Physiological Quality Of Seeds Research Articles

English

The study aimed to evaluate the yield components and physiological quality of rice seeds produced, obtained from coated seeds with rice rusk ash and kaolin®. Treatments consisted of coating rice seeds with two sources of silicon (silicate of aluminum-70% SiO2 (kaolin® and rice husk ash- 95% SiO2) at doses of 0; 30; 60; 90 and 120 g.100 kg-1 seed. Yield components were evaluated: Seed yield per plant, number of panicles per plant and number of seeds per plant. The seeds were subjected to germination, first count, total length, and root seedling tests to evaluate seeds physiological quality. Seed coating provided no increase in seed yield per plant and number of panicles per plant. However, there was an increase in the number of seeds produced for the cv. IRGA 424. In the cv. Puita Inta CL was observed an increase in the number of panicles per plant. As for seed quality, increases in germination were observed when seeds were treated with rice husk ash and the untreated seeds for both cultivars. Key words: Oryza sativa L., vigor, germination, rice husk ash, kaolin.

Physiological quality in maize seeds using conventional methods and NIR spectroscopy

Maize is one of the most important cereals, and stands out for its wide genetic diversity, adaptation to the most diverse climate conditions, and being, both directly and indirectly, the most basic food source of man. Globally, production is dependent on seed quality. Known methodologies for evaluating seed quality require improvement in developing technologies capable of achieving, in less time, results for the targets under evaluation. The aim of this study, therefore, was to compare conventional vigour testing with the ability of NIR technology to classify the physiological quality of maize seeds, cv. DKB-290-HS. For the experiment, which was conducted in a completely randomised design (CRD), six Batches of 200 seeds were used, with four replications. Conventional methods of evaluating seed vigour were used in the study. For the evaluation using the near-infrared (NIR) method, the seeds were placed with the embryo facing the source of electromagnetic waves. The resulting spectra were analysed by the Pirouette software using the PLS-DA method. The conventional methods for vigour, and the NIR technique both efficiently detected the levels of physiological quality. NIR also revealed the differences between Batches, classifying the physiological quality of maize seeds, cv. DKB-290-HS, into different levels quickly and efficiently.

Initial development and physiological potential of soybean and maize as a function of vigor level and seed size

This work aimed to evaluate the initial development of soybean and maize plants due to the vigor level and the seed size used. Soybean seeds of cultivar 5855 RSF IPRO (BMX ELITE) and hybrid maize Fórmula Viptera were classified in two sizes of sieve (6.00 and 6.50 mm - soybean; 7.50 and 7.00 mm - maize) and two levels of vigor for soybean and three levels of vigor for maize. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 2 x 2 bifactorial scheme (sieve size x vigor levels) for soybean and 2 x 3 (sieve size x vigor levels) for maize, with four replications. The variables evaluated were germination, first germination count and emergence in bed. In the evaluation of seedling initial performance, shoot, root and total length, volume and dry mass were evaluated at 7, 11 and 14 days after sowing for soybean and at 7, 14 and 21 days for maize seeds. High vigor soybean and maize seeds presented high physiological quality, as well as in the development of plants, where larger and of high vigor soybean seeds showed higher plant length and dry mass. The classification of seeds through the level of vigor influences the physiological quality of soybean and maize seeds. Larger seeds with higher vigor showed greater length and initial development of seedlings, being indicated the use of seeds of something vigor

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.

Physiological and sanitary attributes of organic lettuce seeds treated with essential oils during storage

The use of quality seeds becomes crucial in the seed production system. In the production of organic seeds, there is a need for specific techniques. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the applications of clove, lemongrass, rosemary, eucalyptus, ginger and tea tree essential oils in different concentrations of lettuce seeds. Seed quality was determined by physical (water content), physiological (germination and vigor) and sanitary parameters, immediately after the application of essential oils and after 180 days of storage. The design was completely randomized in a factorial scheme (6x5) with four replications. The application of rosemary, ginger and tea tree essential oils to the seeds shortly after harvest did not interfere with germination. The other essential oils resulted in reduced germination and vigor. Increasing the concentration of essential oils, especially clove and lemongrass, reduced germination, vigor and incidence of fungi. It was concluded that Clove, Lemongrass, eucalyptus, ginger, Rosemary and tea tree essential oils reduced the physiological quality of lettuce seeds and inhibited the development of Alternaria sp. lettuce.

Coat Colour Grading of the Scots Pine Seeds Collected from Faraway Provenances Reveals a Different Germination Effect

The physiological quality of pine seeds is characterized by laboratory and field germination. The present paper is intended for technologists of seed plants and specialists of forest nurseries. It offers a solution to improve the seeding characteristics of small seeds by their pre-sowing preparation. The success of reforestation activities directly depends on the quality of the seeds. The influence of seed sorting by seed size and seed coat colour has been theoretically substantiated and repeatedly tested in practice. However, the response of seeds in germination can vary depending on the year and place of seed collection. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seeds were germinated under controlled conditions. Seedlings were obtained from seeds pre-sorted by seed coat colour into white, brown, and black groups, and further divided by size. The results of sorting by the colour of seed coat indicate a different effect of this pre-sowing treatment on the sowing qualities of seeds. Brown seed coat colour showed the highest percentage degree in the seedlots of all provenances. The seeds from the southern provenance with the brown seed coat colour shown the maximum germination. That said, the study raises new questions, indicating more comprehensive research in the future. Does the pattern of germination parameter distribution remain constant for seeds of other harvest years but of the same provenance? Does the variability of the germination factor the result of internal factors of the container location in the greenhouse? Is the genetic diversity of seedlings disturbed by sorting by size?

Herbicides in soybean development: productive aspects and physiological quality of seeds

The objective was to evaluate the production components of soybean and the physiological quality of seeds according to the application of subdoses of herbicides at the reproductive stage of healthy plants. The treatments consisted of the application of glyphosate (122.5 g acid equivalent [ae] ha-1), chlorimuron (1.75 g active ingredient [ai] ha-1), 2,4-D (134 g ae ha-1), fomesafen (60 g ai ha-1), glufosinate (55 g ai ha-1), paraquat (35 g ai ha-1), and control (no application). The chlorophyll index, agronomic performance, and physiological quality of seeds were evaluated. Glyphosate, chlorimuron, fomesafen, or glufosinate resulted in an increase in soybean plant height. Chlorimuron increased yield compared to the control. Paraquat or glufosinate, despite the injury, did not reduce yield, but the application of these herbicides is not recommended to stimulate plant development, given the potential for injury. The 2,4-D was the only one that caused a reduction in the physiological quality of soybean seeds.

Accelerated aging test in the determination of safflower seeds vigor

In assessing the quality of seed lots, the vigor tests are complementary to the germination test and they identify differences in the degree of deterioration of the lots. For safflower, there is little information regarding these tests. In this way, the intention of this study was to adapt the accelerated aging test methodology to assess the physiological potential of safflower seeds (Carthamus tinctorius). For this purpose, 12 seed lots were evaluated for thousand-seed weight, germination, first germination count, seedling emergence test (emergence percentage, emergence speed index, relative emergence frequency and the initial, final and mean times) and accelerated aging. For the accelerated aging test, the traditional and saline methods were used. For this, the samples were conditioned in periods of 0, 8, 16, 24, 32 and 48 hours at 42 °C. Afterwards, they were submitted to the germination test, with evaluation of normal seedlings on the 3rd day. The 12 lots were evaluated within each period, in independent experiments. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and the means were compared using the Scott-Knott clustering method at 5% probability. In the traditional accelerated aging test the periods of 16, 24, 32 and 48 hours were more efficient in differentiating the lots in vigor levels, as they stratified the lots in three classes and the time of 8 hour classified the lots in two levels of vigor. In the accelerated saline aging method the time 32 hours were more efficient since it ranked seed lots at three levels of vigor and the periods of 8, 16 and 24 hour stratified the lots in two levels. In results obtained by the principal component analysis it was verified. The variables traditional accelerated aging for 24 and 32 hours correlated with emergence in the field. Therefore, the traditional accelerated aging test at 42 °C for 24 hours are promising for evaluating the physiological quality of safflower seeds.

Physiological and sanitary quality of ryegrass seeds submitted to different defoliation frequencies

ABSTRACT: This study determined the effect of different defoliation frequencies in a long-cycle ryegrass cultivar on yield components and the physiological and sanitary quality of seeds. Four defoliation frequencies were applied (without, one, two, and three defoliations). The time between defoliations was 350 degree-days. At the first, second, and third defoliation time, the plants were 15 cm, 20 cm, and 35 cm, respectively, and were lowered to half their height. The yield components and plant structure were evaluated through the tillers, along with the physiological quality of the seeds, which was verified by germination tests, first germination count, accelerated aging, tetrazolium test, field emergence, and weight of a thousand seeds. For the sanitary quality analysis, the percentage (%) of fungi incidence in the seeds was verified. The second defoliation determined the seeds’ high physiological and sanitary quality due to the higher amount of primary and secondary tillers produced concerning the other treatments. However, there was no significant difference for the third defoliation since the aerial tillers issued the same quality of seeds originated from primary and secondary tillers. The average incidence of fungi such as Colletotrichum sp., Fusarium sp., Phoma sp., and Dreshslera spp. was lower in ryegrass plants subjected to three defoliations.

Ethanol test to evaluate the physiological quality of forest seeds

Abstract: Rapid tests that allow the assessment of physiological potential are essential parameters for quality seed and seedling production programs. The aim of this work was to establish parameters of a method for evaluating the vigor of seeds of native species through the analysis of ethanol production, measured with a modified alcohol meter. Six lots of Myracrodruon urundeuva were tested, and for each lot 1.0 g and 2.0 g of seeds were soaked for two, four, six, eight and 24 hours. Seven lots of Cenostigma pyramidale and five lots of Amburana cearensis were tested, where 20 seeds were soaked for two, four, six, eight and 24 h. The physiological quality of the seeds was also evaluated by germination and electrical conductivity tests. The use of 1.0 g of seeds soaked in 0.5 mL of water and evaluation of ethanol at six hours distinguished lots of M. urundeuva in terms of vigor. For C. pyramidale and A. cearensis, 20 seeds soaked in 1.0 mL of water and ethanol evaluation at six hours proved to be more efficient. The ethanol test proved to be fast and accurate, allowing differentiation of lots, as well as germination and electrical conductivity tests.

Physiological quality of soybean seeds and the influence of maturity group

Abstract: Productive soybean genotypes is one of the main objectives of soybean breeding programs. However, there are few studies on the selection of characteristics associated with the quality and performance of soybean seeds. The objective in this study was to predict physiological and genetic parameters associated with seed quality in segregating soybean populations derived from parents of differing maturity groups. Eight genotypes of the F2:3 segregating soybean population (numbered 163, 24, 57, 108, 164, 169, 157, and 81) cultivated in the 2018/19 harvest were evaluated. To conduct the experiment, a completely randomized design was used. The physiological quality of the seeds was evaluated by germination test, tetrazolium test, and image analysis. Statistical analyses were performed by using a mixed model approach. Greater seed vigor was observed in the genotypes 108, 164, and 169, whose results were among the best for most of the analyzed parameters. The greater mechanical damage and damage due to stink bugs can explain the lower vigor of some seeds, as observed in genotypes 57 and 163, while weathering damage did not correspond to the results of the seed vigor tests. The analyses indicated a greater influence of genetic characteristics than of relative maturity group on the responses of the genotypes. No effect of relative maturity group on soybean seed vigor was evident.

Nitrogen fertilization and sowing density on yield and physiological quality of wheat seeds

Abstract: The optimal combination between sowing density and nitrogen (N) fertilization rate is a challenge for the production of high-quality seeds, considering the diversity of genotypes and environments. This study aimed to evaluate the yield and physiological quality of wheat seeds as a function of sowing density and N rate, under different edaphoclimatic conditions. The experiment was carried out in three environments (Londrina, Cascavel, and Ponta Grossa) in a randomized block design with four replications, considering a 2 × 3 × 4 factorial arrangement composed of two genotypes (BRS Anambé and WT 15-025), three sowing densities (250, 350, and 450 seeds.m−2), and four N rates (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg.ha−1). The following seed features were evaluated: yield, first germination count, final seed germination, seedling emergence, emergence speed index, seedling length, and seedling dry matter. Seed yield varied as a function of environment and genotype. BRS Anambé produced seeds with higher physiological quality. The optimal combination between sowing density and N rate that provided the more suitable economic yield, without affecting the physiological quality of wheat seeds, varied with the environment and was estimated in 250 seeds.m−2 × 0 kg.ha−1 N for Londrina and Cascavel, and 350 seeds.m−2 × 18 kg.ha−1 N for Ponta Grossa.

Nanopartículas e terapia fotodinâmica no tratamento e no controle de Alternaria alternata em sementes de trigo

ABSTRACT The expansion of wheat crops (Triticum spp.) to the Brazilian Cerrado highlights the need to use pathogen-free seeds. This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of nanoparticles (NPs) and photodynamic therapy (PhT) in inhibiting the in vitro growth of the fungus Alternaria alternata, in its treatment and control in naturally contaminated wheat seeds, and in the physiological quality of the seeds. The efficacy of NPs (ZnOCl, ZnOCl:1Cu, ZnOCl:0.1Ag; ZnO:1Cu, ZnO, and ZnO:1Ag) and PhT using methylene blue (MB) and toluidine blue (TB) dyes was evaluated in inhibiting the mycelial growth of A. alternata and in the treatment and control of the pathogen in wheat seeds by evaluating germination, emergence, GSI, ESI, accelerated ageing, and health. All NPs at 2.5 and 5 mg mL-1 concentrations and the dyes MB, TB, MB + TB at 50 and 100 µmol L-1 inhibited mycelial growth and reduced the incidence of A. alternata in the seeds. The NP ZnO:1Ag at 5 mg mL-1 and the MB + TB dye at 100 µmol L-1 were the most effective in inhibiting mycelial growth. NPs and PhT did not affect the physiological quality of seeds and controlled A. alternata in wheat seeds, demonstrating potential use in the treatment and control of the pathogen in wheat seeds.

Effect of long-term storage on viability of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) seeds

Abstract: Prolonged storage of seeds may lead to decreases in seed quality, negatively affecting germination and vigor and preventing the obtaining of a promising stand. Seed quality is a critical factor, and the performance of the lot can be altered by vigor, dormancy and, mainly, by the time and conditions in which the seeds were stored. In the experiment, the physiological quality of seeds 14 genotypes of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) genotypes stored for a period of thirteen years in cold conditions was evaluated. The seeds were subjected to germination induction treatment with potassium nitrate (KNO3) and evaluated to identify seeds with presence and absence of embryos. The seed storage period affected their germination capacity and the use of KNO3 did not increase seed germination. A low number of full seeds was found for genotype 613 (12%). The relative germination percentages did not underestimate the buffel grass seed germination potential, as it is usually calculated, providing an improved distinction between the evaluated genotypes. The use of KNO3 increased the seedling root and shoot weights of some genotypes, as well as the dry matter weight of seedlings, an important characteristic for forage production. The prolonged storage affects the physiological quality of buffel grass seeds. The production of seeds without embryo is a problem found for this species, which affects the final quality of the seed lots produced.

Soybean sowing under low water availability conditions: impacts of seed treatment and soil management

Abstract: The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of soybean sowing in soil with low water availability, under two management systems, using seeds with and without chemical treatment, on the physiological quality of seeds and seedling emergence. For this, two experiments were set up, one under no-tillage system (NTS) and the other under conventional tillage system (CTS), in a randomized block design, both in a 2x6 factorial scheme, with two seed treatment conditions (with and without) and six periods of seed permanence in the soil (0, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h), with four replications. Germination, vigor, percentage of abnormal seedlings and percentage of dead seeds were evaluated. Seed treatment made it possible to maintain germination at acceptable levels for up to five days of permanence of the seeds in the soil, even in CTS. Sowing in soils with low water availability can lead to reductions of 0.2 and 0.5 percentage points per hour of exposure to dry soil in germination and vigor of soybean seeds, respectively.

Allelopathic influence of coffee roasting residue on cultivated species

The allelopathic effect of coffee roasting residue on the germination and development of seedlings of corn, soybean and cowpea was evaluated. The physiological quality of seeds and seedlings was determined by means of the germination test, first germination count, germination speed index, mean germination time, shoot and root length, shoot and root dry mass and the ratio of shoot dry mass and root dry mass. The use of coffee residue inhibited germination and reduced the germination speed and dry mass accumulation of the seedlings of the three evaluated species.

Divergência genética e qualidade fisiológica de sementes de linhagens de mamoneira anã

ABSTRACT The development of new castor bean genotypes with high grain yield and physiological seed quality is fundamental to the economic success of the crop. This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance and physiological quality of seeds of twelve castor bean lines, in order to determine superior genotypes. Plant height, insertion height and number of racemes, grain yield, oil content, germination percentage and vigor were evaluated. The dwarf castor bean lines H4, H5 and H11 were responsible for a grain yield above 1,400 kg ha-1 and are, therefore, promising for getting new hybrids. The indirect selection of dwarf castor bean lines can be performed through morphologic traits. The lines H4, H6, H9, H11 and H12 produced seeds with superior vigor and germinative quality.

Outcomes of water deficit stress on the physiological quality of soybean seeds

Abstract: This study aimed to compare the physiological seed quality of soybean cultivars produced under or without water deficit stress. Seed samples of three soybean cultivars produced in the 2019/2020 crop season were collected in a rural property and in a company that obtains the cultivars. In the rural property, the seeds were produced under water deficit stress and high temperatures during the crop’s and were characterized by the presence of greenish seeds. In the company that obtains the cultivars, the sample consisted of a certified seed lot produced under normal rainfall and temperature conditions, without greenish seeds. Germination, average germination time, germination speed index, average germination speed, the number of normal and abnormal seedlings, the seedling height and dry weight, the root evaluations (length, surface area, volume, average diameter and dry mass) and the total seedling dry mass were also evaluated. Soybean seeds produced under water deficit stress showed a reduction in physiological quality directly proportional to the percentage of greenish seeds present in each seed lot. The occurrence of water deficit stress on the soybean in the reproductive and maturation stages negatively impacts the soybean crop installation in the subsequent season due to the low physiological seed quality.

MACHINE LEARNING FOR SOYBEAN SEEDS LOTS CLASSIFICATION

The seed germination and vigor evaluation are essential for the sowing sector to measure the performance of different seed lots and improve the efficiency of storage and sowing processes. However, the analysis of various tests to determine seed quality generates a large amount of information, making it almost impossible for humans to perform a quick and effective quality control analysis. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the differences in the physiological quality of soybean seeds in different cultivars using machine learning techniques to rank the lots based on their quality. Three cultivars were used, and the analysis was germination, accelerated aging, tetrazolium treatment, seedling emergence, and 1000 seed weight from 65 lots were measured. The lots were evaluated in two phases, one immediately after harvest and the other after six months of storage. Random forest, multi-layer perceptron, J48, and classification via regression classifiers were used, aided by the feature resampler technique. Random forest and classification via regression obtained the highest accuracy, and the random forest technique obtained the best results. Therefore, it is possible to classify soybean seed lots with great accuracy and precision using artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques.

Do the previous crop and top-dressing nitrogen fertilization change the yield and physiological and sanitary quality of common bean seeds?

Abstract: The aim was to evaluate the effects of previous crop and top-dressing nitrogen fertilization on the yield and physiological and sanitary quality of common bean seeds. The design used was in randomized blocks in a split-plot scheme, with four replications. The plots were represented by three previous crops (sole maize, maize + Urochloa ruziziensis and sole U. ruziziensis), preceding common bean. The subplots consisted of N doses (urea) applied as top-dressing (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg N.ha-1) when the common bean had four expanded leaves. Physiological quality and sanitary quality of the seeds were evaluated through germination tests, first count, emergence speed index, accelerated aging, seedling emergence in the field and pathogen incidence, in addition to crude protein content, 100-seed weight and yield. The study factors did not interfere in the sanitary quality of the seeds. Under U. ruziziensis straw, the highest seed yield was obtained with the N dose of 115 kg.ha-1, while under sole maize and intercropping straw, the increase in yield was linear. Previous crop with U. ruziziensis, whether cultivated as sole crop or intercropped with maize, promotes greater physiological quality of common bean seeds, while top-dressing nitrogen fertilization does not interfere with quality, weight and protein content of the seeds.