Preliminary Germination Research Articles

Regulation of Fat Content in Triticale Based on Optimization of Technological Processing Modes

Introduction The aim of the study was to regulate the fat content based on the optimization of technological processing modes. A promising method of preparing grain for animal feeding is its preliminary germination. Sprouted grain is a dietary food product, as it increases the content of proteins, essential amino acids, and macro- and microelements in comparison with non-sprouted grain. Methods The purpose of this study was to regulate the fat content based on the optimization of technological processing modes. Regression equations describing the dependences of the quality indicators of the triticale grain germination modes on the factors tw, τ, w and tg affecting them were investigated and obtained. During the study of triticale grains, it was found that the most significant parameter affecting the germination process is the fat content. The optimization of the germination modes of triticale Leather grain was carried out by the method of nonlinear programming. Results During the study, it was found that the maximum fat content during germination of triticale grain was observed with the following technological parameters of germination: grain temperature = 30°C; germination time = 24 h; grain moisture = 13%; and grain temperature = 26°C. When controlling the fat content in triticale based on the optimization of technological modes, the target function was 2.83%. Conclusion The presented results and conclusion will allow to regulate the fat content in triticale grain during germination.

Innovative fertilizers and soil amendments based on hydrochar from brewery waste

Hydrothermal carbonization is one of the new ways to produce valuable products from waste materials. The aim of this study was to develop a novel method for the production of hydrochars from brewery residues for agricultural applications. Waste materials treated at 140 °C, 170 °C, and 200 °C were used as a source of renewable nitrogen and as delivery agents of fertilizer microelements (Cu, Mn, and Zn). HTC materials were enriched with nutrients using an innovative spray sorption method. The surface texture was characterized by the nitrogen adsorption technique, functional groups were identified (FT-IR), and thermogravimetric analysis of the materials was performed. Preliminary germination tests have shown phytotoxic effects at doses greater than 20% (relative to plant nitrogen requirements) for unenriched hydrochars. To minimize inhibition of plant growth, air aging tests were conducted for 30 days, followed by successive drying at 110 °C for 72 h. It was observed that the higher the temperature of the carbonization process, the faster the desorption of components in a solution simulating soil conditions (NaNO3) occurs. The pot tests on cucumber (Cornichon de Paris) showed that the biometric parameters of the plant (stem length and root ball parameters) for the hydrochar obtained at 170 °C were higher than in the group fertilized with mineral fertilizer. Twice the fresh plant mass was noted for this group compared to the reference. In addition, the study recorded a particular increase in nitrogen content in plants fertilized with a 150% dose of enriched hydrochar, where the element content increased by about 100% compared to the group with mineral fertilizer applied (100% dose). The study shows that properly prepared hydrochars from brewery waste offer great potential as a nitrogen source and micronutrient delivery agents for the agrochemical sector.Graphical Innovative fertilizers and soil amendments based on hydrochar from brewery waste

Scientometric analysis on the review research evolution of tailings dam failure disasters.

As the most severe damage form of tailings ponds, dam failure causes a serious threat and damage to the surrounding lives and environment. Therefore, based on the systematic collection and consultation of relevant data at home and abroad, the literature source analysis on tailings dam failure disasters is conducted using the CiteSpace scientometric tool. The research on tailings dam failure disasters can be classified into two stages: the preliminary germination stage and rapid development stage. Based on the scientometric knowledge map, the research hotspots of tailings dam failure disasters are analyzed and summarized as three main research directions: environmental impact, risk assessment, and mechanical behavior. With the maturity of the research on ecological problems caused by tailings leakage, ecological restoration has also gradually become a hot research topic. Through the analysis of keyword bursts and co-cited bursts, the research frontier of tailings dam break disaster is explored. "Risk management," "real-time monitoring," and "tailings characteristic" represent the current research frontier. Among them, risk management is burst for the longest time and is expected to be a very important research direction in the future. Finally, a tailings pond risk management and control suggestion is proposed with risk management as the core, emphasizing risk monitor, and combined with dynamic risk control, which provides a foundation for the construction of tailings dam safety management and dynamic monitoring systems.

The First Ex-Situ Germination and Dispersal Mechanisms of the Rare, Critically Endangered Tree, Pleodendron costaricense

Background and Research aims The extinction of relict and rare tree species is accelerated by habitat loss and climate change. Pleodendron costaricense is a critically endangered tree, with only four mature individuals known in Southern Pacific Costa Rica. With the discovery of three additional trees, we set out to learn more about P. costaricense’s natural history and attempt the first successful germination. Methods We collected fruits from two trees and carried out preliminary germination trials in a nursery at the study site. We also used camera traps in one of the fruiting mother-trees to understand natural dispersal mechanisms of the species. Results Although plagued by excessive levels of invertebrate predation, we were able to germinate and produce 59 saplings ready for restoration planting. Five mammal species were detected on the camera traps feeding on the fruits, along with one primate potentially using the fruits as a topical medicine. Conclusion P. costaricense can be propagated ex-situ, potentially with greater success using stimulating hormones. To improve production rates, future efforts should focus on the protection of germinating seeds and saplings from seed predators. We also identified numerous potential natural mammalian seed dispersers, mostly in the family Procyonidae. Implications for Conservation Given the propagation knowledge we have developed, the active restoration efforts of the saplings by Osa Conservation to help increase population numbers, and the strict protection of the two fruiting mother trees, there is now the possibility to attain a positive conservation outcome for this critically endangered species.

Evaluation of herbicide alachlor for weed dynamics, growth and yield of maize NAC-6002 (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with triplicates to evaluate the effects of herbicide alachlor on weed, growth and yield parameters of maize. The seeds were subjected to preliminary germination study and the selected concentrations were applied (1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 ppm) followed by seed sowing and the treatments were compared with control. The maximum weed growth was recorded in the experimental site without herbicide treatment. At higher concentrations of the herbicide treatment the maize plants showed different types of morphological changes like improper leaf curling, malformation of leaf, stunted growth. The total weed dry weight showed considerable difference in all the concentrations treatments and least fresh weight was observed in weed free check (1.9 g) plot and the dry weight of weeds was also significantly different in different concentrations of herbicide. The weed control efficiency was increased as the concentrations of the herbicide increased and the maximum and minimum WCE (97.67% and 28.97%) was recorded in 10.0 and 1.0 ppm respectively. The weed index also found to be significantly increased from 6.87 to 91.7% as the herbicide concentrations increased from 1.0 to 10.0 ppm respectively. The yield associated parameters like height of the plants, number of leaves and cobs, length of cobs, weight of cob and grains weight were found to be significantly different under different concentrations of herbicide treatment.

Improvement of the technology for the extrusion of a four-component mixture with preliminary germination of one of the components

Improvement of the technology for the extrusion of a four-component mixture with preliminary germination of one of the components

Comprehensive transcriptome and proteome analyses reveal a novel sodium chloride responsive gene network in maize seed tissues during germination.

Germination is a plant developmental process by which radicle of mature seeds start to penetrate surrounding barriers for seedling establishment and multiple environmental factors have been shown to affect it. Little is known how high salinity affects seed germination of C4 plant, Zea mays. Preliminary germination assay suggested that isolated embryo alone was able to germinate under 200 mM NaCl treatment, whereas the intact seeds were highly repressed. We hypothesized that maize endosperm may function in perception and transduction of salt signal to surrounding tissues such as embryo, showing a completely different response to that in Arabidopsis. Since salt response involves ABA, we analysed in vivo ABA distribution and quantity and the result demonstrated that ABA level in isolated embryo under NaCl treatment failed to increase in comparison with the water control, suggesting that the elevation of ABA level is an endosperm dependent process. Subsequently, by using advanced profiling techniques such as RNA sequencing and SWATH-MS-based quantitative proteomics, we found substantial differences in post-transcriptional and translational changes between salt-treated embryo and endosperm. In summary, our results indicate that these regulatory mechanisms, such as alternative splicing, are likely to mediate early responses to salt stress during maize seed germination.

Effect of extruded grain feed, with the preliminary germination of rapeseed, on the cicatricial digestion of dairy cows and calves

This article describes the scientific and production experience conducted in the Druzhba LLC, of the Buinsky district of the Republic of Tatarstan. The purpose of the scientific and production experiment is to study the effect of extruded feed, with the preliminary germination of rapeseed in a 0.05 % nicotinic acid solution, on the cicatricial digestion of calves and dairy cows. During the experiment, it is found that feeding calves and dairy cows with extruded feed with preliminary germination of rapeseed in a 0.05 % nicotinic acid solution had a positive effect on cicatricial digestion, contributing to an increase in ammonia to 8.7 and 7.9 %, acetic acid – 12, 6 and 11.5 % and propionic – 13.4 and 12.6 % acids, with a decrease in butyric acid – 12.8 and 10.4 %, an increase in the total microbial number – 8 4.0 and 16.3 %, in including cellulolytic bacteria – 11.6 and 14.3 %, ciliates – 13.4 and 12.9 %, as well as the enzymatic activity of cicatricial microflora, respectively accordingly, in comparison with the control and the group where the grain feed is subjected to only one extrusion. Thus, the use of extruded feed with pre-germinated rapeseed in feeding calves and dairy cows improved the underlying indices of cicatricial digestion compared with the control group of animals fed with non-extruded feed and the group of animals fed with extruded feed.

Effect of Soil pH on the Growth, Reproductive Investment and Pollen Allergenicity of Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.

Despite the importance of soil reaction for alien plant establishment, few and incomplete studies have included this key factor so far. In this study, we investigated the effects of soil pH on the germination, growth (plant height, width, dry weight, etc.) and reproductive investment (inflorescence size and n° of flowers) of Ambrosia artemisiifolia (common ragweed), an allergenic species that is highly invasive and alien in Europe, through a replicated experiment in controlled conditions. In addition, we determined if soil pH has an effect on the total pollen allergenicity of the species. After preliminary germination tests on agar at different pH (from pH4 to pH8), plants were grown in natural soils with pH values of 5 (acid), 6 (sub-acid) and 7 (neutral) obtained by modifying a natural soil by liming methods (calcium hydroxide solution). Results showed that plants grown at pH7 were shorter and developed leaves at a slower rate than those grown at pH5 and pH6; plants grown at pH7 did not produce flowers and pollen. We also observed that, at pH5 and pH6, larger plants (as assessed by the dry weight of the aerial biomass) had both larger and more numerous inflorescences and emitted pollen earlier. Finally, the IgE-binding signal was higher in pollen samples collected from plants grown at pH5 (Integrated Optical Density, IOD, range: 1.12–1.25) than in those grown at pH6 (IOD range: 0.86 −1.03). Although we acknowledge the limitations of only testing the effects of pH in controlled conditions, this study suggests that soil pH greatly affects the growth and development of A. artemisiifolia and indicates that it may have a role in limiting the distribution and hazardousness of this plant. Future field tests should therefore assess the effectiveness of liming in the management and control of ragweed and other alien species.

Ecological Characteristics of Ventenata dubia in the Intermountain Pacific Northwest

AbstractVentenata dubia is an exotic winter annual grass that has invaded Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands, improved pastures, intensively managed hay fields, and rangelands within the Intermountain Pacific Northwest (PNW). Currently, producers are attempting to develop V. dubia management strategies with little knowledge of its life history traits. We conducted several studies to characterize V. dubia life history patterns. Preliminary germination trials were completed to describe primary and secondary dormancy characteristics. Field studies were conducted to evaluate (1) seed bank persistence patterns, (2) seedling emergence patterns under V. dubia litter, and (3) seedling emergence and phenological development patterns within timothy hay, CRP, and rangeland habitats. Preliminary germination trials suggest that the after-ripening period required for loss of dormancy does not exceed 30 d and that dormancy breakdown peaks at approximately 90 d, after which germination occurs over a wide range of temperatures (9 to 29 C). A small fraction (< 1%) of the seed bank remained germinable up to 3 yr after burial at 2 cm depth in a grassland habitat. Seedling emergence and survival was significantly greater under high V. dubia litter layers (100% cover) compared with bare surface during the drier study year because of higher soil moisture levels maintained under litter. Across habitat types, mean seedling emergence (50% of total) occurred between 33 and 94 growing degree days (GDD) after soil moisture rose above the permanent wilting point in the fall. Seedling emergence periodicity varied among habitat types in relation to spring seedling emergence, ranging from 0 to 13% of total emergence per year. Phenological development differed across sites and years by up to several hundred GDDs but was closely aligned to Julian days. This collection of studies improves our understanding of V. dubia life history traits and will aid integrated weed management strategies in the Intermountain PNW.

Composting Invasive Plants in the Rio Grande River

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the effect of whole-plant composting on the viability of seeds and other propagules of the invasive plant species waterhyacinth, waterlettuce, hydrilla, and giant reed while producing a valuable compost product. Invasive species were subjected to preliminary germination and growth tests and oven mortality tests to evaluate whether species distribution was via seeds, vegetative propagules, or both, as well as whether the composting process had the potential, through the high temperatures obtained, to kill seeds and other propagules. Germination and growth tests determined the means by which invasive species spread. Oven tests determined the temperatures at which unscarified and scarified seeds and propagules were rendered inviable. Achieving temperatures of at least 57.2 C was necessary within constructed compost piles to effectively kill the plants without the danger of redistribution. In the field, the study successfully developed a large-scale composting operation using invasive plant species as the primary feedstock. Analysis of field-scale composting showed final materials were within satisfactory to ideal levels for samples analyzed by the U.S. Compost Council's Seal of Testing Assurance Program and were, therefore, a valuable compost product.

Impact of Diazotrophic Bacteria on Germination and Growth of Tomato, with Bio-control Effect, Isolated from Algerian Soil

soils samples were collected from the west region of Bejaia-Algeria in aseptic conditions. The preliminary germination test on tomatos seeds allowed screening of 4 simples from which 40 different colonies were isolated and purified. These last were submitted to in vitro germination test, while 20 strains with an inductor effect on th e germination were selected and tested for the presence of stimulator effect of growth of tomato in vivo. Biochemical (on API 50 CHB/E gallery), and phylogenetic (DNAr 16S sequencing) identification, tests researching characteristics promoting p lant growth (production of IAA (Indol Acetic Acid) phyto- hormone, enzymes, siderophores, free nitrogen fixation, and an an tagonistic test on five phytopathogenic fungi ( Botrytis cinerea; Phytophtora cactorum, phytophtora cinnamomi; Fusarium oxysporum a nd Verticillium dahliae) were applied for the strain showing positive in vivo germination results on tomato.The results of this last test led to select four strains: S11, S6, S15, and S12 that greatly affected tomato growth, with stems length (cm) of 9.212, 9.280, 9.362 and 9.858, respectively, compared to the control (6.400). Biochemical and phylogenic identifications of these strains allowed to affiliate them as following: Arthrobacter agilis(S6), Streptomyces Sp (S11), Bacillus sp13 (S15) and Mycobacterium Sp(S12). The four strains produced several enzymes, high indol acetic acid (phyto- hormone) quantity (mg/l: 38.47 (S11); 86.90 (S6); 93.96 (S12) and 190.23 (S15), siderophores, nitrogen fixing. It also showed an antagonistic activity against the phytopathogenic fungi tested with variable p lant growth inhibition (PGI) %:0-78.51% for Bacillus sp13; 29-74%for Streptomyces sp; 0-72%for Arthrobacter agilis; and 0-69% for Mycobacterium sp. These results prove that the strains are compatible for tomato growth stimulation.

Germination and Seedling Development of Seeds from Different Parkia biglobosa (Jacq) G. Don Trees

The effect of daylight, continuous illumination and acid scarification on the seed germination and seedling vegetative growth (epicotyl and hypocotyl lengths, and number of secondary roots) of different Parkia biglobosawere investigated in the Plant Physiology Laboratory University of Ilorin, Ilorin Kwara State Nigeria. Seeds from two out of the twenty six Parkia tree samples (trees B and T) germinated within 24 hours of planting in the daylight germination study while seeds from another tree (Q) did not germinate until the third week after planting (3WAP). Some seeds have higher germination percentage both in the daylight (preliminary germination study) and in the continuous light (illuminated study). The treatment with concentrated Sulphric acid (conc. H2SO4)was effective in breaking the seed dormancy as seeds from eight (8) trees produced one hundred percent (100%) germination. At p= 0.05 the length of epicotyl and hypocoty1 lengths were significantly different as seedling vegetative growth were long in the seedlings from the daylight experiment than the continuous light experiment. The vegetative growths of the seedlings from the scarified seed were longer at 15min of scarification in all except in trees F and Z. It was observed that the time of scarification affect the both seed germination and seedling development.

Seed dispersal by frugivorous birds in Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat Sen in autumn and winter

Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen is located in the southern foot of Zhongshan Mountain. Avian frugivores such as Turdus merula, Pycnonotus sinensis, Garrulax perspicillatus, Cyanopica cyana, Streptopelia orientalis and Turdus naumanni feed mainly on tree fruits in the garden during autumn and winter. One hundred and sixty samples of birds faeces were randomly collected within the garden from October 20, 1999 to January 20, 2000. Totally 874 intact seeds, which were generally enclosed by a hard seed coat or by hard endocarp,three pieces of insect remnants of Coleoptera and one remnant of bird were found in these birds’ faeces. Among the seeds, 842 have been identified as belonging to 26 plant species of 20 genera and 16 families. Plant species comprising the highest percentage in frequency in the 160 samples of birds’ faeces are Ilex purpurea(22.2%), Sabina chinensis(11.1%), Rhus chinensis(10.6%), Celtis sinensis(9.2%), Parthenocissus tricuspidata (7.7%) and Sabina chinensis cv. kaizuca(7.3%). Plant species with highest percentage of seed number in the samples are Ilex purpurea(23.5%), Rhus chinensis(16.2%), Sabina chinensis(13.5%),Parthenocissus tricuspidata(8.0%), Sabina chinensis cv. kaizuca(8.0%)and Rosa cymosa(5.3%). Avian frugivores may disperse from the parent trees by (i) ingesting fruits around the parent trees, then defecating or regurgitating the seeds away from it, or (ii) picking the fruits up away from the parent trees. Both fecal-borne seeds, such as Rhus chinensis and Parthenocissus tricuspidata, and regurgitated seeds, such as Cinnamomum camphora and Melia azedarach, were viable to produce seedlings based on a preliminary germination test. Seedlings of Cinnamomum camphora,Ilex purpurea, Pittosporum tobira, Taxus chinensis and some other trees cultivated in the garden have successfully invaded into a natural Pinus thunbergii - Liquidambar formosana community on a hillside at the edge of the garden and into a natural Pterocarya stenoptera - Celtis sinensis community beside a mountain stream through the garden, as a result of seed dispersal by frugivorous birds. Avian seed dispersers have spread the distribution of some cultivated fleshy-fruiting species in the botanical garden and have promoted their natural regeneration.

Regulation of Pregerminative Rates of Respiration in Seeds of Various Weed Species by Potassium Nitrate

Regulation of Pregerminative Rates of Respiration in Seeds of Various Weed Species by Potassium Nitrate

Preliminary study on the germination of Toona sinensis (A. Juss.) roem. seed from eleven Chinese provenances

A preliminary germination study was carried out on seed of eleven provenances of Chinese mahogany [ Toona sinensis (A. Juss.) Roem.]. The species is native to China and characterized by high density and dark colored wood, which is used mainly in furniture making. Seeds of the eleven provenances were tested on a thermoplate gradient germinator at temperatures of 15°C, 18°C, 22°C, 25°C, and 28°C. The three upper temperatures (22°C, 25°C, and 28°C) provided the fastest and highest germination among the eleven provenances, and on the average 25°C was considered as optimum temperature for the species. Based on mean time to germination, germination values, root length and hypocotyl length, it was possible to delineate the eleven provenances into three geographic groups. Additional studies using more evenly distributed samples from the whole range of the species are expected to further define seed collection zones for this important species in China.

Germination Responses of Anisacanthus wrightii (Torr.) Gray (Acanthaceae) to Selected Environmental Variables

Anisacanthus wrightii seed germination and radicle growth were greatest at 35° C and both rapidly decreased at temperatures above 35°C. Seeds germinated equally well in light and dark and had no after-ripening requirements. Treatments which decreased water availability sig- nificantly reduced germination and radicle length. Germination percentages and radicle growth of seeds in aqueous media were not significantly different between pH 4 and 7 but were significantly reduced at pH values of 8 and 9. Germinability of Anisacanthus wrightii seeds decreased rapidly after 33 months dry storage and the seeds did not germinate, during a 10-day test period, after 42 months. Anisacanthus wrightii (Torr.) Gray (Acanthaceae) is a multi-branched shrub occurring on fertile soils of South Texas thickets, on rocky banks and flood plains of streams in the Edwards Plateau of Texas (Correll and John- ston, 1970), and in northeastern Mexico (Vines, 1960). The flowers are borne singly or in pairs in unilateral spicate inflorescences and are subsessile to MATERIALS AND METHODS.-Wright's anisacanth seeds used in this study were obtained from a mixture of seeds from approximately 300 plants at the Soil Conservation Service Plant Materials Center at Knox City, Texas. Wright's anisacanth plants at Knox City were grown from seeds col- lected from a natural population of plants near Waco, Texas. Seeds used in this study were harv- ested in 1976 and 1978. The 1976 accession was used to determine the length of seed viability and the 1978 accession was used for all other experiments. Seeds were stored at room temperature (24°C ± 3°) until used in experiments. Germination studies were conducted using 10 replications of 25 fully developed and undamaged seeds each in 10-cm diameter petri dishes. Two Whatman No. 3 filter papers saturated with 8 ml of distilled water or various test solutions were used as the germination substrate. The petri dishes were randomly arranged on moist paper toweling in a sealed glass box inside an environmental chamber for testing. Preliminary germination trials indicated no significant increase in germina- tion percentage between 10 and 30 days when seeds were subjected to constant temperatures of 25°, 30°, or 35°C. Therefore, cumulative percent germination and radical lengths were recorded at the end of 10-day test periods. Seeds were considered to have germinated when the radicle was at least 3 mm long. Each experiment was repeated one to three times and the data pooled.

Helicella Snails Infesting Rosemary Seeds: Methyl Bromide and Other Fumigants for Quarantine Control12

Small-scale laboratory tests in 1971-72 indicated control of two species of juvenile Helicella infesting seeds of rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis L., in fumigations at reduced pressure near 100 mm Hg with methyl bromide (MeBr) 48 mg per liter for three hours. Preliminary germination tests of tolerance shortly after fumigation or following storage at 5.6–7.2°C for 12-16 months indicated little or no effect from MeBr 128 mg per liter for 16 hours at reduced pressure or 240 mg for 24 hours at normal atmospheric pressure (NAP). Tolerance of seed also appeared acceptable following NAP fumigation with sulfuryl fluoride 48 mg per liter for 72 hours or an ethylene oxide-carbon dioxide 10:90 mixture 416 mg per liter for 48 hours.

Agronomic evaluation of prospective new crop species IV.Dimorphotheca andOsteospermum — sources of dimorphecolic acid

Five species ofDimorphotheca, seventeen species ofOsteospermum, and one species each ofCastalis andChrysanthemoides were evaluated at Chico, California for crop potential as a source of dimorphecolic acid. Several species includingD. sinuata were highly susceptible to a number of diseases. Date of planting strongly influenced flowering period ofD. sinuata andD. pluvialis. D. cuneata showed the most promise for crop development. It had limited disease, relatively good seed retention and cold-tolerance, and considerable variability. With improved disease resistance,D. cuneata could be handled as a perennial seed crop. Its lightweight seed, an important disadvantage, is associated with a high proportion of winged to unwinged seeds.Osteospermum caulescens, O. ecklonis, andO. muricatum also have characteristics that favor crop development.O. ecklonis probably could be handled effectively as a winter annual. Seed of these three species had bushel weights of 30 to 41 pounds, compared with four to five pounds forD. cuneata andD. sinuata. Some preliminary germination work showed seed dormancy, which is probably associated with an after-ripening requirement. Overall, the agronomic characteristics that need improvement were disease resistance, seed retention, and seed form. Prospects for agronomic improvement of the most promising species should be good, because variability was evident even in small test populations.

Isolation of the Crystalline Parasporal Bodies of Bacillus thuringiensis

THE method of Angus1 for the isolation of parasporal bodies (crystals) from a mixture of crystals and spores has been modified so that only two treatments instead of five with fluorocarbon are necessary, and the separation can be completed in approximately 6 h. It dispenses also with the need for preliminary germination of spores.