Physiological Potential Of Seeds Research Articles

Seed biometry, growth, and seedling development of Adenium obesum (Forssk.) Roem. & Schult. in substrates

The desert rose (Adenium obesum (Forssk.) Roem. & Schult.) is a plant that has been widely used for garden ornamentation, holding significant importance in the landscaping and gardening market. Thus, establishing a way to perform biometric analysis and a seedling production system that offers significant utilization of water and available materials for substrate composition in each region is crucial for propagation and the quality of these plants. The objective of this study was to evaluate biometric aspects and investigate the influence of different substrates on the physiological potential of seeds and the initial growth of desert rose seedlings. This study was conducted at the Vitrine do Verde plant store located on Rodovia Dr. Ib Gatto Marinho Falcão, AL 101 south - Barra Nova, Marechal Deodoro – AL (9°43'31.2"S 35°49'46.6"W), with A. obesum seedlings produced from seeds. This study identified crucial points for seedling growth and development, providing information that allowed optimizing the production system with reduced costs. It was observed that among the substrates used, the use of treatment T3 composed of decomposed rice husk (55%) + carbonized rice husk (15%) + topsoil (15%) + peanut shell (15%) is preferable, as it proved to be efficient in the analyzed parameters. However, it is worth noting that further studies are necessary to increase knowledge and facilitate the cultivation of this highly appreciated crop.

Sweet pepper seed treatment with salicylic acid - effects on the physiological potential of seeds and seedling production

A qualidade da semente é um fator primordial no sucesso de cultivos. O tratamento de sementes pode contribuir para uniformizar parâmetros de qualidade de um lote de sementes, e por consequência da produção de mudas. Desta forma, o objetivo dessa pesquisa foi avaliar o efeito do tratamento de sementes de diferentes cultivares de pimentão, com doses de ácido salicílico, no potencial fisiológico de sementes e na produção de mudas. Os experimentos foram realizados em duas etapas: em laboratório para avaliação do potencial fisiológico, e em estufa agrícola, para avaliação do efeito dos tratamentos na produção de mudas. Foram utilizadas sementes de pimentão das cultivares All Big e Ikeda. O tratamento de sementes foi realizado com ácido salicílico nas doses de: 0, 0,1, 0,2, e 0,4 (mM). Após o tratamento as sementes foram submetidas a: teste de germinação, e crescimento de plântulas em condições normais e em meio salino (em laboratório). Na segunda etapa as sementes foram utilizadas na produção de mudas de pimentão em estufa agrícola, e avaliou-se: emergência de plantas, altura de plantas, número de folhas, comprimento de raízes, massa seca de plantas, durante 35 dias. Foi possível concluir-se que, nas condições em que foi realizada essa pesquisa não foram observados efeitos de incremento no potencial fisiológico de sementes de pimentão, cultivares All Big e Ikeda, em função do tratamento de sementes com doses entre 0 a 0,4mM de AS; assim como não se observou efeitos positivos de estimulo de crescimento de mudas. Ainda, observou-se redução em alguns parâmetros, tanto em laboratório, quanto em casa de vegetação, com o aumento das doses, especialmente para a cultivar Ikeda, que de maneira geral teve um efeito inibitório com o aumento das doses de AS.

Physiological potential of soybean seeds treated and stored under uncontrolled conditions

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the isolated effect and the combination of products in the chemical treatment on the physiological potential of soybean seeds with different vigor levels, after different storage periods. The study was divided into four experiments, with different storage periods: 0, 45, 90 and 135 days, all with a completely randomized design, with four replicates. The treatments were arranged in a 12 x 2 (A x B) factorial scheme, in which factor A consisted of the application of seed treatment and factor B consisted of initial vigor levels. The physiological potential of the seeds was determined by means of the following evaluations: first germination count, seed germination, seedling emergence in the sand substrate, accelerated aging with NaCl-saturated solution, vigor index and average seedling length (Vigor-S®). Storage of seeds under uncontrolled conditions causes greater deterioration, and this process can be intensified by previous chemical treatment of the seeds. Among the products studied, the use of drying powder alone was the treatment that caused the greatest losses in the different situations studied. To ensure the maintenance of the physiological potential of soybean seeds, treatment should be carried out as close as possible to sowing.

Evaluation of the physiological potential of Panicum maximum seeds by multivariate analysis

The aim of this work was to identify efficient vigor tests for differentiating the seed lots, forecasting seedling emergence in the field and assessing the physiological quality of Panicum maximum seeds. 12 seed lots from the cultivar Tanzania and 11 seed lots from the cultivar Massai were evaluated for water content, germination, first count and germination speed index, emergence and first emergence count of seedlings in sand, root length and shoot length, analysis of SVIS® images (seedling length, vigor and uniformity index) and seedling emergence in the field. The work was conducted in a completely randomized design for tests performed in the laboratory and in randomized blocks for tests in the field. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and the means compared by Scott Knott's test at 5% probability and statistical multivariate clustering analysis and principal components analysis. The shoot and root length tests are efficient for the evaluation of the physiological potential of P. maximum cv. Massai, while the seedling length, vigor index and growth uniformity index tests using image analysis, seedling emergence in sand and first seedling emergence count in sand are efficient in assessing the physiological potential of seeds of P. maximum cv. Tanzania, and providing information similar to that of seedling emergence in the field.

Water absorption and storage tolerance of soybean seeds with contrasting seed coat characteristics

Seed coat characteristics may be related to seed quality and longevity, attracting the interest of breeding programs. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the water absorption parameters and storage tolerance of soybean seeds with contrasting seed coat characteristics. For this purpose, seeds of five soybean cultivars with different seed coat colors and lignin contents were used. Before storage, the seed coat lignin content, moisture content, water absorption rate in 11 hydration periods (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 24, 32, and 48 hours), hydration speed index, germination, viability, and seed vigor were determined. After six months of storage in a dry and cold chamber (at 11ºC and 54% relative humidity [RH]) and uncontrolled environment (at 25ºC and 71% RH), the seeds were evaluated for germination, viability, and vigor to quantify changes in their physiological quality during storage and relate them to the seeds water absorption parameters for the different cultivars. The seed coat lignin content is negatively correlated with the seeds water absorption parameters. Soybean cultivars have different storage tolerance levels. Seeds that absorb larger amounts of water have lower tolerance to deterioration related to temperature and relative humidity fluctuations that occur in storage under uncontrolled conditions, negatively affecting the physiological potential of seeds.

Allelopathic activity of Piptadenia moniliformis Benth. on the physiological potential of seeds of Amburana cearensis Allem.

The adoption of agroforestry systems or reforestation programs contributes to the economy of a region in a sustainable way, since the adopted species can be exploited by the cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical industries. For the establishment of plant species in a given area, studies are needed on the interaction that can develop between them, with emphasis on research on allelopathy. Given the above, the aim of this study was to evaluate the allelopathic effect of the aqueous extract of leaves of the native species Piptadenia moniliformis on the initial development of the forest species Amburana cearensis. The aqueous extract was used at different concentrations. (0 - water, 25, 50, 75 and 100%), adopting a completely randomized design. The following characteristics were evaluated: emergence percentage, emergence speed index, mean emergence time, shoot and root length and total shoot, root and total dry part of normal seedlings. The 100% concentration of the aqueous extract of P. moniliformis leaves reduced the emergence percentage of A. cearensis seedlings. A smaller number of normal seedlings was observed at concentrations of 75 and 100%. The initial development of seedlings was hampered by the increase in extract concentrations. The aqueous extract of fresh leaves of P. moniliformis provides a negative allelopathic effect for both emergence and early development of A. cearensis seedlings, therefore intercropped cultivation among the forest species is not recommended.

Viability of seeds of some tropical tree species during storage

For most forest species the irregularity of fruiting, low seed production and spatial distribution of trees, make it impossible to supply seeds to meet seedling production programs. On the other hand, to prevent subsequent years of low production and maintain seed viability, it is necessary to adopt adequate storage procedures. Therefore, the objectives of the study were to evaluate the influence of water content and storage conditions on the physiological potential of seeds of Colubrina glandulosa Perkins (Rhamnaceae), Chloroleucon dumosum (Benth.) G.P. Lewis (Fabaceae), Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong (Fabaceae), Mimosa bimucronata (DC.) O. Kuntze (Fabaceae) and Sapindus saponaria L. (Sapindaceae), which are native tree species in tropical forests in South America. The seeds were placed in paper packaging and glass packaging and stored in a laboratory environment (uncontrolled), during storage periods of zero (recently harvested), three, six, nine, 12 and 15 months. For each storage period, the water content and physiological potential of the seeds were evaluated. The design was entirely randomized with four repetitions of 25 seeds. The germination (G) and germination uniformity (U) data were subjected to analysis of variance in a 2 x 6 factorial arrangement (two types of packaging x six storage periods), and application of polynomial regression. Seeds of Colubrina glandulosa, Chloroleucon dumosum, Enterolobium contortisiliquum, Mimosa bimucronata and Sapindus saponaria, packed in paper packaging or glass packaging, and stored under uncontrolled conditions of natural environment, presented higher G and U, in the storage period of 15 months. The physiological potential of the seeds can be maintained for a long time, as long as they are packed in a glass container with an adequate initial water content. With a water content of 8.2, 8.1, 7.9, 8.4% and 12.1%, the seeds of Colubrina glandulosa, Chloroleucon dumosum, Enterolobium contortisiliquum, Mimosa bimucronata and Sapindus saponaria, respectively, maintain the viability during storage. Therefore, the solution to store these seeds would be to rigorously dry them, and then use waterproof packaging. It is recommended that for the storage of seeds of these tree species, they are previously packaged in glass containers

Assessing the vigor of cowpea seeds using the Vigor-S software

Abstract: The use of computational resources to assess the physiological potential of seeds has attracted the attention of researchers and professionals in the seed sector. The aim of this study was to evaluate the vigor of cowpea seeds using the Vigor-S software (Automated Seed Vigor Analysis System), in comparison to the information provided by traditional vigor tests that are recommended for the species. Seven seed lots of the cultivar BRS Guariba were used. They underwent germination and seed vigor assessment by testing first germination count, accelerated aging, electrical conductivity, seedling emergence, speed of seedling emergence and use of Vigor-S, an automated image system for seedling assessment, in two evaluation periods. The data underwent analysis of variance, in a completely randomized design and their means were compared by the Scott-Knott test (p ≤ 0.05). An analysis was made of the correlation between the vigor tests traditionally used and the variables provided by Vigor-S. Using the Vigor-S software for automated image analysis of cowpea seedlings three days after sowing is an efficient alternative to detect differences in vigor between seed lots, similarly to traditional seed vigor evaluations.

MANAGEMENT OF GLYPHOSATE-RESISTANT HAIRY FLEABANE AND CONTRIBUTION OF THE PHYSIOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF SEEDS TO RESISTANCE

ABSTRACT Hairy fleabane (Conyza bonariensis L.) is a major weed of the conventional crop systems. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to assess the responses of glyphosate-susceptible (S) and -resistant (R) C. bonariensis at various developmental stages and evaluate the physiological potential of seeds to propose alternative herbicides for the control of this weed. Two experiments were performed in replicates. The first experiment was performed in a greenhouse, arranged in a 2 x 3 x 10 factorial design. Specifically, two hairy fleabane biotypes (S and R) at different developmental stages (I, II, and III) were subjected to various treatments (glyphosate, chlorimuron-ethyl, metsulfuron-methyl, diclosulam, ammonium glufosinate, paraquat, paraquat+diuron, diquat, 2,4-D, and control). Percentage control was evaluated at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after the application of the treatments (DAT), and shoot dry mass (SDM) was measured at 28 DAT. The second experiment was performed in a laboratory to evaluate the physiological potential of seeds based on the weight of 1000 seeds (TSW); shoot length (SL), radicle length (RL), total length (TL), fresh seedling mass (FSM), dry seedling mass (DSM), accelerated aging (AA) and cold test (CT), and germination (G) in response to cold and accelerated aging. The alternative herbicides tested effectively controlled biotype R up to the stage -I. Seeds of biotype R showed higher physiological potential in terms of all analyzed variables and exhibited greater tolerance to adverse conditions during seedling establishment. Therefore, strategies for the management of glyphosate-resistant hairy fleabane should aim at preventing new seed production.

Physiological potential of corn seeds with different sizes and vigor levels subjected to micronutrient treatment

Micronutrients are used in small amounts by plants and changes in metabolic processes of seeds can improve germination and vigor; however, little is known about the effects of the combination of Zn, Co, and Mo on corn seeds. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the application of Zn, Co, and Mo on the physiological potential of corn seeds of different sizes and levels of vigor. A randomized 2×2×3 factorial design was adopted, with two levels of vigor (high and low), two seed sizes (18 and 22 mm), and three doses of liquid fertilizer containing micronutrients (0, 2, and 4 mL kg-1). The physiological potential of the seeds was evaluated based on germination and vigor tests. High vigor corn seeds had greater physiological potential compared to low vigor seeds. Regarding size, small seeds (18 mm) had higher percentages of germination and vigor than the large seeds (22 mm). Seed treatment with micronutrients (Co, Mn, and Zn) resulted in improved emergence in the field, shoot length, and dry mass of large and small seeds with the application dose of 2 mL kg-1, and the application dose of 4 mL kg-1 enhanced emergence in the field of large seeds and germination after the cold test of low vigor seeds of both sizes.

Hydration methods and physiological potential of sweet corn seeds

The evaluation of the physiological potential of sweet corn seeds is fundamental in the production process, because the germination and vigor reflect the potential for storage, commercialization and use of these seeds. The choice of vigor tests with an adequate and efficient analysis methodology is fundamental to obtaining reliable results. In this sense, the objective of this study was to assess the physiological potential of sweet corn seeds after hydration using different moistening methods to increase water content to 20%. First, the lot of seeds was characterized as to its moisture content and initial physiological potential. Subsequently, two experiments were conducted, both under a completely randomized design. In the first experiment, different volumes of water on the filter paper sheets were assessed for seed hydration a method that uses a wet substrate. In the second, four hydration methods were evaluated: wet substrate (WS), humid atmosphere (HU), immersion in water (IW) and addition of the required amount of water (WR). A constant temperature of 25ºC was used in both experiments and then the moisture content and physiological potential of seeds were determined. The humid atmosphere method reduces the physiological quality of sweet corn seeds because it favors the deterioration and hence is unsuitable for the hydration of seeds of this species. The wet substrate method, in an amount equivalent to 2.5 times the paper mass, increased the water content of sweet corn seeds to 20%, achieving the desired degree of moisture without altering their physiological potential.

Viability of seedling image analysis (Vigor-S) to determine the physiological potential of melon seeds

Abstract: Melon is a vegetable crop of food and nutritional importance whose cultivation is growing worldwide. In this sense, investments in technologies are necessary, especially regarding the quality of seeds used in the establishment of new areas. This study aimed to verify the effectiveness of the Automated Seed Vigor Analysis System (Vigor-S) in the evaluation of the physiological potential of melon seeds. Eight seed lots (four lots of the hybrid Supreme and four of the hybrid Premier) were used. The physiological potential of the seeds was evaluated through tests indicated for analyzing the quality of melon seeds associated with the image analysis by using the software Vigor-S, which included the analysis of seedlings from the germination test and accelerated aging in saturated NaCl solution. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, with five replications. The results indicated the effectiveness of Vigor-S, especially when it was used associated with the accelerated aging test in saturated NaCl solution, with results similar to those obtained in traditional vigor tests. Thus, the Automated Seed Vigor Analysis System (Vigor-S) was effective in evaluating the physiological potential of melon seeds.

Exogenous application of biostimulant in zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) subjected to salt stress

The physiological potential of seeds is one of the main factors that should be considered at the planting of a crop. This study aimed to evaluate the exogenous application of biostimulant in zucchini, cv. Caserta Italiana, under salt stress conditions. For this, the experiment was divided into two parts. The first one was carried out in the laboratory, using a completely randomized experimental design, in a 5 x 3 factorial scheme (biostimulant doses and seed soaking times), with four replicates of 25 seeds. The second one was carried out in a greenhouse, in a completely randomized experimental design, in a 2 x 6 factorial scheme with four replicates, corresponding to two levels of irrigation water salinity (0.5 and 5.0 dS m-1) and six forms of biostimulant application in seeds and leaves. Treatment of zucchini seeds, cv. Caserta Italiana, with biostimulant (Stimulate®) at the dose of 10 mL L-1, for 8 hours, proved to be viable and resulted in vigorous seedlings when irrigated with 5.0 dS m-1 saline water.

Temperature and light under the physiological potential of seeds of Handroanthus impetiginosus

H. impetiginosus belongs to the Bignoniaceae family; it has a great potential for economic exploitation and can be used in landscaping of urban areas, reforestation, recovery of degraded areas, and folk medicine. The experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of light and temperature regimes on the germination and vigor of Handroanthus impetiginosus seeds at the Seed Analysis Laboratory of UFRPE/UAG. The seeds were subjected to light regimes: white, far red, red, and no light at 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, and 40°C, using a completely randomized experimental design in a factorial scheme (4 × 6), with four repetitions of 25 seeds. The different light regimes did not influence the seed germination of H. impetiginosus. The highest germination percentage (92%) and germination speed index (7.94) were obtained at temperatures 28.2°C and 29.2°C, respectively, both under red light. The longest seedling length was also obtained from the seeds subjected to red light regime at 25°C. The temperatures of 15°C and 40°C inhibited the germination of H. impetiginosus seeds. H. impetiginosus seeds are classified as neutral photoblastics, and constant temperatures of 28.2°C and 29.2°C provided maximum germination.

Sowing dates and densities on physiological potential of seeds of white oat cultivars

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological potential of seeds of white oat cultivars grown at different sowing dates and densities. Two independent experiments were conducted with two different sowing dates in a randomized block experimental design in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement, with four replications. The treatments consisted of four sowing densities (180, 240, 300, and 360 viable seed.m-2) and two cultivars (IPR Afrodite and IPR Artemis). The following evaluations were made: thousand seed weight, germination percentage, first germination count, seedling length, seedling dry matter, emergence speed index, and seedling emergence in sand. Joint analysis of variance was carried out on the data regarding sowing dates separately for the cultivars. The mean values for sowing dates were compared by the F test; and polynomial regression analysis up to the second degree at 5% probability was conducted on the densities. The seeds produced by the plants grown from the first sowing date had better vigor than those produced by plants from the later sowing date. The increase in sowing density reduces the weight and vigor of the seeds produced by plants from the second sowing date. For the IPR Afrodite and IPR Artemis cultivars, the use of 180 seed.m-2 in the first growing period allows production of seeds with greater physiological potential.

Tests to evaluate the physiological potential of Mombasa grass seeds

Identifying fast and efficient tests to evaluate the vigor of forage grass seed lots is desirable in the quality control programs of the companies in this sector. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the efficiency of vigor tests on the physiological quality of seeds of Panicum maximum, cv. Mombasa, for the differentiation of lots and prediction of seedling emergence in the field. Nineteen seed lots were subjected to evaluations of moisture content, germination, first count, germination speed index, seedling emergence in sand, first count of seedling emergence in sand, seedling root and shoot lengths, seedling emergence in the field and computerized analysis of seedling images obtained through SVIS® software. The experimental design was completely randomized for the tests performed in the laboratory and randomized blocks for the emergence test in the field. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and the means were compared by Scott-Knott test at 5% probability level. Cluster analysis of seed lots and principal component analysis were performed. The uniformity index, evaluated by image analysis and by the root length test, is efficient in evaluating the physiological potential of seeds of Panicum maximum, cv. Mombasa, providing information similar to those obtained with the test of seedling emergence in the field.

Potassium leaching test in evaluation of popcorn seed vigor

Abstract: The search for tests that offer fast and reliable information on the physiological potential of seeds is of fundamental importance for quality control programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the potassium leaching test in identification of different vigor levels of popcorn seed lots. Five seed lots of the hybrids AP8203 and AP4512 were tested for moisture content, and physiological quality was evaluated by tests of germination, first count of germination, and seedling emergence in the field. These results were compared to variations in the potassium leaching test (temperatures of 25 °C and 30 °C, volumes of 50 mL and 75 mL of water, fifty and one hundred seeds, and periods of 0.5 h, 1 h, 1.5 h, 2 h, 2.5 h, 3 h, 4 h and 5 h). Results showed that the potassium leaching test is efficient in separating the popcorn seed lots regarding physiological potential, and the most adequate conditions for this test are the use of fifty seeds with 50 mL of water for two hours at 30 ºC.

Semi-automated Phenotyping of Soybean Seedlings and Its Relation With Physiological Seed Quality

The development of procedures enabling agility and effectiveness to the analyses of seed vigor are great advances for the seed research field. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the efficiency of the Seedling Analysis System (SAPL®) to seedling phenotyping and determining the physiological potential of soybean seeds, in comparison with the information provided by traditional vigor tests recommended for this species. The characterizing of physiological potential of the seed lots was carried out based on germination tests, first germination count, seedling emergence, cold test, and electrical conductivity. The results of these tests were compared with the data obtained using image analysis with the software SAPL®, which was used to evaluate the development seven- day old seedlings. It was obtained the length of shoot, primary root and entire seedling, growth rates, uniformity, vigor index and corrected vigor index, based on different variations of the growth/uniformity ratio, namely 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, in the vigor index calculation. Analysis of images of the seven-day old seedlings using SAPL® enables phenotyping of soybean seedlings and is a consistent and promising alternative for identifying differences in vigor between soybean seed lots, equivalent to that found with traditional vigor tests.

Electrical conductivity test in soybean seeds with reduced imbibition period

The search for vigor tests that offer fast and reliable information about the physiological potential of seeds is fundamental in quality control. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of different temperatures associated with the reduction of soybean imbibition period in the electrical conductivity test. Seven seed lots of the cultivar TMG 7062 IPRO were used in this assessment. For the initial characterization of the lots, we determined the water content, the first and the final count of the germination test, the emergence, the accelerated aging, and the traditional electrical conductivity. The other method used for the electrical conductivity test consisted of 20 replicates of 10 seeds which were placed in plastic cups with 25ml of deionized water, and soaked in 10 min, 30 min, 60 min, and 120 min at temperatures of 30oC, 35oC, 40oC, and 45oC. The experimental design was completely randomized. We were able to reduce the imbibition period since its results were similar to those of the traditional methodology. The electrical conductivity test performed using the 30 minutes imbibition period at temperatures of 30oC or 35oC provides consistent information that allows the identification of lots of soybean seeds with different levels of vigor.

Physiological potential of seeds and morphological characterization of Campomanesia adamantium seedlings

Abstract The cultivation of native fruit species depends on the existence of consistent technical and scientific information on the germination and vigor of seeds for efficient management by seedling producers. The evaluation of the physiological potential of seeds is performed through germination and vigor tests, which must be standardized to ensure the generation of accurate information. For Campomanesia adamantium, information on parameters for conducting physiological tests is scarce. The aims of this work were (i) to evaluate the effect of temperature and seed positioning on the substrate for seed germination and vigor, and (ii) to characterize and describe the essential structures and main types of seedling abnormality. After harvest, fruits were pulped and, after seed extraction, germination tests were carried out for 42 days at three temperatures (20, 25 and 30 °C), with seeds positioned in the germination substrate in two ways (between paper and on paper). Seed vigor was evaluated by means of the first germination count (performed on the 20th day) and the germination rate index. The temperature and substrate interaction did not influence variables under study. The position of seeds on the substrate did not influence the physiological potential results. No differences were observed between seed germination temperatures; however, seeds submitted to germination at 25 °C showed higher vigor compared to the other temperatures. Germination and vigor tests, based on seedling performance, should be performed at constant temperature of 25 °C and seed positioning between paper and on paper may be used. Germination in C. adamantium was characterized as epigeal.