined as 42.35, 69.14 and 59.61 plants m-2. It was concluded based on present findings that calibrated bare and coated seeds should be used in planting process of black carrot seeds of Ereğli local population. Farmers should be trained on black carrot seed production.

Seed Germination Enhancement of Two Balanites Species (B. aegyptiaca (L.) Del. and B. rotundifolia (Tiegh.) Blatt.) Using Different Presowing Treatments in Ethiopia.

B. aegyptiaca and B. rotundifolia are known to be multipurpose trees with various uses and values. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the seed germination behaviours of B. aegyptiaca and B. rotundifolia under different presowing treatments. Hence, seeds were collected from the Central and Southern Ethiopian Rift Valley regions. Then, a total of 864 fruits (seeds) subjected to eight different presowing treatments and planted in pots arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) were tested for each species. The mean germination percentage (GP), mean daily germination percentage (GD), mean germination time (GT), and mean germination index (GI) were computed. One-way ANOVA showed the presence of significant GP, GD, GT, and GI among treatment groups at p < 0.05 under both Balanites species. For B. aegyptiaca, Tukey's HSD test showed that seeds soaked with 98% H2SO4 for 10 minutes (98HSO10m) and 20 minutes (98HSO20m) have the highest GPs (87 ± 8.8 and 82 ± 10.2, respectively) that are significant at p < 0.05. The seeds soaked in 75°C hot water for 10 minutes and subsequently cooled for 12 hours (HW75d), 98HSO10m, and 98HSO20m have the highest GDs (2%) that are significant at p < 0.05. Moreover, 98HSO20m, 98HSO10m, and seeds soaked in cold water for 48 hours at room temperature of 25°C (CW48h) have the shortest GTs (24 ± 2.2, 25 ± 0.5, and 25 ± 1.3, respectively), and 98HSO10m and 98HSO20m have the highest GIs (1.04 ± 0.09 and 1.01 ± 0.08, respectively) that are significant at p < 0.05. For B. rotundifolia, the control recorded the highest cumulative germination (i.e., 71), followed by CW48h (i.e., 51). However, Tukey's HSD tests generally indicated that no treatment group resulted in significant differences in the means of GP, GD, GT, and GI at p < 0.05. So, no treatment group was observed to enhance the germination of B. rotundifolia compared to the control. However, this study generally indicated potential seed enhancement technologies for B. aegyptiaca with greater implications for propagation, conservation, and sustainable utilization of the species in the agricultural and pastoral communities of Ethiopia.

Sowing Media and Gibberellic Acid Influences Germination and Seedling Growth of Chilgoza Pine (Pinus gerardiana. Wall)

Pinus gerardiana Wall. recognized for its significant contribution to nut production, holds ecological and economic importance as a forestry species with limited range primarily found in Afghanistan. The species displays either extremely low or non-existent levels of natural regeneration. Due to irregular and uncommon seed years, problems with dormancy, and other factors, this species' natural habitat renewal is slowed down. Hence, we conducted a study to examine how different substrates and gibberellic acid (GA3) affect the germination and growth of Chilgoza pine seedlings. The substrates were grouped into three types, each containing varying proportions of soil, sand, and farmyard manure (FYM): M1 (1:1:1), M2 (1:1/2:1/2), M3 (1:1/3:2/3). Additionally, three concentrations of GA3 (0, 50, and 100 ppm) were used to assess their impact on germination and seedling growth. The results revealed that, with the exception of mean germination time (MGT) at 42.36 days, the highest values for final germination percentage (FGP) at 58.66%, germination index (GI) at 274, germination rate index (GRI) at 75.01, shoot fresh weight (SFW) at 8.74 g, shoot dry weight (SDW) at 4.78 g, shoot length (SL) at 219.80 mm, and seedling vigor index (SVI) at 1291926.02 were achieved when seeds were initially soaked in a 100 ppm GA3 solution for 6 hours and then planted in a medium with equal proportions of soil, sand, and FYM. The effects of GA3 concentrations were significant in influencing seedling growth, while substrate effects strongly impacted seed germination. This indicates that Chilgoza seeds possess ample gibberellin for germination but this is reduced during the seedling growth phase. The response of seedling vegetative growth to GA3 concentrations exhibited a notable linear trend, whereas the relationship between FGP and MGT with GA3 concentrations showed a significant quadratic pattern. This suggests that GA3 concentrations can effectively promote seedling growth. The substrate choice notably influenced FGP and MGT due to its role in nutrient provision and aeration. The highest GA3 concentration led to the greatest enhancement in seedling vegetative growth, implying that prolonged usage might yield further benefits over time. In conclusion, the findings suggest that both GA3 and substrate have the potential to enhance Chilgoza seed germination and subsequent seedling growth, and their combined application could be a beneficial approach.

Draba verna L. (Brassicaceae/Cruciferae): A salt averse taxon

In this study, it was aimed to determine whether Draba verna L. (=Erophila verna (L.) Chevall. subsp. verna (L.) DC.), which is a relative of model organism Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. and distributing around saline areas, is a halophyte or not and to research the salinity tolerance during germination period. D. verna seeds were germinated at distilled water and different NaCl concentrations (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 mM) at 8ºC/16ºC 12/12 h photoperiodism (light intensity 12000 lux ±%10) for 20 days. The NaCl concentrations and the germination percentages were as follows distilled water 100%, 100 mM NaCl 83%, 200 mM NaCl 2%, 300 mM NaCl 1% and no germination over 300 mM NaCl. Un-germinated seeds were taken into recovery and show 87.3% mean germination, and the ones still ungerminated were tested for viability. Increase in salinity, cause decrease in germination rate which means that D. verna is not resistant to salinity but salinity has important pressure on germination. The tolerance of D. verna seeds to salinity, although it has a wide distribution area at saline areas, is result of decrease in soil salinity during germination period. It can be concluded that D. verna is not a halophyte it is a salt avoider.

Germination and Seedling Properties of Lotus corniculatus L. Under Simulated Drought Stress

Drought is an important abiotic stress factor that reduces agricultural production and yield in many crops, including forage crops, in agricultural areas around the world. Lotus corniculatus L. is the agriculturally crucial perennial legume forage crop that can tolerate moderate drought. However, studies to determine the responses of L. corniculatus to drought are limited. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine the seed germination and early seedling growth properties of L. corniculatus at different PEG6000 induced-drought treatments under in vitro conditions. In order to do this, L. corniculatus (cv. ‘AC Langille’) seeds were planted in MS (Murashige and Skoog/Gamborg) medium containing 0%, 4%, and 8% (w/v) PEG6000 for 14 days. In this study, germination percentage, mean germination time, germination rate index (speed of germination), shoot and root length, root to shoot length ratio, shoot and root fresh weight, shoot and root dry weight, shoot and root dry matter ratio, root shoot dry matter ratio, shoot and root water content and seedling vigor index parameters were measured. Our results showed that increasing drought levels resulted in an overall significant reduction in germination and seedling growth parameters except shortened mean germination time (especially, 4% PEG6000 treatment) and increased shoot and root dry matter ratio at higher (especially, 8% PEG6000 treatment) drought levels. When important growth parameters such as length, fresh and dry weight, dry matter ratio and water content, which show the development of root and shoot organs, are evaluated together, it has been determined that the root is negatively affected by drought stress at a higher rate. Based on these data, it can be concluded that the L. corniculatus will suffer a high yield loss under the drought stress at the osmotic potential (-1.03 bar) created by 8% PEG6000 treatment.

Response of nine triticale genotypes to different salt concentrations at the germination and early seedling stages.

Salinity stress poses a major challenge to agricultural productivity worldwide, and understanding their responses at the early growth stage is vital for devising strategies to cope with this stress. Therefore, to improve triticale productivity, this study investigated the salinity stress tolerance of different salt-tolerant triticale genotypes aiming to cultivate them on saline soils. To this end, salinity stress impacts on nine triticale genotypes, i.e., Zhongsi 1084, Gannong No. 2, Gannong No. 4, Shida No. 1, C6, C16, C23, C25 and C36 at germination and early seedling stages was evaluated. Each genotype was subjected to six treatments inducing control, 40, 80, 120, 160, and 200 mM NaCl treatments to study their effect on seedling and termination traits of the nine genotypes. Compared to the overall mean seedling vigor index, the seedling vigor index was higher in the genotypes Zhongsi 1084 and C6 (39% and 18.1%, respectively) and lower in Gannong No.2 (41%). Increasing NaCl concentrations negatively affected germination and seedling traits. Compared to other genotypes, Zhongsi 1084 had the highest mean germination rate, germination vigor index, germination percentage, mean daily germination and germination energy. It also showed the lowest relative salt injury. The relative salt injury was higher in the genotype Shida No. 1 than those in Gannong No. 2, Gannong No. 4, Shida No. 1, C16, and C36 genotypes. All genotypes exhibited desirable mean germination time except for line C6. High significant positive correlations were observed among germination rate, germination vigor index, germination percentage, mean daily germination, seedling vigor index, and root length. Principal component analysis (PCA) grouped the most desirable genotypes into two clusters. Our study determined salt stress tolerance of nine triticale genotypes at germination and early seedling stages. to select salt-tolerant genotypes that can be cultivated on saline soil or after salt irrigation.

Seed Germination and Plant Growth in Ocimum Variety by Physical Treatment Methods

Ocimum one of the largest family of Lamiaceae,it comprised about 150 species distributed all over tropical and subtropical region of world. The essential components of family is eugenol found which is used for cosmetic product, culinary uses,food and drug industry. sweet basil or Indian basil, is an industrially important source of essential oil, oil painting and aroma chemicals. the present study entitled “Germination and growth responses in Ocimum specie’s to seed pretreatments ” has been accepted with the ideal of homogenizing pretreatment of seeds for enhanced germination and growth plants. The main objective of studies is to carried physical treatment of seeds were vanquished to various physical treatments analogous as scarification( using sandpaper), water soaking( overnight), hot water( 25℃) treatment for 5 min to study their effect on seed germination to obtain maximum germination percentage and growth of seedlings. In this study there are four specie’sof Ocimum, Ocimum tenuiflorum L., Ocimum basilicum L., Ocimum grattisum L., Ociumum thrysiflorum L. selected for seed pretreatment and evaluation of pretreatment seeds. Study area analysis taken different measurements were germination percentage, survival percentage, Mean germination time, shoot length,root length, seedlings height, Allometric index observed. The highest germination percentage and height also lowest rate and height calculate by using formula.

Allelopathic Potential of Aqueous Extracts and Essential Oils of Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Thymus vulgaris L

Allelopathic effects of essential oils and aqueous extracts from Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) and Thymus vulgaris (thyme) have been investigated as a source of new natural herbicidal compounds to suppress two weeds: Chenopodium album and Echinochloa crus-galli associated with two important economic crops, Triticum aestivum (wheat) and Oryza sativa (rice), respectively. A petri-dish experiment was performed, and 10, 20, 50, and 100% aqueous solutions, and doses of 0, 2, 4, 8, and 16 µL of essential oil per petri dish were applied. The number of germinated seeds in each Petri dish was counted daily. After 15 days, germination percentage, the coefficient of velocity of germination, speed of germination, germination energy, germination index, mean germination time, seedling shoot length, root length, shoot–root ratio, and seedling vigour index were recorded. The chemical profiles of both essential oils were identified with GC–MS analysis. Eucalyptol (1,8-cineole), α-pinene, and camphor were identified as the dominant constituents of the rosemary essential oil. The major components detected in thyme essential oil were thymol, o-cymene, caryophyllene, and gamma-terpinene. The results showed that thyme essential oils had the most negative effect by inhibiting the germination of weeds. Both rosemary and thyme essential oils had a generally reducing effect on the growth parameters of weeds. The essential oils of rosemary and thyme have allelopathic potential and should be assessed as allelopathic agents to be used for weed control.

Magnetopriming enhanced seed germination in six vegetable species: tomato, pepper, onion, cauliflower, cabbage and carrot

This study was conducted to assess the impact of magnetopriming on seed germination, root and shoot length in six vegetable species: tomatoes, peppers, onions, cauliflowers, cabbages, and carrots. The seeds of the first three species were exposed to magnetopriming for approximately 5 minutes at 15-17 mT, while the remaining species underwent a 15-minute room temperature treatment. Magnetopriming was found to be more effective in enhancing regular germination across all species. Although the improvements observed in tomatoes, cabbages, and carrots were not statistically significant (p&amp;lt;0.05), it increased regular germination percentages by 8-14% in all species. The most significant benefit from the treatment was observed in onions, with a 14% increase, while the lowest enhancement was recorded in cabbages and tomatoes as 8%. While the mean germination time increased significantly for onions, it remained unchanged for the other species. Additionally, magnetopriming significantly (p&amp;lt;0.05) influenced the shoot and root lengths of seedlings in all species. The most substantial improvement in shoot length was observed in tomatoes and onions, with an increase of 1.4-1.3 cm, while the maximum enhancement in root length was found in cabbages and tomatoes, increasing by 3.5-2 cm, respectively. The results indicate that magnetopriming not only improves germination but also significantly enhances the potential for root and shoot growth in these vegetable species.

Screening for Salt Tolerance in Chenopodium quinoa Genotype Seedlings through Germination in a Hydroponic System

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is poised to be a global life changer with its ability to adapt to a wide range of abiotic stresses and as a highly nutritious and sustainable food source. A trial on screening of salt tolerance was conducted at the germination and seedling stages of 69 quinoa genotypes in different concentrations of NaCl 0 (CK), 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 mM for 21 days in the MS/2 mixture. This results in 16 genotypes with &gt;50% germination at 400 mM NaCl. These were reassessed in germination indices and relative growth. Results indicated that Chadmo had the highest germinability of 97% and 32.76% relative height among the 16 genotypes. Considering the germination indices, Chadmo had significantly different values (3.05±0.19 day-1) in mean germination time, coefficient of variation of the germination time (38.76±1.97%), the velocity of germination (0.23±0.01 day-1), the uncertainty of germination (0.54±0.08 bit), synchrony of germination (0.42±0.05 and Timson’s index (48.89) with significant differences (P&lt;0.05) among the genotypes. Moreover, Chadmo had the highest membrane stability index (MSI) (60.03±11.84) at 400 mM NaCl and the least relative change between the CK and 400 mM NaCl with 30.87±2.01%. Assessing the stress inhibitory effect of the 16 genotypes, Chadmo had the least relative difference between the CK and 400 mM NaCl with shoot length of 34.34%, root length of 25.57%, fresh weight of 22.05%, dry weight of 3.62% and moisture content of 1.99% with Tukey analyses identifying significant differences (p&lt;0.05). To select the salt-sensitive genotype, an assessment was done on five genotypes that exhibited the least germination at 200 mM NaCl. Kankolla had the least germinability with 12 and 4% at 100 and 200 mM NaCl, respectively. Considering all these parameters, Chadmo and Kankolla were selected as salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive for further analyses.