Germination Of Chick-pea Seeds Research Articles

Elucidation of temperature dependent hydration behaviour of chickpea seeds: Prerequisite for germination

Soaking to a desirable extent of moisture is an unavoidable prerequisite in the utilization of chickpea seeds. Partially hydration of chickpea before germination, roasting or puffing of chickpea is a common practice for its propagation and preparation of ready-to-eat confectionary products. Almost completely soaked chickpeas are preferred in making soaked chickpea, sprouts, baked chickpea, and various cooked delicacies. The present research was carried out to study the hydration characteristics of chickpea seeds. Water absorption characteristics in terms of weight gain were investigated, and the process was segregated into three different phases comprising of rapid water absorption phase (Phase I), slow water absorption phase (Phase II) and termination phase (Phase III). Three empirical models, namely the Newton model, Henderson and Pabis model, and Weibull model, were used to assess their adequacy to describe temperature (10–60 °C) dependent water absorption phenomenon. Weibull model was found to describe the water uptake phenomenon better than the Newton and Henderson and Pabis models. The Arrhenius plot for Fick's law of diffusion was used to calculate the activation energy. It was observed that breakpoint occurs at 41.67 °C, correlated with the thermal glass transition of seed coat during soaking. Germination potential of chickpea seeds at different soaking temperatures was also investigated. Effect of soaking and germination of chickpea seeds on thermal properties and x-ray diffraction pattern were also studied.

Effect of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. on Seed Germination of Chickpea

The present study has been done to investigate the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Eucalyptus globulus on seed germination and rate of radicle growth of Chickpea under laboratory conditions. The study found complete inhibition of seed germination under the treatment of concentrated raw extract (14.28gm/100 ml) and its different dilutions (viz-90%, 70%, 50%, 30% & 10%). Later, a much-diluted raw extract (5.26gm/100ml) was made with its different dilutions as above to study germinations. Later case showed a gradual inhibition in radicle growth with the increasing concentration with a correlation coefficient (r=0.72).

Isolation and Measurement of Respiration and Structural Studies of Purified Mitochondria from Heterotrophic Plant Tissues.

Mitochondria are the power houses of eukaryotic cells. These organelles contain various oxidoreductase complexes. Electron transfer from different reducing equivalents channeled via these complexes drives proton translocation across the inner mitochondrial membrane, leading to ATP generation. Plant mitochondria contain alternative NAD(P)H dehydrogenases, alternative oxidase, and uncoupling protein, and TCA cycle enzymes are located in their matrix. Apart from ATP production, mitochondria are also involved in synthesis of vitamins and cofactors and participate in fatty acid, nucleotide, photorespiratory, and antioxidant metabolism. Recent emerging evidence suggests that mitochondria play a role in redox signaling and generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. For mitochondrial studies, it is essential to isolate physiologically active mitochondria with good structural integrity. In this article, we explain a detailed procedure for isolation of mitochondria from various heterotrophic tissues, such as germinating chickpea seeds, potato tubers, and cauliflower florets. This procedure requires discontinuous Percoll gradient centrifugation and can give a good yield of mitochondria, in the range of 4 to 8 mg per 50 g tissue with active respiratory capacity. After MitoTracker staining, isolated mitochondria can be visualized by using a confocal microscope. The structure of mitochondria can be monitored by scanning electron microscopy. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Isolation of mitochondria from germinating chickpea seeds, potato tubers, and cauliflower florets Basic Protocol 2: Quantification of mitochondrial protein concentration by Bradford assay Basic Protocol 3: Quantification of mitochondrial respiration using single-channel free-radical analyzer Basic Protocol 4: Staining of mitochondria and confocal imaging Basic Protocol 5: Visualization of isolated mitochondria under scanning electron microscope.

Simultaneous scavenging of Cr(VI) from soil and facilitation of nutrient uptake in plant using a mixture of carbon microfibers and nanofibers

Plant growth and yield are adversely affected by the uptake of toxic hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from soil. The present study describes a facile technique to minimize the uptake of Cr(VI) by chickpea (Cicer arietinum) plant from soil using microporous activated carbon microfiber (ACF). Simultaneously, nano-sized carbon nanofibers (CNFs), grown over the ACF substrate, are used as an efficient carrier of the Cu micronutrient from soil to root, shoot and leaf of the plants. Adsorption, seed germination and plant growth experiments are performed in Cr-stressed medium. The ACF, used as the adsorbent for Cr(VI) in metal-stressed soil (100 mg Cr kg−1 of soil) shows the metal loading of ∼23 mg g−1. Cr(VI) up to 50 mg L−1 concentration causes no stress during germination of chickpea seeds in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. A dose of 500 mg-mixture (treatment) per kg-soil increases root and shoot lengths by 52 and 11%, respectively than the control, during plant growth in the metal-stressed soil, attributed to an effective translocation of Cu-CNF through plant cells. Whereas Cr uptake by plant decrease to ∼46%, Cu uptake increase up to ∼120% in comparison to control by the mixture treatment. Protein and chlorophyll contents also significantly increased (*p < 0.05) with the application of treatment. The data clearly show that the mixture of ACF and Cu-CNF can be successfully used for the simultaneous scavenging of Cr(VI) from soil by adsorption over ACF and increased uptake of Cu by plants using the CNFs as the micronutrient carrier.

Legume endosymbionts: Drought stress tolerance in second‐generation chickpea (Cicer arietinum) seeds

AbstractChickpea is an important leguminous crop grown worldwide due to its nutritional and economic value. However, abiotic stress, primarily caused by drought, has limited chickpea production. This study highlights endosymbiotic plant growth promotion as well as alleviation of abiotic stress in germinating chickpea seeds and seedlings under drought stress conditions. Seed produced by F1 endosymbiotic plants under controlled environment was used to conduct this second‐generation (F2) study in the greenhouse. Fungal and bacterial endosymbionts improved seed germination and enhanced root and shoot growth in second‐generation seeds produced by applying drought stress without endophytes. Expression levels of antioxidant genes, proline, SOD‐superoxide dismutase and dehydrin, were downregulated, which characterizes enhanced oxidative stress tolerance and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in host cells. The endosymbiont beneficial effect on plant resilience and improved phenotypes was translated into increased nutrient quality of second‐generation seed. This study indicates the potential of the fungal and bacterial endosymbionts to moderate drought stress in plants by triggering epigenetic changes inherited across chickpea generations which correlated with enhanced resilience and improved agricultural traits in this globally important crop.

Calcium and EGTA Alleviate Cadmium Toxicity in Germinating Chickpea Seeds

Impact of exogenous calcium and ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA) supplement on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) germinating seeds exposed to cadmium stress for 6 days was studied. Ca and EGTA late treatment (3 days) alleviated growth inhibition and decreased Cd accumulation as well as lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation in both root and shoot cells. Exogenous effector application relieved Cd-induced cell death which was associated with a constant level of ATP, which was considered as an apoptotic-like process. Redox balance was examined through the study of the redox state of pyridine nucleotide couples NAD+/NADH and NADP+/NADPH as well as their related oxidative [NAD(P)H-oxidase] and dehydrogenase (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase) enzyme activities. The present research illustrated an ameliorative effect of Ca and EGTA on growth of Cd-exposed chickpea seedlings that occurs through the protection of sensitive cell sites from Cd-induced oxidation, namely membrane lipids and proteins, rather than the improvement of recycling capabilities of the cellular reducing power.

Rising atmospheric CO2: Potential impacts on chickpea seed quality

Experiments on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) were performed in open-top chambers during 2010–11 and 2011–12 to assess effects of atmospheric CO2 enrichment on the quality of seeds. Although no physical modification was observed, an increase in seed water uptake was recorded in plants grown under enriched atmospheric CO2 condition. Germination of seeds reduced by 45–47%, while seed leachate conductivity increased by 10–17%. Seedling vigor decreased, although root and shoot lengths and seedling biomass showed negligible changes. Similarly, atmospheric CO2 enrichment reduced field emergence of seedlings with no change in root characteristics of the emerged seedlings. A decrease in protease activity supports the reduced seed viability, although no change in grain phosphatase and α-amylase activities were recorded. Increase in carbon content in germinating seed-cotyledon along with decrease in N in cotyledon resulted in large increase in C:N ratio for the plants grown under enriched CO2 condition. The starch content increased with no change in soluble sugar in germinating seed-cotyledons. This indicates more carbonaceous seeds from plants grown under enriched CO2 environment. Results suggest that rising atmospheric CO2 might have adverse impact on viability and germination of chickpea seeds, and cause nutritional imbalance through increase in C with dilution of N contents in germinating seed-cotyledons.

Effect of Increasing Concentration of Inorganic Phosphate (Pi) and Pyrophosphate (PPi) on Growth and Phosphatases of Germinating Chickpea Seeds

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) seedlings growing on different concentrations of inorganic phosphate and pyrophosphate in agar based MS-medium were studied for their growth and activities of phosphatases in cotyledon, shoots and roots. Growth of seedlings was affected with both Inorganic Phosphate (Pi) and Pyrophosphate (PPi). Germination was completely inhibited beyond 100 mM monopotassium phosphate (KH2PO4) and 20 mM sodium pyrophosphate. Specific activities of acid phosphatases of cotyledons, shoots and roots decreased under high Pi-supply however alkaline phosphatases were not affected. Addition of PPi increased specific activities of acid phosphatases of roots and shoots at 3 days after germination (DAG) stage, but decreased at later stages of seedling growth. There was an appearance of PPi-specific acid phosphatase in roots under PPi-supply.

Efficacy of Acorus calamus L. essential oil as a safe plant‐based antioxidant, Aflatoxin B1 suppressor and broad spectrum antimicrobial against food‐infesting fungi

SummaryThe study explores the efficacy of Acorus calamus L. essential oil (EO) as a safe plant‐based broad spectrum antifungal, antiaflatoxin, antioxidant food additive. The oil completely inhibited the growth and toxin production of the toxigenic strain of Aspergillus flavus at 0.4 and 0.25 μL mL−1, respectively. EO exhibited pronounced antifungal activity against sixteen food‐infesting fungal species at 0.5 μL mL−1. The EO showed strong antioxidant efficacy (IC50 1.06 μL mL−1) and nonphytotoxic nature on germination of chickpea seeds. The EO was found nonmammalian toxic showing high LD50 (4877.4 μL kg−1) for mice (oral, acute). The chemical profile of EO was determined through GC and GC–MS analysis. The findings strengthen the possibility of A. calamus EO as a plant‐based food additive in view of its favourable safety profile, antioxidant and antiaflatoxigenic efficacy and broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against food‐infesting fungi.

Assessment of some essential oils as food preservatives based on antifungal, antiaflatoxin, antioxidant activities and in vivo efficacy in food system

The present study strengthens the food preservative potential of plant essential oils (EOs) viz. Origanum majorana L., Coriandrum sativum L., Hedychium spicatum Ham. ex Smith, Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl., and Cananga odorata Hook.f. & Thomson based on their antifungal, antiaflatoxin, and antioxidant efficacy. The essential oils were found more efficacious than some prevalent organic preservatives viz. salicylic acid, BHT, ascorbic acid and gallic acid as they inhibited the growth and aflatoxin secretion of the aflatoxigenic strain Aspergillus flavus (LHP-6) at lower concentrations. The minimum inhibitory concentration of EOs against the toxigenic strain of A. flavus ranged between 2.0μl/ml and 3.0μl/ml. In addition, the EOs exhibited broad fungitoxic spectrum against nine food borne molds and strong antioxidant activity. The IC50 value of the oils ranged between 1.3 and 21.67μl/ml while their total phenolic content ranged between 2.90 and 33.33μg/mg. All the EOs except C. odorata showed non-phytotoxic nature on germination of chickpea seeds. During in vivo investigations in food system all the five essential oils showed above 50% protection of chickpea seed from A. flavus infestation showing their potential as plant based preservatives for enhancement of shelf life of food items.

Characterization of water uptake and distribution in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) seeds during germination by NMR spectroscopy

Experiments were conducted to characterize the changes in water status during imbibition by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in chickpea seeds exposed to static magnetic fields of 100 mT for 1 h. Water uptake during seed germination showed three phases with rapid initial hydration phase I, followed by lag phase II and steady hydration phase III. Comparative analysis of the hydration pattern showed that water uptake was more in phase II and III in magnetically exposed than unexposed seeds. The longitudinal relaxation time (T 1 ) of seed water showed significantly higher values and hence higher molecular mobility of cellular water in magnetically exposed seeds as compared to unexposed seeds. Analysis of transverse relaxation time (T 2 ) revealed a three component of water in germinating chickpea seeds. Interesting observation found in this study was the early appearance of hydration water with least mobility and higher values of relaxation times of cytoplasmic bulk water and hydration water in magnetically treated over untreated seeds. Early hydration of macromolecules, membranes, greater molecular mobility of bulk and hydration water fractions in magnetically exposed seeds may be responsible for quicker germination and appearance of early seedling vigour in chickpea. Activities of enzymes related to germination process such as α-amylase, dehydrogenase and protease were higher in magnetically exposed seeds as compared to unexposed seeds. Moreover, a significant correlation between the relaxation time of cytoplasmic bulk water and the activities of germination related enzymes supported our conclusion that this fraction of water plays a major role in the metabolism of germination process. Key words : Cicer arietinum L., imbibition, nuclear magnetic resonance, longitudinal relaxation time (T 1 ), transverse relaxation time (T 2 ), germination enzymes.

Effects of Sodium Metavanadate and Germination on the Sprouting of Chickpeas and its Content of Vanadium, Formononetin and Biochanin A in the Sprouts

ABSTRACTChickpea sprouts (CS) may become one of the natural products of high demand due to their nutritional values. The aim of this work was to study the enrichment of vanadium (V) during the germination of chickpea seeds in order to combine the high nutritive value of sprouts with a readily bioavailable source of essential trace element—V. Chickpea seeds were germinated in sodium metavanadate solutions (NaVO3) with different concentrations (50, 100, 150, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1,000, 1,200, 1,400, and 1,600 mg/L as NaVO3) for 6 days at 28 °C. It was found that the addition of sodium metavanadate produced slight stress effect, and the growth of CS was inhibited. The addition of sodium metavanadate significantly increased V content in CS in a dose-dependent manner. The highest V content (1.52 mg/g) in CS was observed when germination was carried out in the NaVO3 solution with 1,200 mg/L NaVO3 concentration. Chickpea seeds germinated in 50 ∼200 mg/L NaVO3 solutions for 6 days at 28 °C showed a higher germination rate (>99%%) and a higher content of isoflavones including formononetin and biochanin A than those obtained in NaVO3 solutions with other concentration in the same germination conditions. Therefore, a concentration of 50∼200 mg/L sodium metavanadate solutions should be used for the production of V-enriched chickpea sprouts (VCS).

Biological Synthesis of Stable Vaterite Crystals by the Reaction of Calcium Ions with Germinating Chickpea Seeds

The total biological synthesis of CaCO3 crystals of the metastable vaterite polymorph at room temperature by simple protein-mediated reaction of aqueous Ca2+ ions with the CO2 generated during the root growth from germinating chickpea (Cicer arietinum) seeds is described. Highly stable vaterite crystals of spherical morphology are obtained, indicating that the proteins secreted from the roots during growth play a crucial role in stabilizing and directing the crystal growth.

Influence of chlorsulfuron on rhizobial growth, nodule formation, and nitrogen fixation with chickpea

Sulfonylurea residues have been found to inhibit the growth of some legume crops and pastures in seasons following application. Negative effects of these herbicides on symbiotic nitrogen fixation by legume crops and pastures have been demonstrated. Reductions in nitrogen fixation may result from a direct effect of the herbicide on rhizobial growth and/or an indirect effect on plant growth. In this study the influence of chlorsulfuron on the growth of chickpea rhizobia [Mesorhizobium ciceri (CC1192)], the growth of chickpea plants, and the extent of nodulation and nitrogen fixation by the chickpea/rhizobia symbiosis were examined. In vitro studies (in yeast mannitol broth and a defined medium) showed that chlorsulfuron applied at double the recommended field application rate did not influence the growth of chickpea rhizobia. An experiment using 14C-labelled chlorsulfuron was conducted to determine if rhizobial cells exposed to chlorsulfuron could deliver the herbicide to the point of root infection and nodule formation. Approximately 1% of the herbicide present in the rhizobial growth medium remained with the cell/inoculum material after rinsing with 1/4 strength Ringer’s solution. This was considered unlikely to affect chickpea growth, nodulation, or nitrogen fixation. A pot experiment was used to define the influence of chlorsulfuron on the growth, nodulation, and nitrogen fixation of chickpeas. The presence of chlorsulfuron in the soil reduced the nodulation and nitrogen fixation of the chickpea plants. Pre-exposing rhizobia to chlorsulfuron before inoculating them into pots with germinating chickpea seeds, reduced the number of nodules formed by 51%. Exposure of chickpeas and chickpea rhizobia to chlorsulfuron can adversely affect the formation and activity of symbiotic nitrogen-fixing nodules, even when only the rhizobial inoculant is exposed briefly to the herbicide.

ACC-N-Malonyltransferase activity during zygotic embryogenesis and germination of chick-pea seeds

AbstractSome physiological characteristics of ACC-Nmalonyltransferase (ACC-N-MTase) have been studied in the seeds of chick-pea (Cicer arietinum L.). This enzymatic activity was detectable during all periods of zygotic embryogenesis; however, the highest values were found in the dry seed. In dry seeds, the enzymatic activity was greater in the embryonic axis than in the cotyledons. During the onset of germination, activity increased more strongly in the cotyledons than in the embryonic axis, reaching its highest values in the storage organs coinciding with radicle emergence (18 to 24 h). Removal of the cotyledons strongly diminished enzymatic activity in the embryonic axis. Low concentrations of ethrel (50 µM) stimulated the axis ACC-N-MTase. The highest specific activity was found in the apical meristem of the embryonic axis, declining over the length of the organ. The role of ACC-N-MTase activity in the germinative process is discussed, together with the regulatory effect of ethylene on this ACCconjugating enzyme.

Gibberellin A3 reverses the effect of salt stress in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) seedlings by enhancing amylase activity and mobilization of starch in cotyledons

The percentage germination of chickpea seeds (Cicer arietinum L.cv. PBG-1) gradually decreased with increasing concentration of NaCl in the growth medium and was completely inhibited with 200 mM NaCl. In the presence of 75 mM NaCl, only 51% of the seeds germinated. Gibberellic acid (GA3) and kinetin at 6 µM concentration induced the maximum increase in % germination and seedling growth under salt stress. However, IAA further inhibited both the germination and growth of stressed seedlings. The reduction in amylase activity in cotyledons of stressed seedlings was partially reversed with GA3 and kinetin whereas IAA did not show any positive effect. GA3 was more effective than kinetin in enhancing the reduced germination and seedling growth of chickpea seeds along with amylase activity in cotyledons under NaCl induced saline conditions. The reduced uptake of radiolabelled 14C sucrose by cotyledons and its reduced distribution in the shoots and roots of stressed seedlings was increased with addition of GA3 in the medium. Cotyledonary amylase was separated into amylase 1 and amylase 2 by sephadex G 150 column chromatography. The reduced activities of both amylase 1 and amylase 2 in cotyledons under salt stress was returned to near normal levels with GA3 and there was also an increase in starch utilization, resulting in its lower concentration in cotyledons of GA3-supplemented stressed cotyledons.

Endogenous abscisic acid during the germination of chick-pea seeds

Endogenous abscisic acid during the germination of chick-pea seeds

Differential changes in Glutamine Synthetase isoforms in the cotyledons of germinating chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L.) seeds in response to osmotic stress

Summary Changes in seedling growth and Glutamine Synthetase isoforms in cotyledons of germinating chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L.) seeds were studied in response to osmotic stress. PEG-induced osmotic stress adversely affected the seedling growth. After 6h of imbibition, only one GS isoform was detected in the cotyledons while at all subsequent stages both cytosolic (GS 1 ) and plastidic (GS 2 ) isoforms were observed. GS 1 constituted a major proportion of total GS activity in the cotyledons of control-germinated seeds but under osmotic stress GS 1 activity decreased, whereas GS 2 activity increased. Implications of these findings in stress adaptation of germinating chickpea seeds are discussed.

Convergent Effects of Stress and ABA on Gene Expression during Germination of Chick-Pea Seeds

Summary The effects of different types of stress on RNA and protein synthesis have been studied in embryonic axes of seeds of chick-pea ( Cicer arietinum L.) during the first hours of germination as well as their relationship with the effects produced by exogenous application of abscisic acid (ABA) on this process. Stress induced by high (30 °C) and low (8 °C) temperatures, drought and high salinity reduced the incorporation of 3 H-Uridine and 14 C-leucine in embryonic axes and also modified their mRNA populations. Some of the polypeptides induced by these treatments were coincident with those specifically regulated by ABA, suggesting the participation of a common mechanism in some of the responses to ABA and to the different conditions of stress studied.

Abscisic acid and stress regulate gene expression during germination of chick-pea seeds. Possible role of calcium

Abscisic acid and stress regulate gene expression during germination of chick-pea seeds. Possible role of calcium