Rice Seeds Research Articles

Augmenting barrier efficiency in clay‐based starch composite films for enhanced packaging sustainability

AbstractThe pervasive utilization of plastic as a cost‐effective packaging material for food has led to environmental concerns, primarily due to its non‐biodegradable nature and the ensuing release of carbon dioxide gas that contributes to global warming. In response to these challenges, researchers have shifted their focus toward biopolymers to develop eco‐friendly packaging solutions. The present study introduces a novel approach to study the release of micronutrient (Fe) from clay free starch‐glycerol film and clay‐starch‐glycerol composite film. The structural composition and characteristics of the synthesized film are meticulously examined using x‐ray diffraction (XRD), ATR, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analytical techniques. Notably, XRD analysis reveals a significant interaction between the starch chains and Mt through hydrogen bonding, indicative of starch and glycerol intercalation within the nanoclay gallery—a phenomenon further corroborated by IR spectra analysis. The nanoclay‐infused starch/glycerol composite film exhibits a noteworthy 2.22‐fold increase in water vapor permeability compared to clay free film, attributed to the formation of a convoluted diffusion path indicating the enhancement of the barrier performance of starch‐based films. Comparative evaluations against earlier studies are undertaken to elucidate the advancements in barrier properties, subsequently elucidating the underlying mechanisms through analytical interpretations. From the release study, the release of Fe2+ from the film with clay was observed to be more prolonged compared to a film without clay. As a result, the Montmorillonite clay–polymer composite film was selected for coating rice seeds using the dip‐coating method.

Rice seeds biofortification using biogenic ıron oxide nanoparticles synthesized by using Glycyrrhiza glabra: a study on growth and yield ımprovement

Iron, a crucial micronutrient, is an integral element of biotic vitality. The scarcity of iron in the soil creates agronomic challenges and has a detrimental impact on crop vigour and chlorophyll formation. Utilizing iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) via nanopriming emerges as an innovative method to enhance agricultural efficiency and crop health. The objective of this study was to synthesize biogenic IONPs from Glycyrrhiza glabra (G. glabra) plant extract using green chemistry and to evaluate their nanopriming effects on rice seed iron levels and growth. The synthesized IONPs were analyzed using UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques. The UV–Vis peak at 280 nm revealed the formation of IONPs. SEM and TEM showed that the nanoparticles were spherical and had an average diameter of 23.8 nm. Nanopriming resulted in a substantial enhancement in growth, as seen by a 9.25% and 22.8% increase in shoot lengths for the 50 ppm and 100 ppm treatments, respectively. The yield metrics showed a positive correlation with the concentrations of IONPs. The 1000-grain weight and spike length observed a maximum increase of 193.75% and 97.73%, respectively, at the highest concentration of IONPs. The study indicates that G. glabra synthesized IONPs as a nanopriming agent significantly increased rice seeds' growth and iron content. This suggests that there is a relationship between the dosage of IONPs and their potential for improving agricultural biofortification.

Pendugaan Viabilitas benih padi (Oryza sativa L.) dengan Uji Tetrazolium

Supporting factors for the success of rice planting include seed availability in sufficient quantities, high quality, and availability when needed. Conventional rice seed viability testing generally takes quite a long time, around 14 days. Therefore, it is necessary to develop several methods for quickly testing seed viability. This research aims to determine the coloring pattern of rice seeds, differences in viability tested with 0.25% tetrazolium concentration, and the relationship between the viability values of seeds tested for sprouting and those tested with 0.25% tetrazolium. This research was carried out from March to May 2023 at the Laboratory of the Central Java Seed Supervision and Certification Center. The treatments used were tests using the direct sprout test (rolled paper in plastic test) and the 0.25% concentration tetrazolium test method. The seeds used were seeds with different storage times (0, 1, 2, and 3 months) to obtain variations in seed vigor. The data obtained were analyzed using visual and descriptive analysis, t-test, and correlation analysis. The results showed that the tetrazolium test with a concentration of 0.25% on Inpari 42 rice seeds produced seven coloring patterns grouped into four viable seed and three non-viable seed coloring patterns. The 0.25% concentration tetrazolium test showed that the results had no significant effect and were closely related the results of the direct germination test so the rapid test could be used as a substitute for the (conventional) germination test on a wide scale.

Local Management in the Varietal Diversity of Rainfed Rice (Oryza glaberrima) from Goh-Djiboua and Mountains Districts in Côte d’Ivoire

The awareness of farming practices regarding the varietal diversity management of cultivated crops is essential for setting up an in-situ preservation strategy. The objective of the current work was to probe the varietal diversity status of the rainfed rice and its management design in farming conditions. The study was implemented from Goh-Djiboua and Mountain Districts as significant locations for rainfed rice production in Côte d’Ivoire, through descriptive investigation at field led from 450 local farmers of traditional rainfed rice varieties. Data on the anthropological, production, and post-harvest preservation of the traditional rice varieties were collected. The investigation evidenced the rice production as a gender activity accounting 58.5% men against 41.5% women. The most produced traditional rice varieties are spelled Danané (20.22%) and Danané fowl (17.80%). The rice seeds mainly result from self-production by the farmers investigated (91.3%), especially deriving from traditional varieties (96.6%). The cultivated lands are below 1 ha acreage for most farmers (63.1%) and are worked for auto-consumption needs (99.8%). Besides the survey exhibited four storage structures, most significant of which are the granaries (79.4%). Further attempts focusing nutritional and technological advantages of the traditional rice varieties could enhance their spreading in local culture of rainfed rice.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Microbial Biosurfactant Produced by a Newly Isolated Klebsiella sp. Strain RGUDBI03 Through a Single Step Method and Exploring its Role in Enhancing the Chickpea and Rice Seed Germination

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Microbial Biosurfactant Produced by a Newly Isolated Klebsiella sp. Strain RGUDBI03 Through a Single Step Method and Exploring its Role in Enhancing the Chickpea and Rice Seed Germination

Phytotoxicity and Residual Effect of Some Herbicides on three Egyptian Rice Cultivars (Oryza sativa L.)

The current study was carried out at the experimental farm of Rice Research Department, Sakha Agricultural Research Station and Central Agricultural Pesticide Laboratory, ARC, Egypt during the summer season of 2021 and 2022 to study the sensitivity of three Egyptian rice cultivars against four common herbicides and its effect on physiological and agronomic characteristics of rice as well as herbicide residues in rice seeds. The field study was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Three rice cultivars (Giza 177, Giza 179 and Sakha 108) were randomly distributed in main plots, while weed control treatments included four herbicides at recommended doses (penoxsulam 2.5% OD, bispyribac-sodium 2% SL, cyhalofop-butyl 10% EC and fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 7.5% EW) as compared to hand weeding were devoted in sub plots. The obtained results revealed that Sakha 108 as Japonica rice cultivar was resistant against tested herbicides and recorded the highest values of rice dry weight, chlorophyll content, number of panicles m-2, panicle weight and grain yield, while scored the lowest values of total phenols. On the other hand, Giza 177 as short duration Japonica rice cultivar showed the higher sensitivity against tested herbicides and achieved the lowest values of abovementioned agronomic traits and chlorophyll content. Cyhalofop-butyl as ACCase herbicide was safer on studied rice cultivars and recorded the highest values of studied agronomic characteristics for rice as well as chlorophyll content, while recorded the lowest values of total phenols during the study. On the other hand, bispyribac-sodium 2% SL resulted in more toxic effect for rice cultivars and recorded the lowest values of studied agronomic traits for rice. fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 7.5% EW achieved the lowest chlorophyll content and highest values of total phenols during the study. Giza 179 as Indica-Japonica rice cultivar appeared high sensitivity when sprayed with bispyribac-sodium and fenoxaprop-ethyl but made recovery after 12 days from herbicidal application and recorded the highest chlorophyll content, dry weight, panicles m-2 and grain yield with no significant differences between Sakha 108 rice cultivar during the study. In respect of herbicide residues in rice seeds, all tested herbicides didn’t have residues in rice seeds at 100 days after treatment. It means that tested herbicides didn’t have any residues in rice seeds.

An unmanned rice seeder with WiFi based mobile-control system for drudgery reduction

An unmanned rice seeder (URS) with WiFi based wireless communication system was developed to reduce surface seed dispersion, drudgery, human involvement, Occupational health hazards and environmental pollution. An android mobile phone with WIFI connectivity acts as wireless communication system to control the developed URS with operating range of 144.6 m which was surplus for small farms in hilly terrains of Sikkim. The factors of URS are found to be forward speed (Fs) and hopper fill level (HL) w.r.t responses of co-efficient of variation of number of seeds per hill (Cv), Seed rate (Sr), hill spacing uniformity (Us,), missing hill index (MI) and mean hill span (Hs). The optimum results of soil bin study are of Fs and HL of 2.4 km.h−1 and 75% w.r.t responses of Cv, Sr, MI, Us, Hs are 0.28, 18.5 kg. ha−1, 7.3%, 91.7%, and 6.4 cm. Test results showed that the seeding performance of developed seeder was similar to manual drum seeder. But, due to higher speed of operation in developed seeder showed better results in field operation. The results from the field evaluation revealed that URS has increase in field capacity of 41%, reduces labor requirement of 50% than manual rice seeder. In economic evaluation URS has reduced cost of operation (₹ ha−1) of 90% and increase net benefit (₹ year−1), Payback period of 61% and 91% over manual rice seeder (MRS). The operator's workload was decreased by up to 95% due to the machine's mobile operation as compared to the manual operation.

Dual functionality of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles as a fertilizer and supercapacitor

Nanoparticles-based fertilizers can supply nutrients more effectively to the crops that can improve agricultural productions. Ferrite nanoparticles can replace the conventional iron fertilizers. Iron is more essential for plant growth and itsdeficiency mostly affects the cellular activities. Nickel isa constituent of plant enzymes like urease that converts nitrogen into useable ammonia inside the plant. It also prevents the accumulation of toxic levels of urea in plant tissues. In spinel ferrites, Nickel ferrite is considered for many applications because of its superior properties. NiFe2O4nanoparticles exhibit excellent electrochemical performance with highest capacity. NiFe2O4 nanoparticle (NP) has been successfully synthesized using sol–gel technique and its characteristics are analysed by XRD, FTIR and SEM techniques. XRD confirms the cubic-spinel structure with crystallite size of 23.98 nm. FT-IR spectrum shows the presence of functional groups in the sample. The SEM images shows the morphology and size of the obtained nanoparticles. The results of seed priming account of nickel ferrite NPs in the growth of rice and black gram have been explored. Seeds of rice and black gram are primed with various concentrations of NiFe2O4 NPs (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mgL−1) for 24 h by continuous aeration. Plant height, spike length, dry weights of roots, shoots, grains, and spikes are greater with synthesized NPs, especially in higher rates of NPs. The results confirm that NiFe2O4 NPs made significant influence in the growth of rice and black gram. NiFe2O4 NPs are developed as electrode for supercapacitor and tested their charge storage ability by the electrochemical techniques. It exhibits specific capacitance of 360 Fg−1 and cyclic retention of 98.9 % even after 5000 GCD cycles. Bifunctional performance of NiFe2O4 NPs is demonstrated as nano fertilizer and supercapacitor which is the need for fertilizer and energy storage devices industries.

Production of Exopolysaccharides and İndole Acetic Acid (IAA) by Rhizobacteria and Their Potential against Drought Stress in Upland Rice.

Peatlands are marginal agricultural lands due to highly acidic soil conditions and poor drainage systems. Drought stress is a big problem in peatlands as it can affect plants through poor root development, so technological innovations are needed to increase the productivity and sustainability of upland rice on peatlands. Rhizobacteria can overcome the effects of drought stress by altering root morphology, regulating stress-responsive genes, and producing exopolysaccharides and indole acetic acid (IAA). This study aimed to determine the ability of rhizobacteria in upland rice to produce exopolysaccharides and IAA, identify potential isolates using molecular markers, and prove the effect of rhizobacteria on viability and vigor index in upland rice. Rhizobacterial isolates were grown on yeast extract mannitol broth (YEMB) medium for exopolysaccharides production testing and Nutrient Broth (NB)+L-tryptophan medium for IAA production testing. The selected isolates identify using sequence 16S rRNA. The variables observed in testing the effect of rhizobacteria were germination ability, vigour index, and growth uniformity. EPS-1 isolate is the best production of exopolysaccharides (41.6 mg/ml) and IAA (60.83 ppm). The isolate EPS-1 was identified as Klebsiella variicola using 16S rRNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The isolate EPS-1 can increase the viability and vigor of upland rice seeds. K. variicola is more adaptive and has several functional properties that can be developed as a potential bioagent or biofertilizer to improve soil nutrition, moisture and enhance plant growth. The use of rhizobacteria can reduce dependence on the use of synthetic materials with sustainable agriculture.

Characterization of Azotobacter beijerinckii for PGP properties isolated from tomato rhizosphere of Darjeeling Hills

The rhizosphere soil is the habitat of a various kind of microorganisms that play a key role in the enhancement of plant growth. The present study was carried out to screen the abundance of free-living dinitrogen-fixing microorganisms from the tomato rhizosphere of Darjeeling Hills. The bacteria that could fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and grow on media devoid of nitrogen were isolated. One of the potent strains was selected and identified as Azotobacter beijerinckii through molecular characterization using 16S rRNA homology at NCMR-NCCS, Pune. In-vitro production of IAA was 27 (?g/mL), Gibberellic acid was 48 (?g/mL) and the Phosphate solubilization index (SI) was 2.86. The plant growth promotion test was performed on rice seeds using the strain. The results showed that the % increase in germination over control was 7.52%.

Genome-Wide Profile of Mutations Induced by Carbon Ion Beam Irradiation of Dehulled Rice Seeds.

As a physical mutagen, carbon ion beam (CIB) irradiation can induce high-frequency mutation, which is user-friendly and environment-friendly in plant breeding. In this study, we resequenced eight mutant lines which were screened out from the progeny of the CIB-irradiated dehulled rice seeds. Among these mutants, CIB induced 135,535 variations, which include single base substitutions (SBSs), and small insertion and deletion (InDels). SBSs are the most abundant mutation, and account for 88% of all variations. Single base conversion is the main type of SBS, and the average ratio of transition and transversion is 1.29, and more than half of the InDels are short-segmented mutation (1-2 bp). A total of 69.2% of the SBSs and InDels induced by CIBs occurred in intergenic regions on the genome. Surprisingly, the average mutation frequency in our study is 9.8 × 10-5/bp and much higher than that of the previous studies, which may result from the relatively high irradiation dosage and the dehulling of seeds for irradiation. By analyzing the mutation of every 1 Mb in the genome of each mutant strain, we found some unusual high-frequency (HF) mutation regions, where SBSs and InDels colocalized. This study revealed the mutation mechanism of dehulled rice seeds by CIB irradiation on the genome level, which will enrich our understanding of the mutation mechanism of CIB radiation and improve mutagenesis efficiency.

Detection and quantification of aflatoxins in farmers’ stored rice seeds in some selected areas of Bangladesh

Detection and quantification of total aflatoxins in farmers’ stored rice seeds at different storage intervals in two cropping seasons (Boro 2017–2018: cv. BRRI Dhan28 and cv. BRRI Dhan29 and Aman 2017: cv. BR 11 and cv. BRRI dhan49) was focused in this study. Aflatoxin was quantified in two cropping seasons (Boro and Aman). Blotter incubation test was conducted for fungal prevalence assessment and a one-step lateral flow immune-chromatographic assay was used to quantify the aflatoxins. Seed moisture content ranged from 11.59 to 13.32% and aflatoxin concentrations ranged from 2.41 to 11.12 ppb. Variation in fungal contamination in stored seeds was correlated with seed moisture content. The moisture content in stored rice seeds increased with storage time and was positively correlated with fungal infestation and toxin production. The findings of this study indicate that moisture content of stored rice seeds and storage duration are determining factors for aflatoxin contamination.

High-Sensitivity Differential Helmholtz Photoacoustic System Combined with the Herriott Multipass Cell and Its Application in Seed Respiration.

A highly sensitive photoacoustic detection system using a differential Helmholtz resonator (DHR) combined with a Herriott multipass cell is presented, and its implementation to sub-ppm level carbon dioxide (CO2) detection is demonstrated. Through the utilization of erbium-doped optical fiber amplifier (EDFA), the laser power was amplified to 150 mW. Within the multipass cell, a total of 22 reflections occurred, contributing to an impressive 33.6 times improvement in the system sensitivity. The normalized noise equivalent absorption coefficient (NNEA) was 8.64 × 10-11 cm-1·W·Hz-1/2 [signal-to-noise ratio, (SNR) = 1] and according to the Allan variance analysis, a minimum detection limit of 500 ppb could be achieved for CO2 at 1204 s, which demonstrates the long-term stability of the system. The system was applied to detect the respiration of rice and upland rice seeds. It is demonstrated that the system can monitor and distinguish the respiration intensity and respiration rate of different seeds in real time.

DIAZOTROPHIC ENDOPHYTE Klebsiella sp. N5 FROM SORGHUM SHOWS CROSS-COLONIZATION AND PLANT GROWTH PROMOTION IN RICE

Rice necessitates the highest levels of N fertilizers during its cultivation increasing demand for nitrogen fertilizers as well as negatively affecting the environment. Endophytic diazotrophic bacteria were isolated from sorghum, out of 35 isolates Klebsiella sp. N5 showed maximum potential for biological nitrogen fixation. Primary screening of strain N5 was done with acetylene reduction assay indicating dry root activity of 638.55 nmol C2H4 h-1 g-1. That was further confirmed by nifH gene amplification. The strain was identified morphologically, biochemically and 16S rDNA sequencing analysis and identified as Klebsiella sp. strain N5. This strain exhibited other plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits, such as phosphate solubilization, production of indole acetic acid, siderophore activity, ACC deaminase activity, and anti-fungal activity. PGP endophyte N5 was inoculated into rice seedlings to investigate its interaction under axenic conditions and to characterize its ability to colonize non-native host plant rice. Extensive colonization of rice roots was corroborated by Scanning electron microscopy. In-planta experiments with rice seeds inoculated with Klebsiella sp. N5 showed significant improvements in various agronomic traits such as increase in shoot length, root length, fresh and dry weight of root and shoot, chlorophyll content, and nitrogen content of the plant and soil compared to the untreated plants. Klebsiella sp. N5, a cross colonizer from sorghum (C4 plant) to rice (C3 plant) plays a crucial role in facilitating the acquisition of essential resources such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron through direct mechanisms. This study expands the horizon for its potential as a valuable bioinoculant for sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in non-native host rice, paving the way for future field trials.

Initial vegetative growth and determination of the lethal dose of local rice arias putih at various doses of gamma irradiation

Local rice cultivars that are resistant to biotic and abiotic stress, in fact, still have weaknesses in terms of longevity and idiotypes that causes farmers to rarely cultivate local rice cultivars commercially. One method of plant breeding that can be taken to correct deficiencies in a plant is a mutation program using gamma-ray irradiation. The use of gamma rays must be tested for the value of LD50 so that the right dose is obtained in an effort to increase diversity. One of the upland rice varieties, Arias Putih, was irradiated with gamma rays at the following doses, G0=0 Gy, G1=100 Gy, G2=200 Gy, G3=300 Gy, G4=400 Gy, G5=500 Gy, G6=600 Gy, G7=700 Gy, G8=800 Gy, G9=900 Gy, G10=1000 Gy, and G11=1100 Gy. This LD 50 was carried out with three repetitions per treatment dose, including control. Each dose of gamma-ray irradiation used 100 rice seeds and sown in the seedbed for three weeks. The parameters observed were germination percentage, seedling height and root length, crown and root fresh weight. LD50 was obtained from germination percentage data and was analyzed using Curve-Fit Analysis software. The results revealed a decrease in growth character as the irradiation dose increased. Increasing the irradiation dose up to 500 Gy caused the seeds to die. The LD50 value obtained from the study was 224.13 Gy.

Effects of row ratio and plant spacing for enhancing hybrid rice seed production in the tropics

The seed yield production determines the success of the development of hybrid rice. Here, an effective and efficient cultivation technology for producing hybrid rice seeds is optimized through spacing and row ratio management. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of spacing and row ratio of restorer (R) : CMS (A) on F1 hybrid rice seed production. The experiment was conducted at the Indonesian Center of Rice Research's experimental field in the dry season of 2016, using parental lines HIPA18 hybrid rice, i.e., CMS: IR79156A line and Restorer: IR53942 line. The experiment was laid out in a strip-plot design replicated three times. Two factors were studied, i.e., plant spacing between CMS lines and row ratio R by A-lines. The results indicated that the highest HIPA18 seed production was obtained from 20 cm x 20 cm spacing of CMS with row ratio 2R:14A, i.e., 3.62 tons ha-1. Plant spacing and row ratio interactions were improved tillers number per plant of restorer and F1 seed yields. Keywords: A-lines; CMS; F1 hybrid rice; R-lines

Antifungal Efficacy of the crude Alkaloid, Flavonoid, and Terpenoid of Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipschitz Roots against Aspergillus species isolated from Rice Seeds

Background: Rice is an essential component of the diets of people all over the world, and it accounts for a sizeable amount of the calories that they consume. The world's food supply suffers huge economic losses due to fungal deterioration on rice seeds. The medicinal plant Saussurea costus contains bioactive chemicals and is well-known for its many therapeutic uses. There are a number of species of Aspergillus that are considered to be diseases in vegetables and fruits. One of these species is Aspergillus niger. The purpose of this current investigation was to investigate the impact of the crude Alkaloid, Flavonoid, and Terpenoid chemicals derived from Saussurea costus' roots on Aspergillus species Purified from Rice seeds obtained from various markets in Hillah, Iraq.Methods: In vitro, antifungal activity against Aspergillus species was achieved using the food poisoning method. Three concentrations 5, 10, and 15mg/ml of each crude compound were prepared and compared to a positive control represented by Carbendazim500g/l and a negative control represented by 10% dimethyl sulfoxide.Results: An objective of the current investigation was to manage the Aspergillus species growth identified in Rice seeds by utilizing secondary compounds derived from the roots of Saussurea costus. The study's data indicated that the extracts represented by active compounds such as Alkaloids, Flavonoids, and Terpenoids obtained from Saussurea costus roots exhibited a significant decrease in the of Aspergillus species growth, particularly at a concentration of 100mg/ml, in contrast to the negative control. This effect was equivalent to that of the positive control, Carbendazim 500g/l.Conclusion: Finally, Saussurea costus roots have shown the most efficacy in controlling Aspergillus species, particularly through the presence of Alkaloid, Flavonoid, and Terpenoid chemicals at a concentration of 100mg/ml.Keywords: Antifungal activity; Saussurea costus; Alkaloids; Flavonoids; Terpenoids

Efficacy of Essential Oil Formulations in Rice Seed Treatment Against <i>Magnaporthe oryzae </i>B.C Couch, a Rice Blast Pathogen

Rice is one of the most widely produced cereals in Burkina Faso. However, the fungi transmitted by rice seeds, <i>Oryza sativa</i> L, cause enormous production losses in rice fields. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of powdery formulations of essential oils against <i>Magnaporthe oryzae </i>in rice. Thus, rice seeds of the FKR64 variety were disinfected with 15% sodium hypochlorite for 10 minutes and soaked in the suspension of 10<sup>4</sup> conidia/ml for 24 hours. These contaminated rice seeds were coated into powdery formulations of essential oils of <i>L. multiflora,</i> <i>C. schoenanthus</i> and their combination at a dose of 10g/kg of seed. A contaminated control was used. The experimental set-up was a completely randomised block with four treatments in three replicates, one of which was an absolute control. These treatments were carried out on <i>L. multiflora </i>essential oil, <i>C. schoenanthus essential oil</i> and their combination at a proportion of 50%. The results showed that the essential oil of <i>L. multiflora</i> recorded the highest percentage emergence, average height and average number of tillers of the plants, with values of 97.33%, 47.67 cm and 7.89 tillers respectively. This same formulation recorded the lowest percentage of seedling melt and foliar incidence, at 1.33% and 11.67% respectively. These essential oil formulations can be recommended for seed treatment against <i>Magnaporthe oryzae</i>.

STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF BACTERIA OF THE GENUS BACILLUS ON THE CULTURE OF RICE AND CORN SEEDS IN VITRO

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of bacteria strains Bacillus megaterium ONU500, Bacillus velezensis ONU553, Bacillus pumilus ONU554, Bacillus subtilis ONU559 on the germination and growth of rice and corn seeds under sterile conditions. Materials and methods. Three-day cultures of the four strains were grown on LB liquid nutrient medium in a thermostat at 28 °C and the seeds of model plants were sterilized according to the standard scheme. The seeds were placed in 1% solutions of bacterial suspensions (106 CFU/ml) of each strain and inoculated for 1 hour. Results. The experiment results on both model plants indicate significant potential of the bacteria B. megaterium ONU500, B. velezensis ONU553, B. pumilus ONU554 as growth and development stimulators for plants. B. subtilis ONU559 is recommended for further study and clarification of its impact on plants in subsequent research. Conclusion. The most positive, stimulating effect on the indicators of germination, growth, and development of rice and corn seeds is exerted by inoculation with the strain B. megaterium ONU500 (for rice: increase in shoot length by 36.5%, root by 29%; for corn: 50% and 69% respectively). Further study of the influence of B. velezensis ONU553 is promising for rice cultivation, and for corn – B. pumilus ONU554.

Biological culture module for plant research from seed-to-seed on the Chinese Space Station

The long-term cultivation of higher plants in space plays a substantial role in investigating the effects of microgravity on plant growth and development, acquiring valuable insights for developing a self-sustaining space life supporting system. The completion of the Chinese Space Station (CSS) provides us with a new permanent space experimental platform for long-term plant research in space. Biological Culture Module (GBCM), which was installed in the Wentian experimental Module of the CSS, was constructed with the objective of growing Arabidopsis thaliana and rice plants a full life cycle in space. The techniques of LED light control, gas regulation and water recovery have been developed for GBCM in which dry seeds of Arabidopsis and rice were set in root module of four culture chambers (CCs) and launched with Wentian module on July 24, 2022. These seeds were watered and germinated from July 28 and grew new seeds until November 26 within a duration of 120 days. To this end, both Arabidopsis and rice plants completed a full life cycle in microgravity on the CSS. As we know, this is the first space experiment achieving rice complete life cycle from seed-to-seed in space. This result demonstrates the possibility to cultivate the important food crop rice throughout its entire life cycle under the spaceflight environment and the technologies of GBCM have effectively supported the success of long-term plant culture experiments in space. These results can serve as invaluable references for constructing more expansive and intricate space plant cultivation systems in the future.