Robusta Seeds Research Articles

The Use of Liquid Rubber Smoke as PGR on Coffee Seeds Germination

The objectives of this research is to obtain the best concentration of liquid rubber smoke as a growth regulator in the germination of Arabica, Robusta and Liberica coffee seeds. Method of research: location of the research was on Seed Technology Laboratory University of Jambi, the research design was carried out using a randomized block design consisting of a factorial pattern based on 3 factors (Types of Coffee species: Arabica from Kerinci, Robusta from Merangin, and Liberica from Tanjung Jabung Barat), 3 levels of treatment for providing liquid smoke rubber 0%, 2.5%, 5%, by soaking for 5 minutes. With 3 repetitions test. Statistical data analysis by anova using SPSS. The result shows that 3 species of coffee give different response of the treatments, Arabica and Robusta seeds species has relative equal statistical response to Liberica coffee, concentration 2.5% of diluted liquid rubber smoke give the best germination and vigor seeds response performance.

Eco-friendly synthesis, characterization, catalytic, antibacterial, antidiabetic, and antioxidant activities of Embelia robusta seeds extract stabilized AgNPs

The current research study is to develop and easy and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of AgNPs using aqueous seed extract of Embelia robusta (Er-AgNPs) and evaluated the extract to know the effects of catalytic, anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic, and anti-oxidant activity. Er-AgNPs were characterized via several techniques including UV-vis absorption, PL, XRD, FTIR, and TEM UV-vis study confirmed the formation of Er-AgNPs. Face centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure of biosynthesized Er-AgNPs was governed by the XRD analysis. FTIR study confirmed the presence of OH and NH functional groups of secondary molecules of seed extract capped on the AgNPs surface. The produced Er-AgNPs were dark brown in color with almost spherical shape in the size ranging from 5 to 15 nm. The presence of Er-AgNPs (1 mL) exhibited considerably enhanced dyes degradation (CY, 95.12% and EY, 97.82% in 18 min), antibiotics degradation (TC, 96.45% and CIP, 98.01% in 21 min), and nitroaromatics reduction (4-NP, 88.12% and 4-NA, 92.45% in 15 min). The Er-AgNPs have showed significant antibacterial activity on multi drug resistance bacteria. The synthesized Er-AgNPs exhibited strong antioxidant activities for the DPPH assay. Remarkable anti-diabetic (α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and HbA1C) activities were noticed for biosynthesized Er-AgNPs. This is the first report on the biosynthesis of AgNPs using seeds extract of Embelia robusta. • Eco-friendly synthesis of AgNPs were carried out using Embelia robusta seeds extract. • The synthesized Er-AgNPs were found to be fcc structure and average diameter is 8±2 nm. • Biosynthesized Er-AgNPs exhibited excellent catalytic activity for the degradation of dyes, antibiotics, and nitrocompounds reduction at low NaBH 4 content. • Biogenic Er-AgNPs showed good antibacterial, antidiabetic and antioxidant activities. • Er-AgNPs were developed as a four-in-one platform for the environmental remediation of waste water treatment and biological applications.

Comparing germination metrics of Opuntia ficus-indica and O. robusta between two sets of bird species (Pied Crows and two smaller species)

The fleshy fruits of exotic Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill and Opuntia robusta (Haw.) Haw (Cactaceae family) are consumed and dispersed by many vertebrates, which likely influences their invasion success. We tested whether seed ingestion by Pied Crows (Corvus albus) and other smaller birds (African Pied Starling Lamprotornis bicolor and the Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus nigricans) improve the germination and speed in O. ficus-indica and O. robusta. Controlled germination trials for two Opuntia species were set up using the seeds extracted from faecal material, depulped seeds, and intact fruits. Overall, results show that seed germination for O. robusta was significantly higher than for O. ficus-indica. There were significant differences in seed germination between treatments of two Opuntia species, with the total mean germination of seeds defecated by the Pied Crows being equivalent to that of seeds defecated by the other smaller birds but significantly greater than the other treatments (i.e., depulped seeds and intact fruit). We noted that removal of the fruit pulp from seeds significantly improved germination in both Opuntia species compared to intact fruits. The O. robusta seeds defecated by the smaller birds had significantly greatest and most accelerated germination of all other treatments followed by the seeds defecated by the Pied Crows. Seeds of O. ficus-indica defecated by the Pied Crows had significantly greater germination than the seeds ingested by smaller birds. We conclude that seed germination success in fleshy fruits including those of alien species, varies with seed treatment by different vertebrate dispersal agents, and their net effect on seeds, may have consequences on species invasion success.

Evaluation of Antidiabetic and Histopathological Activities of Embelia robusta Seeds Extract against Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

To investigate the anti-diabetic activity of methanolic seed extract of Embelia robusta (E.robusta) on Alloxan (130 mg/kg body weight) induced diabetic rats.

The role of wild canids in the seed dispersal of Washingtonia robusta (Arecaceae) in Sonoran Desert oases

The canids gray fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus and coyote Canis latrans consume the fruits of Mexican fan palm, Washingtonia robusta , endemic to the oases of the Sonoran Desert. We analyzed biotic covariates (consumption, dispersal, and germination of palm seeds and abundance of gray foxes and coyotes) and organic matter in soils between different exposures in Barajitas Canyon, to better understand palm establishment. Mexican fan palm seeds found in feces had a greater germination rate (94%) than those dispersed directly from mother plants (55%). According to the results for palm establishment, the habitat can provide likely locations for successful colonization that did not significantly differ among sampling sites (α = 0.05, F = 1.104). The canyon is a dynamic habitat in which the reproductive season of these 2 mammals coincides with palm reproductive phenology. Our data suggest that the consumption and dispersal of W. robusta seeds by gray fox and coyote represent a positive interaction that plays a significant role in the establishment of this oasis species.

Differential Metabolic Responses Caused by the Most Important Insect Pest of Coffee Worldwide, the Coffee Berry Borer (Hypothenemus hampei).

The world's coffee supply is threatened by the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei, the most destructive pest affecting coffee production and quality. This study hypothesized that coffee berry borer infestation induces distinct metabolic responses in the green coffee seeds of Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (robusta). A targeted metabolomics approach was conducted using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry to quantify intracellular metabolites in infested and uninfested arabica and robusta green seeds. In parallel, the seed biomass content and composition were assessed for the same conditions. Coffee berry borer attack induced increases in the levels of chlorogenic acids in arabica seeds, whereas organic acids and sugar alcohols were more abundant in infested robusta seeds. Most importantly, a set of compounds was identified as biomarkers differentiating the metabolic response of these taxa to the coffee berry borer.

Análisis químico proximal y metabolitos secundarios en frutos de Washingtonia robusta (Arecaceae): relevancia para la alimentación de la vida silvestre y humana

Antecedentes: Los frutos de Washingtonia robusta son un alimento para aves, pequeños y medianos mamíferos y humanos. Sin embargo, se desconocen los datos cuantificados de su contribución nutricional. Este es el primer informe sobre sus componentes fitoquímicos en la pulpa de su fruta y semillas.Preguntas: ¿Los compuestos de la pulpa favorecen su consumo y contribuyen con nutrientes para la vida silvestre, así como para el consumo humano? ¿El contenido de las semillas favorece las interacciones ecológicas para la germinación y el desarrollo vegetal?Especie en estudio: Washingtonia robusta H. Wendl . Sitio de estudio y fechas: Sierra El Aguaje, Sonora, México, febrero-abril 2016 Métodos: Análisis químico proximal y de metabolitos secundarios a partir de extractos crudos , pruebas fitoquímicas de coloración y cromatografía líquida de ultra resolución; actividad antioxidante por DPPH.Resultados: La semilla contiene 73 % azúcares, 7.4 % proteína, 8.4 % humedad, 4.3 % cenizas, 8.7 % grasa, 0.2 % calcio y glucósidos cianogénicos 0.8 ?g/g. Los componentes de la pulpa incluyen: 71 % azúcares, 10.8 % proteína, 1.6 % humedad, 5.5 % cenizas, 9.4 % grasa, 1.5 % calcio y 0.2 ?g/g de glucósidos cianogénicos. Los alcaloides, taninos y saponinas son más abundantes en las semillas que en la pulpa, lo mismo ocurre con fenoles y flavonoides. El ensayo DPPH expresado en equivalentes Trolox indicó la capacidad antioxidante.Conclusiones: Los frutos de W. robusta son una fuente de azúcares y antioxidantes naturales para el consumo por la fauna y los humanos. Los metabolitos secundarios presentes en la semilla son disuasorios a patógenos, y pueden ser benéficos para la germinación y el desarrollo de la plántula .

Influence of Moisture Content and Compression Axis on Physico-mechanical Properties of Shorea robusta Seeds

Shorea robusta (Sal) is mainly harvested and processed for its seed oil, which has diverse application in commercial food and non-food based industries. Before extraction of its oil, seeds undergo into various post-harvest unit operations. Physical and mechanical properties play an important role in the handling and other processing activity. In this study influence of moisture content and compression axis of sal seed on physico-mechanical properties were studied and their application are highlighted. The experiments were conducted at five different moisture levels of 6.38, 10.49, 13.63, 17.64, and 21.95% (d.b) at two different orientations. The first orientation is on major axis (LEN) of the seed, and the other orientation is on intermediate or minor axis (WID), which is right angle to the major axis. It was observed that 68% of sal seeds were of medium size group at initial moisture content of 10.49% (d.b). The mean length and width of sal seed was found to be 26.7 mm and 12.8 mm, respectively. It was found that values of hardness, deformation at hardness, deformation at hardness percentage and energy for rupture were higher in minor axis (WID) as compared to the major axis (LEN). The results provide necessary data that may be useful to engineers, scientists, industries in the design of a suitable post-harvest processing machine.

Ageing-regulated changes in genetic integrity of two recalcitrant seeded species having contrasting longevity

Storage longevity of two contrasting recalcitrant seeded species was studied relative to oxidative metabolism and DNA damage under ambient storage (25 ± 2 °C, 50 ± 2% relative humidity). The present study was aimed to investigate the ageing-induced amendments in two recalcitrant seeded species, Madhuca latifolia and Shorea robusta. These are economically important tropical trees and are exploited extensively in commercial sectors. Fresh seeds of M. latifolia and S. robusta lost their germinability within 35 and 8 days after harvest, respectively, under ambient storage (temperature 25 ± 2 °C, relative humidity 50 ± 2%). To untangle the possible mechanisms involved in deteriorative changes in respective seeds, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and changes in DNA content, oxidation, fragmentation and polymorphism, and DNase activity were monitored. The results revealed significant (2.1–7.3 folds) upsurge in ROS levels in these seeds. In contrast, remarkable fall in DNA content of embryonic axes (3.8 fold and twofold) and cotyledons (6.7 fold and twofold) of M. latifolia and S. robusta seeds, respectively, were observed. Moreover, enhanced oxidation (8.9–18.8 fold) and fragmentation (2.1–2.8 fold) of DNA along with increased (9.9–25.3 fold) DNase activity were observed in axes and cotyledons of respective seeds, revealing active participation of ROS in oxidation (r = 0.96, p < 0.05), and of DNase in fragmentation (r = 0.94, p < 0.05) of DNA. Dendrogram of RAPD unveiled significant alterations in similarity coefficients of aged and non-aged seeds of both the species. Thus, overall results concluded that loss of viability of M. latifolia and S. robusta seeds was closely associated with ageing related changes such as over accumulation of ROS, fall in DNA content, increased oxidation, fragmentation and DNA polymorphism, and DNase activity.

Influence of Moisture Content and Compression Axis on Physico-Mechanical Properties of Shorea Robusta Seeds

Influence of Moisture Content and Compression Axis on Physico-Mechanical Properties of Shorea Robusta Seeds

Seed production, infestation, and viability in Acacia tortilis (synonym: Vachellia tortilis) and Acacia robusta (synonym: Vachellia robusta) across the Serengeti rainfall gradient

Tree recruitment in savannas proceeds in multiple stages characterized by successive filters occurring at the seed and seedling stages. The “demographic bottleneck” hypothesis suggests that such filters ultimately restrict tree density and prevent trees from dominating grasses in savannas, but many of the demographic transitions underlying this assumption have not been quantified. We investigated how short- (1–2 years) and long-term (40 + years) rainfall patterns influenced seed production, infestation, and viability for two dominant species, Acacia robusta and Acacia tortilis across the Serengeti ecosystem mean annual precipitation gradient over a two-year period. We found that neither production, nor infestation, nor viability was influenced by rainfall. Pod production differed between species and increased with tree height in A. robusta. Mean infestation proportion in 2013 was higher (mean ± SE; 0.28 ± 0.08) in A. tortilis than in A. robusta (0.11 ± 0.05) but the trend reversed in 2014, when A. tortilis (0.33 ± 0.10) had lower infestation than A. robusta (0.61 ± 0.09). Under laboratory conditions, A. tortilis and A. robusta seeds had maximum germination (= viability) proportions of 70 and 20%, respectively. Mean seed viability was more than five-fold higher (0.46 ± 0.19) in A. tortilis than in A. robusta (0.08 ± 0.10). Our study has produced important estimates for seed stage demographic dynamics that can be used for modeling tree dynamics in Serengeti system, and savannas in general.

Exploration of Shorea robusta (Sal) seeds, kernels and its oil

AbstractPhysical, mechanical, and chemical properties of Shorea robusta seed with wing, seed without wing, and kernel were investigated in the present work. The physico-chemical composition of sal oil was also analyzed. The physico-mechanical properties and proximate composition of seed with wing, seed without wing, and kernel at three moisture contents of 9.50% (w.b), 9.54% (w.b), and 12.14% (w.b), respectively, were studied. The results show that the moisture content of the kernel was highest as compared to seed with wing and seed without wing. The sphericity of the kernel was closer to that of a sphere as compared to seed with wing and seed without wing. The hardness of the seed with wing (32.32, N/mm) and seed without wing (42.49, N/mm) was lower than the kernels (72.14, N/mm). The proximate composition such as moisture, protein, carbohydrates, oil, crude fiber, and ash content were also determined. The kernel (30.20%, w/w) contains higher oil percentage as compared to seed with wing and seed without ...

Effect of fungi and light on seed germination of three Opuntia species from semiarid lands of central Mexico

Fungal attack under light reduces mechanical resistance of the testa of Opuntia seeds, making it easier for the embryo to emerge. However, the effect of fungi on Opuntia seed germination in darkness is unknown. We evaluated the combined effects of light and inoculation with Phoma medicaginis, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma koningii, and Penicillium chrysogenum on germination of O. streptacantha, O. leucotricha, and O. robusta seeds, from central Mexico. We also evaluated the combined effects of seed age (2-, 3-, and 12-year-old seeds) and presence of fungi on the testa on O. streptacantha germination. All fungal species eroded the funicular envelope and promoted seed germination for O. leucotricha and O. streptacantha, but did more so in light than in darkness. For the latter species, younger seeds inoculated with fungi had lower germination than older ones. For O. robusta, we found that seeds inoculated with P. medicaginis and T. harzianum had similar germination in light and in darkness. Our results strongly indicate that deterioration of the testa by fungi is higher in light than in darkness.

ROS production and lipid catabolism in desiccating Shorea robusta seeds during aging

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation products appear to correlate strongly with the desiccation induced loss of viability in recalcitrant sal seeds. The 100% germination in fresh sal seeds declined with dehydration under natural storage conditions (26 ± 1 °C, relative humidity 52 ± 2%). Seeds became non-viable within 8 days. Desiccation induced disturbances in the metabolic activity of seeds resulted in generation of enormous amounts of ROS that are responsible for cellular damage and viability loss. Oxidative stress in the dehydrating aging sal seeds was further aggravated by inducing lipid peroxidation as the amounts of free fatty acid, conjugated diene, lipid hydroperoxide and secondary free radicals; malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, were also promoted. In addition, significant rise in lipid degrading enzymes; lipase (EC 3.1.1.3) and lipoxygenase (LOX, EC 1.13.11.12) were detected in dehydrating sal seeds. Our results indicated multiple pathways (ROS, lipid peroxidation & lipase and LOX) that operate in the dehydrating recalcitrant sal seeds finally contributing to loss of viability.

Germination and post-germination response of Acacia seeds to smoke-water and butenolide, a smoke-derived compound

Fire plays a critical role in breaking hard-seeded dormancy and establishing seedlings of several Acacia species in arid and semi-arid regions. Numerous studies have reported an increase in seedling densities of some Acacias after fire without identifying the exact cause. However, it is generally believed and speculated that the effect is largely physical and heat related. Recent studies have revealed that smoke generated from wildfires has the ability to stimulate seed germination and also to improve seedling vigour. This stimulatory characteristic of smoke has now been confirmed by the isolation of a butenolide (3-methyl-2 H-furo[2,3- c]pyran-2-one) from plant smoke that actively promotes germination of many plant species. The species of Acacia investigated were A. hebeclada (deciduous shrub), A. mearnsii (invasive tree, native to Australia) and A. robusta (deciduous tree). Seeds of A. hebeclada germinated under different light conditions with smoke-derived butenolide solution (10 −7 M), exhibited a significantly ( p<0.05) greater germination percentage than untreated seeds. Whereas A. mearnsii seeds exposed to constant dark conditions showed a significantly ( p<0.05) better germination percentage than the control. However, there was a non-significant improvement for A. robusta seeds. All three species responded positively to the butenolide treatment (10 −7 M) after incubating for 10 days under constant dark conditions at 25±0.5 °C, achieving a higher vigour index and seedling mass in comparison to the controls. Smoke-water (1:500) had an intermediate effect on these species. This study shows that the butenolide, isolated from smoke, may have a significant effect on the post-fire seedling ecology of Acacias.

Seed dormancy and germination of a panel of New Zealand plants suitable for re‐vegetation

Seeds of Carex trifida, Coprosma robusta, Cyperus ustulatus, Hebe stricta, Lepto‐spermum scoparium, Muehlenbeckia australis, Myrsine australis, Phormium tenax, P. tenax ’Yellow Wave’, and Sophora prostrata were assessed for germination and dormancy. Seeds of Carex trifida, Cyperus ustulatus, and Myrsine australis showed no germination in light or dark at 20°C, but a high percentage of seed of Carex and Cyperus germinated after 12 weeks of low stratification. Despite high viability, germination of Myrsine australis seeds was low and occurred only after 12 weeks of low temperature stratification. Germination was low for Muehlenbeckia australis in the light, at 20°C, but increased after 4 weeks of low temperature stratification. After 12 months, 50% of Coprosma robusta seeds germinated but germination was greater after 4 weeks or more of stratification. No seeds of Coprosma robusta or Muehlenbeckia australis germinated in the dark. Rapid germination of Hebe stricta seeds was obtained, with 100% of the seed germinating in the light but 7% in the dark. Leptospermum scoparium had rapid germination, with 100% germinating in the light but 3% in the dark. A low percentage of Phormium tenax seeds germinated in both the light and dark in the first month with no further germination, but after 8 weeks or more of low temperature stratification there was almost complete germination. There was rapid germination of Sophora prostrata seeds with 100% of the seed germinating in the light and dark.

Arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic, and biosynthetically related fatty acids in the seed lipids from a primitive gymnosperm, Agathis robusta.

The fatty acid composition of the seeds from Agathis robusta, an Australian gymnosperm (Araucariaceae), was determined by a combination of chromatographic and spectrometric techniques. These enabled the identification of small amounts of arachidonic (5,8,11,14-20:4) and eicosapentaenoic (5,8,11,14,17-20:5) acids for the first time in the seed oil of a higher plant. They were apparently derived from gamma-linolenic (6,9,12-18:3) and stearidonic (6,9,12,15-18:4) acids, which were also present, via chain elongation and desaturation, together with other expected biosynthetic intermediates [bis-homo-gamma-linolenic (8,11,14-20:3) and bishomo-stearidonic (8,11,14,17-20:4) acids]. Also present were a number of C20 fatty acids, known to occur in most gymnosperm families, i.e., 5,11-20:2, 11,14-20:2 (bishomo-linoleic), 5,11,14-20:3 (sciadonic), 11,14,17-20:3 (bishomo-alpha-linolenic), and 5,11,14,17-20:4 (juniperonic) acids. In contrast to most other gymnosperm seed lipids analyzed so far, A. robusta seed lipids did not contain C18 delta5-desaturated acids [i.e., 5,9-18:2 (taxoleic), 5,9,12-18:3 (pinolenic), or 5,9,12,15-18:4 (coniferonic)]. These structures support the simultaneous existence of delta6- and delta5-desaturase activities in A. robusta seeds. The delta6-ethylenic bond is apparently introduced into C18 polyunsaturated acids, whereas the delta5-ethylenic bond is introduced into C20 polyunsaturated acids. A general metabolic pathway for the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids in gymnosperm seeds is proposed. When compared to Bryophytes, Pteridophytes (known to contain arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids), and species from other gymnosperm families (without such acids), A. robusta appears as an "intermediate," with the C18 delta6-desaturase/C18-->C20 elongase/C20 delta5-desaturase system in common with the former subphyla, and the unsaturated C18-->C20 elongase/C20 delta5-desaturase system specific to gymnosperms. The following hypothetical evolutionary sequence for the C18 delta6/delta5-desaturase class in gymnosperm seeds is suggested: delta6 (initial)-->delta6/delta5 (intermediate)-->delta5 (final).