Mean Germination Time Research Articles

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.

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.

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.

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.

Evaluation of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) genotypes for tolerance to PEG (polyethylene glycol) induced drought at germination and early seedling growth

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is an important oilseed crop well adapted to Mediterranean area. However, increasing drought, due to climate change, impairs its growth and development, mainly when this stress occurs early during germination. This study carried out in vitro conditions aimed to investigate the effect of water deficit on seed germination and seedling growth traits in 12 genotypes to select the most drought-tolerant ones. Drought conditions were created using polyethylene glycol 6000 to induce three osmotic potential levels, namely −0.7 MPa for moderate stress, −0.9 MPa for intermediate stress, and −1.1 MPa for severe stress. Germination percentage (GP), germination rate (GR), mean germination time (MGT), root length (RL), shoot length (SL), root-to-shoot ratio (RSR), seedling vigor index (SVI), shoot elongation rate (SER), and root elongation rate (RER) were measured/calculated. ANOVA and PCA were performed to analyze the data gathered. Results showed a significant effect of genotype, drought, and drought × genotype interaction on all studied parameters. Under severe drought conditions, overall values of GP, GR, RL, SL, SER, RER, and SVI decreased by 87.15 %, 53.29 %, 9.33 %, 4.73 %, 78 %, 82 %, and 96 %, respectively, while those of MGT and RSR increased by 56 % and 76 %, respectively, when compared to unstressed conditions. However, the genotypes studied reacted differently to the three levels of water stress. Based on PCA results, RL, RER, and GP proved to be the most discriminating of drought-tolerant genotypes. Overall, higher drought tolerance was associated with higher values in RL, SL, and SVI. Accordingly, the variety ‘Nap10’ and, to a lesser extent, ‘Baraka’ and ‘Nap9’ exhibited higher drought tolerance than the rest of genotypes, which makes them potential cultivars for dry areas. However, further studies in real field conditions are needed to confirm their tolerance to drought occurring at germination as well as during other stages, mainly flowering.

Germination and Seedling Development Performances of Some Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) Cultivars Under Salinity Stress

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of different salt concentrations on the germination and seedling development parameters of some grain and forage soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) cultivars. The study was conducted under controlled conditions in the Field Crops Laboratory of Faculty of Agriculture in Siirt University. The subject of the research consists of different salt concentrations (S0= 0, S1= 50, S2= 100, S3= 150, and S4= 200 mM NaCl) applied to four different soybean cultivars (Adasoy, Nazlıcan, Yeşilsoy, and Anp-2018). The laboratory experiment was set up in Petri dishes according to the randomized complete parcels design with 4 replications. In the study, germination parameters such as germination percentage (%), mean germination time (days), germination index, germination uniformity coefficient, and germination energy, and some seedling parameters such as radicle and stem length (cm), seedling fresh and dry weight (mg) and seedling vigor index were examined. Significant differences have been found among the examined cultivars in terms of all the parameters considered in the evaluations. Adasoy cultivar came to the fore in germination parameters and Adasoy, Anp-2018, and Yeşilsoy cultivars came to the fore in seedling development characteristics. In the study, the effect of salt concentrations on germination and seedling development parameters (except seedling dry weight) was statistically significant (p

Allelopathic Potential of Aqueous Plant Extracts Against Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Weeds

Allelopathy has been described as a negative or positive effect on a specific species of plant caused by a chemical produced by another species of plant. This research analyzed the allelopathic effect of various plant extracts against seed germination and seedling properties of some weed species in two experiments in the autumn of 2021. The impacts of plant extracts, such as peels of pomegranate (Punica granatum), green husk of walnuts (Juglans regia), leaves of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), galls of Aleppo oak (Quercus infectoria), rhizomes of cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica), and tubers of nutgrass (Cyperus rotundus) plus control on some weed species, like Vaccaria pyramidata, Cynodon dactylon, Sorghum halepense, Trifolium campestre, Portulaca oleracea, Sinapis arvensis, Avena fatua), Hordeum glaucum and Daucus carota were evaluated. The first experiment was conducted in the lab and designed by a factorial-completely randomized design to investigate germination parameters such as final germination percentage (G), mean germination time (MGT), coefficient of the velocity of germination (CVG), and germination rate index (GRI), and another experiment was in a greenhouse and designed in a split-plot pattern, in which the plant extracts were placed in main plots. At the same time, the weed species were distributed in the sub-plots to evaluate the seedling of weeds’ fresh and dry weight and percent of weed inhibition (PWI). The characters’ means (from three replicates) were compared according to Duncan’s multiple range test at the 5% level. The laboratory trial revealed that the green walnut husk was the most successful in reducing all seed germination parameters compared to the control by 13.5, 5.16, and 8.37% for G, MGT, and GRI, respectively. For the greenhouse experiment, the eucalyptus leaves’ extract and pomegranate peels had a higher impact on reducing weed seedlings’ fresh and dry weight and PWI than the control. The most affected species were broad-leaved weeds, while grasses were the least affected. Our results indicated that green walnut husk has a significant role in decreasing seed germination and inhibiting the dry weight of seedlings. Thus, it can be used as a bioherbicide to prevent some weeds from sprouting and growing seedlings.

Effect of Priming on Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Bok Choy) Seeds Germination

Brassica rapa subsp. Chinensis, commonly known as Bok Choy, is a nutrient-rich vegetable with substantial antioxidant content. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of hydropriming and bio-nutri-priming using Sandwich compost leachate on seed germination, SPAD reading, and dry matter accumulation in 280 dwarf variants of Bok Choy seeds sourced from Green Eagle. The experimental process involved hydropriming with tap water, bio-nutri-priming using 0.2% Sandwich compost leachate, and a control group cultivated in soil without priming. A complete randomization design (CRD) with three replications assessed seed germination performance, SPAD, root and shoot dry matter, and root-to-shoot ratio. While there was no significant difference in the germination percentage (88.35±1.13%), the entire priming seeds exhibited a 2-day peak germination period, compared to 3 days for the non-priming counterparts. Bio-nutri-priming seeds showed faster median and mean germination times due to enhanced nutrient uptake. They further displayed high SPAD readings, suggesting a lack of toxic compounds. The dry matter production of all treated Bok Choy was similar because administered treatments did not interfere with plant growth and development. Therefore, applying bio-nutri-priming using Sandwich compost leachate positively affected seed germination performance, warranting its recommendation as a seeds priming solution.

Evaluation of Maize (Zea mays L.) Germination Traits by Hydro-and Microwave Priming

To study the effects of hydropriming and seed priming with microwaves (MW) on the germination traits of maize (Zea mays L.), a laboratory pot experiment was carried out in 2023. The selected seed treatments were hydropriming with distilled water (0, 6, and 12 h) and microwave priming (0, 10, and 20 s) of the maize seeds. Studied traits were final germination percentage (FPG%), mean germination time (MGT), germination rate index (GRI), coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG), mean daily germination (MDG), peak value (PV), and Germination value (GV). According to the variance analysis of this study, the results indicated that both the priming treatments, hydro and MW, significantly affected all studied traits. The best values for FGP (88.88, 78.99%), MGT (4.07, 4.72 day), GRI (25.08, 21.46 % day-1), CVG (25.79, 23.86), MDG (7.4, 6.66 seed day-1), PV (1.9, 1.64), and GV (14.6, 12.19) were observed in priming with 10 s MW and 12 h hydro, respectively. The combination of hydro and MW priming also showed a significant effect for all traits, except FGP and MDG. Among the combination treatments, MW for 10 s and hydropriming for 12 h were the most effective in improving MGT (3.17 days), GRI (33.27 % day-1), CVG (31.62), PV (2.55), and GV (21.23). In contrast, the interaction between priming treatments had no significant effect on FGP or MDG. However, the MW for 10 s and hydropriming for 12 h resulted in a higher FGP (100%) and MDG (8.33 days). Overall, the findings suggest that hydropriming and seed priming with microwaves is a promising technique for improving maize germination.

Overcoming seed coat–imposed dormancy in wild species ofCajanusandRhynchosia

AbstractOccurrence of physical dormancy or hard seed coat prevents proper utilization and conservation of wild species ofCajanusandRhynchosia, which offers a source of many useful traits. Hence, an attempt has been made to understand the variability in hardseededness and the pretreatments (hot air treatment for 3, 5, 7, and 14 days; hot air treatment for 30 and 60 min; sulfuric acid scarification for 2 and 5 min; partial incision on seed coat) to overcome it in 44 accessions of 10 wild pigeon pea species. The level of hardseededness varied from 36% to 100% with an average of 76.5%. Likewise, time to 1% germination or time taken to initiate germination (T1), time to 50% germination (T50), and mean germination time (MGT) varied between 16.18–249.9 h, 94.7–607.7 h, and 37.5–153.2 h, respectively. Overall, all the treatments reduced hardseededness and improved germination over the control, with partial incision on seed coat being the best treatment for all the species recording 70%–98% germination, except forRhynchosia aurea(30%) andCajanus cajanifolius(59%). The hot water treatment for 30 and 60 min was the best treatment forC. cajanifoliusrecording germination of 66%–70% as compared to 11% in control. The sulfuric acid scarification for 2 min was the best pretreatment for overcoming dormancy and improving germination inRhynchosia bracteata,Rhynchosia rothii, andRhynchosia rufescens. The result indicated a significant inter‐ and intraspecific variation in the effectiveness of pretreatments in overcoming physical dormancy, suggesting that the optimum pretreatment for overcoming hardseededness should be standardized for each accession. Also, the dormancy‐breaking pretreatments not only reduced hardseededness and improved final germination percent but it also reduced time for T1, T50, and MGT, suggesting that use of such pretreatments before sowing could result into higher, uniform, and rapid germination.

Effect of salinity on the germination of three species of the Acacia genus (A. karroo, A. saligna, and A. tortilis)

Abstract This scientific paper explores the impact of soil salinity on plant growth, with a particular focus on the relationship between salt tolerance and seed germination. To investigate this, three species of Acacia (Fabaceae), namely A. karroo, A. saligna, and A. tortilis, were selected, and their seeds were collected from Algeria. To overcome seed coat inhibition, seeds were treated with concentrated sulphuric acid, followed by a wash with distilled water before being sown in a culture medium containing varying concentrations of salt, specifically sodium chloride (NaCl) ranging from 0 to 600 mM. The germination tests were conducted over a 21-day period, with measurements taken at intervals of three days, and both the final germination percentage (FGP) and mean germination time (MGT) were calculated. The results showed that at 600 mM NaCl concentration no germination occurred during the experiment. The germination rates exhibited three phases, an initial latency phase, a second exponential phase of accelerated germination, and a third plateau phase. A. karroo seeds demonstrated the highest salt tolerance, germinating under high salinity conditions of 400 mM NaCl, with a FGP of 66%. In contrast, A. tortilis showed significantly lower salt tolerance, with only 20% germination at the same concentration. A. saligna had the lowest salt tolerance, with germination only occurring under 150 mM NaCl concentration and with a FGP of only 18%. Based on these findings, the rank order of the studied species in terms of decreasing tolerance to high salinity conditions, as determined by their respective germination capacities, is as follows: A. karroo &gt; A. tortilis &gt; A. saligna. Although A. saligna was the most sensitive species, it was still categorized as a salt-tolerant glycophyte. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the impact of salt stress on Acacia species and could contribute to the development of salt-tolerant crops in the future.

Cassava, Mandacaru, and Glue as Adhesive Agents in the Coating of Heirloom Fava Bean Seeds

The seed coating technique, while not recent, has garnered attention due to its commercial implications. This process has grown in significance and feasibility, imparting greater added value to seeds, particularly in an increasingly competitive and regulated market environment, notably within the realm of heirloom seeds. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the impacts caused by the use of adhesive agents, including mandacaru extract, polyvinyl acetate-based glue, and cassava gum, in the pelleting process of heirloom fava bean seeds with rock dust. The experiment was conducted in the Phytotechnics Laboratory, situated within the Campus of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences at the Federal University of Alagoas. In the coating process, MB-4 rock powder was employed. The analyzed parameters encompassed water content, thousand seed weight, first germination count, germination percentage, germination speed index, mean germination time, germination uncertainty, primary root length/aboveground portion, and seedling dry mass. Polyvinyl acetate (PVA) glue and cassava gum proved to be the most efficient adhesive agents in the pelleting of fava bean seeds with rock powder.