Pepper Seedlings Research Articles

Selección de un consorcio microbiano promotor del crecimiento de plántulas de cebolla en condiciones de umbráculo

The practice of producing more vigorous seedlings represents a competitive advantage at the time of transplanting a crop, and the use of combined biofertilizers are a sustainable ecological alternative. The objective of this research was to select a microbial consortium for the production of F1 2000 hybrid onion seedbeds under shade-house conditions. Five rhizobacterial strains of the genera Rhizobium (ME01 strain), Bradyrhizobium (Leu2A and YE1 strains), Ochrobactrum (ES1 strain) and Pseudomonas (Alf strain), which have shown favorable effects on pepper and lettuce seedlings. These rhizobacteria were inoculated in a mixed manner (microbial consortium) in onion as follows: Alf+ES1, ME01+ES1, ES1+Leu2A, Alf+Leu2A, YE1+ES1, ME01+Alf, YE1+Alf, ME01+YE1, YE1+Leu2A, ME01+Leu2A, using a soil from San Juan de Lagunillas-Mérida, Venezuela under shade-house conditions for 60 days. The following variables were determined: number of leaves, pseudostem base diameter, aerial and root length, aerial and root fresh and dry weight. Additionally, a CO2 assimilation curve under different light levels was carried out on the seedlings of the selected consortium to observe their photosynthetic response. The consortium ME01 + Leu2A (Rhizobium tropici + Bradyrhizobium japonicum) increased all studied variables, especially the pseudostem base diameter, essential for onion cultivation, and yielded higher seedlings CO2 assimilation rates. The use of this microbial consortium is recommended as an option for agricultural production under seedbed conditions.

Alleviating damage of photosystem and oxidative stress from chilling stress with exogenous zeaxanthin in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seedlings

As a typical thermophilous vegetable, the growth and yield of peppers are easily limited by chilling conditions. Zeaxanthin, a crucial carotenoid, positively regulates plant abiotic stress responses. Therefore, this study investigated the regulatory mechanisms of zeaxanthin-induced chilling tolerance in peppers. The results indicated that the pretreatment with zeaxanthin effectively alleviated chilling damage in pepper leaves and increased the plant fresh weight and photosynthetic pigment content under chilling stress. Additionally, alterations in photosynthetic chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and chlorophyll fluorescence induction curves after zeaxanthin treatment highlighted the participation of zeaxanthin in improving the photosystem response to chilling stress by heightening the quenching of excess excitation energy and protection of the photosynthetic electron transport system. In chill-stressed plants, zeaxanthin treatment also enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity and transcript expression, and reduced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion (O2•-) content, resulting in a decrease in biological membrane damage. Additionally, exogenous zeaxanthin upregulated the expression levels of key genes encoding β-carotene hydroxylase (CaCA1, CaCA2), zeaxanthin epoxidase (CaZEP) and violaxanthin de-epoxidase (CaVDE), and promoted the synthesis of endogenous zeaxanthin during chilling stress. Collectively, exogenous zeaxanthin pretreatment enhances plant tolerance to chilling by improving the photosystem process, increasing oxidation resistance, and inducing alterations in endogenous zeaxanthin metabolism.

Rhizobacteria improve the germination and modify the phenolic compound profile of pepper (Capsicum annum L.)

The percentage of germination and the vigor of seeds are major determinants for an efficient seedling production to successfully establishment a crop. Some Capsicum annuum germinate within a few days, but others take until 21 days. Pepper seeds have significant amounts of free and bound polyphenols that are modified during the germination process. Phenolic compounds are used by seed to scavenge free radicals, they can also work as signal compounds or they can be related to plant's defense participating in the induced systemic resistance (ISR). However, the effect of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on pepper seed germination and the changes on phenolic profile has not been examined. In this study, we evaluated the transformation of phenolic compounds during seed germination produced by the inoculation with native PGPR on pepper seeds germination. Five bacterial strains: Cellulosimicrobium 60I1, Ochrobactrum 53F, Enterobacter 64S1, Pseudomonas 42P4 and Azospirillum brasilense Az39 were investigated. Our results showed that seed inoculation enhanced significantly seed germination, seedling growth, root length, and diameter of pepper seedling. In addition, changes in the profile of free and bound phenolic compounds were observed in seeds inoculated with PGPR. The free phenolic compounds were higher in the seedling inoculated with 60I1, 42P4 or the consortium with respect to control. The phenolic acid increased in seed inoculated suggests an elicitation of phenylpropanoid pathway related to ISR. The free flavonoids, naringenin, and rutin were present in the control treatment, while they were not detectable in the inoculated treatments. These could be used as a carbon source by PGPR during the germination or converted into flavonols that could protect the plants under abiotic stress. The tyrosol was present in 60I1 and in 60I1+42P4 treatment. The most effective strains were Cellulosimicrobium 60I1 and Pseudomonas 42P4 that increased their potential when it was used together.

Screening of capsicum germplasm for resistance against Phytophthora capsici causing leaf blight and root rot

Eighty six lines of capsicum were screened for resistance against leaf blight and root rot disease caused by Phytophthora capsici during 2018 by adopting detached leaf and seedling inoculation method, respectively. Out of 86 lines, six lines namely KTC-148, KTC-149, KTPL-19, Chilli Local, Pant Chilli and PBC-631 were found resistant by evaluating 14 days old pepper seedlings grown in poly trays containing peat mixture.Whereasthree lines viz., KTC-144, KTC-148 and PBC-631 were found resistant, when evaluated with detached leaf inoculation method while Chilli Local, KTPL-19 and Chilli Pant were found to be moderately resistant.

Effects of pre-sowing seed treatments for improving germination and the growth of pepper and tomato seedlings

The aim of this study was to establish the effect of different seed treatments on germination, and the growth of the embryonic stem and the radicle of tomato and pepper varieties. Four treatments were used in the study: MIX (Coveron + zinc (Zn 0.5%) + boron (B 0.025%)); Coveron; zinc (ZnSO4, Zn 0.5%) and boron (B 0.025%). The treatments were applied on seeds of following four pepper varieties: Šorokšari, Somborka, Kraljica, and Mirtima and three tomato varieties: Rio Grande, Saint Pierre, and Tomato apple of Novi Sad (Novosadski jabučar). Germination and the growth increase of both the embryonic stem (cm) and the radicle (cm) were observed in the germination cabinets and pots containing soil in two laboratories – locations. After the treatment applied to the pepper seeds and testing in the laboratory germination cabinet the following was established: i) the maximum increase in germination of 90% was when the MIX and Zn treatment was applied to seeds, ii) the growth increase of embryonic stems of 2.7cm was recorded when the MIX treatment was applied, iii) the growth increase of radicles of 1.7cm was gained when the Coveron and MIX treatment was applied. Tests performed in pots showed that Coveron was the most efficient treatment. Treatments on tomato seeds during the seed testing in the germination cabinet provided: vi) the germination increase of 13% with the MIX treatment, vii) the growth increase of the embryonic stem of 2.6 cm with the same treatment, vii) the growth increase of 1.7 cm of radicles. Coveron was the most efficient treatment in tests in pots.

Prevalence of Xanthomonas euvesicatoria (formally X. perforans) associated with bacterial spot severity in Capsicum annuum crops in South Central Chihuahua, Mexico.

BackgroundXanthomonas spp. causes bacterial spot disease, which reduces quality and yield of pepper crops in Mexico. Identification of phytopathogen species is necessary to implement more effective control strategies.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to isolate and identify infecting Xanthomonas species in South Central Chihuahua pepper-producing areas.MethodsDiseased plants were collected from 30 cultivation lots and bacteria were isolated from damaged tissues. Potential causative agents were isolated, identified, and characterized by biochemical and molecular analysis. Pathogenicity tests from each isolate were then performed on 30-d-old pepper seedlings, exposing five leaves to 10 µL of 1 × 108 CFU/mL bacterial suspensions of each isolate, using sterile distilled water as a control. Disease severity was determined after 10 d by calculating leaf damage percentage. Furthermore, we evaluated the susceptibility of the highest bacterial spot severity-causing isolates (13 isolates) to copper sulphate (CuS), copper gluconate (CuG), copper oxychloride + oxytetracycline hydrochloride (Cu + Ox), gentamicin + oxytetracycline hydrochloride (Gen + Ox), and gentamicin sulphate (GenS). Copper-resistance genes (copLAB) were detected by PCR analysis among isolates.ResultsThirty-seven foliage isolates were identified as Xanthomonas euvesicatoria (14%), which were associated with bacterial spot disease in jalapeño pepper. Tested Xanthomonas isolates were resistant to Cu-based compounds, but susceptible to Cu + Ox. All isolates were susceptible to Gen + Ox and GenS. CopLAB genes were detected in all but one strain.ConclusionsX. euvesicatoria (formally X. perforans) may be considered as an emerging pathogen of bacterial spot pepper in Mexico. Among disease management strategies, alternatives to copper should be taken into consideration.

Pepper cultivation on a substrate consisting of soil, natural zeolite, and olive mill waste sludge: changes in soil properties

The distribution of olive mill waste (OMW) in soil under specific conditions and restrictions seems to be an advantageous choice considering that it is a low-cost method and it recycles nutrients and returns organic carbon to the soil. In addition, it is regarded as a practice that contributes to climate change mitigation. The aim of this research was to investigate the potential of the natural zeolite clinoptilolite as a soil additive for using OMW sludge for vegetable cultivation and for eliminating the risk of soil and underground water degradation. For this purpose, a pot experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions in which pepper seedlings were transplanted and grown onto different substrates containing combinations of 0%, 2.5%, and 5.0% zeolite and 0%, 2.5%, and 5.0% OMW sludge (v/v). The plants were irrigated twice a week, while leachates were collected on a weekly basis for testing. The results indicate that the use of OMW sludge improved soil properties. Moreover, the use of clinoptilolite as a substrate did not cause any significant variations in the cultivation process although this led to an increase in exchangeable Na at phytotoxic levels. However, it was determined that the substrate consisting of 2.5% clinoptilolite and 2.5% OMW sludge produced the best results in terms of substrate and leachate properties. The results are considered to be useful in effectively treating OMW when combined with natural zeolite additives as this process enhances the physicochemical characteristics of soil without leading to major irreversible negative consequences.

Use of livestock waste composts as nursery growing media: Effect of a washing pre-treatment

The search for alternative materials for peat substitution in soilless systems has led to an increasing use of compost as ingredient of growing media. These materials may have similar characteristics to peat for their potential use as substitutes of this non-renewable material. However, the high salinity is one of the most usual limiting factors in compost for its use in growing media. This work evaluates the effect of the use of a washing pre-treatment to improve the quality of livestock waste-derived composts as peat substitutes in substrates for pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seedling production. For this, different growing media were prepared using as ingredients five composts from livestock manures and anaerobic digestates (M1, M2, M3, D1 and D2), with or without a washing pre-treatment. Each respective material was mixed with peat in the proportions 25 %, 50 % and 75 % (volume:volume), using as control treatment pure (100 %) peat. The main physico-chemical, chemical and physical characteristics of the composts before and after washing and those of the growing media were studied, as well as germination and biomass production of the seedlings. The use of a washing pre-treatment was effective in the reduction of compost salinity, without implying a negative effect on the physical properties and nutrient content of the growing media, which were adequate for being used in seedling production, as reflected in the beneficial effects on the germination and growth of pepper seedlings.

CaGnT-III, an N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase gene from pepper, positively regulates plants tolerance to abiotic stresses by enhancing antioxidant ability

As a common post-translational modification pathway, glycosylation plays important roles in maintaining proteins’ inherent conformations and normal functions. The contribution of core N-glycans formed in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to plant tolerance against salt stress has been well-studied; however, the knowledge about the involvement of complex N-glycans synthesized in Golgi apparatus is limited. Here, we report that a pepper N-acetylglucosaminyl-transferase III gene CaGnT-III, which takes part in the maturation of complex N-glycans, can respond to heat, salt, and drought stress. Furthermore, silencing of CaGnT-III compromises pepper tolerance and its overexpression enhances Arabidopsis tolerance, to the above abiotic stresses. Under stressed conditions, compared to those in the control with empty vector, in CaGnT-III silenced pepper seedlings, the increase of MDA (malondialdehyde) accumulation and the decrease of total chlorophyll content were aggravated, while the enhancement of proline content, CAT (catalase) and APX (ascorbate peroxidase) activities, and stress-related genes expression were weakened. On the contrary, overexpression of CaGnT-III in Arabidopsis presented the opposite results. Therefore, we speculate that CaGnT-III gene positively regulates the formation of plants tolerance to abiotic stress by enhancing antioxidant ability.

Growth and photochemical efficiency of photosystem ii in seedlings of 2 varieties of Capsicum annuum L. inoculated with rhizobacteria or arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

An alternative for sustainable management in the cultivation of Capsicum annuum L. has focused on the use of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). This research selected PGPRPGPR and AMF based on their effect on Bell Pepper and Jalapeño bell pepper plants. Five bacterial strains isolated from different localities in the state of Mexico (P61 [Pseudomonas tolaasii], A46 [P. tolaasii], R44 [Bacillus pumilus], BSP1.1 [Paenibacillus sp.] and OLs-Sf5 [Pseudomonas sp.]) and 3 AMF treatments (H1 [consortium isolated from Chile rhizosphere in the state of Puebla], H2 [Rhizophagus intraradices] and H3 [consortium isolated from lemon rhizosphere from the state of Tabasco]). In addition, a fertilized treatment (Steiner solution 25%) and an absolute control were included. Jalapeño bell pepper “Caloro” and Bell Pepper “California Wonder” seedlings were inoculated with AMF at sowing and with CPB 15 days after emergence, and grown under controlled environment chamber conditions. In Jalapeño bell pepper, the best bacterial strain was P61 and the best AMF treatment was H1; in Bell Pepper the best strain was R44 and the best AMF were H3 and H1. These microorganisms increased the growth of jalapeño bell pepper and Bell Pepper seedlings compared to the unfertilized control. Likewise, P61 and R44 positively benefited the photosynthetic capacity of PSII.

Working Speed Analysis of the Gear-Driven Dibbling Mechanism of a 2.6 kW Walking-Type Automatic Pepper Transplanter

The development of an automatic walking-type pepper transplanter could be effective in improving the mechanization rate in pepper cultivation, where the dibbling mechanism plays a vital role and determines planting performance and efficiency. The objective of this research was to determine a suitable working speed for a gear-driven dibbling mechanism appropriate for a pepper transplanter, while considering agronomic transplanting requirements. The proposed dibbling mechanism consisted of two dibbling hoppers that simultaneously collected free-falling seedlings from the supply mechanism and dibbled them into soil. To enable the smooth collection and plantation of pepper seedlings, analysis was carried out via a mathematical working trajectory model of the dibbling mechanism, virtual prototype simulation, and validation tests, using a physical prototype. In the mathematical model analysis and simulation, a 300 mm/s forward speed of the transplanter and a 60 rpm rotational speed of the dibbling mechanism were preferable in terms of seedling uprightness and low mulch film damage. During the field test, transplanting was conducted at a 40 mm planting depth, using different forward speed levels. Seedlings were freely supplied to the hopper from a distance of 80 mm, and the success rate for deposition was 96.79%. A forward speed of 300 mm/s with transplanting speed of 120 seedlings/min was preferable in terms of achieving a high degree of seedling uprightness (90 ± 3.26), a low rate of misplanting (8.19%), a low damage area on mulch film (2341.95 ± 2.89 mm2), high uniformity of planting depth (39.74 ± 0.48 mm), and low power consumption (40.91 ± 0.97 W).

Design and testing of the mechanical picking function of a high-speed seedling auto-transplanter

To improve the low transplanting efficiencies and simplify the complex structures of current automatic transplanters, a mechanical high-speed transplanter for picking plug seedlings that is suitable for planting on plastic films was designed. The main components were an automatic seedling picking system and a basket-type planting system, which were used for the following processes: automatic picking, planting, soil covering, and suppression of plug seedlings. The performance test was performed on the automatic transplanter with 60-day-old pepper seedlings. The transplanting efficiency was tested at speeds of 40, 60, 90, and 120 plants·min−1. The results showed that the coefficient of variation (CV) of the plant spacing and the missed transplanting rate increased with the planting frequency, whereas the qualified rate of planting perpendicularity and the qualified rate of planting decreased with the increase in the planting frequency. All planting indices met the JB/T 102912013 standards. The results of this study showed that the auto-transplanter could perform high-speed transplanting on the basis of completing the following functions: automatic picking, planting, soil covering, and suppression of plug seedlings.

Development of a multi-adaptive feeding device for automated plug seedling transplanter

In order to improve the adaptability of the seedling feeding devices to different plug trays for various seedlings, a multi-adaptive plug seedling feeding device for automatic field transplantation was developed. Its efficiency and adaptability have been improved using a seedling delivery device equipped with a row of end-effectors, which were provided with continuous plug seedlings by a compact seedling tray conveyor carrying out a reciprocating action. Each operation for the seedling feeding device could work automatically through a control system. Three categories of plug seedlings, cucumber, pepper and tomato seedlings, were tested. The results of the performance test for the prototype demonstrated that the best performance emerged in the cucumber seedlings in 50-cell trays with the highest success rate of 88% at the feeding frequency of 6 groups/min. The lowest success rate was 73.33% for the tomato seedlings in 105-cell trays at the feeding frequency of 12 groups/min. It can be concluded that the automated feeding device developed in this study could be used for various plug seedlings as a result of its strong adaptability. Keywords: plug seedling, automated feeding device, vegetable transplanting, control system DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20211402.6003 Citation: Shao Y Y, Han X, Xuan G T, Liu Y, Gao C, Wang G P, et al. Development of a multi-adaptive feeding device for automated plug seedling transplanter. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2021; 14(2): 91–96.

Emergência e crescimento de plântulas de pimenta Cambuci em diferentes substratos

Cambuci pepper (Chapéu de Bispo), is a species of Brazilian origin, widespread in various regions of the country. Consumed mainly in natura and present in typical national cuisine, it is also used in industry and in the decoration of environments. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the germination and emergence of Cambuci pepper seedlings in three commercial substrates (Click Mudas®, Forth Condicionador Floreiras® e Top Garden Floreiras®). The substrates were placed in expanded polystyrene trays, followed by the sowing of pepper seeds, which were then kept in a greenhouse until the evaluations. The following were evaluated: germination percentage (PG), germination speed index (IVG), shoot length (CPA), root length (CR), fresh shoot mass (MFPA), fresh root mass (MFR), shoot dry mass (MSPA) and root dry mass (MSR). The results indicate that the most suitable substrate for germination and emergence of Cambuci pepper seedlings is Top Garden Floreiras®.

Application of different combinations of lactic acid, phototrophic bacteria and yeast mixtures in control of seed and seedlings pathogens of tomato and pepper

Application of three combinations of lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus), phototrophic bacteria (Rhodopseudomonas palustris) and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) with sugar cane molasses, marked as: EM1, EM5 and EM AGRO, against the phytopathogenic fungi of tomato and pepper: Fusarium oxysporum, Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum sp., Verticilium dahliae and Pythium aphanidermatum was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. A combination of bacteria and yeast named EM5 showed the highest mycelium growth inhibition against B. cinerea (38.4%) in a double agar diffusion test. In a microdilution test, the combination EM1 showed the highest inhibitory effect on B. cinerea (MIC 1x10-3 ?l/ml), while EM5 showed a similar inhibitory effect towards F. oxysporum, A. alternata and Colletotrichum sp. (MIC 10 ?l/ml). The use of EM1 (in concentrations 10 and 100 ?l/ml) and EM AGRO (10 ?l/ml) is recommended for tomato seedling protection. ??1 (100 ?l/ml), ??5 and ?? AGRO (10 ?l/ml) are recommended for pepper seedling protection.

Produção de mudas de pimenteiras-de-cheiro utilizando Salvinia minima como substrato alternativo

The aim was to evaluate the production of sweet pepper seedlings using macrophyte Salvinia minima and charcoal as alternative substrate. The experiment was conducted in greenhouse at UFAC, municipality of Rio Branco, Acre. Seeds for seedling production were obtained from accessions in the municipality of Rio Branco. Design was completely randomized with five treatments and six replicates composed of the following proportions: 100% commercial substrate (100% cs); 100% Salvinia minima (100% Sm); 80% Salvinia minima + 20% charcoal (80% Sm + 20% ch); 60% Salvinia minima + 40% charcoal (60% Sm + 40% ch), and 40% Salvinia minima + 60% charcoal (40% Sm + 60% ch). Variables evaluated were: plant height (PH), neck diameter (ND), shoot dry mass (SDM), root dry mass (RDM) and Development Quality Index (DQI). Evaluations were carried out at 54 days after sowing. There was positive effect of substrate on seedling height, shoot dry matter, root dry matter, total dry matter and Development Quality Index. There was no significant effect on neck diameter. The use of Salvinia minima and charcoal promotes better production of sweet pepper seedlings.

Effects of Fenaminosulf on Growth of Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), Microbial Communities and Enzymatic Activities of the Soil Infested with Fusarium oxysporum

Pepper wilt disease is common in the production of pepper in Guizhou province, China and fenaminosulf is often used to prevent its occurrences in agricultural practices. To estimate the effects of fenaminosulf on the sustainable pepper production, a pot experiment for 93 d was conducted to investigate the effects of fenaminosulf on the growth of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), microbial communities and enzyme activities of the soil infested with phytopathogen Fusarium oxysporum. Four treatments: T1-seeding a week after pathogen inoculation in the soil, T2-seeding and soil drenching of fenaminosulf (at recommended dose) a week after pathogen inoculation in the soil, T3-pathogen inoculation in the soil at the first four to fiveleaf stage of pepper seedling and T4-soil drenching of fenaminosulf (at recommended dose) a week after pathogen inoculation in the soil at the first four to five-leaf stage of pepper seedling were established. The studies showed that T2 and T4 of fenaminosulf application obviously improved pepper survival rate, partially inhibited plant growth and development and significantly reduced soil bacterial quantity, but had no similar effects on the soil activities of catalase, urease and alkaline phosphatase. On the basis of stronger growth potential of plant, larger quantities of bacteria and actinomycetes and higher activities of catalase and alkaline phosphatase in the soil, T4 strategy might be reasonable for the production of pepper in the field where pepper wilt disease usually occurs.

Nanoparticles of cerium, iron, and silicon oxides change the metabolism of phenols and flavonoids in butterhead lettuce and sweet pepper seedlings

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of CeO2, Fe2O3, and SiO2 nanoparticles on the metabolism of phenols and flavonoids and the antioxidant status of butterhead lettuce and sweet pepper seedlings.

Biopriming of sweet pepper and tomato seeds with Ascophyllum nodosum

Organic agriculture has been growing in recent years; however, one of the limitations in this area is the treatment of seeds with natural products and less aggressive to the environment. Seed biopriming with brown seaweed extract can be used to improve the physiological quality of seeds. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of seed biopriming with Ascophyllum nodosum extracts (algae) on pepper and tomato seed quality. Pepper seeds of All Big and Alegria cultivars (cvs), and tomato seeds of Cereja and Rio Grande cvs were used. The extract concentrations were 0, 125, 250, and 375 ppm. A completely randomized design in a 2×4 factorial scheme was used. The variables analyzed were percentage germination; germination speed index; root and shoot length; and root and shoot dry weight. Sweet pepper biopriming at 125 ppm enhanced germination in 16.5% for All Big cv; but it did not benefit Alegria cv. A. nodosum as a biopriming provided an increase of 50% in root length growth in Alegria cv; although, it had a negative effect on the growth of pepper seedlings of the All Big cv at 375 ppm. Tomato seed biopriming with A. nodosum at 125 ppm, enhanced root and shoot growth by 38 and 31% of Cereja cv; Nevertheless, it did not provide higher levels of germination. For Rio Grande cv, shoot growth was benefited at 125 ppm, with approximately 1.04 cm larger than the control. The effect of Ascophyllum nodosum priming depended on its concentration and the cultivar given that, different responses were obtained, also due to the compounds of the extract.

Effect of Anadenathera macrocarpa (Benth) Brenan extracts in tomato, pepper and corn seedlings

The objective was to study the effect of ethanolic extracts of the leaves and bark of Anadenathera macrocarpa (angico-preto) on the germination and development of tomato, pepper and maize seedlings. For the bioassays, concentrations of 0, 250, 500 and 1,000 mg mL -1 were used. Fifty seeds of each plant species were used to eval­uate daily germination and ten seedlings were used to evaluate growth. The primary root growth of the maize was stimulated by the 250 mg mL -1 concentration of the leaf extract and in the presence of the bark extract the growth was linear. The germination speed index and germination percentage increased when using the concentrations of 615.8 and 724.4 mg mL -1 , respectively. The concentration of 654.9 mg mL -1 increased the hypocotyl length and that of 628.1 mg mL -1 increased the radicle length of pepper. The length of the tomato radicle was influenced by the concentrations; it was shorter as the concentration increased. Therefore, despite acting differently in each species, A. macrocarpa leaf and bark extracts interfere with the germination and growth of the tested crops.