Seed Germination Characteristics Research Articles

Exploring the effects of non-thermal plasma pre-treatment on coriander (Coriander sativum L.) seed germination efficiency

This study investigates the effects of non-thermal plasma (NTP) treatment on the germination characteristics of coriander seeds (Coriandrum sativum L.). Different germination factors, water imbibition rate and changes in mass, were analyzed. The results indicate that a suitable duration of NTP treatment (180 s and 300 s) enhances seed germination characteristics, whereas prolonged exposure (420 s) leads to adverse effects. Furthermore, shorter NTP exposures (180 s) improved water absorption and surface properties of seeds, while longer exposures (420 s) caused mass loss and compromised seed vigor. Overall, the findings demonstrate the significance of optimizing NTP treatment conditions for enhancing seed germination characteristics.

THE IRON OXIDE (FE2O3NPS) AND GRAPHENE OXIDE (GONPS) NANOPARTICULES PRIMING TREATMENTS ALLEVIATE THE EFFECTS OF SALINITY DURING GERMINATION OF THE SOYBEAN

Nanoparticles containing essential plant nutrients, including micronutrients, can be effective in improving germination characteristics. In the present study, the aim was to evaluate seed germination characteristics by priming application. The study was conducted at the Field Crops Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Adnan Menderes University. For this study, the germination characteristics of soybean seeds were investigated in four different priming treatments (control, Fe2O3NPs, Graphene oxide, Potassium humate) in both saline and non-saline conditions. The results of the study showed that Fe2O3NPs, graphene oxide, and potassium humate had positive and significant effects under both conditions. It was also determined that saline conditions caused a decrease in the observed properties. Among these priming treatments, almost all traits, such as germination percentage (77.19%), root length (31.74 mm), and hypocotyl length (67.01 mm), were observed in the Iron oxide NPs treatment. The study revealed a significant and positive effect of priming applications on the germination percentage and the examined characteristics in both environments.

RGA1 regulates grain size, rice quality and seed germination in the small and round grain mutant srg5

BackgroundGenerating elite rice varieties with high yield and superior quality is the main goal of rice breeding programs. Key agronomic traits, including grain size and seed germination characteristics, affect the final yield and quality of rice. The RGA1 gene, which encodes the α-subunit of rice G-protein, plays an important role in regulating rice architecture, seed size and abiotic stress responses. However, whether RGA1 is involved in the regulation of rice quality and seed germination traits is still unclear.ResultsIn this study, a rice mutant small and round grain 5 (srg5), was identified in an EMS-induced rice mutant library. Systematic analysis of its major agronomic traits revealed that the srg5 mutant exhibited a semi-dwarf plant height with small and round grain and reduced panicle length. Analysis of the physicochemical properties of rice showed that the difference in rice eating and cooking quality (ECQ) between the srg5 mutant and its wild-type control was small, but the appearance quality was significantly improved. Interestingly, a significant suppression of rice seed germination and shoot growth was observed in the srg5 mutant, which was mainly related to the regulation of ABA metabolism. RGA1 was identified as the candidate gene for the srg5 mutant by BSA analysis. A SNP at the splice site of the first intron disrupted the normal splicing of the RGA1 transcript precursor, resulting in a premature stop codon. Additional linkage analysis confirmed that the target gene causing the srg5 mutant phenotype was RGA1. Finally, the introduction of the RGA1 mutant allele into two indica rice varieties also resulted in small and round rice grains with less chalkiness.ConclusionsThese results indicate that RGA1 is not only involved in the control of rice architecture and grain size, but also in the regulation of rice quality and seed germination. This study sheds new light on the biological functions of RGA1, thereby providing valuable information for future systematic analysis of the G-protein pathway and its potential application in rice breeding programs.

The Impact of Water Potential and Temperature on Native Species' Capability for Seed Germination in the Loess Plateau Region, China.

Global warming is increasing the frequency and intensity of heat waves and droughts. One important phase in the life cycle of plants is seed germination. To date, the association of the temperature and water potential thresholds of germination with seed traits has not been explored in much detail. Therefore, we set up different temperature gradients (5-35 °C), water potential gradients (-1.2-0 MPa), and temperature × water potential combinations for nine native plants in the Loess Plateau region to clarify the temperature and water combinations suitable for their germination. Meanwhile, we elucidated the temperature and water potential thresholds of the plants and their correlations with the mean seed mass and flatness index by using the thermal time and hydrotime models. According to our findings, the germination rate was positively correlated with the germination percentage and water potential, with the former rising and the latter decreasing as the temperature increased. Using the thermal time and hydrotime models, the seed germination thresholds could be predicted accurately, and the germination thresholds of the studied species varied with an increase in germination percentage. Moreover, temperature altered the impact of water potential on the germination rate. Overall, the base water potential for germination, but not the temperature threshold, was negatively correlated with mean seed mass and was lower for rounder seeds than for longer seeds. This study contributes to improving our understanding of the seed germination characteristics of typical plants and has important implications for the management and vegetation restoration of degraded grasslands.

Effect of high voltage discharge on germination characteristics of vetch seeds at high altitude

High-voltage electrostatic fields and low-temperature plasma technology at atmospheric pressure have an important impact on biological growth promotion. Therefore, a multi-needle-column-plate corona plasma generator is proposed in this paper. The negative corona voltammetry characteristics of multi-needle-plate electrodes and multi-needle-column-plate electrodes with different electrode spacing are investigated experimentally, and the electric field distribution of the device is simulated. The device was also applied to vetch seeds at high altitudes to investigate the effect of discharge on germination and root length. The results show that the introduction of column electrodes can effectively improve the electric field distribution of the device so that the device can provide two modes of high voltage electrostatic field and corona plasma field, and ensure the uniform treatment of seeds when the electrode spacing is 3 cm. The treatment of this device accelerates seed germination and promotes root growth, and is more effective under the combined influence of higher electric field strength, ionic wind generated by the discharge, and the active species than a single factor with a lower electric field, as well as shortening the duration of action. The high voltage electrostatic fields at −3 kV, −6 kV, and −9 kV and the corona discharge plasma fields at −12 kV, −15 kV, and −18 kV can effectively accelerate the germination of vetch seeds as well as promote the root growth under the treatment time of 10 min, 20 min, and 30 min. The optimal conditions were −9 kV for 30 min and −15 kV for 10 min, respectively.

A Study on the Genetic Variations and Germination Characteristics of Rhododendron sobayakiense to Prepare for Climate Change Threat

Rhododendron sobayakiense is an endemic and near-threatened species (Korean Red List, NT) found in the alpine regions of South Korea that requires conservation. This study investigated the species’ genetic variations and seed germination characteristics and predicted its potential habitat change according to climate change scenarios. The genetic diversity of R. sobayakiense at the species level (P = 88.6%; S.I. = 0.435; h = 0.282) was somewhat similar to that observed for the same genus. The inter-population genetic differentiation was 19% and revealed a relatively stable level of gene exchange at 1.22 in each population. The main cause of gene flow and genetic differentiation was presumed to be the Apis mellifera pollinator. Seed germination characteristics indicated non-deep physiological dormancy, with germination at ≥10 °C and the highest percent germination (PG) of ≥60% at 15–25 °C, while the PG was ≥50% at 30 °C. The PG increased at constant temperature than at variable temperatures; the mean germination time decreased as temperature increased. The climate scenarios SSP3 and SSP5 were analyzed to predict future R. sobayakiense habitat changes. The variables of the main effects were Identified as follows: elevation > temperature seasonality > mean diurnal range.

Farklı Parametreler Kullanılarak Bazı Yenilebilir Çiçeklere Ait Tohumların Çıkış Oranlarının Değerlendirilmesi

In the study, the emergence power of 4 different edible flower seeds was determined using different parameters. It has been observed that final emergence percentage alone is not sufficient to express the emergence characteristics of the seed. When evaluated in terms of final emergence percentage, while calendula, red nasturtium and yellow nasturtium seeds had similar seed emergence, electric flower seeds had less emergence compared to the others. Considering the average emergence time, it was determined that nasturtium seeds emerged faster and more homogeneously compared to calendula and electric flower. In the study, germination index, emergence rate coefficient, emergence rate index values were calculated and it was determined that red and yellow nasturtium had better seed emergence in terms of these values compared to calendula and electric flower. As a result of the study, it was determined that final germination or emergence percentage alone was not sufficient to define the germination characteristics of seeds, and that determining at least one of the parameters such as germination index, emergence rate coefficient or emergence rate index in addition to the final emergence percentage would provide more reliable results.

Effects of microwave treatment on the microstructure, germination characteristics, morphological characteristics and nutrient composition of maize

This study investigated the effects of microwave treatment on the microstructure and germination characteristics of maize seeds, as well as the morphological characteristics and nutritional composition of germinated maize. The results indicated that microwave could alter the microstructure of endosperm cells in maize seeds. Microwave enhanced the germination rate and shortened the average germination time. Besides, the sprout length (20.0 %), fresh weight of edible parts (14.0 %) and reducing sugar content (6.04 %) of germinated maize were significantly increased by microwaving of 200 W/20 s, compared with CK (10 d). In addition, the respiratory rate (41.5 %) and free amino acids content (19.5 %) of germinated maize were also significantly enhanced with microwave of 200 W/20 s, compared with CK (7 d). Microwave could significantly increase amylase activity, accelerate starch hydrolysis, and greatly decrease starch content. For soluble protein and fat content of germinated maize, there were no significant differences among the treatment groups. Correlation analysis showed that the sprout length and fresh weight of germinated maize were highly correlated with their nutritional components. Therefore, microwave can be an effective method to improve the nutritional value of germinated maize.

Effect of Priming on Seed Germination Characteristics of Spring Rice (Oryza sativa cv. Hardinath Hybrid-1) in Chandrapur, Rautahat, NEPAL

To determine the effects of different priming on Germination and Seedling Characteristics of Spring rice (Oryza Sativa L.), an experiment was carried out at Chandrapur municipality-4, Rautahat during March of 2022 with Seven different treatments viz. T1 Potash (3% Solution), T2 Urea (3% Solution), T3 DAP (3% Solution), T4 Halo (1Mole Nacl/Litre), T5 Zinc (3% Solution), T6 Hydro and T7 Control. The experiment was laid out in simple CRD design with three replications. Hardinath Hybrid-1 Variety was used for the experiment. Observations on Germination %, Germination Energy (%), Speed of Germination (%), Vigor Index, Root and Shoot Length, Fresh Weight of Seedlings and Dry Weight of Seedlings were considered. Data was entered and tabulated using MS-Excel, while Analysis of variation and mean separation was done using R-Studio. Biometrical Observation like germination Energy was found highest under the treatment DAP (82.67). The germination percentage (93.00) and vigor index (161.4) was found highest in DAP (3%) Priming and speed of germination (86.84) was found highest in Potash Priming. Similarly, root length (6.14cm) and shoot length (6.23cm) was found to be highest in DAP treatment followed by Halo treatment with root length (5.30cm) and shoot length (5.44 cm). At 10th and 15th Day, there is significant effect on root length while there are no significant differences/effect on Shoot length, fresh weight and Dry Weight. Among these priming treatments, the highest root length was found in priming of DAP; 7.84 cm and 8.07 cm.

Seed Germination and Seedling Growth in Suaeda salsa (Linn.) Pall. (Amaranthaceae) Demonstrate Varying Salinity Tolerance among Different Provenances.

Salinity is a pressing and widespread abiotic stress, adversely affecting agriculture productivity and plant growth worldwide. Seed germination is the most critical stage to seedling growth and establishing plant species in harsh environments, including saline stress. However, seed germination characteristics and stress tolerance may vary among geographical locations, such as various provenances. Suaeda salsa (Linn.) Pall. (S. salsa) is a halophytic plant that exhibits high salt tolerance and is often considered a pioneer species for the restoration of grasslands. Understanding the germination characteristics and stress tolerance of the species could be helpful in the vegetation restoration of saline-alkali land. In this study, we collected S. salsa seeds from seven different saline-alkali habitats (S1-S7) in the Songnen Plain region to assess the germination and seedling growth responses to NaCl, Na2CO3, and NaHCO3, and to observe the recovery of seed germination after relieving the salt stress. We observed significant differences in germination and seedling growth under three salt stresses and among seven provenances. Resistance to Na2CO3 and NaHCO3 stress was considerably higher during seedling growth than seed germination, while the opposite responses were observed for NaCl resistance. Seeds from S1 and S7 showed the highest tolerance to all three salt stress treatments, while S6 exhibited the lowest tolerance. Seeds from S2 exhibited low germination under control conditions, while low NaCl concentration and pretreatment improved germination. Ungerminated seeds under high salt concentrations germinated after relieving the salt stress. Germination of ungerminated seeds after the abatement of salt stress is an important adaptation strategy for black S. salsa seeds. While seeds from most provenances regerminated under NaCl, under Na2CO3 and NaHCO3, only seeds from S4 and S7 regerminated. These findings highlight the importance of soil salinity in the maternal environment for successful seed germination and seedling growth under various salinity-alkali stresses. Therefore, seed sources and provenance should be considered for vegetation restoration.

Enhancing seed germination and growth parameters of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea, variety Botrytis) using plasma-activated water

The effects of plasma-activated water (PAW), generated through atmospheric pressure air gliding arc discharge, on the germination and growth parameters of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea, variety Botrytis) seeds have been investigated. Results demonstrate significant influences of PAW on seed germination characteristics and seedling growth parameters. Increasing the exposure time of seeds to plasma from 0 to 20 min leads to a notable increment in the water uptake rate, ranging from approximately 94.0% to 115.0%. Furthermore, the physio-chemical characteristics of PAW are examined, revealing its transformation into acidic solutions, accompanied by rising electrical conductivity, oxidation-reduction potential, total dissolved solids, and nitrate and nitrite concentrations with longer treatment times. Notably, applying PAW for 10–15 min results in higher seed germination and seedling growth. Comparative experiments involving PAW and control water demonstrate enhanced germination, increased root and shoot lengths, and elevated chlorophyll content. However, prolonged exposure to PAW shows adverse effects. Cauliflower plants treated with 10 min and 15 min of PAW exhibit the highest chlorophyll concentration, root and shoot lengths. These findings underscore the potential of PAW to improve seed germination and plant growth, emphasizing the importance of adjusting the plasma treatment period for each specific seed.

低频高压脉冲电场对陈年水稻种子萌发特性的影响

In this study, the effects of different electric field parameters on the germination characteristics of aged rice seeds were determined via low-frequency high-voltage pulsed electric field (LH-PEF) treatment. The Design-Expert software was used to design a rotating combination test, and response surface analysis was used to optimize five germination characteristics of rice seeds. The optimal treatment voltage was 13 kV and the optimal treatment time was 32.72 min. The results show that, under the optimal treatment conditions (P<0.01), the germination potential (GE), germination rate (GP), germination index (GI), vitality index (VI) and high vitality ratio (HVR) of the aged rice seeds increased by 23.7%, 17.7%, 43.2%, 59.7%, and 250%, respectively, compared to the control. The pulsed electric field’s biological effect on the aged rice seeds was the most significant when the optimal treatment parameters were used. The results of this study provide a reliable reference for the parameter optimization of high-voltage electric field treatment of crop seeds.

Seed Germination Characteristics as Affected by Interaction of Moisture Stress and Temperature in Sethoxydim-Resistant Biotype of Goosegrass (Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.) from Malaysia

Understanding temperature and moisture stress that influence sethoxydim-resistant (R) goosegrass (Eleusine indica) germination is crucial for effective weed control, but little research has been done on the impact of these environmental factors on germination of the R goosegrass biotype. This research aims to confirm sethoxydim resistance in goosegrass and to examine interaction effects of different temperatures and water potentials on germination of the R goosegrass biotype. Dose–response tests showed that the R goosegrass biotype exhibited high resistance level to sethoxydim with 17-fold. In laboratory bioassays, the R goosegrass biotype germinated by 88-100% at 35 °C with water potentials ranging from 0 to -0.80 MPa, but no seed germination occurred at 10 °C and 40 °C under all water potential treatments. With rising water potentials from 0 to -0.80 MPa, seed germination at 15 to 30 °C decreased markedly. The time it took to achieve 50% seed germination (T 50) increased drastically when decreasing temperature from 35 to 15 °C. The T50 at 20 to 30 °C also increased as the water potential increased from -0.20 to -0.80 MPa. At 35 °C, however, the water potential level had no impact on T 50, implying that the R goosegrass biotype seed is water stress tolerant at 35 °C. The base temperature and base water potentials estimated were 10.6 °C and -1.28 MPa, respectively. These findings can help in determining the optimal time to apply pre-emergent and early post-emergent controls when a large proportion of R goosegrass biotype have already germinated or emerged.

Comparison of Seed Germination Characteristics Between Cultivated and Wild Barley

Comparison of Seed Germination Characteristics Between Cultivated and Wild Barley

Repellency and Phytoxicity Assessment of Plant Extracts, Essential Oils and Nanoparticles on Tribolium castaneum Herbst Beetles Infesting Wheat Grains (Triticum estivum L.)

Plant extracts and nanoparticles were tested for Tribolium castaneum Herbst Beetle repellency and wheat grain phytotoxicity. Mugwort plant extract had 100% repellency after 3 hours for 10%, 15%, and 20% concentrations, 85% after 2 hours at 20%, and 82% at 15%. The lowest significant repellency values for Mugwort (Artemisia annua) plant extract and EOs after 1 hour were 42% and 54% at 5% concentration. After 3 hours, plant extract and essential oil at 10%, 15%, and 20% concentrations repelled black seeds (Nigella sativa) 100%. Black seeds plant extract had 93% repellency at 20% after 2 hours and 85% at 5% after 3 hours, compared to 50% for EOs. The lowest significant repellency values for plant extract and EOs after 1 hour were 50% and 52% at 5% concentration. SiNPs and AgNPs have similar repellency values across exposure times. SiNPs and AgNPs had 40% repellency at 100 ppm after 1 hour compared to the control. After 1 hour of exposure, SiNPs had 2% repellency and AgNPs 4% at 100 ppm. Phytotoxicity tests showed that wheat grains did not affect seed germination characteristics or biological measurements. In treated wheat grains, most germination and biological indices increased. This shows that these treatments did not kill the wheat embryo. These findings suggest that these treatments could protect grains, particularly wheat, for human consumption, animal feed, or agricultural cultivation.

A Study on the Seed Germination Characteristics of Persicaria Species

A Study on the Seed Germination Characteristics of Persicaria Species

A novel method to produce massive seedlings via symbiotic seed germination in orchids.

Orchids produce large numbers of dust-like seeds that rely heavily on orchid mycorrhizal fungi (OMFs) for germination. Using OMFs to facilitate orchid proliferation is considered an effective method for orchid conservation but still presents challenges in practice. In this study, orchid seed-fungus complexes, in which orchid seeds and fungal mycelia were embedded together to form granules, were developed as platforms to facilitate seed germination and seedling production. Overall, seedlings were produced by seed-fungus complexes for five orchid species with large variations in the percentages of seedlings produced among species/treatments. For the different fungal treatments in Dendrobium officinale, Sebacinales LQ performed much better than the other fungal strains. At 90 days after sowing, 75.8±2.6% seedlings were produced in the LQ treatment, which was significantly higher than in the Tulasnella sp. JM (22.0±3.0%) and Tulasnella sp. TPYD-2 (5.3±1.0%) treatments, as well as in the LQ and TPYD-2 cocultured treatment (40.4±3.2%), while no seedlings were formed in the Tulasnella sp. SSCDO-5 or control treatments. For the other four orchid species, only one compatible fungus for each species was used, and the percentages of seedlings in epiphytic Dendrobium devonianum (67.2±2.9%) and D. nobile (38.9±2.8%) were much higher than those in terrestrial Paphiopedilum spicerianum (2.9±1.1%) and Arundina graminifolia (6.7±2.1%) at 90 days after sowing. Adding 1% polymer water-absorbent resin to the seed-fungus complexes of D. officinale seeds with fungal strain Sebacinales LQ significantly increased seedling formation, while other additional substances showed negative effects on seedling formation. For the storage of seed-fungus complexes, it is recommended to store the seed-fungus complexes in valve bags at room temperature for a short time and at a low temperature of 4°C for no more than 30 days. As a platform for symbiotic seed germination, the seed-fungus complex can facilitate seed germination, produce seedlings and support subsequent seedling growth, and its seedling productivity depends on seed germination characteristics, seed viability, and the efficiency of fungi. Seed-fungus complexes have great potential to be used as propagules in orchid conservation.

Gibberellic Acid Alleviates Cadmium-Induced Seed Germination Inhibition through Modulation of Carbohydrate Metabolism and Antioxidant Capacity in Mung Bean Seedlings

Gibberellins (GA) are the decisive players in seed germination whose functionality could be adversely affected by the presence of cadmium (Cd); however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Eco-toxicological effects of Cd (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 µM) on the early stages of ontogenesis in a mung bean variety (ML-2056) were investigated. Seed germination characteristics along with Cd-tolerance index were recorded at the seventh day of germination. Additionally, endogenous gibberellic acid (GA3) level, amylase activity, oxidative stress, and the antioxidant defense system were also investigated in Cd-stressed germinating seedlings. Results revealed that Cd reduced seed germination and interfered with GA synthesis in a concentration-dependent manner. Further, to validate the role of GA in Cd-tolerance, experiments were executed to explore the effect of seed priming with GA3 and its biosynthesis inhibitor paclobutrazol (PBZ) on ML-2056 under Cd stress. Application of GA3 improved the activities of amylase and carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes, the antioxidant defense system, and sustained lower H2O2 and TBARS contents, whereas PBZ caused a significant reduction in growth and decreased endogenous GA3 content in Cd-stressed ML-2056, suggesting a crucial role of GA synthesis in reversing Cd-induced negative effects. Overall, GA synthesis played a crucial role in mitigating Cd toxicity in mung bean, which might be used as a criterion for developing Cd-stress-tolerant genotypes.

Sensitivity of different flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) genotypes to salinity determined by GE biplot

Plants respond differently to salt stress depending on their genetic structure and the severity of the stress. Salinity reduces seed germination, delays plant emergence, and inhibits seedling growth. The selection of the tolerant genotypes, however, plays a vital role in increasing agricultural output since various genotypes greatly vary for their tolerance to salinity. Therefore, this study determined the impact of five different NaCl levels (i.e., 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM) on seed germination and growth attributes of 10 flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) genotypes. The germination and growth characteristics of the genotypes under study were examined using the biplot approach at varied salt levels. The results indicated that individual and interactive effects of genotypes and salinity levels significantly (p ≤ 0.01 or p ≤ 0.05) affected several seed germination traits. The relations of genotype × germination traits indicated that ‘G4′ and ‘G6′ were the most stable genotypes with the highest performance regarding seed germination characteristics. The genotype ‘G2′ was associated with shoot length, while ‘G7′ was linked with salinity tolerance index. The biplot divided the germination characteristics into five different groups according to sector analysis. Most of the germination parameters had higher values under 100 mM, while some of the parameters had better values under 0, 50 and 200 mM NaCl levels. The tested genotypes varied for their seed germination and growth response depending on the NaCl levels. The genotypes ‘G4′, ‘G5′ and ‘G6′ proved more tolerant to high NaCl levels. Therefore, these genotypes can be used to improve flax productivity under saline soils.

Exploring the impact of 1-deoxynojirimycin on alpha-galactosidase activity and chickpea seed germination through in vitro experiments and molecular docking analysis

ABSTRACT: Seed germination is a tightly regulated physiological process. Hydrolytic enzymes provide energy that brings physiological, biochemical, and physical changes to the seed during germination. Alpha-galactosidases break down alpha 1-6 linked galactosyl groups in glycoproteins, glycolipids, and oligosaccharides into simple compounds to provide energy during seed germination. Chickpea seed germination characteristics showed that inhibition of alpha-galactosidase using 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), a derivative of deoxygalactonojirimycin, delays germination. To gain insights into the mechanism of inhibition, we modeled the enzyme’s structure and performed in-silico docking of the inhibitor and natural substrates (raffinose and stachyose) to the enzyme. We also validated our model using recombinant chickpea alpha-galactosidase. Our docking studies showed that both the inhibitor and the substrates bind to the same active site pocket in the enzyme but to different amino acid residues, stachyose being a preferred substrate, and DNJ competitively inhibits alpha-galactosidase with a Ki and IC50 of 44.5 µM and 89.13 µM respectively. Delayed germination is a desirable agronomic practice that can be explored for better crop establishment and to prevent pre-harvest sprouting in crops.