Seed Quality Parameters Research Articles

Impact of spot blotch pathogen Bipolaris sorokiniana on important seed quality parameters in wheat and its management with biocontrol agents and newer fungicide molecules.

Spot blotch disease is prominent amongst several biotic stresses challenging wheat yield and quality. The impact of seed inoculation with Bipolaris sorokiniana, on important wheat seed quality of popular cultivar (cv.) DBW 187, was estimated in comparison to susceptible check WH 147. DBW 187 responded very effectively against pathogen keeping all parameters well ahead of susceptible check. The variety could resist declination in per cent germination with 8.07% in comparison to WH 147 which resulted in 14.72% reduction in germination after pathogen inoculation. Similarly, after pathogen's inoculation, speed of germination (80.06) and vigour index I (2677) and II (24379) were significantly higher in cv. DBW 187 as against cv. WH 147, which resulted in lower speed of germination and vigour index I and II, i.e. 74.37, 2249, and 16715, respectively. Amongst the biocontrol agents, Trichoderma harzianum was found to be the most effective in managing this pathogen, which caused 86.30% inhibition in mycelial growth of B. sorokiniana. Amongst the seven fungicides used to manage Bipolaris sorokiniana in vitro, tebuconazole 50% + trifloxystrobin 25% WG, propiconazole 25% EC both at 75 and 100ppm, and kresoxim methyl 44.3% SC at 100ppm were most effective against Bipolaris sorokiniana, causing complete inhibition in its radial growth. Conclusively, wheat cv. DBW 187 has capacity to resist seed health deterioration caused by the pathogen. Out of seven evaluated fungicides, the best three newer fungicide molecules, viz., tebuconazole 50% + trifloxystrobin 25% WG, propiconazole 25% EC, and kresoxim methyl 44.3% SC, can judiciously be utilized in combination with biocontrol agents, Trichoderma harzianum, T. asperellum, and Chaetomium globosum, keeping the fungicide load minimum for the effective management of B. sorokiniana.

Impact of Maleic Hydrazide Foliar Application on In situ Germination, Seed Yield and Seed Quality Parameters in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

In the 2023 kharif season, a field experiment was conducted at the All India Coordinated Research Project on Groundnut, Main Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka. The study aimed to investigate the impact of foliar application of maleic hydrazide on in situ germination, seed yield, and seed quality parameters in groundnut (cv. Dh 86). The findings indicated that foliar spray of maleic hydrazide @ 3000 ppm resulted in lower in situ germination (24.64%), higher yield attributes like pod yield per plant(9.35 g), kernel yield per plant (6.67 g), shelling percentage (71.47%), hundred seed weight(39.65 g) and sound mature kernel (96%) and lower seed quality parameters like germination (66%), root length (13.50 cm), shoot length (8.13 cm), mean seedling length(21.63 cm), seedling dry weight (332 mg) and seedling vigour index I &II (1428 & 21912) as compared to control. Indicating induction of dormancy through foliar spray of maleic hydrazide.

Foliar Application of Methyl Jasmonate and Chitosan Improve Growth, Yield, and Quality of Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) Under Water-Deficit Stress.

Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.), a summer legume, is becoming increasingly important as an industrial crop due to its high gum and viscosity content. This study investigated the effects of methyl jasmonate (MeJA), chitosan (CH), and their combination on the growth, yield, and quality of guar under irrigation regimes. A greenhouse experiment was conducted using a factorial design to evaluate the effect of foliar spraying with MeJA (5, 25, and 50 µM), CH (100, 150, and 200 mg/L), their combination (25 µM MeJA + 150 mg/L CH), and control on two commercial guar varieties (RGC-986 and BR-2017) under different irrigation regimes (100%, 70%, and 40% field capacity). The results showed that the exogenous application of MeJA and CH, individually and in combination, significantly enhanced various morphological traits and yield components in guar, including plant height, pod characteristics, seed yield, and root development. Additionally, the combination treatments improved seed quality parameters, such as gum percentage and viscosity content. Leaf analysis revealed increased levels of total phenolic content, total flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents. The BR-2017 variety showed superior performance in most morphological and qualitative traits, demonstrating greater resistance to irrigation regimes. It maintained yield and quality characteristics under water-deficit conditions, particularly when treated with 25 µM MeJA and 150 mg/L CH. The highest gum percentage (33.67%) and viscosity (4768.5 cP) were observed in the RGC-986 variety, along with enhanced levels of secondary metabolites. This study provides new insights into how MeJA, CH, and their combination can improve the yield and quality of guar under water deficit stress conditions. The results suggest that the use of these elicitors, especially in combination, represents an innovative strategy for improving guar production and quality, with potential variety-specific responses to water-deficit stress.

Nano-enhanced storage of American cotton using metal-oxide nanoparticles for improving seed quality traits.

Cotton seeds have poorer germination than other crops because of their high sensitivity towards insect pests and other biotic and abiotic stresses during the germination process. In the present study, inorganic bulk and nano nutrients of zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were synthesized using the chemical reduction method and invigourated with cotton seeds. The characterization of nanoparticles was done by FESEM, HRTEM, UV/Vis analysis and FTIR. The delinted and fuzzy seeds of two American cotton varieties (H 1300 and H 1098-i) were nano-primed for 10h with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) @ 400ppm and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) @ 100ppm. After nanoparticle invigouration, the seeds were analyzed for various parameters at different intervals (0months, 3months, 6months, 9months and 12months) such as germination percentage, seedling length, seedling dry weight, electrical conductivity, dehydrogenase activity, antioxidant enzyme activity. The results indicated that that different storage periods and nanopriming treatments had significant effects on all seed quality parameters except the effect of nanopriming treatments on germination percentage (excluding delinted seeds of H 1098-i). It is also revealed that the interaction effect of nanopriming treatment and storage period was non-significant on all parameters except EC. Maximum reduction in seed quality parameters was observed in control treatment and minimum was found when seeds were nanoprimed with ZnONPs @ 400ppm. The differences in the response for both NPs can be attributed to their surface charge, and concentration used. Overall, ZnONPs and TiO2NPs could hold seed quality and vigour during the storage of cotton seeds of American varieties (H 1300 and H 1098-i).

Evaluating growth stimulants for improving different morpho-physiological and seed quality parameters in American cotton

Evaluating growth stimulants for improving different morpho-physiological and seed quality parameters in American cotton

Standardization of Various Chemical Seed Priming on Seed Quality Parameters in Black Gram (Vigna mungo)

Black gram is an important pulse crop in India. It is a major source of dietary protein for the poor people and provides nutritional security. It is mostly grown by the small and marginal farmers under resource constraints situation particularly in rainfed and rice fallow conditions. Seed priming is one such effective technology to achieve high growth, vigor, better stand establishment. The current study aimed to study the standardization of various chemical on crop growth in black gram. A laboratory experiment was conducted in Factorial Completely Randomized Design (FCRD) with three replications using various concentrations (1%, 2%, 3% and 4 %) as first factor and different durations (4 and 6 h) of priming as second factor and different chemicals such as ZnSO4, MnCl2, MgSO4, CaCl2, KCl and KNO3 as third factor. Seeds were primed with different chemicals in different concentrations and in different duration evaluated for its quality parameters to find out suitable seed priming technique. Among all treatments seed priming with ZnSO4 1% for 6 hours recorded higher germination (98%), longest root length (22.17 cm), shoot length (19.15 cm), higher seedling dry matter production (0.93 g seedlings-10), fresh weight (8.93 g seedlings-10) and vigor index (4004) than control under laboratory experiment. The results indicate that use of ZnSO4 1% for 6 hours enhances the seed performance regarding seed quality characters.

Effect of packaging materials on seed quality parameters during storage in soybean (Glycine max L.) seed harvested at physiological maturity stage in offseason

Effect of packaging materials on seed quality parameters during storage in soybean (Glycine max L.) seed harvested at physiological maturity stage in offseason

Assessment of chilli genotypes and their hybrids for seed quality parameters

Assessment of chilli genotypes and their hybrids for seed quality parameters

Effect of Biogenic Silica Seed Coating on Sorghum (VAR. K 12) Seed Storage Using Different Storage Containers under Ambient Condition

The objective of this study was to investigate the seed quality parameters of biogenic silica coated sorghum seeds on seed storage using different storage containers under ambient condition. Proper seed storage until next sowing season is crucial for sorghum seed production. seeds can lose vigor and viability during storage. Decrease in seed vigour leads to decrease in seed quality. The seed's storage environment and packaging materials significantly impact its long-term viability and effectiveness. Coating seeds before storing them helps preserve their quality over time. Pre-storage seed coating is essential for preventing seed deterioration and maintaining quality throughout the storage period. The present study revealed that, after six months of storage period, seed coating with biogenic silica with carbon @ 5 ml kg-1 seeds observed highest germination percentage, root and shoot length, dry matter production, vigour index I and II compared to control. With respect to containers seeds packed in super grain bag performed better than cloth bag. The results clearly indicated that, coating of seeds with biogenic silica with carbon @ 5 ml kg-1 stored in the supergrain bag-maintained vigour and viability throughout the storage period and also maintained the seedling length.

Studies on Effect of Terminal Heat Stress on Seed Quality and its Mitigation in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

A field experiment was conducted to know the effect of terminal heat stress on seed yield and its mitigation in chickpea was carried out during 2021-22 at Seed Unit, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur. High temperature during sowing time from early to late and very late directly affect the vegetative and anthesis stages and it was overcome by spraying the plants with heat stress mitigating chemicals. The experiment was laid out with three dates of sowing and ten foliar spray each treatment was replicated twice in a split plot design. Spraying was done at two stages of crop growth i.e., at vegetative (35-40 DAS) and anthesis stage (50-60 DAS) in all dates of sowing. The interaction between dates of sowing and heat stress mitigating chemicals showed highest physiological and seed quality parameters i.e. chlorophyll stability index (D3T3) (73.06 and 74.63%), minimum cell membrane injury index (55.09 and 63.63 %), maximum proline content (D3T3) (6.79 and 9.37 µ mol g-1), relative water content (83.79 and 75.10 %) at 60 DAS and at harvest, first count (90.50 %), final count (100.00 %), speed of germination (43.80), minimum time for radicle emergence (41.00 hrs), root length (17.32 cm), shoot length (10.12 cm), dry weight (27.10 mg), seedling vigour index-I (2643), seedling vigour index-II (2700). Among the treatments, sowing done at October 15th and plants sprayed with salicylic acid @ 400 ppm followed by gibberellic acid (100ppm) (T10) twice at vegetative and anthesis stage was found to be better in obtaining significantly higher physiological and seed quality parameters in chickpea variety JG-11 under heat stress conditions.

Sodium alumino silicate (SAS) neem nanocomposite – A novel seed storage tool against toxigenic Aspergillus flavus causing deterimental effects on seeds health and quality of rice

Infection of rice grains in the field during harvest and storage by Aspergillus flavus, a toxigenic mold causes significant losses to market acceptability of seeds due to its detrimental effects on seed health and quality parameters. Production of aflatoxin by A. flavus interferes with physiological factors affecting the quality of seeds during storage in addition to nutritional losses to the grains. Chemical seed treatments are generally not recommended during storage due to their adverse effects on seed germination and vigor. Leaves of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) are well known for antifungal properties against phytopathogenic fungi such as A. flavus. The paper presents the effect of neem leaf extract adsorbed onto sodium alumino-silicate (SAS) nanoparticles against A. flavus in rice seeds during storage. SAS-Neem nanocomposite, a novel unexplored seed storage material against toxigenic A. flavus, was synthesized for augmented antitoxin and seed invigorating potential. The nanocomposite was characterized using an array of microscopic and spectroscopic methods to evaluate the adsorption of neem leaf extract components on SAS nanoparticles. The antifungal mechanism of the nanocomposite was evaluated via scanning electron microscope, phase contrast, and fluorescence microscopy. The toxin analysis of pathogen-inoculated seeds was carried out at monthly intervals for 6 months during storage of two rice varieties, i.e. PR114 and Pusa-Basmati 1121. The results indicated that the nSAS-Neem composite used as seed coating material maintained significantly higher seed germination (86.23 and 81.49%) and minimized seed rot (6.70 and 5.30%, respectively) in the two varieties under study than the control after 6 months of storage. There was a notable decrease in toxin concentration from 20.58 to 11.19 μg/kg and 19.16 to 12.58 μg/kg in seeds of the two varieties i.e. PR114 and Pusa Basmati 1121, respectively. The nano-composite proved effective against toxigenic A. flavus during seed storage of rice without compromising the seed quality parameters.

Influence of Foliar Spray with Different Doses of Zinc (ZnSO4) at Various Crop Stages on Seed Quality Parameters of Harvested Seeds

A laboratory experiment was conducted to analyze the influence of foliar spray and stages of zinc application on seed quality parameters of harvested radish seeds cv. Japanese White in laboratory of the Department of Seed Science and Technology, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP). There were 12 treatment combinations as 0g/l zinc at bolting stage, 0g/l bolting +14 days after first application, 0g/l at bolting +14days +28 days after first application 1g/l zinc (ZnSO4) at bolting stage, 1g/l bolting +14 days after first application, 1g/l at bolting +14days +28 days after first application, 2g/l at bolting, 2g/l at bolting +14 days after first application, 2g/l at bolting +14 days after first application+ 28 days after first application, 3g/l zinc at bolting stage, 3g/l bolting +14 days after first application, 3g/l at bolting +14days +28 days after first application. The experiment was laid out in CRD (completely randomized design) as well as RCBD( Randomized complete block design) design Among treatment combinations Zn2S1 (2g l-1 at the time of bolting) was found superior in every aspect of quality attributes i.e. 1000 seed weight (14.36g), germination of harvested seeds (85.75%), seedling length (24.20cm), seedling dry weight (11.31mg), seedling vigour index-I (2,075.08) , seedling vigour index- II (966.77), electrical conductivity (0.017 dSm-1), accelerated ageing test (78.25%) and cold test (81.00%).

Effect of Different Seed Priming Treatments on Seed Quality Components of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

The effects of different seed priming treatments, namely tap water, KNO3 @ 2.5%, Thiourea @ 1000 ppm, CaCl2 @ 2%, NaCl2 @ 2%, ZnSO4 @ 1%, KH2PO4 @ 1% and Salicylic acid @ 100 ppm solutions, on seed quality parameters of Barley cv. K-1055 and K-409 in Factorial Completely Randomized Block Design with four replications were investigated during 2022-23 and 2023-24 at the laboratory of Department of Seed Science and Technology, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur. Analysis of variance revealed that the all recorded seed quality parameters were significantly affected by various seed priming treatments. Priming with KNO3 @ 2.5 % showed maximum 1000 seed weight, standard germination %, seedling length, seedling root length, seedling shoot length, seedling dry weight, seed vigour index-I and seed vigour index-II.

Effect of packaging materials and seed treatments on seed quality parameters of rice during seed storage

Effect of packaging materials and seed treatments on seed quality parameters of rice during seed storage

Influence of Priming on Seed Quality and Seed Health in Sorghum

Aims: To achieve sustainable agriculture, it is essential to conduct ongoing research aimed at reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers. This study investigates the effectiveness of seed priming, either alone or in combination with low doses of fungicides and/or biocontrol agents, to enhance seed quality and to reduce seed infection by improving the rate and uniformity of seed emergence and overcoming diseases. Study Design: Completely randomized design. Place and Duration of Study: Seed Unit, UAS, Raichur, from March 2022 to September 2022. Methodology: Sorghum seeds were surface sterilized with sodium hypochlorite (1 %) for five minutes and then washed thrice with sterile water. Later the seeds were primed with Trichoderma hamatum, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Paenibacillus polymyxa, Carboxin 37.5 % + thiram 37.5 % (vitavax power), Trichoderma harzianum, Azospirillium and control with the seed to solution ratio of 1:5 for eight hours and then the primed seeds were dried back to original moisture content (24 hrs.) and then used to assess the seed quality parameters. Results: Seed priming with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens resulted in statistically significant improvements in seed germination (95.0%), shoot length (16.9 cm), root length (16.6 cm), seedling length (33.5 cm), speed of germination (20.1), seedling dry weight (339.3 mg), seedling vigour index-I (3183), seedling vigour index-II (32234), lower electrical conductivity (0.35 dS/m) and reduced seed infection (0.6%). In contrast, the control group exhibited significantly lower seed germination (83.0%), shoot length (12.6 cm), root length (11.1 cm), seedling length (23.7 cm), speed of germination (15.2), seedling dry weight (333.2 mg), seedling vigour index-I (1967), seedling vigour index-II (27656), higher electrical conductivity (0.65 dS/m) and increased seed infection (6.8%). Conclusion: Sorghum seeds primed with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens increases the seed quality parameters and reduces seed infection, supporting its use as an effective strategy for enhancing seed performance and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Impact of Varied Sowing Dates on Seed Quality Parameters in Wheat

Impact of Varied Sowing Dates on Seed Quality Parameters in Wheat

Exogenous application of salicylic acid and putrescine triggers physiological and biochemical changes in plants to improve growth and bioactive constituents of Ammi majus L

Ammi majus L. is a rich source of coumarins in addition to various flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids. Medicinal products of Ammi majus seed, with sunlight exposure, are worldwide used for the treatment of vitiligo (pale-white patches on the skin). To increase the content of seed-coumarins and to investigate the physiological reasons in this respect, two net-house experiments were conducted using foliar-spray treatments (0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg L−1) of salicylic acid (SA) (Experiment 1) and putrescine (PUT) (Experiment 2). All studied parameters were improved due to the foliar application of both growth elicitors (SA and PUT). The best outcomes for SA and PUT were obtained at 50 mg L−1 which maximally increased the growth characteristics, physiological and biochemical attributes, and seed quality parameters. In comparison to the control, 50 mg L−1 of SA and PUT increased the chlorophyll content by 26.3% and 25.5%, carotenoid content by 31.4% and 18.5%. In addition 50 mg L−1 of both SA and PUT gives the best results of FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer) & XRD (X-ray Diffraction) analysis. In GC–MS analysis, 50 mg L−1 of SA and PUT increases the Methoxsalen content (17.44 and 16.81%) and 7H-Furo[3,2-g]. Bown (1995) [1] Benzopyran-7-one, 4,9-dimethoxy content(14.92 and 13.93%) and p-camphorene content (13.11 and 12.27%) in contrast to the control. Other important constituents were Pimpinellin (6.31 and 4.08%), Bergapten (8.72 and 6.220, Isospathulenol (7.80 and 2.47), Octadecenoic acid (5.78 and 3.59) and Vitamin E (1.48 and 0.16).

Optimization of Foliar Nutrition and Nipping for Quality of Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L). Millsp.

A field experiment was conducted in red sandy clay loam soil at UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru during kharif to know the influence of foliar nutrition and nipping on crop growth, seed yield and quality in pigeonpea. The experiment replicated six times in split plot design with treatments of foliar spray of water soluble fertilizer (WSF)with three different concentration F0 (100% RDF), F1 (75% RDF + 25% WSF (19: 19:19), F2 (75% RDF + 12.5% WSF (19: 19:19) in combination with nipping (N1) and no nipping (N0). The results revealed that seed quality parameters viz.,germination (85.75 %) mean seedling length (48.28 cm), mean seedling dry weight (47.33 mg), seedling vigour index-I (4137), seedling vigour index -II (4112), lower electrical conductivity (1.07 mS ppt-1), total dehydrogenase activity (3.30 A480nm) and total soluble protein (23.19%) recorded higher in F2N1 (75% RDF + 12.5% WSF (19: 19:19) + nipping) over control (81.42%, 44.59 cm, 41.67 mg seedling-1, 3724, 3346, 1.44 mS ppt-1, 2.22 A480nm, 20.22 %,) respectively.

Adaptive Value of Soybean Varieties by the Seed Quality Parameters

Adaptive Value of Soybean Varieties by the Seed Quality Parameters

Upholding Seed Quality with Mid-storage Invigoration Treatments in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The groundbreaking research investigated the impact of mid-storage invigoration treatments on seed quality parameters in rice. The experimental design used in the study was Completely Randomized Design with three replications. The experiment was conducted at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Pattambi, Kerala Agricultural University. The objective of the study was to understand the effect of mid-storage invigoration treatments on seed storage under ambient conditions. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of ten different treatments on the quality of seeds, specifically the germination percentage, seed vigour index I, electrical conductivity, and mean germination time. The treatments tested were control- untreated seeds, hydration and dehydration treatment 1l/kg, ascorbic acid 10g/kg, calcium chloride 10g/kg, albizzia leaf powder 2g/kg, neem cake 5g/kg, neem leaf powder 2g/kg, neem oil 2ml/kg, red chilli powder 1g/kg and vayambu leaf powder 2g/kg. The rice variety Jyothi was used. Results showed that all the mid-storage invigoration treatments significantly improved the germination rate of the treated seeds when compared to the control under ambient storage conditions. Neem oil when used showed the highest germination percentage after five months of storage. In the last month of storage, neem oil showed a significantly higher vigour index which was comparable to hydration dehydration treatment and red chilli powder. Germination percentage and seedling vigour index I are positively associated with seed quality. Electrical conductivity and mean germination time are negatively correlated with seed quality. The least electrical conductivity was recorded in hydration dehydration treatment. Neem oil and hydration dehydration treatment had low mean germination time. Based on the research conducted, neem oil, hydration-dehydration, and red chili powder are the most effective treatments for improving the longevity of seeds. These eco-friendly and cost-effective mid-storage invigoration seed treatments can help farmers enhance the quality of their seeds and extend their storage life.