Optimum Germination Research Articles

Development of a temperature-based seed germination model for silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium)

AbstractSilverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifoliumCav.) has become a highly troublesome weed in irrigated summer crops in Israel. Because herbicide-based options to control this weed are limited, the best way to improve weed control is through a study of its biology, particularly its germination dynamics. The main objective of this study was to determine the impact of temperature on the seed germination dynamics ofS. elaeagnifoliumand to develop a temperature-based (thermal) prediction model for threeS. elaeagnifoliumpopulations growing in different ecosystems in Israel. To this end, a laboratory study was undertaken in which the germination proportion ofS. elaeagnifoliumseeds was monitored under seven temperature regimes: 2/8, 7/13, 12/18, 17/23, 22/28, 27/33, and 32/38 C (night/day). In addition, the impact of alternating temperature regimes between night and day temperatures (of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 C), averaged over 20 and 25 C, was determined. It was found that the three populations shared similar germination characteristics and dynamics. An alternation of ≥6 C between night and day temperatures was needed for optimal germination, with no germination taking place under constant temperatures. In all three populations, the minimal requirement for germination was a 12/18 C (night/day) regime, with the final germination proportion lying between 0.25 and 0.36. The highest final germination proportion of ≥0.8 was observed for the 17/23 C regime in all three populations. Modeling the germination rate as a function of temperature allowed us to determine cardinal temperatures for all three populations taken together, with the values beingTb= 10.8 C (base temperature),To= 23.8 C (optimal temperature), andTc= 35.9 C (ceiling temperature). These biological parameters allowed accurate (root mean-square error < 0.06%) prediction ofS. elaeagnifoliumseed germination over the entire temperature range.

Optimization of germination and ultrasonic-assisted extraction for the enhancement of γ-aminobutyric acid in pumpkin seed.

Germination and ultrasonic‐assisted extraction (UAE) are economical and effective methods to enhance bioactive compounds in plant seeds. We optimized the germination parameters and UAE parameters by using response surface methodology to maximize the recovery of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) in pumpkin seeds. The optimal germination conditions were as follows: soaking the seeds at 28°C for 6 h with 0.2% CaCl2, 3.8 mg/ml monosodium glutamate, and 4.0 mg/ml vitamin B6, then germination at 30°C for 61.6 h. The optimal conditions for UAE were as follows: 1:75 (w/v) material‐to‐solvent ratio, 220 W ultrasonic power, and ultrasonic treatment at 50°C for 14.4 min, which afforded an extraction yield of 2679 ± 10 mg/100 g. Moreover, the GABA‐enhanced extract showed the potential of hypolipidemic effect in type 2 diabetes rats. These results confirmed that a combination of germination and UAE increased the GABA yield from pumpkin seeds and provided a basis for GABA‐enhanced production to improve lifestyle‐associated diseases.

Reproductive biology of wild and domesticated Ensete ventricosum: Further evidence for maintenance of sexual reproductive capacity in a vegetatively propagated perennial crop.

Loss of sexual reproductive capacity has been proposed as a syndrome of domestication in vegetatively propagated crops, but there are relatively few examples from agricultural systems. In this study, we compare sexual reproductive capacity in wild (sexual) and domesticated (vegetative) populations of enset (Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman), a tropical banana relative and Ethiopian food security crop.We examined floral and seed morphology and germination ecology across 35 wild and domesticated enset. We surveyed variation in floral and seed traits, including seed weight, viability and internal morphology, and germinated seeds across a range of constant and alternating temperature regimes to characterize optimum germination requirements.We report highly consistent floral allometry, seed viability, internal morphology and days to germination in wild and domesticated enset. However, seeds from domesticated plants responded to cooler temperatures with greater diurnal range. Shifts in germination behaviour appear concordant with a climatic envelope shift in the domesticated distribution.Our findings provide evidence that sexual reproductive capacity has been maintained despite long‐term near‐exclusive vegetative propagation in domesticated enset. Furthermore, certain traits such as germination behaviour and floral morphology may be under continued selection, presumably through rare sexually reproductive events. Compared to sexually propagated crops banked as seeds, vegetative crop diversity is typically conserved in living collections that are more costly and insecure. Improved understanding of sexual propagation in vegetative crops may have applications in germplasm conservation and plant breeding.

Enhancement of the concentration of melatonin and its precursors in legume sprouts germinated under salinity stress and evaluation of the feasibility of using legume sprouts to develop melatonin-rich instant beverage

Melatonin is a bioactive indolamine possessing multifunctional properties in humans and plants. Germination conditions under salinity stress were optimized to maximize melatonin, serotonin, tryptophan and total phenolic content (TPC) levels of Vigna angularis to develop melatonin-rich instant beverage from legume sprouts. The effect of stress conditions on these compounds was also evaluated in soybean and chickpea. Optimum germination conditions of V. angularis were investigated using response surface methodology (RSM) under NaCl stress at 9.5–115.5 mmol/L and 14.1–81.9 h. V. angularis germinated under normal conditions (without NaCl) served as the control. Optimum germination conditions obtained were 68 mmol/L NaCl and germination time 72 h, resulting in increase of melatonin, serotonin and TPC in V. angularis sprouts of 47, 37 and 12%, respectively compared with normal condition. These conditions were successfully applied to germinate soybean and chickpea, while improving melatonin and bioactive compounds levels. The three legume sprouts showed high feasibility to formulate melatonin-rich instant beverages with acceptable sensory quality. These findings provide useful information as an alternative approach to enhance the level of health-beneficial compounds in legume sprouts, with potential use as natural sources of melatonin for functional food product development.

Pengaruh Suhu Media Tanam Terhadap Waktu Perkecambahan Kacang Hijau

The research was conducted entitled The Effect of Soil Temperature on Mung Bean Germination Time. This study aims to determine the optimal temperature of the growing media in the germination process of green beans. This study was arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) with one factor, namely the temperature of the growing media (soil) at the same time consisting of control (30⁰C), 27⁰C, 33⁰C, 36⁰C, 39⁰C. The parameter measured was the germination time of green beans. Variance data were analyzed by DMRT test at level = 5%. The results showed that the temperature of the growing media affected the germination time of green beans. The treatment that caused the optimal germination time was 33⁰C.Keywords: Soil Temperature, Time, mung bean

Çimlendirilmiş besinler ve sağlık üzerine etkileri

Plant sprouts attract attention as ready-to-eat healthy foods in many countries. Different processes such as adding nutrients to the environment, especially humidity and temperature, are also necessary to ensure optimum germination. Germination is an inexpensive and effective method for improving the nutritional quality of plants. In the past, germination of legumes, especially some grains such as wheat and barley, was a common practice, but today, alfalfa, broccoli, soybean and some other cereal grains are germinated and consumed as sprouts. The amount of antinutritional factors decreases with germination; The amount of bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds, phytosterols, folate, gamma aminobutyric acid, antioxidant activity and digestibility can also increase. In addition, the synthesis of new compounds such as Ɣ-oryzanol and amino acids increases during the germination process. In addition to the many physiological effects of germinated nutrients; It has been reported that these foods may have a decrease in the risk of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and neurological diseases. Therefore, germinated foods are considered as functional foods. Various biological activities of germinated nutrients have still not been conclusively proven. Therefore, there is a need for more studies on the various bioactive component contents of germinated foods and their effects on human health.

Germination behaviour of

Context Avena sterilis subsp. ludoviciana (wild oats) is one of the major winter weeds of the Northern Grains Region of Australia. The abundance of this weed increased dramatically after the adoption of no-tillage conservation agriculture (NTCA). However, information is lacking on the germination characteristics of the two types of seed (i.e. primary and secondary) that it produces. Aims We aimed to determine the light and temperature requirements for germination and the time to germination of primary and secondary seeds of A. ludoviciana, in order to find ways to manage this weed effectively under NTCA systems. Methods Primary and secondary seeds and caryopses from two southern and two northern biotypes were exposed to a range of temperature and light regimes in the glasshouse, and germination was assessed. Key results All biotypes had ∼25% higher germination from primary than secondary seeds. Removing the hull increased caryopsis germination by ∼70%. The use of a light/dark photoperiod stimulated germination of both types of seed and caryopses compared with continuous darkness. Based on data for caryopses, 7°C and 9°C were found to be optimal germination temperatures for southern and northern biotypes, respectively. At optimum germination temperature, primary caryopses germinated 7–20 days earlier than secondary caryopses. In addition, a light/dark environment resulted in germination 2–6 days earlier than continuous darkness. Conclusions In the Northern Grains Region, seeds retained on or close to the soil surface (i.e. in NTCA systems) can undergo maximum germination during May–June (late autumn–winter), when long-term average temperatures match optimum germination temperatures. This coincides with winter crop plantings. Implications The seasonal timing of germination and the difference in germination timing between primary and secondary seeds, which help to stagger emergence of this weed, are major issues that need to be addressed in NTCA systems.

Application of WOA–SVR in Seed Vigor of High-Voltage Electric Field Treatment on Aged Cotton (Gossypium spp.) Seeds

When seeds are treated with a high-voltage electric field (HVEF) to improve seed vigor, due to the large differences in the biological electromagnetic effects on different types of seeds, the methods of variance analysis and regression analysis based on data statistics are generally used to construct the optimal electric field dose prediction model; however, the generalization performance of the prediction model tends to be poor. To solve this problem, the electric intensity, frequency and treatment time were taken as the input variables for hybrid support vector regression (SVR) analysis to establish the prediction model of the seed comprehensive germination index. The whale optimization algorithm (WOA) was used to optimize the kernel parameters of the SVR. The optimized hybrid WOA–SVR model predicted the optimal comprehensive germination index of aged cotton (Gossypium spp.) seeds to be 329, the optimal HVEF dosage was 3.64 kV/cm × 99 s, and the frequency was 1.4 Hz. The aged cotton seeds were treated with the optimal HVEF and the germination test was carried out. Compared with the check (CK), the comprehensive germination index of seeds increased by 48%. The research results provided a new method and new idea for the optimal design of parameters for seed treatment with HVEF.

Sprouted Syrian Wheat in The Production of Arab Bread

هدف هذا البحث إلى دراسة الشروط المثلى لإنبات القمح السوري القاسي شام 3، وإمكانية الاستفادة من القمح المنبت في تدعيم الخبز العربي السوري، وقد عولجت النتائج بعد ذلك إحصائياً عند مستوى وثوقية 0. 05 باستخدام برنامج Minitab الإصدار 14. 0. تبيّن من خلال النتائج الإحصائية أنّ شروط الإنبات المثلى للقمح السوري القاسي شام 3 هي عند حرارة 20 م° ولمدة 4 أيام، حيث وصل بهذه الشروط محتوى حمض الفوليك 1. 75 ملغم/كغ وهو يعادل 13 ضعف تقريباً من محتوى حمض الفوليك في مجروش القمح غير المنبت (0. 135 ملغم/كغ). من خلال دراسة خصائص الدقيق والمجروش الريولوجية باستخدام الألفيوغراف والميكسولاب لوحظ أنّ الإنبات أدى إلى انخفاض قوة المجروش، حيث إنخفضت جميع مؤشرات الألفيوغراف (P, L, G, W) والميكسولاب (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, DDT) لمجروش القمح المنبت بشكل معنوي كبير بالمقارنة مع كل من الدقيق والمجروش غير المنبت. تبين إمكانية الاستفادة من القمح السوري المنبت في تدعيم الخبز العربي السوري، وأفضل نسبة إضافة من مجروش القمح المنبت للخبز العربي هي 40%، حيث أعطت خبزاً عربياً مقبولاً حسياً من ناحية القوام وانفصال الشطرين وقابلية الطي ومن ناحية الخصائص الفيزيائية.

Pollen viability and incompatibility in indigenous rice bean (Vigna umbellata (Thunb.) Ohwi & Ohashi)

Pollen viability, germination and compatibility are essential in determining the success of pollination and seed setting of high-valued crops. Rice bean (Vigna umbellata (Thunb.) Ohwi & Ohashi) is an underutilized and unexplored indigenous legume with high potential for commercial production. In this study, pollen quality, viability, germination rate and incompatibility among selected six rice bean (V. umbellata) accessions from Barili, Cebu, Philippines were evaluated to determine the barriers and effective pollination habit for increased productivity while retaining the important traits, including high tolerance in poor soils, superior climatic resilience and resistance to pest and diseases. Results of acetocarmine calorimetric assay showed that rice beans’ (V. umbellata) pollens are highly viable, with accessions VU 004 (56.33 ± 4.91%) and VU 007 (54.34 ± 4.53%) having the optimum viability rate. Brewbaker and Kwack medium treated with 0.2 g.l-1 and 0.3 g.l-1 boric acid (H3BO4) enhanced the germination rate in vitro (11.56 ± 5.53% and 9.47 ± 6.50% respectively). Bud (14.96 ± 1.53%) and post-anthesis pollens (10.28 ± 0.94%) have optimum germination rate in 0.2 g.l-1 boric acid media, while anthesis pollens are suitable in media supplemented with sucrose and boric acid alone (12.20 ± 1.50%) and with 0.1 g.l-1 myo-inositol supplementation (8.49 ± 1.86%). Pollination test revealed that rice bean accessions have high self-compatibility (50.76 + 3.45%) and low cross-compatibility (26.57 + 2.49%). The findings provide an important background in understanding the pollen quality and intraspecific interaction among indigenous rice bean (V. umbellata) accessions in Barili, Cebu to improve production and hybridization.

Effect of Germination Period on Some Functional and Engineering Properties of Sorghum Flour

Sorghum (red and white) were germinated for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h to determine the effect of germination on some functional and engineering properties of sorghum flour. The bulk density results for the red and white germinated sorghum are 0.620-0.673 g/cm3 and 0.477-0.620 g/cm3, respectively. Water absorption capacity values for the two samples are 116.630-125.970% and 81.643-98.293% while the oil absorption capacity ranged from 62.917 to 85.750% and 44.933 to 61.980%, respectively for the two samples. The dispersibility test for the two samples gave 85.67-87.33% and 83.00-84.67%. The swelling power at 55 °C are 2.54-2.67 and 2.70-3.26, at 75 °C, 3.62-4.68 and 3.85-4.56, and at 90 °C, 2.98-4.79 and 6.29-7.23, respectively for the two samples. For the engineering properties, the specific heat capacity ranged from 0.14 to 0.45 kJ/kg K and 0.12 to 0.14 kJ/kg K, thermal conductivity, from 0.55 to 1.67 W/mK and 1.01 to 1.24 W/mK and thermal diffusivity from 0.13 to 0.82 m2/s and 0.11 to 0.12 m2/s, respectively for red and white germinated sorghum flours. It can be concluded from this study that increased the values of bulk density, WAC, OAC, and dispersibility test of the two samples with the increase in germination period with the optimum germination period of 72 h. Engineering properties results indicated that germination had a beneficial effect on the thermal conductivity of the germinated red sorghum and the thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity of the white germinated sorghum with 96 h having the best result for both samples.

Symbiotic and adverse interplay of hypogeal germination periods on brown rice (Oryza sativa): nutrient and non-nutrient characteristics

This study investigated the symbiotic and adverse consequence of hypogeal germination periods on nutrients and non-nutrient characteristics of brown rice (Oryza sativa). Brown rice paddy was subjected to hypogeal germination for 0–72 h using one-factor design-response surface methodology (OFD-RSM) and evaluated for nutrients and non-nutrient characteristics. The results showed that hypogeal germination caused a significant (p < 0.05) change in the proximate composition: protein (9.42–12.36%), fat (0.88–1.38%), ash (1.87–2.50%); anti-nutrients: saponin (2.03–2.22%), oxalate (2.44–3.45 mg/100 g), phytate (6.99–8.81 mg/100 g); functional properties: water absorption capacity, WAC (121.23–147.78%), oil absorption capacity, OAC (121.39–147.26%); antioxidants properties: 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH (35.30–43.60%), ferric reducing antioxidant power, FRAP (0.054–0.119 mMolFe2+), metal chelating activity, MCA (44.28–52.99%), total phenolic content, TPC (0.623–0.798 mg gallic acid equipvalent per gram (mgGAE/g)), total flavonoid content, TFC (43.47–50.63 mg rutin equivalent per gram (mgRUTIN/g)); and mineral content: calcium (36.0–41.76 mg/100 g), phosphorus (82.53–94.32 mg/100 g), and magnesium (162.70–168.36 mg/100 g). Germination had significant symbiotic effects (linear and quadratic) on the proximate, DPPH, FRAP, MCA, TPC, WAC, OAC, and anti-nutrients. Whereas, adverse effects (linear and quadratic) of germination were noted in total flavonoids and anti-nutrients. Optimum hypogeal germination period of 72.18 h was established and corresponding protein (12.37 g/100 g), fat (1.37 g/100 g), fibre (2.15 g/100 g), moisture (10.07 g/100 g), DPPH (43.66%), FRAP (0.105mMolFe2+), TPC (0.08mgGAE/g), TFC (50.25MgRUTIN/g), WAC (147.99%), OAC (147.29%), Calcium (41.77 mg/100 g), iron (0.207 mg/100 g), zinc (5.89 mg/100 g), phosphorus (94.77 mg/100 g). Phenolic compounds profile of the optimized germinated brown rice showed the presence of gallic acid (2.84 mg/100 g), 4-hydroxy benzoic acid (3.41 mg/100 g), caffeic acid (4.63 mg/100 g), vanillic acid (6.19 mg/100 g), catechin (3.88 mg/100 g), chlorogenic acid (1.93 mg/100 g), ferulic acid (4.16 mg/100 g), and quercetin (1.27 mg/100 g) whereas, the non-germinated rice showed gallic acid (2.05 mg/100 g), 4-hydroxy benzoic acid (2.53 mg/100 g), caffeic acid (4.11 mg/100 g), vanillic acid (6.08 mg/100 g), catechin (3.35 mg/100 g), chlorogenic acid (1.89 mg/100 g), ferulic acid (4.23 mg/100 g), and quercetin (1.29 mg/100 g). Hypogeal germinated brown rice could find application as a functional ingredient in food formulation.

Conservación ex situ mediante el establecimiento de cultivo in vitro de semillas de Prosopis limensis “Huarango” de Ica, Perú

The “Huarango” Prosopis limensis is a woody species of the Fabaceae family that is in the dry forest of Ica, of key importance in this ecosystem and considered for different reasons in a state of danger. The in vitro cultivation of seeds of this species is presented as an adequate conservation strategy, due to high multiplication rates it promotes, the economy in time and production costs, and the future possibilities of improvement and reforestation. The objective of this study is the establishment of an effective methodology for the optimal germination of stored seeds of this species. The seeds were obtained from 4 representative experimental accessions from the department of Ica, which were subjected to a physical scarification treatment, immersing them in hot water (70 °C) and leaving it at rest until reaching a temperature of 37 °C. After conventional sterilization processes, seeds were sown in basic M&amp;S medium with vitamins thiamine HCl (1,0 mg/l) and m-inositol (100 mg/l), sucrose 2% and agar 0,6%, and incubated at 23 °C +/- 2 h, for a photoperiod of 16 light hours. At 24 days the CPUC-117 accession the germination percentage was in the range of close to 95%. The results of this work constitute the necessary precedent to initiate larger-scale in vitro micropropagation trials of “Huarango” for conservation purposes.

Banana seed genetic resources for food security: Status, constraints, and future priorities.

Storing seed collections of crop wild relatives, wild plant taxa genetically related to crops, is an essential component in global food security. Seed banking protects genetic resources from degradation and extinction and provides material for use by breeders. Despite being among the most important crops in the world, banana and plantain crop wild relatives are largely under‐represented in genebanks. Nevertheless, banana crop wild relative seed collections are in fact held in different countries, but these have not previously been part of reporting or analysis. To fill this gap, we firstly collated banana seed accession data from 13 institutions in 10 countries. These included 537 accessions containing an estimated 430,000 seeds of 56 species. We reviewed their taxonomic coverage and seed storage conditions including viability estimates. We found that seed accessions have low viability (25% mean) representing problems in seed storage and processing. Secondly, we surveyed 22 institutions involved in banana genetic resource conservation regarding the key constraints and knowledge gaps that institutions face related to banana seed conservation. Major constraints were identified including finding suitable material and populations to collect seeds from, lack of knowledge regarding optimal storage conditions and germination conditions. Thirdly, we carried out a conservation prioritization and gap analysis of Musaceae taxa, using established methods, to index representativeness. Overall, our conservation assessment showed that despite this extended data set banana crop wild relatives are inadequately conserved, with 51% of taxa not represented in seed collections at all; the average conservation assessment showing high priority for conservation according to the index. Finally, we provide recommendations for future collecting, research, and management, to conserve banana and plantain crop wild relatives in seed banks for future generations.

Intraspecific Variation Along an Elevational Gradient Alters Seed Scarification Responses in the Polymorphic Tree Species Acacia koa.

Physical dormancy in seeds can challenge restoration efforts where scarification conditions for optimal germination and seedling vigor are unknown. For species that occur along wide environmental gradients, optimal scarification conditions may also differ by seed source. We examined intraspecific variation in optimal scarification conditions for germination and seedling performance in koa (Acacia koa), which occurs across a wide range of environmental conditions. To evaluate scarification responses, we recorded imbibition percentage, germination percentage, germination time, seedling abnormalities, early mortality, seedling growth, and seedling survivorship. From these, we developed a scarification index (SI) that integrates these measures simultaneously. We hypothesized that seeds from lower elevation sources exposed to higher temperatures would have harder seed coats and would require more intense scarification treatments. To test this hypothesis, we repeatedly exposed seeds to hot water differing in temperature and time until seeds imbibed. Supporting the hypothesis, seeds from lower elevation sources generally required more intense scarification, although we found substantial variation among sources. Koa seeds germinated in about a week following imbibition. Boiling seeds (i.e., maintaining at 100°C) was effective for imbibing seeds but it also substantially reduced germination percentages. Repeated exposure to 90 to 100°C water did not reduce germination percentage but decreased seedling performance and increased early mortality. No seeds remained unimbibed after six attempts of boiling germinated whereas seeds remaining unimbibed after 15 attempts of exposure to 90 to 100°C water showed high germination percentages. Abnormalities in seedling development were rare but increased with treatment intensity. Exposure to 100°C water for 1 min overall generated the best SI values but the best treatment differed by elevation, and the treatment with the best SI was rarely predicted from the highest germination percentages. Seeds that imbibed without any treatment germinated at the same level as manually filed seeds but produced poor seedling quality. Variation in mother tree environments along an elevational gradient can lead to differences in seed coat characteristics, which may explain differing responses to treatments. Scarification treatments affected processes beyond imbibition and germination and using an index like SI may improve efficiency by identifying optimal scarification treatments while reducing seed waste.

Improving germination with pre-sowing technique on Caliandra calothyrsus Meissn

Red Calliandra (Caliandra colothyrus) is a high-quality energy wood raw material that can be produced rapidly. It’s ideal for making wood pellets. The need for wood pellets is on the increase globally. For the production of wood pellets continuity, sufficient materials were required, requiring the development of red calliandra cultivation. The long duration of the seed germination process due to the hard seed coat is an obstacle in the generative propagation of red calliandra. This study aimed to determine the best treatment for red calliandra dormancy breaking and simultaneous germination. A factorial fully randomized design (F-CRD) with two treatment factors was used in this study. The first factor is type of solution (P) with three levels consisting of: P1: soaking in water; P2 : immersion with MSG solution (12 grams/liter); P3 : immersion in young coconut water (100%). The second factor is the length of immersion time (T) with three levels consisting of: T1: soaking time for 8 hours; T2 : immersion time for 12 hours; T3 : immersion time for 16 hours. Each treatment consisted of 20 seeds, which were replicated three times for a total of 540 seeds. The initial day of germination, length of germination, percentage of germination, and germination rate index were all measured. The results showed that that the most optimal germination for red Calliandra found in the P1T1 treatment (soaking in water for 8 hours). It can be shown from all observed parameters

Planting Methods and Number of Buds of Setts on Sprouting, Growth and Productivity of Vegetative Propagated Crops: A Review

Ever increasing demand for food and fodder due to growing population and livestock necessitates the urgency to improve productivity of the fodder crops. In this context, the concept of vegetative propagation technologies serves as an important tool for higher productivity. Conventionally, crops such as sugarcane, cassava, bajra napier hybrid grass and napier grass were cultivated by stem cuttings. This depends heavily on the quality of planting material and their availability. It is a huge barrier for the cultivation of fodder grass as the quality of planting material influences the sprouting, establishment, growth, tillering and fodder yield of grasses and also the higher requirement of planting material increases the overall cost of cultivation. Therefore, a more robust approach needs to be developed to address these limitations. Normally propagation by vegetative means assumes importance when desirable biotypes need to be multiplied in a short span of time. Also a suitable method of planting and number of buds reduce the cost of cultivation as well as transportation. Similarly one and two budded setts are ideal for optimum germination compared to larger seed pieces. Horizontal planting of stem cuttings is the most practical approach which increased sprouting and yield. Based on this ideology this paper reviews the various aspects of influence of planting methods and number of buds by vegetative propagated setts on sprouting, growth and productivity of fodder grasses.

Investigation of vegetative properties and generative production of the potential ornamental and narrow endemic species Verbascum yurtkuranianum (Scrophulariaceae) for ex situ conservation

Verbascum yurtkuranianum is a narrow endemic species occurring in a single location, the northern Bursa province (Turkey). It is an endangered and potentially ornamental plant. No conducted study on its life and biology, production, and aesthetic features is available. This study aimed to reveal its vegetative properties, seed characteristics, methods and requirements for seed germination, germination speed, and potential ornamental value so it can be conserved ex situ and produced. Verbascum yurtkuranianum has potential value as an ornamental plant regarding its aesthetic features as a flower. This study revealed that the total number of individuals in the species is 788. Without any treatment, 70.7% germination rate is achieved if the seeds are stored at 4 °C. The optimum germination temperature was from 15 to 20 °C (77.3% and 78.7%, respectively), and the photoperiod regulation for seed germination was 12/12 or 8/16 (light/dark) hours (74.7% and 76.0%, respectively). The most effective treatment to promote germination rate was found by implementation of 60 min ultrasonic waves (94.3%) or application of 120 min vacuum (95.3%). Germination occurred between 8 and 10 days. A parcel of ex situ conservation was constituted with the seedlings obtained from the germination studies.

Effects of Dielectric Barrier Ambient Air Plasma on Two Brassicaceae Seeds: Arabidopsis thaliana and Camelina sativa.

We investigated low-temperature plasma effects on two Brassicaceae seeds (A. thaliana and C. sativa) using dielectric barrier discharge in air. Comparisons of plasma treatments on seeds showed distinct responses on germination rate and speed. Optimal treatment time giving optimal germination is 15 min for A. thaliana with 85% increase compared to control after 48 h of germination and 1 min for C. sativa with 75% increase compared to control after 32 h of germination. Such germination increases are associated with morphological changes shown by SEM of seed surface. For better understanding at the biochemical level, seed surfaces were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry which underlined changes of lipidic composition. For both treated seeds, there is a decrease of saturated (palmitic and stearic) fatty acids while treated C. sativa showed a decrease of unsaturated (oleic and linoleic) acids and treated A. thaliana an increase of unsaturated ones. Such lipid changes, specifically a decrease of hydrophobic saturated fatty acids, are coherent with the other analyses (SEM, water uptake and contact angle). Moreover, an increase in A. thaliana of unsaturated acids (very reactive) probably neutralizes plasma RONS effects thus needing longer plasma exposure time (15 min) to reach optimal germination. For C. sativa, 1 min is enough because unsaturated linoleic acid becomes lower in treated C. sativa (1.2 × 107) compared to treated A. thaliana (3.7 × 107).

Optimization of γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Accumulation in Germinating Adzuki Beans (Vigna angularis) by Vacuum Treatment and Monosodium Glutamate, and the Molecular Mechanisms.

This study aimed to investigate the optimal hypoxic and monosodium glutamate (MSG) stress conditions for the enrichment of γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) in germinating adzuki beans and to reveal the potential underlying molecular mechanisms of GABA accumulation. Using single-factor experiments and response surface model, we investigated the effects of germination time, germination temperature, vacuum time, and MSG concentration on GABA contents, and further explored the activity and gene expression of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) and polyamine oxidase (PAO) critical rate restriction enzymes during GABA synthesis. The optimal soaking temperature, soaking time, and pH conditions were 35°C, 16 h, and 5, respectively. Furthermore, the optimal germination conditions for optimal GABA enrichment were 48 h, 1.99 mg/ml MSG concentration, germination temperature of 31.49°C, and vacuum time of 15.83 h. Under such conditions, the predicted GABA concentration was 443.57 ± 7.18 mg/100 g, with no significant difference between the predicted and experimental data. The vacuum + MSG (FZM) treatment has a maximum contribution rate of GABA to 38.29%, which significantly increase GABA content, and the increase was associated with increased GAD and PAO activity. In addition, MSG in combination with vacuum treatment could significantly induce VaGAD4 and VaGAD6 genes in 2 days germination of adzuki beans. According to the results of the present study, vacuum + MSG treatment is an effective approach to enhancing GABA accumulation in germinating adzuki beans, which could be employed in enhancing the functional quality of germinating adzuki beans.