Cold plasma pretreatment enhances oil yield and quality in perilla seeds by reprogramming the Shikimate-phenylpropanoid-glycerophospholipid metabolic Axis.

Spring rapeseed is one of the most important oilseed crops worldwide. Currently, one rapeseed development cycle takes about five to six months. Shortening the growing season can significantly reduce the growing period and speed up the realization of breeding and research projects. This could allow up to four generations of rapeseed instead of two or three under greenhouse conditions. Our research was conducted in 2023–2024 in a two-section climatic chamber developed at Federal Scientific Agroengineering Center VIM. The aim of the study was to study the effect of accelerating the growing season of rape by increasing the photoperiod and using different spectral composition of light. The experiment was conducted in 4 variants: Variant 1(22/2 RB) — photoperiod 22 h day / 2 h night and spectral composition R:40/B:60 (red-blue spectrum only); Variant 2 (22/2 FS) — photoperiod 22 h day / 2 h night and full spectrum FS (UV0.5: B37: G6.5: Y3: R49: FR4); Variant 3 (16/8 RB) — photoperiod 16 h / 8 h night and spectral composition R:40/B:60 (red-blue spectrum only); Variant 4 (16/8 FS) (control) — photoperiod 16 h day / 8 h night and full spectrum (UV0.5: B37: G6.5: Y3: R49: FR4). We achieved a reduction in growing season by 14 days using an extended photoperiod (22-hour daylight hours) and full spectrum radiation (UV0.5: B37: G6.5: Y3: R49: FR4). It was found that variants 1 and 2 used in the experiment could be used to obtain rape seeds of proper quality. The best was variant 2–22/2 FS using 22 hour daylight hours and full spectrum radiation (UV0.5: B37: G6.5: Y3: R49: FR4).

Even though wheat’s response to nitrogen (N) is well studied, practical optimization remains challenging because yield and seed quality often react inconsistently across seasons. For winter wheat, the simultaneous quantification of efficiency indicators that capture N losses and diminishing returns is important. This study evaluated nitrogen (N) fertilization in two growing seasons. This study aimed to adjust N fertilization strategy through different combinations of granular N timing and foliar applications to improve winter wheat yield and technological seed quality while maintaining high fertilization efficiency. Field experiments were conducted over two growing seasons (2021/2022 and 2022/2023) using seven fertilization treatments (Control, TSE_1, TSE_2, TSEH_1, TSEH_2, TSEH_3, and TSH, which correspond to growth stage T—tillering stage; SE—stem elongation phase; H—heading stage) in the range of 140.5 to 194.5 kg ha−1 N. Seed yield and seed quality traits (moisture, hectoliter weight, starch, protein, gluten, and sedimentation value) were measured, and treatment effects were evaluated with ANOVA, correlation, and regression analyses. In 2021/2022, no significant treatment effects were detected for yield or seed quality parameters, indicating that environmental variability dominated crop response. In contrast, in 2022/2023, seed yield, hectoliter weight, gluten content, and starch yield showed significant treatment effects (p ≤ 0.05–0.01), with fertilized variants generally outperforming the Control. Across both seasons, seed quality traits displayed strong internal structure: protein, gluten, and sedimentation were strongly positively correlated, while starch was strongly negatively correlated with these traits and the yield correlated positively with hectoliter weight but negatively with protein and gluten, highlighting a yield–quality trade-off. Importantly, partial factor productivity (PFP) and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) showed the strongest treatment sensitivity, demonstrating their value for identifying efficient N strategies even when yield and quality responses were season-dependent. Regression analyses confirmed that seasonal conditions modulated nitrogen responsiveness, with NUE and starch yield showing much stronger relationships with nitrogen input in 2021/2022 and 2022/2023, respectively.

The quality and productivity of maize crops are functions of the planting materials and crop management practices. However, the quality and storage practices of farm-saved maize seed, used by more than 70% of smallholder farmers in Tanzania, are less well studied. This study aimed to assess the status of maize seed systems, storage practices, and the quality of stored seeds in the Kilosa, Gairo, and Mvomero districts of the Morogoro region. A multi-stage stratified sampling approach was applied to survey 240 maize farmers across 11 villages in the three districts. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. Survey data were analysed using R software using a chi-square test ( p ≤ 0.05) to examine relationships between variables. In addition, a second study was conducted using a 3 × 3 factorial experiment arranged in a completely randomised design (CRD). Maize seed samples from the three most common storage materials were collected at harvest and after 3 months of storage for laboratory analysis of seed quality parameters: germination percentage, vigour index, and moisture content. The data were subjected to ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD test ( p ≤ 0.05) in R software. Results revealed that 56.2% of farmers used informal seed systems, and 70.8% engaged in seed recycling due to financial constraints. Education level significantly influenced the choice of maize seed system ( p = 0.004), maize cultivar ( p = 0.025), and maize seed recycling practice ( p = 0.023). Polypropylene bags (with and without insecticide) and hermetic bags were the most common storage materials. The hermetic bag maintained a higher seed germination rate (86.8%) than the polypropylene bag without insecticide (81.8%). Hermetic bags are therefore recommended over polypropylene bags (with and without insecticide) for enhancing maize seed storage. Capacity building on seed systems should prioritise farmer education as it significantly determines the seed systems and handling practices adopted.

Seed quality and storability are critical constraints affecting sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) productivity under tropical storage conditions. The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the effect of different seed priming treatments on seed quality parameters and storability of sesame variety TMV 3. Freshly harvested seeds were subjected to seven priming treatments including hydropriming, biopriming with Trichoderma viride and Bacillus subtilis, hormonal priming with indole acetic acid and gibberellic acid and botanical priming with neem and pungam leaf powders, along with an unprimed control. The experiment was conducted in a factorial completely randomized design with three replications. After priming, seeds were dried to 8% moisture content and stored in plastic containers and kada cloth under ambient conditions. Seed quality parameters including germination percentage, seedling length, dry matter production, vigour index I, vigour index II, protein content and electrical conductivity were assessed at bimonthly intervals up to ten months of storage. Results revealed a progressive decline in seed quality with increasing storage period. However, seeds primed with Trichoderma viride consistently recorded significantly higher germination, seedling growth, dry matter accumulation, vigour index I, vigour index II, protein content and lower electrical conductivity compared to other treatments and control. Plastic containers proved superior to kada cloth in maintaining seed quality during storage. The study concludes that biopriming with Trichoderma viride coupled with appropriate storage containers, is an effective and eco-friendly strategy for enhancing seed quality and storability of sesame.

Abstract The demand for soybean tends to increase worldwide with population growth. Despite farmers adopting strategies such as crop rotation, soil preparation, and the application of chemical products, the most critical factor to increase productivity is choosing cultivars adapted to the region so that they are resistant to deceases. In addition, seed quality also directly influences crop productivity. To help a farmer select suitable cultivars and analyze the quality of soybean seeds, we present an application that uses the user’s location to identify suitable cultivars based on the edaphoclimatic characteristics of a region. The details of these cultivars are shown in text, images, and video, making it possible to compare the selected varieties. Our app also contains a trained convolution neural network capable of classifying the quality of soybean seeds based on an image captured by the user or stored on a smartphone. The convolutional neural network architecture allowed an excellent performance, with an accuracy of 94.06% in the classification of soybean seeds. All app functionality runs comfortably on mobile devices. Compared to others that have the same purpose, our application has a more significant number of features.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a vital cereal crop and primary food source for over half of the global population, especially in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This study evaluated the effect of organic fertilizers on optimizing rice seed production and quality. Organic fertilizers improve soil physical, chemical, and biological properties, thereby enhancing nutrient availability. A study was conducted standard and premium organic fertilizers (petroganik), in a completely randomized design with six treatments: no fertilizer (control), (12.5% organic C) at 500 kg/ha, and the premium organic fertilizer (15% organic C) at 250, 500, 750, and 1000 kg/ha. With four replications, 24 experimental plots were established. Results showed that while application of premium organic fertilizer did not affect vegetative growth, it significantly increased the number of productive tillers and overall yield. Applying 500 kg/ha of premium organic fertilizer increased rice yield by up to 13% compared to the control, with a relative agronomic effectiveness of >95%. Seed quality improved, indicated by higher germination rates, vigor index, and maximum growth potential. The after-ripening period was shortened by two weeks compared to control seeds, i.e., from 5 to 3 weeks, but did not affect seed storability.

Among the factors that affect seed quality within production systems, soil nutrient availability is one of the most relevant. Among these nutrients, magnesium (Mg) is directly involved in protein synthesis in plants, and despite its importance, studies addressing the effects of Mg fertilization on the yield and physiological quality of seeds of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) genotypes remain scarce in the literature. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of magnesium fertilization on the seed yield and physiological quality of cowpea genotypes produced in the southwestern region of Piauí. The experiment was conducted at the Federal University of Piauí – Professora Cinobelina Elvas Campus, in Bom Jesus, PI, in a soil classified as a typical dystrophic Yellow Latosol. A randomized complete block design was adopted, with three replications, in a split-plot arrangement. The main plots consisted of two cowpea genotypes, BRS Guariba and BRS Tumucumaque, while the subplots comprised four magnesium doses: 0, 0.9, 1.3, and 1.7 cmolc dm⁻³ Mg applied to the soil. The following production components were evaluated: average plant height, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, thousand-seed weight, and seed yield. Seed quality was assessed through the germination test, germination speed index, seedling dry mass, and electrical conductivity test. It was observed that increasing Mg doses did not promote improvements in seed yield or production components for either genotype. However, seed physiological quality increased progressively with Mg application up to the dose of 0.9 cmolc dm⁻³.

The decline in seed quality due to storage beyond the shelf life is a major problem in rice cultivation. One effort that can be made to improve seed viability is through invigoration techniques using natural ingredients, such as bean sprout extract (Phaseolus radiatus), which contains growth hormones. This study aims to analyze the effect of bean sprout extract on the viability of Ciherang rice seeds that have exceeded their shelf life and to determine the best treatment. The study was conducted from August to November 2024 at the Biology Laboratory of the UPTD Seed Center, Supervision and Certification of Agricultural Seeds of Gorontalo Province. The study used a two-factor Randomized Block Design (RBD) with bean sprout age (3, 5, and 7 days after sowing) and bean sprout extract concentration (20 g/L, 40 g/L, and 60 g/L) as factors, with four replications. The parameters observed included germination rate, maximum growth potential, and sprout length. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and DMRT post-hoc test at a 5% level. The results showed that bean sprout extract had a significant effect on all observed parameters. The treatment of 5-day-old bean sprouts with a concentration of 20 g/L gave the best results with a germination rate of 95.5%, maximum growth potential of 98.5%, and the highest sprout length. Sprout extract has the potential to be used as a natural alternative to improve the quality of rice seeds that have passed their storage period.

Abstract Background and objectives : Seed is a critical element for both technology delivery and productivity increment of crop production. Over time, the production and productivity of rice in Ethiopia have steadily increased, attributed to the development and release of new improved varieties, thus expanding cultivation to potential areas and augmenting overall output. However, access to quality rice seeds has been hindered by various factors, including, unreliable seed sources, ineffective delivery systems, weak linkage among rice seed value chain actors, and other associated challenges. Thus, this study aimed to: (i) identify major seed sources for popular rice varieties, (ii) identify distribution systems and main stakeholders involved, and (iii) assess the main issues faced by smallholder farmers in utilizing quality seeds of improved rice varieties. Methodology : Both primary and secondary data were employed to address the study objectives. Primary data were collected through questionnaires and interviews conducted with 191 households sampled from major rice-producing areas in the Amhara and Benishangul-Gumuz regions. A multistage sampling technique was used and included a total of 5 zones, 9 districts, and 16 kebeles, while households selected randomly. Additionally, focused group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted to further qualify and elucidate root causes. Results and conclusion : The study identified Shaga and X-Jigna as the major lowland rice cultivars, while Pawe-1 remains the dominantly cultivated upland rice variety. The primary source of seed (68%) for farmers was found to be own-saved seed, supplemented by farmer-to-farmer seed exchange through social networks, local markets, and community seed cooperatives. Critical challenges in rice seed system and distribution included availability of quality seed, timing of seed delivery, insufficient supply quantities, and the availability of preferred varieties. To enhance rice production and productivity, both in terms of quality and quantity, strengthening the formal seed supply system through greater collaboration among the private sector, public seed enterprises, community-based seed producers, and seed producer cooperatives is recommended.

Seed quality standards are the essential basis for crop cultivation supervision. With the continuous development of China's standard system, the number of seed quality standard documents has increased dramatically. However, the rapid growth and unstructured nature of standard documents hinder efficient query and semantic association. To address the lack of structured knowledge representation in the seed domain, this study proposes a Knowledge Graph (KG) construction framework for seed quality standards. First, a domain-specific ontology is constructed, defining 7 core classes and 12 relationship types to standardize semantic structure. Second, a hybrid knowledge extraction strategy is implemented: regular expressions are used for semi-structured tabular data, while a BERT-BiLSTM-CRF model is employed for unstructured text. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model achieves an F1-score of 91.61% in Named Entity Recognition (NER), outperforming than other model. Finally, a KG containing 2436 nodes and 3011 relationships is stored in Neo4j, enabling multi-dimensional retrieval and visualization. The proposed framework significantly improves the accuracy of standard information retrieval and provides a digital foundation for intelligent quality management in the plantation industry.S.

Heat stress is one of the most important stresses that need to be addressed for better crop performance and to boost crop yield. A rise in temperature due to global warming affected plant growth and development and also reduces the quality and yield. Most of the field crops are sensitive to heat stress at the reproductive stage, which results in shortening the duration of seed filling and maturity, reducing the pollen fertility and stigma receptivity; thereby reducing the seed setting and seed yield. So, there is a need to mitigate the impact of heat stress in seed production for gaining better quality seeds. Even though plants have some morphological, physiological and biochemical adaptations to tolerate heat stress, additional practices are required for improving the quality and yield of seed crops. Breeding and biotechnological approaches can be used to identify the genes that are tolerant to high temperatures and to develop new varieties with heat stress tolerance. To mitigate the adverse effect of climate change and also to further boost the quality of hybrid seed availability in the country, alternative areas for hybrid seed production among major crops have been identified under AICRP-National Seed Project (crops), and this will help to maintain the adequate production and supply of quality seeds. Changing planting dates, nutrient management and irrigation management also can be practiced for improving crop growth under heat stress conditions. Seed inoculation with bacteria like plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria also improves the tolerance against heat stress by reducing the production of reactive oxygen species. Osmo-protectants have recently been recognized as crucial compounds that positively influence plants exposed to heat stress, as spraying osmoprotectants significantly enhances plant growth and antioxidant activity during heat stress situations. All these will undoubtedly assist in reducing the adverse impacts of heat stress, thereby enhancing plant productivity and food security amidst the present situations of climate change and global warming.

The demand for good quality seeds has been increasing with the increase in production of okra over the years. In addition to this, okra seeds can be directly consumed as a caffeine-free alternative to coffee and have also been utilized for oil extraction to a limited extent. The present research investigated the impact of nanourea application in combination with inorganic fertilizers on growth, seed productivity and quality of okra (cv. Hisar Unnat) at the Regional Research Centre, Raiya (Jhajjar) of MHU in Haryana in the spring summer season of the year 2023. The crop was sown in RCBD with ten treatments of foliar nanourea application in combination with recommended doses of conventional fertilizers. The quality of the harvested seed was analyzed at CCS HAU, seed testing laboratory, Hisar. The results revealed that earliest flowering and fruit setting were observed with treatment T2 (100% RDF) while maximum nodes per plant, seed yield, quantity of seeds per fruit, 100 seed weight (g), germination (%), length of seedling (cm), their dry weight (mg), vigour indices I and II were obtained with treatment T4 (100% RDF + nanourea application @ 4ml/l at 25 and 40 DAS). Application of nanourea twice @ 4ml/l in addition to 100% RDF resulted in 5.36% increase in seed yield and 3.1% increase in germination percentage over treatment T2 (100% RDF). Reduction in inorganic fertilization i.e. 75%-50% RDF (T5-T8) resulted in reduced seed productivity and overall quality even with nanourea applications. It can be concluded from the experiment that nanourea helps in enhancing seed productivity and quality when used as a supplement rather than a substitute to the recommended fertilizer doses.

The stability of seed quality traits is a key factor for developing reliable cotton cultivars with consistent performance across diverse environments. This study evaluated six seed traits (1000-seed weight, crude protein, oil, ash, crude fiber, and moisture) across five commercial upland cotton cultivars grown in four distinct environments in Greece. Field trials were conducted in ten independent commercial fields per cultivar within each environment, with four samples collected from each field. Seed quality traits were analyzed using recommended official methods, and the Stability Index (SI) was calculated for each trait to quantify consistency across environments and cultivars. Traits such as 1000-seed weight, oil, and crude protein exhibited more consistent expression across environments and cultivars, whereas crude fiber and moisture showed substantial variation in stability across environments and cultivar × environment combinations, reflecting strong genotype × environment effects. Evaluation of relationships between traits revealed significant positive associations between 1000-seed weight and oil, and between crude protein and ash, as well as negative associations between 1000-seed weight and moisture and between crude protein and oil, indicating potential trade-offs among seed traits. Principal component analysis further highlighted trait associations and variability patterns across genotypes and environments. Overall, the combined use of Stability Index assessments and multivariate analyses provides a robust descriptive framework for evaluating cultivar performance and supporting cultivar selection under diverse agro-ecological conditions.

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a major legume crop of global and national importance, contributing significantly to food security, nutritional diversity, and the livelihoods of households by providing essential dietary protein, minerals and income. In Kenya, common bean production is carried out mainly by small holder farmers as a key food and cash crop. The crop is majorly grown at altitudes ranging from 600 and 2700 m above sea level, with average grain yield of less than 0.85 tons/ha, compared to variety specific potential yields of >2 tons/ha. This below optimum production is attributed to combination of socio economic, biotic and abiotic stresses such as land degradation, climate change effects, poor agronomic practices, poor pest and disease management and post-harvest handling, limited access to quality seeds, credit facilitates, value addition and organised markets. Understanding these interlinked factors is critical for designing targeted interventions, developing resilient varieties, and improving overall production efficiency. This review synthesizes current common bean knowledge by integrating fragmented research into a single reference, linking biological, agronomic, ecological, and socio-economic dimensions, and identifying key production constraints and research gaps. The findings provide a basis for future research and evidence-based policy interventions aimed at improving common bean productivity and sustainability in smallholder farming systems.

The seed conservation and germination techniques for wild banana seeds are less understood, making this research crucial for developing high-quality seeds that can support sustainable banana breeding efforts. This study examined the reproductive biology and physiological maturity ofMusa acuminata subsp.malaccensis to understand seed germination and seedling vigor in order to enhance banana breeding. This research focused on identifying the ideal harvest period to obtain seeds with optimal viability and how ethylene application affects seed quality. Wild banana accessions from the Cibinong Germplasm Collection were used in this study. Ethylene was used to accelerate fruit ripening. Observations were made on the vegetative and generative growth phases and fruit morphology. The physical and physiological qualities of wild banana seeds, M.acuminata subsp.malaccensis can be improved by harvesting between 71-90 days after receptive (DAR). Harvesting during this period increases seed viability and vigor compared to seeds harvested at 50-70 DAR, which showed the highest leachate conductivity value of 968.79 μS g−1.

Abstract—In modern agriculture, ensuring high seed quality is essential for maximizing crop yield, maintaining food security, and reducing post-harvest losses. Traditional seed quality assessment methods are largely manual, time- consuming, and prone to human error. This project presents the design and development of an AI Powered Hyperspectral Seed Analysis Device that enables automated, real-time classification and grading of seeds using computer vision, deep learning, and gas-sensing technologies. The system integrates a camera-based imaging module with MQ-3 and MQ-6 gas sensors connected to a microcontroller. Seed images are processed using a YOLO-based deep learning model to detect defects and classify seeds into quality grades, while the gas sensors monitor chemical emissions to identify spoilage or contamination. The combined visual and environmental analysis provides a non- destructive, scalable, and accurate method for seed quality evaluation. The proposed solution is cost-effective, portable, and suitable for applications in agriculture, seed production, and quality certification industries. Keywords: Hyperspectral Imaging, Seed Quality Analysis, Deep Learning, YOLO, Gas Sensors, MQ-3, MQ-6, Arduino, Agriculture Automation, Computer Vision.

Seed quality evaluation is undergoing a rapid transition from sample-based, time-intensive assays toward data-rich, non-destructive phenotyping capable of supporting faster, more objective decisions in modern seed systems. Multispectral imaging (MSI) provides a practical bridge between conventional visual inspection and chemical sensing by capturing spatial features together with wavelength-dependent reflectance and fluorescence responses from individual seeds. When integrated with artificial intelligence (AI), MSI enables automated classification, prediction, and localisation of quality-related traits, including viability and vigour differences, varietal purity signals, mechanical or processing damage, dormancy-linked hard seeds, stress history, and visible indicators of seed-borne health problems. This review synthesises recent advances in AI-driven MSI for seed quality assessment, with particular emphasis on standardised workflows enabled by VideometerLab platforms. Key elements covered include principles of MSI acquisition and calibration, segmentation and feature extraction, classical machine learning and ensemble approaches, deep learning for spatial–spectral representation learning, and explainable or human-in-the-loop methods that increase transparency and usability. The study discussed how model performance depends strongly on label quality, lot-wise validation, and robustness to domain shift caused by cultivar, season, moisture, and instrument variability. Practical deployment pathways are highlighted, positioning MSI+AI as a high-throughput screening layer that can prioritise confirmatory testing, reduce destructive sampling, and improve traceability in seed quality management. Finally, the review outlines future directions, including multimodal fusion with X-ray or spectroscopy, self-supervised learning for limited labels, and governance strategies for long-term model maintenance in operational seed laboratories.

Seed quality is a key factor in determining the success of germination and productivity of rice plants. This study aims to evaluate the seed growth potential of 21 rice varieties (Oryza sativa L.) consisting of local, national, and introduced varieties through correlation analysis and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Four parameters observed include Maximum Growth Potential (PMP), Germination Power (DB), Plumule Length (PP), and Radicle Length (PR). The study was conducted at the Biology Laboratory, Satya Terra Bhinneka University, using a completely randomized design with three replications. The analysis results showed significant variations among varieties for all observed parameters. The PCA value showed that two principal components (PC1 and PC2) explained 78.1% of the total variability. The PTM and DB parameters had high negative loadings on PC1, indicating that this component represents seed viability, while PP and PR had positive loadings on PC2, which described the morphological vigor of the seedlings. The Sigupai, Tinggong, and Inpago 12 varieties were in the quadrant with negative PC1 and positive PC2 values, indicating a combination of high viability and strong seedling growth. Correlation analysis showed a very strong positive relationship between PTM and DB (r = 0.98; p < 0.001), while the correlation between physiological and morphological parameters was weak. Thus, PCA and correlation analysis proved effective in identifying superior rice varieties based on seed viability and vigor traits, potentially supporting variety selection in rice seed management and development.

The adoption of improved horticultural cultivars is crucial for increasing agricultural productivity, yet in Iran, there remains a significant gap between the introduction of new cultivars and their adoption by farmers. This study explores barriers to dissemination and uptake from the perspectives of both experts and farmers across nine provinces, focusing on key horticultural products. Using stratified random sampling, data were collected from 825 farmers and 231 experts through structured questionnaires and analyzed with SPSS. Results showed broad agreement between groups regarding major obstacles: delays and limited access to information on new cultivars, restricted availability of quality seeds and seedlings, insufficient opportunities for trial cultivation, lack of demonstration farms, and poor adaptation of some cultivars to local conditions. These challenges fall into four categories—informational, economic, knowledge-based, and managerial. Over 62% of experts and 46% of farmers reported receiving cultivar-related information with considerable delays. While many farmers had attended training programs, most rated them as below average, highlighting deficiencies in current extension approaches. To address these issues, the study proposes an integrated management strategy with three pillars: (1) strengthening communication and training through effective courses, digital platforms, and extension materials; (2) developing technical and demonstration infrastructure via model orchards, demonstration farms, and mother orchards; and (3) implementing supportive economic measures such as credit facilities, subsidies for seedling purchase, and guaranteed markets for products. Overall, reducing informational delays, improving technical support systems, and providing financial incentives are critical to bridging the gap between cultivar innovation and adoption in Iran.