Seed Germination Parameters Research Articles

Total Polyphenols, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Allelopathic Activities of Spend Coffee Ground Aqueous Extract

Spend ground coffee is largely produced worldwide, representing a residue that still present several bioactive compounds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial, antioxidant and herbicide activities of aqueous extract of coffee grounds, obtained at the ratio of 10 g/L (mass of waste/water volume). Spend ground coffee aqueous extract presented total polyphenol concentration of 5.66 mg GAE/g, ABTS scavenging activity of 80.5 % and iron chelating activity of 44.2 %. The results also showed that spend ground coffee extract did not inhibit the growth of phytopathogenic fungi or the foodborne pathogenic bacteria tested. On the other hand, the extract presented allelopathic activity by inhibiting the lettuce seed germination, reducing seed germination parameters and the germination speed index. Thus, the results indicate that the aqueous extract of coffee grounds has the potential to be used as a natural organic crop herbicide.

Comparative Study on Effects of Vrikshayurveda and Modern Techniques on Germination of Bakuchi (Psoralea corylifolia L.) Seeds

Bakuchi (Psoralea corylifolia L.) is one of the important endangered medicinal plants used in Ayurveda and other Traditional systems. Its cultivation and propagation is difficult because of hard seed coat and short seed viability, hence hampering germination. The study aims to compare seed treatments explained in Vrikshayurveda, an ancient science of plant life, with modern/conventional techniques. Bakuchi seeds were divided into 13 groups, each containing 100 seeds. They were subjected to different treatments and observed for 60 days. The experiment was conducted in replicates. Number of seeds germinated, germination percentage, emergence index and relative seed germination parameters were observed. The group, T8, treated with milk overnight and shade dried, kept in paste of brihati (Solanum indicum), tila (Sesamum indicum), kamala nala (Nelumbo nucifera) and ghee for 6 h showed better results in terms of number of seeds germinated (21.67 ± 4.19), germinability (21.67 ± 4.19), germination rate index (0.36 ± 0.07), emergence index (0.96 ± 0.12) and relative seed germination (148.69 ± 50.92), as compared to control (T1, treated with water) and standard groups (T2, T3 and T4, treated with sulphuric acid). Conclusively on the basis of germination parameters observed, group treated following the method mentioned in Vrikshayurveda can be considered beneficial alternative in terms of better and safe germination.

Seed Germination and Growth Parameters of (Zea mays L.) as influenced by Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Fly Ash (MSWIFA) and Sewage Sludge (SS) amended Soil.

Seed germination trials have relevance in measuring soil toxicity. As a consequence, this present work was carried out to investigate the effect of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWIFA) and sewage sludge (SS) from Phuket municipal waste incinerator and wastewater treatment plant as the fertilizer substitutes on the seed germination and growth parameters of sweet corn ( Zea mays L.). Field experiment was conducted at National Corn and Sorghum Research, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The main treatments are 1) non-amended soil, 2) 378.125 kg MSWIFA ha -1 , 3) 543.75 kg SS ha -1 , 4) 756.25 kg MSWIFA ha -1 , 5) 1087.5 kg SS ha -1 , and 6) 378.125 kg MSWIFA ha -1 + 543.75 kg SS ha -1 . The results showed the different application rates of MSWIFA and SS had profound effects on plant establishment and growth characteristics relative to the fertilizer application. The highest germination index (22.26), vigor index (146.4), leaf numbers (5.65), and fresh and dry weight (5.78 and 2.35 g plant -1 , respectively) were recorded from seeds treated with SS (1087.5 kg ha -1 ), while the highest seed germination is found in F1M6 (378.125 kg MSWIFA ha -1 + 543.75 kg SS ha -1 ). This suggests the alternative use of MSWIFA and SS without the addition of fertilizer in agricultural land.

Effect of hydropriming on seed germination parameters in different accessions ofWithania somnifera

Withania somnifera, commonly known as ashwagandha, is a commercially cultivated medicinal plant species having a consistent demand in pharmaceutical industries. Although propagated through seeds, there is always a scope for enhancement of seed germination capacity either through selection of accessions that have natural high seed germination rate or through some physiological interventions. We have examined the influence of hydropriming treatment on seed germination parameters that have revealed a positive correlation between hydropriming and higher germination rates.

Seed priming as a method for improving maize seed germination parameters at low temperatures

Seed priming as a method for improving maize seed germination parameters at low temperatures

Influence of salicylic acid on seed germination of Vicia faba L. under salt stress

Seed germination is the critical stage for species survival. Salinity affects germination and seedling growth and yield of several crop species, such as broad bean. That is why this study was carried to evaluate the effects of NaCl on seed germination and influence of salicylic acid on seed in order to improving salt tolerant on broad bean. Vicia faba L. is an important pulse crop in the Mediterranean region. In many cases broad bean is grown on saline soils where growth and yield are limited by salinity. The results showed that Irrigation with saline water significantly reduced all seed germination parameters in comparison with the respective control. Alleviation of growth arrest was observed with exogenous applications of salicylic acid (SA) under salt stress conditions. Overall, the positive effect of SA towards resistance to the salinity of V. faba L. will provide some practical basis for V. faba L cultivation.

Influence of biostimulators on germination parameters and early growth of sunflower seedling

The aim of this paper was to examine the influence of biostimulators, with or without the use of fungicides, on seed quality parameters and early growth of sunflower seedling. Testing was conducted at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad on cytoplasmic male sterile sunflower line HA-26-PR. The experiment included six treatments: Slavol S (25%), Slavol S (25%) + fungicide (a.m. metalaxyl-M), Bioplant Flora (2%), Bioplant Flora (2%) + fungicide (a.m. metalaxyl-M), Slavol S (25%) + Bioplant Flora (2%), Slavol S (25%) + Bioplant Flora (2%) + fungicide (a. m. metalaxyl-M) and control. Results of the research showed that treating the seed with biostimulators prior to sowing has a significant influence on seed germination parameters and early growth of sunflower seedling. The individual application of fertilizers, with or without the use of fungicide, gave a positive effect, while their combination led to a negative effect. The individual application of fertilizers, with or without combination with fungicide, may increase germination energy by 5%, germinability by 6%, but may also reduce the time of seed germination. Likewise, their use has a positive effect on early growth of sunflower seedling.

Germination and emergence of primed cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) seeds with GA3 under different temperature regimes

This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of GA3 and temperature regimes as seed priming strategies on the seed germination parameters of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.). Cumin seeds treated with different GA3 concentrations (0, 100, 200 and 400 ppm) and then were placed in growth chamber at 20, 25, 30 and 35 ° C. Some seed germination and seedling growth characters were performed for 10 days. The results showed that the percentage of germination, average duration of germination, germination speed, seedling length and seedling fresh and dry weights significantly increased along with increasing in GA3 concentration as the highest amount was found in 400 ppm. These parameters slightly increased with increasing temperature from 20 ° C to 25 ° C and then slightly decreased. Overall, the results suggested that the 400 ppm of GA3 in combination with 25 °C, which showed the better seed germination and seedling growth characters, could be more appropriate to use as a priming strategy in cumin seed.

Effects of different plant hormones or PEG seed soaking on maize resistance to drought stress

Yuan, Z., Wang, C., Li, S., Li, X. and Tai, F. 2014. Effects of different plant hormones or PEG seed soaking on maize resistance to drought stress. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 1491–1499. Drought stress has a major impact on plant growth and productivity, and seed soaking is an important way to increase seedling resistance to drought stress. This study investigated whether drought hardening chemicals, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), or plant growth regulators enhance plant drought tolerance. The effects of PEG and several plant hormones, such as indoleacetic acid, gibberellic acid 3, 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA), on seed germination and seedling growth under drought stress were analyzed. The results revealed that seed soaking with 5×10−3 mg L−1 6-BA or 10% PEG improved maize seed germination parameters under drought stress, including seedlings dry weight, seed vigor and germination rate. In addition, some physiological indices, such as superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, soluble protein contents and malondialdehyde etc. in seedlings under drought stress were improved compared with the control. Therefore, the application of 6-BA or PEG as a seed soak treatment had a significant and synergistic effect on seed germination and seedling growth under drought stress. However, the PEG seed soak treatment maybe slightly lead to plant damage and then improved plant ability to acquire some resistance to stress, the 6-BA were not so.

English

This present study was conducted to investigate the possible allelopathic effect of Oudneya africana (donor species) on Bromus tectorum (weed species) and Triticum aestivum (cv. Sahel1; crop species) through germination bioassay experiment. B. tectorum is a winter annual grass that grows in winter wheat and other crops and in both disturbed and undisturbed grasslands. The effect of O. africana aqueous leachate (OAAL) on germination and seedling growth of B. tectorum and T. aestivum was investigated. Higher concentrations of the aqueous leachate significantly reduced the germination rate of B. tectorum. Similarly, coleoptile (CL) and radicle (RL) lengths of B. tectorum seeds was significantly inhibited. To go through with this, seedling growth of the weed species was also affected. On the other hand, the germination parameters of wheat seeds were slightly affected with applying different OAAL concentration levels compared to B. tectorum. In conclusion, allelochemicals extracted from the donor species caused a significant reduction in germination and growth parameters of B. tectorum > T. aestivum.   Key words: Aqueous leachate, Oudneya africana, Bromus tectorum, germination rate.

The effect of elevated Zn concentrations on seed germination and young seedling growth of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) swingle

Some heavy metals such as Zn are essential micronutrients for plants. However, in a high concentration in soils they could cause repression of growth with toxicity symptoms. It is therefore very important to investigate the species that are tolerant to high concentration of zinc which have the ability to survive on soils contaminated with heavy metals. This paper presents an investigation of the effect of elevated Zn concentrations on the germination and seedling growth of the invasive tree species Ailanthus altissima (Swingle) Mill., aimed at a better understanding of its adaptation ability to heavy metal stress and potential use in phytoremediation. Seeds of Ailanthus altissima were treated with Zn concentrations of 25, 100 and 250 ?M in form of zinc sulfate. After germination, the seedlings at the stage of first leaf development were transferred into a growing chamber in the hydroponic system where zinc sulfate was added in the concentrations of 100, 250 and 500 ?M. The results showed that Zn treatments, including the highest concentration, have caused a reduction in seed germination parameters. Considering the hypocotyl and radicle length, there was no significant statistical difference among the treatments, but further growth of young seedlings in hydroponics under high concentrations of Zn, cause an inhibition of the root system growth and repress development of assimilating organs. Seeds and seedlings of A. altissima are tolerant to elevated Zn concentrations at early stages of development. However, later on with leaves development, the inhibitory effect of the strongest concentrations is expressed.

STUDIES ON ONION SEEDS GERMINATION: 1- EFFECT OF MOIST-CHILLING ON GERMINATION OF ONION SEEDS STORED FOR TWO DIFFERENT PERIODS AND SUBSEQUENT SEEDLING GROWTH.

Onion seeds rapidly lose its viability and vigor after short time of harvest, and therefore its germinability largely decline. Consequently, the present investigation was carried out during the period from 2010-2012 in both Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, Vegetables & Ornamentals Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University and greenhouse of a private nursery in production of vegetable transplants, Qlabasho village, El-Dakahlia Governorate to study the effect of Moist-chilling (cold stratification) treatment for four periods (0, 5, 10 and 15 days) at 5 ± 1 0C on improvement of the germination parameters in the laboratory (germination percentage, seedling length, fresh and dry weight and vigor index) of onion seeds cv. “Red Beheri” stored for one or two years and enhancing growth characters (bulblet diameter, transplant length, fresh and dry weights and vigor index) of the subsequent transplants. The obtained results clearly indicated that all germination parameters of onion seeds stored for one or two years (except mean germination time) and also all obtained transplant characters except leaves number were significantly increased in all moist-chilling treatments than control one. The best treatment in this regard was moist-chilling for 15 days whereas the lowest one was control (non chilled seeds).

Differential defence response due to jasmonate seed treatment in cowpea and tomato against root-knot and potato cyst nematodes

Treatment of seeds with jasmonate provides significant reduction in Meloidogyne incognita and Globodera pallida infection. The number of M. incognita inside roots of cowpea and tomato plants derived from seeds treated with jasmonate was greatly reduced; however, the major effect of jasmonic acid and methyl jasmonate treatments was observed on the number of eggs produced by the nematodes wherein a significant reduction was observed in both treatments. By contrast, pre-treatment of tomato seeds with jasmonate not only reduced G. pallida infection by 63% but also affected nematode development inside the roots. These results indicate that jasmonate treatments affected nematode reproduction and/or development. We show here that germination and plant growth parameters of tomato seeds, but not of cowpea and soybean seeds, were unaffected by jasmonate treatment. The use of elicitors to prime plant immunity is a natural way of protecting plants by boosting their immunity to provide nematode resistance. Seed treatment with natural elicitors of plant immunity offers an environmentally friendly alternative for farmers and growers that can contribute to the protection of their crops from pests above and below ground.

Influence of soil ameliorants and microflora on induction of antioxidant enzymes and growth promotion of Jatropha curcas L. under saline condition

This study investigated the influence of inoculation with plant growth promoting rhizobacterium, Enterobacter clocae (MSA), Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes (MSC) and Bacillus sp., with a mycorrhizal fungus, Glomus intraradices, on seed germination parameters, vegetative growth, mineral nutrient uptake in leaves of Jatropha curcas L., soil nutrient management, antioxidant enzyme activities, phosphatase activity, solute accumulation under 2% salinity stress. Inoculation with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) increases the number of roots, root length, fresh weight of root and dry weight of root, number of leaves, and chlorophyll content. Addition of mycorrhizal inoculation was the next most effective in growth promotion of Jatropha. Inoculation of vermicompost increases shoot width as compared to other treatments. Soil analysis showed increase in C, N, and P in plants inoculated with PGPR strain. Further plant analysis showed that PGPR could increase uptake of N, P, K and Na. However, mycorrhizal fungus was observed to increase sulphur uptake while, vermicompost increase uptake of iron and copper. Treatment with vermicompost and PGPR showed an increase in acid and alkaline phosphatase. Salt stress increased proline concentration, particularly in plants inoculated with PGPR. Increased salinity stress raised significantly the antioxidant enzyme activities, including those of ascorbate peroxidase and catalase of Jatropha leaves. The PGPR strain induced a higher increase in these antioxidant enzymes in response to salinity. Inoculation with selected PGPR could serve as a useful tool for alleviating salinity stress in Jatropha.

Presowing treatments to breaking seed dormancy of Pterocarya stenoptera C. DC. as an indicator of potential invasiveness

The Small-winged wingnut is a 12 to 20 metres tall, deciduous and fast growing tree with large substantial branches that spread as wide as the tree is tall. The 15 to 30 cm long winged fruit catkins, which turn brown in the autumn, are suspended below the branches. The species is not described by domestic authors in Serbia. The seed was introduced from Sofia (from the Arboretum of the Forestry University of Sofia, Bulgaria - Lesotehniceski universitet, Sofija), and subjected to classical stratification and naked stratification during the period of 1 and 2 months. Germination capacity varied among the treatments. The largest number of germinated seeds was observed in the shorter stratifications, (1 month) the classical (56.5%) and the naked (51.0%) with no significant difference. The values of real germination of all treatments were between 69-88%. High value of RG, compared to GC, indicated that more than 40% of the seeds were empty. However, the results of the control as well as other parameters of seed germination clearly point to the fact that practically no deep embryo dormancy was observed, but the seed is recalcitrant and microbiotic. The results indicate a non-invasive character of the species in terms of reproductive potential.

Underdeveloped embryos and germination in Aristolochia galeata seeds

Aristolochiaceae have been described as having seeds with underdeveloped embryos and morphological or morphophysiological dormancy. Aristolochia galeata is a native climber found in the Cerrado biome, associated with road and gallery forest edges. The aims of this study were to investigate: embryo growth rate, morphology and seed germination parameters under different treatments. Embryos were excised to obtain embryo length at four stages: initial, seeds after coat rupture, radicle tip protrusion and cotyledon emergence from the seed coat. Germination tests were conducted at 30 °C under three nitrate concentrations (1, 10 and 20 mM), fluctuating temperature (27/20 °C) and light and dark conditions. We found that seeds have underdeveloped embryos, which take about 301 ± 178 h (±SD) to achieve seed coat rupture, another 205 ± 126 h to reach radicle protrusion and 176 ± 76 h more to the final stage of cotyledon emergence. Germinability was above 52% in all treatments, except in the dark (15%). For all treatments, average germination time was above 290 ± 123 h. Potassium nitrate increased germinability to >87%. No particular treatment was required for embryo development, but seeds in the population that continued to germinate after 1 month were probably in various states of non-deep, simple morphophysiological dormancy. Increased germinability in nitrate treatments and light requirement for germination could prevent germination under unsuitable environmental conditions and be a strategy to increase seedling establishment in the cerrado.

Prediction of germination rates of weed species: Relationships between germination speed parameters and species traits

In fields, the timing of weed emergence flushes is mostly related to the timing and rate of seed germination, which depend on seed dormancy level, soil temperature and water potential conditions as well as soil tillage and crop sowing date. Seed germination parameters are essential in weed dynamics models to account for the effects of soil conditions on weed demography. Since these parameters are difficult to measure, our objective was to test the possibility of estimating them from easily accessible information. Seed germination parameters (germination lag-time, time to mid-germination and mid-germination rate) were measured or collected from the literature for 25 weed species with contrasted seed characteristics. Correlations were then searched for between these parameters and morphological, chemical and physiological seed traits as well as seed dormancy level. The dormancy level was positively correlated with speed of germination parameters. Earliness of germination was positively correlated with seed lipid content and the seed area to mass ratio. Germination was also earlier and faster in species with a high base temperature for germination. These relationships explained about half the observed variability in germination speed parameters but should be further tested before being used to predict the germination behaviour of weed species in the field in different seasons.

Comparative effects of plant-derived smoke and potassium nitrate on germination and post-germination parameters of four medicinal species

The effect of smoke water and Potassium nitrate on germination and post germination parameters of four medicinal species of the Rosaceae (Sanguisorba minor Scop.), Apiaceae (Pimpinella anisum L.), Lamiaceae (Melissa officinalis L.) and Ranunculaceae (Nigella sativa L.) was tested. Dry seeds were exposed to smoke water (1:500) and KNO3 (150 mM) for 1h. Smoke enhanced some seed germination parameters of the study species. In species of S. minor, germination percentage (GP) and germination speed (GS) was stimulated by 1h of smoke water exposure while in species of P. anisum only GS was enhanced by smoke water. In addition, 1h of smoke water exposure enhanced the post-germination parameters including shoot length (SL), root length (RL), total seedling length (TSL), seedling fresh mass (SFM), vigour index (VI), and germination value (GV) in S. minor and SL, VI, and GV in species of P. anisum. In species of M. officinalis, smoke water enhanced parameters of RL, root/shoot ratio, and SFM. The species of N. sativa no had response to smoke. Potassium nitrate enhanced GS, SL, VI, and GV in P. anisum species, GS, SL, RL, TSL, SFM, VI, and GV in species of M. officinalis and SL in N. sativa. Pearson's correlation coefficients revealed significant relation between response to smoke and Potassium nitrate for germination percentage (0.577, p<0.01), germination speed (0.606, p<0.01), root/shoot ratio (cm) (p<0.01) and germination value (0.429, p<0.05) in the examined species.

Effects of Different Doses of Low Power Continuous Wave He–Ne Laser Radiation on Some Seed Thermodynamic and Germination Parameters, and Potential Enzymes Involved in Seed Germination of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

In this study, water-soaked seeds of sunflower were exposed to He-Ne laser irradiation of different energies to determine whether or not He-Ne laser irradiation caused changes to seed thermodynamic and germination parameters as well as effects on the activities of germination enzymes. The experiment comprised four energy levels: 0 (control), 100, 300 and 500mJ of laser energy and each treatment replicated four times arranged in a completely randomized design. The experimentation was performed under the greenhouse conditions in the net-house of the Department of Botany, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. The seed thermodynamic parameters were calculated according to seed germination thermograms determined with a calorimeter at 25.8°C for 72h. Various thermodynamic parameters of seed (ΔH, (ΔS)(e), (ΔS)(c), (ΔS)(e) /Δt and (ΔS)(c) /Δt) were affected significantly due to presowing laser treatment. Significant changes in seed germination parameters and enzyme activities were observed in seeds treated with He-Ne laser. The He-Ne laser seed treatment resulted in increased activities of amylase and protease. These results indicate that the low power continuous wave He-Ne laser light seed treatment has considerable biological effects on seed metabolism. This seed treatment technique can be potentially employed to enhance agricultural productivity.

Effect of Genotypes and Pre-Sowing Treatments on Seed Germination Behavior of Jatropha

The objective of the study was to explore the effects of pre-sowing seed treatments on germination behaviour and to assess the possibilities of increasing the germination rate of Jatropha curcas. Seeds of twenty jatropha accessions obtained from seven different sources were subjected to three pre-sowing treatments viz., control (T0): unsoaked seeds directly sown in the polybag and apply water up to saturation; T1: seed placed on filter paper in the petridis and moistened once with the water; and T2: seeds kept under stone sand and moistened once with the water. Seeds in T1 and T2 were kept for 72 h before sown in the polybag. The study was conducted in the Glass House of Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Study revealed that pre-sowing treatments significantly (p<0.01) enhanced seed germination parameters of Jatropha. Seed germination started 5 days after sowing and continued up to 12 days. The highest germination percentage (95.85%) was observed in T2 and 100% germination was observed in the genotypes viz., UKM-JC-011, UKM-JC-012, UKM-JC-014, UKM-JC-016 and UKM-JC-020 in T1 and T2. None of the genotypes showed 100% germination in T0. The highest Germination Index (GI) and Seedling Vigor Index (SVI) was found in T2 and the lowest in T0. T2 was found more effective in respect to faster germination, high germination percentage, germination index, seedling vigor index, speed and energy of germination. Five accessions viz., UKM-JC-012, UKM-JC-014, UKM-JC-016, UKM-JC-017 and UKM-JC-019 were found suitable in all the treatments including control.