Physiological Quality Of Seeds Research Articles

Physiological quality of chia seeds as a function of coat color and fungicide treatment

Physiological quality of chia seeds as a function of coat color and fungicide treatment

Separador de espiral rotativo no beneficiamento de sementes de soja

ABSTRACT Although static spiral separators are efficient in removing particles of varying shapes and densities, they often discard seeds of high physiological quality. This has led to the emergence of devices that enables rotation, thus allowing more precise control over separation of seed fractions. The objective of this work was to assess the physical and physiological quality of soybean seeds separated into qualified and discarded fractions by a rotary spiral separator. The device used for the tests operated at different rotation speeds, processing up to 1.2 Mg h-1. Twenty-seven 30 kg seed bags were used. Treatments consisted of two factors: rotation speeds (null, 5, and 10 rpm) and feed flow rates (0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 Mg h-1), with three replicates. Soybean seeds of the CZ 37B51 IPRO cultivar (2022-2023 crop season) with 13% moisture content were used. The null speed resulted in the highest seed discards (up to 40%), especially at the highest feed flow rate. A speed of 5 rpm also resulted in high discards. A speed of 10 rpm with feed flows of 0.3 and 0.6 Mg h-1 resulted in better performance, reducing discard and improving the fraction of qualified seeds, although it may compromise the quality of these seeds. A speed of 10 rpm reduced the discard of high-quality seeds, and a flow of 1.2 Mg h-1 was less efficient, resulting in a higher discard of high-quality seeds compared to lower flows.

The composition of biostimulants applied in seed treatment interferes with the soybean emergence under water deficiency

High physiological quality seeds with high germination and vigor are essential for successful soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) cultivation, ensuring proper establishment and early development. Biostimulants have shown significant potential to enhance soybean performance, especially under environmental stress, such as water deficit, which impairs germination and emergence. This study evaluated the effects of seed treatments with biostimulants and their interaction with insecticide and fungicide on biometrics, nutrition, and biochemical variables during soybean initial development under water deficit conditions. A randomized block design in an 8×2 factorial scheme was employed, comprising eight seed treatments [control (no biostimulant); Imidacloprid and fungicide (Carboxin + Thiram) (IF); three biostimulants (B1, B2, B3); and their combinations with IF] under two water regimes (100% and 50% of pot capacity), with three replicates. Evaluations 21 days after application included germination, emergence speed, root and shoot length, dry matter, and enzymatic activity. Biostimulants, particularly seaweed- and plant extract-based, improved water deficit tolerance, enhancing germination, emergence, biometrics, enzymatic activity (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase), and nutrient uptake (P, K, Mg, Cu, Mn, Zn). However, further studies are needed to assess potential adverse interactions between biostimulants, fungicides, and insecticides.

Analysis of Seed Vigor Using the Biospeckle Laser Technique

Seed analysis is a cornerstone in advancing agriculture, with vigor tests playing a critical role in evaluating the physiological quality of seeds. However, monitoring seed vigor over time poses a significant challenge for the seed industry, as traditional methods are time-consuming and heavily reliant on subjective human judgment. Concerning these limitations, optical-based techniques have emerged as promising alternatives. Among them, the biological laser speckle phenomenon, rooted in optical interferometry, has proven effective in sensitively detecting and monitoring activity levels in living tissues. Known as the biospeckle laser (BSL) technique, this approach offers reliable results in assessing seed vigor. The BSL technique stands out due to its simplicity, rapid analysis, objectivity, and potential for automation, making it a valuable tool for seed analysis. This paper explores the state-of-the-art application of the BSL technique for evaluating seed vigor, highlighting successful approaches, identifying current challenges, and outlining areas for future research. It delves into the experimental setup for seed illumination and discusses the associated image processing methods. Furthermore, the paper examines the numerical and graphical outcomes, underscoring the BSL technique’s ability to carry out seed analysis by addressing the limitations of traditional methods and enhancing efficiency in the agricultural sector.

Optimization of millet (Penissetum glaucum) seed processing using a gravity table

Millet (Pennisetum americanum) is a species cultivated for multiple purposes that presents high adaptability to different growing environments. The frequent occurrence of low quality seed lots is one of the limiting factors for this crop. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the physical and physiological quality of millet seeds processed by gravity table. A batch of millet seeds (cultivar BRS 1501) was processed on a triangular gravity table. Samples were collected at different points along the equipment discharge zone (upper, upper middle, lower intermediate and disposal sections) and in the feed silo (initial batch). After processing and collection, the physical and physiological quality of the seed samples was evaluated. The results showed that the processing of millet seeds by gravity table separates the seeds by density/weight, with the heavier ones generally being of better physiological quality, facilitating the separation of batches with different quality, resulting in efficient seed separation of different sizes and weights. The processing of millet seeds by gravity table improves the physical and physiological quality of seed lots.

Physiological quality of cowpea seeds after application of chitosan-based bioproduct

The use of biological methods in the agricultural field has instigated studies in the development of products based on biopolymers. Chitosan is a biopolymer and important alternative to the agrochemicals used in large cultures, presenting favorable characteristics to the development of the plants, to the environmental issues, and to the agricultural sector economy. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the application of a chitosan-based bioproduct in the germination and vigor of cowpea seeds. A completely randomized design was adopted with four replications of 50 seeds, with the exception of the mass and length tests, carried out in five replications of 20 seeds. The chitosan-based product was tested in the concentrations of 0.0 (witness); 0.5; 1; 2.5; 5; and 10% and physiological quality parameters, emergency, vigor, leaf pigments contents and electrolyte extravasation were evaluated. The results indicated that the treatments coated with the bioproduct significantly increased the length of the seedling, shoots and radicle, shoot and seedling fresh masses, and seedlings dry mass emerged in a bed. We concluded that the application of the bioproduct, at FTSeed concentrations at 3 and 3.25%, as a coating in cowpea seeds induced the seedlings growth, acting as a biostimulant. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed a correlation between biochemical tests and germination potential in the field, with emphasis on the 5% treatment.

Differentiation of Soybean Genotypes Concerning Seed Physiological Quality Using Hyperspectral Bands

The use of summarized spectral data in bands obtained by hyperspectral sensors can make it possible to obtain biochemical information about seeds and, thus, relate the results to seed viability and vigor. Thus, the hypothesis of this work is based on the possibility of obtaining information about the physiological quality of seeds through hyperspectral bands and distinguishing seed lots regarding their quality through wavelengths. The objective was then to evaluate the possibility of differentiating soybean genotypes regarding the physiological quality of seeds using spectral data. The experiment was conducted during the 2021/2022 harvest at the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul in a randomized block design with four replicates and 10 F3 soybean populations (G1, G8, G12, G15, G19, G21, G24, G27, G31, and G36). After the maturation of each genotype, seeds were harvested from the central rows of each plot, which consisted of five one-meter rows. Seed samples from each experimental unit were placed in a Petri dish to collect spectral data. Readings were performed in the laboratory at a temperature of 26 °C and using two 60 W halogen lamps as the light source, positioned 15 cm between the sensor and the sample. The sensor used was the Ocean Optics (Florida, USA) model STS-VIS-L-50-400-SMA, which captured the reflectance of the seed sample at wavelengths between 450 and 824 nm. After readings from the hyperspectral sensor, the seeds were subjected to tests for water content, germination, first germination count, electrical conductivity, and tetrazolium. The data obtained were subjected to an analysis of variance and the means were compared by the Scott–Knott test at 5% probability, analyzed using R software version 4.2.3 (Auckland, New Zealand). The data on the physiological quality of the seeds of the soybean genotypes were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) and associated with the K-means algorithm to form groups according to the similarity and distinction between the genetic materials. After the formation of these groups, spectral curve graphs were constructed for each soybean genotype and for the groups that were formed. The physiological quality of the soybean genotypes can be differentiated using hyperspectral bands. The spectral bands, therefore, provide important information about the physiological quality of soybean seeds. Through the use of hyperspectral sensors and the observation of specific bands, it is possible to differentiate genotypes in terms of seed quality, complementing and/or replacing traditional tests in a fast, accurate, and non-destructive way, reducing the time and investment spent on obtaining information on seed viability and vigor. The results found in this study are promising, and further research is needed in future studies with other species and genotypes. The interval between 450 and 649 nm was the main spectrum band that contributed to the differentiation between soybean genotypes of superior and inferior physiological quality.

The Effect of Selenium Sources and Rates on Cowpea Seed Quality

Selenium (Se) is a beneficial element for plants and is essential for human nutrition. In plants, it plays an important role in the formation of selenocysteine and selenomethionine and in the activation of hydrolytic enzymes, which can aid in seed germination and reduce abiotic stress during germination. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the application of selenium sources and rates to the soil on the physiological quality of cowpea seeds. The experimental design was a randomized block with four replications and a factorial scheme (7 × 2). Two sources of Se (sodium selenate and sodium selenite) and seven rates (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 60 g ha−1) were used. Physiological characterization was carried out by first counting of germination, germination, emergence, accelerated aging, cold testing, electrical conductivity, length and dry biomass of shoots and roots. Germination after accelerated aging increased with selenate, even at higher rates, whereas selenite provided benefits at lower rates. Selenation linearly increased germination after the cold test and linearly reduced electrolyte leakage as the Se rate increased. The soil application of Se is beneficial for cowpea seed quality. Compared with those treated with sodium selenite, cowpea plants treated with sodium selenate through the soil produce more vigorous seeds. The application of 10 g ha−1 Se in the form of sodium selenate provides seedlings with faster germination and root development and is an alternative for rapid stand establishment.

Influence of nitric oxide donor on the physiological quality of seeds of Myrcia retorta Cambess

Brazil, with its vast biodiversity, is home to several species of the Myrtaceae family with significant ornamental potential that is still underutilized. Myrcia retorta Cambess is a endemic Brazilian plant wich stands out as a promising species for ornamental cultivation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the nitric oxide donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) on the germination of M. retorta seeds, with the aim of optimizing germination conditions for the domestication of this species. The seeds were divided into two batches based on their morphology: Batch 1 (spherical seeds) and Batch 2 (flattened seeds). The seeds were treated with five concentrations of GSNO (0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 15 mM) and the parameters evaluated included germination percentage, shoot and root length, and time to stabilization of germination. In batch 1, doses of 2.5 mM and 5 mM GSNO resulted in faster germination stabilization (6 and 7 days, respectively) compared to the control (9 days). In addition, these doses increased germination percentage by 15% and 12%, respectively. However, higher concentrations (10 mM and 15 mM) were found to be phytotoxic, reducing shoot length by 30% and 45% and root length by 28% and 42%, respectively. In batch 2, although no statistically significant differences were observed, a trend towards reduced germination and growth with increasing GSNO doses was observed. It is concluded that GSNO positively affects the germination and initial development of M. retorta at low concentrations, especially in spherical seeds, suggesting its potential in the domestication process of the species for ornamental purposes. However, doses higher than 5 mM should be avoided due to toxicity risks, highlighting the need to optimize concentrations for practical application.

Drought alters the physiological quality of runner-type peanut seeds during seed formation

Sub-optimal water supply during crop development, especially during peak flowering and pod filling, affects the quality of the produced seeds, generally resulting in poor seed quality. The goals of this study were to identify the acquisition pattern of physiological components in peanut seeds as well as to assess the impact of drought during peanut seed development on its physiological quality. The research was conducted at the USDA-ARS National Peanut Research Laboratory in Dawson, GA for three consecutive years (2019, 2020, and 2021) using field conditions under two water regimes, well-watered control and drought stress. Rainout shelters were used to prevent rain in the drought-stressed block for 30 d, starting 80 d after planting. The well-watered block received supplemental irrigation when soil water potential reached −40 kPa. Peanut pods from the cultivar Georgia-06G were harvested at 2500 growing degree days, and the peanut maturity profile board was used to classify the pods into different maturity classes. Germination, vigor, desiccation tolerance (DT), and longevity tests were performed on seeds from each maturity class and both water regimes. The acquisition pattern for the physiological components of seed quality was developed for seeds grown under well-watered and drought conditions. Maximum germination occurred in 'brown 1' and 'brown 2' under drought and well-watered conditions, respectively. Both water regimes reached maximum vigor in the 'brown 1'; however, under well-watered conditions, vigor had a rapid decline after 'brown 1' while under drought stress, the decline in vigor was slower. Maximum DT was achieved between ‘orange’ and 'brown 1' under drought conditions, whereas under well-watered conditions, maximum DT was achieved between 'brown 2' and 'black 1'. Seeds from immature classes had lower capacity to be stored compared with mature seeds. Overall, drought stress promoted greater physiological quality in the peanut seeds than the well-watered treatment. Maximum physiological quality was achieved in the transition from ‘orange’ into 'brown 1' under drought conditions, and in the transition from 'brown 2' to 'black 1' class under well-watered conditions. Also, drought stress preserved seed quality for a longer period.

The Physical and Physiological Quality of Informal Seeds of Rwanda: Case of Common Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.)

This study was carried out at the laboratories of the Department of Seed, Crop, and Horticultural Sciences; School of Agriculture and Biotechnology; University of Eldoret, Kenya, on common bean seed samples collected in major growing areas’ markets of the Southern Province of Rwanda, where informal seeds are predominant and with a varied physical and physiological seed quality. Therefore, we conducted this study to assess the physical and physiological quality of seeds in Rwanda's informal system through laboratory tests. The GenStat computer package was used to run data. The markets of Kamonyi, Muhanga, and Nyanza are sources of market common bean informal seed in the southern province of Rwanda. The physiological qualities were more in the sample M1E from Muhanga market, locally known as Shyushya, because this local variety proved to be the best to have better seeds that develop into normal plants (96.5%) and vigorous plants through first count and speed of germination with 95.5% and 26.11, respectively. This was also observed on the sample M2C from Nyanza that shares the same local name. Nyanza market had more physiological qualities than the others; its seeds grew more into normal plants (72.2%) and vigorous plants via first count and speed of germination with 63.3% and 21.68, respectively, than the others. Muhanga market had more good physical characteristics of seeds, with the highest mean of thousand seed weight (340.9 grams) and seed length (1.31 cm). The sample M2B, locally known as Mutiki, is a variety with the highest mean of thousand seed weights (446.1 grams), and this is common with other samples (M2B and M3A) locally known as Mutiki from other markets. This study revealed that the inform variety known as Shyushya is to be considered for agronomical purposes, while the formal variety locally known as Mutiki could be considered for market purposes. Nyanza market to be considered as the source of seeds for the agronomical aspects, while Muhanga market could be the source of seed for the grains of market

Evaluation of physiological quality and vigor of corn seeds coated with chitosan

Evaluation of physiological quality and vigor of corn seeds coated with chitosan

Interference of mechanical damage on the physiological performance of corn seeds

Corn (Zea mays L.) is cultivated and consumed globally due to its nutritional qualities and short production cycle. However, during harvesting, processing, transportation, and storage, seeds are susceptible to various types of damage that can compromise their productive capacity, affecting both germination and plant vigor. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the physiological quality of corn seeds subjected to different types of mechanical damage. The experiment was conducted at the Laboratory of Storage and Processing of Agricultural Products at the Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil. Corn seeds were subjected to four types of mechanical damage: hammering, cutting, abrasion, and perforation, alongside a control sample that did not undergo any mechanical damage. Each treatment (mechanical damage) consisted of 200 seeds, which were evaluated through germination tests, including first count, germination rate, germination speed index (GSI), seedling dry weight, and root length. The experiment was conducted in Completely Randomized Design. Data were subjected to Analysis of Variance, and means were compared using the Scott-Knott test (P ≤ 0.05) when necessary. Mechanical damage reduces the germination and vigor of corn seeds. Cutting-type damage affects corn seeds more severely, reducing germination by an average of 80% and impairing vigor.

Physiological quality of green corn seeds under water stress conditions

This study aimed to evaluate the physiological quality of green corn seeds subjected to water stress. The experimental design used was completely randomized, in a 2 x 5 factorial arrangement, consisting of two corn hybrids (AG1051 and BRS3046) and five osmotic potentials (0; -0.4; -0.8; -1.2 and – 1.6 MPa) simulated with aqueous solutions of polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000), with four replications of 50 seeds per treatment, totaling 40 experimental units. The analyzed variables were: water content, germination, root protrusion, final root protrusion, germination speed index, root length and coleoptile length. There was a significant effect of the interaction between hybrid factors and osmotic potentials for all analyzed variables, except for final root protrusion, which showed an isolated effect for the two factors studied. The results obtained indicated a higher percentage of germination and initial development of green corn seedlings for green corn seeds, hybrids AG1051 and BRS3046 at the osmotic potential of 0.0 MPa. The germination and vigor of green corn seeds decrease under water stress conditions from the osmotic potential of -0.4 MPa induced by PEG 6000, inhibiting the development of normal seedlings, affecting seed viability. Hybrid AG1051 presents superior germination and vigor compared to BRS3046.

Quality of Castor the Seeds Stored in Different Environments and Type of Packaging

One of the ways to offer high quality seeds to the market is to work on better storage conditions to keep the physiological quality of the seeds high. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the physiological quality of hybrid castor seeds during storage in different environments and packaging in the Cerrado conditions. A completely randomized design with plots subdivided over time was used, with four replications. In the plots the factorial 2x3x7 was designated, being: 2 environments (cold chamber and laboratory environment) and 3 packages (kraft paper, plastic bag and PET bottle) and in the subplots the 7 storage times (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 months). The castor seeds used were from the hybrid cultivar AG IMA 110204 and were stored in the laboratory of the State University of Goiás, Câmpus Anápolis. The following tests were carried out: water content, germination test, first count, electrical conductivity, length, seedling dry mass and seedling dry mass density. The data were submitted to analysis of variance, the qualitative treatments when significant were compared by the Tukey test, while the quantitative treatments were submitted to the regression analysis. It is recommended to use both a plastic bag and a PET bottle to package AG IMA 110204 hybrid castor seeds during twelve-month storage, both in cold storage and in a laboratory environment.

Effect of salinity on germination and physiological quality of passion fruit seeds

Effect of salinity on germination and physiological quality of passion fruit seeds

Flavonoids and their relationship with the physiological quality of seeds from different soybean genotypes

Flavonoids are compounds that result from the secondary metabolism of plants and play a crucial role in plant development and mitigating biotic and abiotic stresses. The highest levels of flavonoids are found in legumes such as soybean. Breeding programs aim to increase desirable traits, such as higher flavonoid contents and vigorous seeds. Soybeans are one of the richest sources of protein in the plant kingdom and the main source of flavonoid derivatives for human health. In view of this, the hypothesis of this study is based on the possibility that the concentration of isoflavones in soybean seeds contributes to the physiological quality of the seeds. The aim of this study was to analyze the content of flavonoids in soybean genotypes and their influence on the physiological quality of the seeds. Seeds from thirty-two soybean genotypes were obtained by carrying out a field experiment during the 2021/22 crop season. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications and thirty-two F3 soybean populations. The seeds obtained were subjected to germination, first germination counting, electrical conductivity and tetrazolium vigor and viability tests. After drying and milling the material from each genotype, liquid chromatography analysis was carried out to obtain flavonoids, performed at UPLC level. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and, when significant, the means were compared using the Scott-Knott test at 5% probability. The results found here show the occurrence of genotypes with higher amounts of flavonoids when compared to their peers. The flavonoid FLVD_G2 had the highest concentration and differed from the others. Thus, we can assume that the type and concentration of flavonoids does not influence the physiological quality of seeds from different soybean genotypes, but it does indirectly contribute to viability and vigor, since the genotypes with the highest FLVD_G2 levels had better FGC values. The findings indicate that there is a difference between the content of flavonoids in soybean genotypes, with a higher content of genistein. The content of flavonoids does not influence the physiological quality of seeds, but contributes to increasing viability and vigor.

Tolerance to desiccation and freezing of Passiflora alata Curtis cv BRS Mel do Cerrado seeds and pre-germination treatments

To define the best storage conditions, it is necessary to know the physiological behavior of the seeds. The objectives of this study was to evaluate the physiological quality of seeds of Passiflora alata Curtis cultivar “BRS Mel do Cerrado” with different water contents and frozen at -20 °C. The effect of pre-germination treatments on seed performance after drying and freezing was also evaluated. Seeds dried until water content of 12.6%, 7.6%, 5.5%, 4.9%, 4.5%, 4.3%, 3.8% and undried seeds (control) with 19.2% moisture were stored at -20 ºC for 100 days. Germination and vigor tests (germination speed index, GSI) were carried out on dried seeds in the presence or absence of a growth regulator (gibberellins + cytokinins) and on frozen seeds, in the presence or absence of ascorbic acid. Seed germination after drying was high, ranging from 78% to 94%, regardless of the use of the growth regulator. Different results were observed for vigor, since greater germination speed was observed in treated seeds. The freezing did not affect germination and vigor of seeds with moisture ≤7.6%, unlikely of frozen with high moisture seeds, which did not germinate. Seeds of BRS Mel do Cerrado cultivar tolerate desiccation at low water contents and do not tolerate freezing at high moisture levels of 19.2% and 12.6%. Ascorbic acid does not increase the germination and vigor of dry and frozen seeds with differents moistures.

Wheat seed quality assessment after thiamethoxam treatment: integrating optical techniques with standard methods

Insecticide treatment of seeds protects against early field pests. Therefore, studies on the physiological and biochemical responses of crops exposed to insecticides are required. Standard (non-optical) tests are used to evaluate the physiological quality of seeds. However, some tests may need to be more sensitive to observe possible differences between the control group and the groups of interest. Optical techniques such as ultra- weak photon emission and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy have been discovered to aid standard tests. The effects of different doses of Thiamethoxam were evaluated on wheat seeds from the cultivar FPS Certero. Samples were divided into five groups: control and treated with 75, 150, 225, and 300 mL of Thiamethoxam for each 100 kg of seeds. The ultra-weak photon emission results showed that it was possible to classify the treatment doses through the intensity of photon emissions. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses can be used for biological analysis but are unrelated to Thiamethoxam seed treatment. Considering the findings, optical techniques can be used as an additional tool for assessing the physiological quality of seeds.

Seed Longevity of Soybean (Glycine max L.) Cultivars Under Lightless Storage

Soybean seeds in tropical countries are prone to rapid deterioration due to environmental condition during storage, leading to a decrease in seed quality and ultimately resulting in low potential yield. Longevity of seed during storage is influenced by genetic and environmental factors such as light. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of light on the vigour of two soybean seeds cultivars (Demas 1 & Devon 1 cvs) stored for three months. The investigation was conducted from February to May 2022 at Seed Technology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran. A correlational method was employed to assess the relationship between seed quality of Demas 1 and Devon 1 in light and lightless storage. Furthermore, data were analyzed using correlation regression and t-test to compare the two populations. The results showed that there was a high correlation between the physical and physiological quality of seeds. There were also differences in seed response to light, and this was observed from the moisture content, weight of 100 seeds, germination rate, and simultaneous growth percentage traits. Considering the seed quality traits, Demas 1 had the best vigour value after storage in dark conditions. It is worth noting that both cultivars exhibited signs of deterioration during storage. However, the rate of deterioration was slowed down due to lightless condition.