Quality Of Seeds Research Articles

Application of the solitary red mason bee, Osmia rufa L. (syn. O. bicornis), in forest monocultures in Poland

Seed orchards are utilised in forestry to avoid monoculture cultivation in forest areas and also constitute a gene bank for various tree species. In order to meet seed needs, preserve species diversity and genetic resources of forest management of the country, several hundred seed orchards served the purposes in Poland today. The paper presents an innovative solution to increase tree yield by introducing nests of solitary bees Osmia rufa L. (syn. O. bicornis) into monocultures. These insects are a natural solution that allows increasing the yield of selected tree and shrub species, especially fruit trees and shrubs and selected forest species. In order to determine the suitability of Osmia rufa L. to support the seed production process, a several-year research project was pursued consisting in assessing the quality of seeds, bee reproduction and identifying natural populations of insects in forest areas that were already present there before the introduction of bees. The research clearly shows that red mason bee, Osmia rufa L., can be employed with great success in forest areas to increase the productivity of selected forest tree species. Additionally, the work presents the results of study of red mason bee reproduction, showing that these bees in forest areas can also develop properly. Keywords: seed orchards; Tilia cordata; Quercus petraea; Prunus avium; insects; rearing of bees

Review on How Genetic Innovations Revolutionizing Seed Quality Production

The process of genetic engineering modifies the genes regulating various attributes of seed quality by fabricating or redesigning some of the DNA sequences within an organism which affects germination, growth, and storage performance. Providing molecular dissection as a tool for exploiting the genetic blueprint towards the crop improvement strategy as well as improved seed yield or quality is an example showing how important it is to understand these things technically. Techniques like CRISPR and prime editing that have potential to position-specific changes in DNA sequences that helped to improve different traits such as stress resistance, productivity, nutritional value etc. Applications of transgenic approaches for boosting mineral content in certain crops different methods used to deal with micronutrient for malnutrition in developing countries. Development of good quality seeds resistant to environmental conditions are very important for agricultural sustainability under climate change. It ensures crop adaptation, food security and multiplication that must be promoted in future. The regulatory framework rightly requires safety assessments adapted to genetically modified (GM) foodstuffs which not only leads to satisfied public regarding health issues but also ethical standards concerning genetic engineering are upheld. The outcome is that by adhesion to professional ethics and strict safety measures, biotechnology possessing such qualities has been able to make revolutionary contribution into development fostered by stable agriculture system.

Enhancing Seed Access and Climate Resilience: A Farmer-Based Seed Multiplication Scheme in a Legume-Sorghum Double Cropping System in Mieso District Ethiopia

Sorghum is a major food security crop in Ethiopia. Sorghum landraces are particularly crucial in crop-livestock mixed farming systems in drylands, but due to the longer growing periods (6-8 months) needed for the landraces, the crop faces recurrent drought events associated with delayed rain, dry spells, and drought during critical stages. The landraces are normally grown combining a short and erratic rainy season (March to May) and a main rainy season (July to September). To address such circumstances, early-maturing improved sorghum varieties that are planted in July and mature within 3-4 months have been developed. Moreover, a sustainable cropping system involving legume-early maturing sorghum double cropping has been developed as an alternative to the traditional long-cycle sorghum production to help mitigate crop failure. The legume fits into the short rainy months. However, access to seeds of both component crops could be a challenge. The objective of this study therefore was to establish and assess the feasibility of a farmer-based seed multiplication (FBSM) scheme in enhancing the supply of quality seeds of legumes and sorghum and contributing to climate adaptation. Two activities were implemented in 2015 and 2016 in Mieso district, West Hararghe, Ethiopia. The first activity involved multiplying seeds of two early-maturing and drought-tolerant improved sorghum varieties (Dekeba and Melkam) using a FBSM scheme. The second activity was integrating this scheme into a legume-early maturing sorghum double cropping system. The results of the study show that the FBSM scheme provides much-needed support to smallholder sorghum farmers by offering resources for multiplying and marketing improved sorghum seeds, ensuring seed security, and improving access to quality seeds. The scheme aligns well with the legume-early maturing sorghum double cropping system, thereby enhancing access to compatible seeds and promoting a sustainable cropping system in the region. The scheme presents a viable solution to seed access for smallholder farmers in Ethiopia to enhance seed supply, income, and climate resilience, offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders

The influence of temperature on germination and seedling growth of sorghum

The extensification of agricultural activities to suboptimal areas, including dryland, is being considered. Sorghum as a drought-tolerant crop is usually cultivated in dryland areas in Indonesia. However local farmers are having difficulty in choosing quality seeds suitable for the specific area temperature condition. This study evaluated the physical quality of commonly used sorghum cultivars in Indonesia and their responses to several germination temperatures. The three sorghum cultivars used were Strong Brown (SB) Sorghum known as the local cultivar, Pale yellow (PY), and Light Brown (LB). The result revealed that each sorghum cultivar has specific seed characteristics, especially in the color, shape, and size of the seeds. The seeds of the Light Brown sorghum had the highest quality, followed by Strong Brown sorghum and PaleYellow sorghum cultivars based on both the tetrazolium test and the direct germination test. The optimum temperature for sorghum seed germination ranged from 25 to 35oC. Each sorghum cultivar has its specific temperature requirement for germination. Low temperature (20°C) potentially reduces the percentage of germination and delays the seed germination time of these three cultivars. LB cultivar has the highest relative growth rate (RGR) from the first week to the second week (R1), while the RGR from the first week to the third week (R2), LB sorghum cultivar is in the second position after the PY cultivar. Cultivar LB is suggested for cultivating in elevations 300-500 m asl, moreover cultivar SB elevations 50-250 m asl.

Quality Test of Hybrid Corn Seeds Based on the Position of the Seeds on the Cob with a Comparison of the Parental Ratios that Have Been Applied with Trichoderma sp.

Seeds are a means of production whose quality must be guaranteed and maintained. The seed production, quality testing is an important part. This research aims to determine the effect of seed position on the cob, ratio comparison, and application of Trichoderma sp. on the quality of hybrid corn seeds. This research was carried out in BALITSEREAL, Maros Regency from September to October 2018. This research used a 3-factor factorial design method with a Completely Randomized Basic Design with each treatment combination consisting of 3 replications. The results showed that the position of the base seed had an effect on PK 11.63cm, JAS 4.51. The position of the middle seed has an effect on BKKN 12.31g, DHL 8.19 (cm-2). A ratio of 1:2 has an effect on a JAS of 4.47. A ratio of 1:3 has an effect on a PAP of 16.84cm. Trichoderma sp. 108 has an effect on DHL 9.56 (cm-2). The interaction of the position of the middle seed with a ratio of 1:2 has an effect on BKKN 12.85g. The interaction of base seed position with a ratio of 1:2 has an effect on JAS 4.77. The interaction of base seed position with a ratio of 1:3 had an effect on DB of 99.33%. The interaction between middle seed position and Trichoderma sp. 104 has an effect on BKKN 12.89g. The interaction between seed base position and Trichoderma sp. 104 had an effect on JAS 4.83, PK 12.29cm. The interaction ratio of 1:3 with Trichoderma sp. 10 4 has an effect on BKKN 12.39g. The interaction ratio of 1:3 with Trichoderma sp.10 8 has an effect on PK 11.82cm. The interaction ratio of 1:2 with Trichoderma sp.10 8 has an effect on JAS I4.86, DHL 8.97 (cm-2). Interaction of seed base position, ratio 1:2 and Trichoderma sp. 108 has an effect on JAS 5.60. The interaction of base seed position, ratio 1:3 and Trichoderma sp.10 8 has an effect on PK 13.15cm. Interaction of middle seed position, ratio 1:3 and Trichoderma sp. 10 4 has an effect on BKKN 13.80g on the quality of hybrid corn seeds.

Soybean seed pest damage detection method based on spatial frequency domain imaging combined with RL-SVM

Soybean seeds are susceptible to damage from the Riptortus pedestris, which is a significant factor affecting the quality of soybean seeds. Currently, manual screening methods for soybean seeds are limited to visual inspection, making it difficult to identify seeds that are phenotypically defect-free but have been punctured by stink bugs on the sub-surface. To facilitate the convenient and efficient identification of healthy soybean seeds, this paper proposes a soybean seed pest detection method based on spatial frequency domain imaging combined with RL-SVM. Firstly, soybean optical data is obtained using single integration sphere technique, and the vigor index of soybean seeds is obtained through germination experiments. Then, based on the above two data items using feature extraction algorithms (the successive projections algorithm and the competitive adaptive reweighted sampling algorithm), the characteristic wavelengths of soybeans are identified. Subsequently, the spatial frequency domain imaging technique is used to obtain the sub-surface images of soybean seeds in a forward manner, and the optical coefficients such as the reduced scattering coefficient μ′s\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${{\\mu }{\\prime}}_{s}$$\\end{document} and absorption coefficient μa\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\mu }_{a}$$\\end{document} of soybean seeds are inverted. Finally, RL-MLR, RL-GRNN, and RL-SVM prediction models are established based on the ratio of the area of insect-damaged sub-surface to the entire seed, soybean varieties, and μa\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\mu }_{a}$$\\end{document} at three wavelengths (502 nm, 813 nm, and 712 nm) for predicting and identifying soybean the stinging and sucking pest damage levels of soybean seeds. The experimental results show that the spatial frequency domain imaging technique yields small errors in the optical coefficients of soybean seeds, with errors of less than 15% for μa\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\mu }_{a}$$\\end{document} and less than 10% for μ′s\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${{\\mu }{\\prime}}_{s}$$\\end{document}. After parameter adjustment through reinforcement learning, the Macro-Recall metrics of each model have improved by 10%-15%, and the RL-SVM model achieves a high Macro-Recall value of 0.9635 for classifying the pest damage levels of soybean seeds.

Growth and survival assessment from African lungfish (Clarias gariepinus) and its hybrid with two species of heterobranchus

Obtaining good quality and quantity of fish seeds for increasing fish production is a major quest by fish farmers. This study examined the growth responses and survival of Clarias gariepinus and two species of heterobranchus. One thousand five hundred (1500) fry (28-day after hatched) were randomly selected from each of the three crosses of Clarias gariepinus (T1), C. gariepinus x Heterobranchus longifilis (T2) and C. gariepinus x Heterobranchus bidorsalis (T3) broodstocks. They were stocked separately in triplicate at a stocking rate of 500 fish per replicate and reared for 90 days. The data were analysed for significant differences (P<0.05) by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). There was no significant difference in the growth parameters but fish in T3 had the highest value of mean weight gain while T1 had the least. No significant difference (p>0.05) was observed in the body weight gains from day 40 to day 90 except at day 70 where T3 had the highest weight gain (18.97 g) which was significantly different (p<0.05) to the value recorded in T1 (18.20 g) but not significantly different (p>0.05) to the value recorded in T3 (18.97 g). The results of length increment showed that the growth pattern from day 0 to day 80 were similar. A little difference was observed at day 90 with T3 >T2>T1. The fish in T1 (Clarias gariepinus) had the highest significant percentage survival (89.60%). The results of water quality parameters showed that the mean temperature was 28oC, pH 6.8, dissolved oxygen 5.6 mg/l and turbidity 5.45 NYU. The culture of C. gariepinus by farmers will improve their output and consequentially increase in profit.Keywords: aquaculture; fish breeding; hybrids; weight gain

Optimization of Harvesting and Drying Techniques for Quality Seed Production in Specialty Crops: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Optimization of Harvesting and Drying Techniques for Quality Seed Production in Specialty Crops: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The Potential of matoa seeds (Pometia pinnata) as a biodiesel raw material

Abstract Matoa (Pometia pinnata J.R.Forst. & G.Forst) is an origin species from Papua, widely cultivated around Indonesia. Matoa seeds have gained attention because of their fatty acid content, which can be used as a biodiesel raw material. This study aims to determine the quality of manta seeds as an alternative biodiesel development in Indonesia. Oil extraction used the Soxhlet method and then tested based on the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The results showed that the yield oil of mature seeds was 22,37%. In contrast, the quality of matoa seed oil was based on colour (ASTM D 1500), kinematic viscosity at 40°C (ASTM D 445), pour point (ASTM D 97), and water content had met the SNI standard in the other side, the specific gravity (ASTM D 1298) and cloud point (ASTM D 97) were below the SNI standard. Based on the results, matoa seeds oil can be used as biodiesel raw material for future sustainable energy but needs further development.

Seed coating formula made from plant-based fungicide to maintain the quality of cocoa seeds (Theobroma cacao L.)

Seed coating formula made from plant-based fungicide to maintain the quality of cocoa seeds (Theobroma cacao L.)

Evaluation of field distribution quality of wheat seeds based on multidimensional indicators

Evaluation of field distribution quality of wheat seeds based on multidimensional indicators

Effects of Salinity Stress during Plant Development in Barley (Hordium velgare L.) on Subsequent Seed Quality and Redox State

Effects of Salinity Stress during Plant Development in Barley (Hordium velgare L.) on Subsequent Seed Quality and Redox State

Market Potential and Farmers' Buying Behaviour towards Cumin Seeds in Rajkot District, Gujarat, India

The Indian agriculture sector heavily relies on quality seeds for optimal crop productivity. The Indian seed industry plays a crucial role in providing high-quality seeds to farmers. Hybrid seeds are preferred over open-pollinated varieties, and quality seeds not only increase yield but also reduce production costs. The majority of farmers in Rajkot District are middle-aged, with varied education levels and predominantly low incomes. Experienced middle-aged farmers dominate the region, with small and semi-medium landholdings. Different crops are grown across the Kharif, Rabi, and summer seasons, highlighting diverse cropping patterns. The survey in Rajkot District reveals diverse irrigation sources, with various preferences for cumin seed brands among farmers. Factors influencing cumin seed purchases include performance, branding, quality, growth, and price. Retailers' suggestions, demonstrations, and farmers' meetings are the most effective marketing tools. Overall, 61.84% of respondents rated their experience as good, suggesting satisfaction with products and services, but there is room for improvement.

Physiological Maturity and Harvesting Date on Seed Yield and Quality of Indigo (Indigofera suffruticosa Mill.)

Background: Indigo is used to dye many fabrics, which also needs a lot of indigo plants enough to dye the fabric. Indigo seeds were used for propagation, but the seed of indigo is not simultaneous. The physiological maturity and optimum harvesting date affected the yield and quality of indigo seeds. This research aims to study the physiological maturity and harvesting date of indigo on seed yield and quality. Methods: Indigo plants were grown in the dry season. The experiment was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 4 replications, consisting of 4 harvesting dates; 140, 150, 160 and 170 days after planting (DAP). Result: The results showed that the first indigo flower was at 51 DAP and matured to pods at 59 DAP. It takes 113 DAP for the indigo color to change from green to brown. The appearance of the pods changed from green to yellowish green, brown and black, respectively. As the indigo pods became 50% brown, they started harvesting. The weights of a dry pod, a fresh pod and a seed were different. When harvesting at 140 DAP, the fresh pod weight had the maximum of 82.60 g/plant and dropped as the indigo harvesting date grew (P less than 0.01). The dry pod weight was the lowest, at 27.58 g/plant (P less than 0.05). The seed weight per plant for harvesting at 170 DAP was 25.57 g. The harvesting date, however, did not differ statistically. The highest percentage of germination and vigor were from the indigo seeds, which were harvested at 140 DAP, 31.94% and 38.81%, respectively (P less than 0.01). Therefore, the optimum harvesting date at 140 DAP is the physiological maturity stage and harvesting of the pods when they turn brown for the highest seed quality.

Possibility for Exploitation and Identification of Rice Yield and Seed Quality Orthologs in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Background: The advancement in gene tagging and mapping in model crops such as Arabidopsis, rice andmaize has outpaced progress in major legume crops like groundnut, chickpea, redgram, greengram andsoybean, even in the post-genome release period of legume databases. To address this gap, a study investigated the transferability of gene tagged markers (GTMs) associated with rice yield, grain size andmicronutrient content (Fe and Zn) to groundnut. Methods: This study utilized 17 diverse groundnut genotypes for molecular analysis, targeting 45 GTMs spanning 24 known functional genes. Result: Remarkably, 31 out of the 45 markers (76%) demonstrated high transferability to groundnut, indicating significant conservation in functional regions across species. The amplification efficiency of rice GTMs varied among groundnut genotypes, ranging from 79.17% to 91.67%. Notably, 17 markers targeting 14 rice genes showed amplification across all 17 groundnut genotypes (100%) studied. These findings underscore the potential of leveraging knowledge from functionally characterized genes in molecular model crops and annotated orthologous genes in ‘Omics’ databases to enhance gene tagging efforts in crops like groundnut. By harnessing this approach, there is an opportunity to expand the molecular-level tagging of genes and improve crops like groundnut, which have seen limited progress in gene tagging. This strategy opens avenues for pyramiding desirable genes with precision, thereby enhancing crop traits with greater accuracy.

Perception of Agricultural Input Dealers and Challenges Faced by them in Selling Kitchen Garden Pouch in Anand District of Gujarat, India

Micronutrient deficiencies are a significant issue in countries like India, impairing physical and cognitive development. Therefore, overcoming this requires effective and efficient strategies that use available resources and have long term benefits are needed. Kitchen gardening, a traditional practice, is gaining popular as a solution. Kitchen garden seed pouches simplify gardening, promoting self-sufficiency and sustainability, even in limited spaces. These pouches contain quality seeds of popular vegetables and herbs. This study was conducted with three objectives, to study profile of agricultural input dealers, their perception regarding kitchen garden pouch and identify challenges faced by them for selling kitchen garden pouch. It was conducted from January 15th to April 16th 2024 in Anand district of Gujarat and 120 agricultural input dealers were surveyed with the help of semi-structured schedule. Non-Probability sampling method and Convenience sampling was used. Statistical tool like percentage and henry garret ranking methods were used. It reveals that the majority of dealers are middle-aged, with significant experience in the field. Educational qualifications vary, but a significant proportion holds qualifications equivalent to Diploma. The majority operate as retailers, predominantly in urban areas, specializing in seeds and agrochemicals. Despite a high level of awareness about kitchen garden pouches among dealers, a considerable percentage were not actively sold this product. Consumer demand and product quality were key factors influence the dealers’ decision. Challenges faced during product ordering include credit facility and product replacement concerns, challenges at the time of selling product were customer debit behaviour and product price sensitivity.

Physiochemical and Microbial Quality of Melon and Bush Mango Seeds and Milled Products in Local Markets ln Rivers State,Nigeria.

Risk of food borne infection contamination of food, in Africa is increased due to environmental, agronomic and socio-economic factors. This study assesses the microbial quality of melon and bush mango displayed in the local markets, aiming to provide valuable insights into the safety and quality of these widely consumed food products. Standard procedure for microbiological and proximate analysis were employed. The heterotrophic bacteria count ranged from 8.5 x 10⁵ cfu/g to 1.35 x10⁶ cfu/g. The total staphylococcus count ranged from 1.2 x 10³ cfu/g to 4.35 x 10³ cfu/g. The coliform count ranged from 2.8 x 10⁴ to 7 x 10⁵, Total Samonella count ranged from 4 x 10² cfu/g to 1.5 x 10³ cfu/g and Fungi count 6.5 x 10² cfu/g to 2.5 x 10³ cfu/g. Morphological and Biochemical characterization of heterotrophic bacteria isolated from both melon and bush mango identified nine genera, including Staphylococcus (14.6%) Bacillus (20%), Corynebacterium (5.6%) Enterobacter (4.4%), Micrococcus ( 3.3%) Pseudomonas (12.2%), Escherichia coli (13.3%), Salmonella (11.1%) and Proteus (11.1%). Fungal species like Penicillium spp., Fusarium spp., Aspergillus flavus, Candida spp., Mucor spp., Saccharomyces sp., and Aspergillus niger were isolated from both seed and milled seeds samples of melon and bush mango. The frequency of occurrence revealed variations among bacterial isolates in melon and bush mango seeds. The most frequent fungal species included Candida spp. (9.4%) Aspergillus niger (20%) Mucor (9.4%), Fusarium (11.4%), Aspergillus flavus (9.4%), Penicillium (13.2%), Rhizopus spp (3.7%) and Saccharomyces (15%). Proximate and heavy metal analysis indicated variations in the composition of Carbohydrate (7.11%), Lipid (15.03%), Ash (1.89%), Moisture (7.31%), Protein (23.86%), Crude Fiber (12.66%), Lead (0.213 mg/kg), Copper (2.11mg/kg), calcium (0.49mg/kg) and Cadmium (0.0169mg/kg) in melon and bush mango, Carbohydrate (15.03%), Lipid (58.24%), Ash (1.74%), Moisture (10.48%), Protein (11.95%), Crude Fiber (2.64%), Lead (1.7903mg/kg), Copper (2.11mg/kg), calcium (0.148mg/kg) and Cadmium (0.000385mg/kg). The presence of heterotrophic bacteria in such ranges suggests potential differences in hygiene practices during cultivation, processing, and storage. Therefore; Implement stringent quality control measures during the production, processing, and storage of both melon and bush mango seed.

Effect of temperature and relative humidity on ethylene oxide inactivation of Salmonella and Enterococcus faecium NRRL B-2354 on chia seeds and its influence on the quality of seeds

Ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization is commonly used by the food industry to inactivate pathogens in spices, but its efficacy on edible seeds, a high-risk food commodity, remains unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of EtO gas on chia seeds and assess the impact of processing parameters on microbial reduction, byproduct formation, and seed quality. Further, Enterococcus faecium NRRL B-2354 was evaluated for its suitability as a surrogate for Salmonella. Chia seeds were inoculated with a cocktail of five strains of Salmonella enterica or E. faecium. The inoculated sample was treated with EtO (735.3 mg/L) at different combinations of relative humidity (30, 40, and 50%) and temperature (46, 53, and 60 °C) for exposure times ranging from 2 to 120 min. The results showed that EtO treatment effectively reduced the bacterial populations on chia seeds, with the inactivation trend following a non-linear pattern that was described well by the Weibull model. The treatment time required for a 5-log reduction of Salmonella was less than 10 min at 50% RH and 53–60 °C. Exposure of chia seeds to EtO for 2 min at 50% RH gave 3.15, 3.59, and 3.87 log reductions at 46, 53, and 60 °C, respectively. E. faecium was found to be a reliable surrogate for Salmonella during EtO treatment. The modified Bigelow model developed based on Weibull model parameters could be used to predict Salmonella inactivation (RMSE = 0.73 min) and E. faecium inactivation (RMSE = 0.87 min) on chia seeds during EtO treatment. Fatty acid composition, protein content, color, and germination ability of chia seeds were not impacted significantly (P > 0.05) by EtO fumigation. These findings suggest that EtO gas can effectively inactivate Salmonella on chia seeds while preserving their viability and quality.

Comparison of Nutritional Quality and Functional Active Substances in Different Parts of Eight Lotus Seed Cultivars.

In this study, "Honghu White Lotus", "Red Lotus (HH)", "Hunan Cunshan Lotus (CS)", "Wuyi Xuanlian", "Space Lotus 36", "Fujian Jianning White Lotus (JB)", "Jiangsu Yangzhou Lotus (JY)", and "Suzhou Dongshan Lotus" were selected as experimental subjects. The lotus seed flesh and lotus plumule of each cultivar were selected for nutritional quality and functional active substance analyses. Comparing different cultivars of lotus seeds, the protein and crude fat contents of JY flesh were the highest at 65.59 mg/g and 13%, respectively. The VC content of JB flesh and lotus plumule is the highest at 41.56 mg/g and 204.29 mg/g, respectively. JB flesh has the lowest soluble sugar content, at 17.87 mg/g, while HB's lotus plumule and flesh have the highest content, at 33.67 mg/g and 29.62 mg/g, respectively. There was no significant difference in the crude fat content of the flesh and lotus plumule among the eight cultivars. TK flesh and lotus plumule have the highest amylose content, at 23.67 mg/g and 76.81 mg/g, respectively. Among them, the total starch content of JB (476.17 mg/g) was relatively high, whereas its amylose content was only 26.09 mg/g. Lower amylose content makes it less prone to aging. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the JY lotus plumule were the highest, at 18.64 and 21.04 mg/g, respectively. The alkaloid content of CS, HH, and JY was relatively high at 20.01, 19.29, and 18.68 mg/g, respectively. These can provide a consultation for the estimation and processing of the nutritional quality of different lotus seeds.

Optimizing Seed Priming Duration and Copper Levels for Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) Germination and Vigour

Background: An experiment was carried out in the STR Laboratory, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, MP, during the Rabi season of 2022-2023 to determine the impact of seed priming time and copper levels on seed germination and vigour characteristics of the coriander seedlings. Method: The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications and 12 treatment combinations of Copper levels (0, 300, 400 and 500ppm) and soaking duration (14, 16 and 18 h). Results: The outcomes demonstrated that priming treatments had a noteworthy impact on seedling germination and vigour traits. Significantly higher germination (82%), least mean germination time (7.9 days), maximum germination index (22.83), longest radicle (17.30 cm) and plumule length (13.09 cm), maximum vigour index-I (2374.05 cm) and vigour index-II (12.29 g) and lowest mortality rate (18%) was observed when seeds were primed with Cu @ 500 ppm soaking for 16 h. Success of crop production depends on quality of seeds and it’s germination percentage. Quality of seed susceptible to diverse climatic conditions resulting poor vigour and germination. Since availability of quality seed of coriander is very low, seed priming is an excellent technique which improves germination and better crop stand.