Mass Of Seeds Research Articles

Trait dimensions of abiotic stress tolerance in woody plants of the Northern Hemisphere

AbstractAimTrade‐offs among tolerances to different abiotic stressors limit polytolerance in woody plants. However, the general trait syndromes that underlie large‐scale tolerance patterns of woody plants remain controversial. Here, we tested if the leading trait dimensions that define the global spectrum of plant form and function capture the underlying trait trade‐offs limiting woody plant polytolerance.LocationNorthern Hemisphere.Time PeriodPresent.Major Taxa StudiedWoody plants.MethodsWe used a dataset of 779 species to link the trait dimensions defining the global spectrum of plant form and function with two dimensions summarizing tolerance syndromes to drought, shade, cold and waterlogging. Stress tolerance dimensions were a trade‐off between drought and cold/waterlogging tolerance strategies, and a shade tolerance spectrum. Relationships among trait and stress tolerance dimensions were evaluated using general additive models separately for deciduous and evergreen angiosperms, and evergreen gymnosperms.ResultsDrought‐tolerant angiosperms showed greater specific stem density (SSD) and seed mass (SM), and lower specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf nitrogen content per mass (LN), compared to the cold/waterlogging‐tolerant species. Shade‐tolerant angiosperms displayed greater SSD and SM and lower SLA and LN compared to intolerant angiosperms. Highly contrasting trait adaptations also distinguished drought‐ (greater SSD, SM and lower SLA, LN) from shade‐tolerant evergreen gymnosperms.Main ConclusionsThe ‘SSD–SM’ and the ‘SLA–LN’ dimensions mainly distinguish cold or drought‐tolerant woody angiosperms and shade‐ or drought‐tolerant gymnosperms. Our results also support a conservative trait strategy for shade‐tolerant compared to shade‐intolerant species, with some differences between plant functional types probably due to contrasting leaf lifespans. Overall, our findings identify some leading functional constraints on polytolerance in woody plants and provide a framework to integrate additional trait dimensions to fully elucidate such constraints.

Divergence of Seed Mass in Riparian Plant Communities Dominated by Filtering and Random Processes

Restoration of degraded riparian zones is the primary challenge for ensuring the sustainability of watershed ecosystems. An essential aspect of this endeavor is gaining a deep understanding of how riparian plant communities are assembled. The main focus of this study was to investigate how riparian plant communities respond to varying levels of flooding stress along the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) in China’s Yangtze River. To accomplish this, we calculated the diversity of plant taxonomy, traits and phylogeny, and used a null model to reflect the plant community assembly rules within the riparian zones along the TGR. The riparian zones were divided into four regions based on water regime: the fluctuating backwater area, the permanent backwater area, mainstream and tributaries of the TGR, covering the reservoir area of 1084 km2 with 180 sampling sites surveyed. Our results showed that within the permanent backwater area of the tributaries, the gradient variation in taxonomic and trait diversity of the riparian community was strongly aligned with the varying levels of flooding stress, which suggests that strong environmental selection plays a significant role in this section. Furthermore, through analysis of phylogenetic and trait structures based on the null model, we found that environmental filtering and random processes were the primary mechanisms shaping plant communities in the riparian zones across the entire study area. However, by further examining single traits, we found that seed mass was the sole trait displaying noteworthy divergence in the riparian communities throughout the study area. This finding highlights that seed mass appears as a pivotal divergent trait in the herb succession stage of the riparian communities that is strongly governed by filtering and random processes. In conclusion, we recommend prioritizing seed mass differences in ecological restoration efforts for herb succession in flooding-stressed riparian communities. This approach is crucial for enhancing source utilization, facilitating community assembly, and improving overall recovery outcomes.

Inheritance of productivity elements in hybrid populations of lentils in the conditions of Omsk region

The paper presents the results of studying the heritability coefficients of key productivity elements (number of pods per plant, number and mass of seeds per plant) in second-generation hybrid populations of lentils. The authors conducted the study from 2020 to 2022 on an experimental plot at the educational and experimental farm of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education Omsk SAU in the southern foreststeppe of the Omsk Region. The hydrotechnical coefficient values indicated arid conditions in 2020 (HTC = 0.62) and 2021 (HTC = 0.68) and slightly dry conditions in 2022 (HTC = 1.02). The soil of the experimental plot is meadow-chernozem, moderately thick (45 cm), with low humus content (3.95% humus), and rather clayey (35% physical clay) with a soil solution reaction close to neutral (pH – 6.5). The predecessor crop was spring soft wheat. Four collection samples of lentils with a set of economically valuable traits of different eco-geographical origins were studied: k-2888 (Moldova), k-2849 (Russia, Altai Krai), Rauza (Russia, Oryol Region), Vekhovskaya (Russia, Saratov Region), and four hybrids F2 obtained as a result of hybridisation: k-2888 x Rauza, k-2888 x Vekhovskaya, k-2849 x Rauza, k-2849 x Vekhovskaya. The analysis of the received data showed that the number of pods and seeds per plant is characterised by high heritability (H2 = 54.8% and H2 = 56.1%, respectively). In comparison, the seed mass per plant has low heritability (H2 = 21.7%). It means that genetic indicators determine the phenotypic variability of the number of pods and seeds per plant. In contrast, environmental conditions influence the seed mass per plant during the growing season. Promising in practical lentil breeding for increasing productivity, considering three leading indicators, are the hybrid combinations k-2888 x Rauza and k-2888 x Vekhovskaya.

Влияние индивидуальной массы семян сосны обыкновенной (Pinus sylvestris L.) сорта «Негорельская» на 30-дневное прорастание в 40-ячеистых SideSlit-контейнерах

The seeds germination of the Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is an important stage of the tree's life cycle and determines the subsequent productivity and survival, ultimately affecting the composition of the plant community. Germination is related to various biological characteristics of seeds, including individual seed mass. The amount of endosperm nutrients contained in sound seeds can determine the energy available for germination. Experimental evidence of the influence of individual seed mass on germination is still quite small. To test the technology of planting material production with a closed root system, taking into account the individual spectrometric and morphometric features of the Negorelskaya variety for each varietal seed of the Scots pine (P. sylvestris L.), three random sets of 400 de-winged seeds (N = 1200) were sown manually in 40-mesh SideSlit containers of an automated forest nursery. To test the hypothesis about the influence of the individual seed mass of the Scots pine (P. sylvestris L.) varieties "Negorelskaya" on the indicators of its germination in SideSlit containers on the 30th day, a single-factor analysis of variance was used with a check of uniformity according to the Levene's criterion and a posteriori LSD test of averages. The individual mass of the sown seeds varied from 1.0 to 13.3 mg (m ± SD | 60.1 ± 17.5 mg). The average values of the germination index of the seeds of Negorelskaya variety Scots pine (P. sylvestris L.) on day 30 in the volume of 6,8,12,16,18,26 SideSlit containers statistically (Levene's criterion 6.35, p = 1.98e-22; ANOVA F-criterion 1.291, p = 0.0139; a posteriori criterion LSD p < 0.05) differ from the indicator in 2,7,10,11,13,19,22,24,26,27,29 containers. The average values of the individual mass of 942 seeds germinated on the 30th day in the cells of SideSlit containers of the automated forest nursery statistically (Levene's criterion 11.317; p = 0.000792; ANOVA F-criterion 12.098; p = 0.000523) differ from the average values of the individual weight of the ungrown 258 seeds of the Negorelskaya variety Scots pine (P. sylvestris L.). In the future, this seed germination on day 50 in SideSlit containers and comprehensive quality indicators of the seedlings, including DQI and RQI, will be studied.

The effectiveness of various doses of magnesium-containing fertilizers in the cultivation of winter rapeseed

The effect of various doses and forms of magnesium-containing fertilizers on the production process of winter rapeseed plants was studied in field experiments. It was found that the combined use of Agromag magnesium-containing fertilizers contributed to an increase in the yield of winter rapeseed plants. An increase in the dose of magnesium-containing fertilizers did not lead to an increase in the efficiency of applied fertilizers. The use of magnesium-containing fertilizers containing sulfur has led to an increase in the efficiency of fertilizers due to an increase in the mass of seeds per 1 plant.

Variation in agro-physiological parameters of Vigna radiata (L. R. Wilczek) under different supplemental irrigation frequencies

The study was aimed at investigating the effect of supplemental irrigations on physiological and agronomic responses of mungbean through evaluation of transpiration, leaf water potential, chlorophyll content and seeds yield during drought pockets. A completely randomized block device with three replications was used to conduct the rainy season study. Four watering regimes were applied from the 26th day after seed sowing and during drought pockets: rain only (0J), tap water after 5 days without rain (5J), after 10 days without rain (10J) and after 15 days without rain (15J). Supplemental irrigation had a significant effect on transpiration, leaf water potential and chlorophyll content of plant leaves. Leaf water potential was the lowest and the highest transpiration at 70 DAS under the 5J supplemental irrigation regime, with higher chlorophyll content. The study also revealed that the frequency of irrigation every 5 days without rain significantly improved the harvest index (p?0.004), the number and mass of seeds per plant (p?0.001), justifying the choice of this water treatment for a better production of well-filled seeds and tops.

Pollinators limit seed production in an early blooming rare plant: evidence of a mismatch between plant phenology and pollinator emergence

The reproductive ecology of rare plants is seldom studied, yet the persistence of plant populations depends on successful mutualisms with pollinators. As atmospheric temperatures rise, phenology of plants and pollinators may become mismatched. We investigated the reproduction of Trifolium barnebyi (Barneby's clover), a mat‐forming perennial endemic to central Wyoming, USA, that grows in the crevices of sandstone bedrock. Our objectives were to evaluate a method for monitoring changes in cover as well as assess the pollination and seed‐set of T. barnebyi. We established five monitoring transects using a divided frame to estimate percent cover. We conducted seed‐set experiments at three locations to measure self‐pollination and the degree to which pollinating insects limited seed production. We used vane traps and bee bowls to capture pollinators, and examined pollen carried on bees. Percent cover along transects declined over the four year period and was associated with spring precipitation. Trifolium barnebyi did not self‐pollinate and relied on pollinators to produce seeds. The number and mass of viable seeds per flower, and the number of bees captured increased as the season progressed, indicating that more and larger seeds were made when more pollinators were present. Blooming of T. barnebyi ranged between April and June, depending on the microhabitat the plant lived in, and we observed much higher seed production in later‐blooming plants. Pollen from T. barnebyi was primarily carried by Andrena bees, although we found smaller amounts of pollen on seven other bee genera. A mismatch in timing between blooming and pollinating insect emergence could limit seed production in T. barnebyi if plants bloom earlier over time and bee emergence does not follow the same phenology. Rare plants can be pollinated by rare pollinators showing that conserving these pollinators is crucial for rare plants and early blooming species may be higher at risk.

The influence of different methods and norms of application of the herbicide Pivot on weed vegetation and productivity of soybean varieties Kasatka

Relevance. The growth of acreage under soybeans caused an increased demand of agricultural producers for drugs for the control of harmful objects. Herbicides are one of the most popular classes of pesticides used in many types of crop production.Methods. The effect of the water-soluble herbicide Pivot with consumption rates of 0.5 l/ha and 0.8 l/ha was studied in the experiment. A model variety of soy Killer whale was taken for research. Experience options: spraying the soil before sowing with sealing; spraying the soil before soybean seedlings; spraying plants in the phase of two triple leaves; control (without treatment). The studies were carried out by field and laboratory methods using appropriate techniques.Results. It was found that with a high mixed type of contamination of soybean crops (74–88 pieces of weeds / m2 in control), the use of different methods and norms of the herbicide Pivot, VC proved to be highly effective and safe for culture: reduction of the number of weeds, % to control at a rate of 0.5 l/ha — 86.4–88.1%, at a rate of 0.8 l/ha — 89.2–92.9%. The reaction of soybeans to a decrease in clogging, in comparison with the control, was manifested in an increase in: the number of branches — by 30.0–41.7%, the number of beans — by 40.7–53.0%, the number of seeds from one plant — by 32.2–55.0%, the mass of seeds from one plant — by 52.2–60.4%, the mass of 1000 seeds — by 27.3–30.7%. The average yield of soybeans in the control was 1.36–1.38 t/ha. In the variants with the use of herbicides, reliable crop yield increases of 30.7–52.9% were obtained. When conducting a comparative analysis of the rates of herbicide application on structural indicators and soybean yield, the advantage of a dosage of 0.8 l/ha was revealed, and when comparing the methods of application — spraying the soil before soybean seedlings.

Effect of Osmia bicornis supplemental pollination on seed yield of forest seed orchards

Our study investigated the possibility of using the red mason bee Osmia bicornis as a pollinator of forest seed orchards of frequently grown European trees: insect - pollinated Tilia cordata and Prunus avium. Moreover, we checked whether the presence of O. bicornis has an impact on the pollination results of Quercus petraea, which is wind - pollinated. Data were collected from 8 forest seed orchards in western Poland between 2018 and 2020. We assessed whether the presence of O. bicornis populations affects the number and mass of seeds and seed quality. Supplementing forest orchards with O. bicornis affected seed yield. The generalized linear mixed models indicated that the number of seeds and the proportion of viable seeds, but not seed mass, were higher in the Tilia cordata trees, when additionally pollinated with O. bicornis added as a pollinator.

Allometric constraints on carabid diets: interspecific differences in carabid-to-seed mass ratios impact seed choice

Seed choice in seed-feeding omnivorous carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) is influenced by numerous ecological factors, including the chemical and physical properties of seed species. Previous work has shown that seed chemistry can drive seed selection decisions by carabids only when the size and mass of seed species are within certain limits. In a model system composed of eight carabid species and seeds of three brassicaceous weeds, we explored predator-to-seed mass relationships and their impact on seed choice by carabids. We show that carabid-to-seed mass ratio scaling relationships are likely to drive seed choice when seed species of different mass are presented to carabid species varying in body mass. Smaller seed species in the experiments were more preferably chosen by smaller carabid species, and mass of the preferable seed species increased as a function of the body mass of carabid species. The taxon-specific mass of carabid predators in relation to the species-averaged mass of available seeds was the main driver of seed choice decisions in the model system under study. These mass-driven changes in seed preferences suggest that feeding interactions between carabid and seed species in agricultural fields are likely driven by mass-structured dynamics. Given this, the intensity of predation pressure imposed by carabids on seed species in the field may potentially be determined by the match/mismatch between the distribution of seed mass in the weed community and the structure of functional body mass in the carabid community.

Inflated Ovary May Increase the Dispersal Ability of Three Species in the Cold Deserts of Central Asia.

Among the diaspores of angiosperms an inflated ovary (IO) is a novel morphological trait, but no studies have evaluated its effects on dispersal. The primary aim of this study was to determine the effect of the IO on diaspore dispersal in three cold desert species (Carex physodes, Calligonum junceum, and Sphaerophysa salsula). Various morphological features and the mass of fruits and seeds of each species were measured. The role of an IO in diaspore dispersal by wind and water was determined by comparing responses of intact (inflated) IOs and flattened fruits and seeds. Mature diaspores of three species were dispersed by wind, and the IO significantly increased dispersal distance in the field and at different wind speeds in the laboratory. The floating time on water was greater for inflated fruits than flattened fruits and seeds. Since the seed remains inside the IO until after dispersal is completed, the IO of the three species enhances diaspore dispersal. This is the first detailed study on how an IO increases diaspore/seed dispersal. Furthermore, after primary dispersal by wind, secondary dispersal can occur via wind or surface runoff of water, and each method is enhanced by the presence of an IO.

Seed size variation impacts local adaptation and life-history strategies in a perennial grass.

Seed mass is an ecologically important trait that often differs considerably among ecotypes. Yet, because few studies examine the impacts of seed mass on adult life-history traits, its role in local adaptation is unclear. In this study, using accessions of Panicum hallii that spanned the two major ecotypes, we examined whether covariation between seed mass, seedling and reproductive traits impacts ecotypic divergence and local adaptation. The perennial grass P. hallii has two distinct ecotypes-a large-seeded upland ecotype adapted to xeric environments and a small-seeded lowland ecotype adapted to mesic environments. In the greenhouse, seed mass varied greatly across P. hallii genotypes in a manner consistent with ecotypic divergence. Seed mass covaried significantly with several seedling and reproductive traits. At field sites representing the habitats of the two ecotypes, seed mass had different impacts on seedling and adult recruitment: selection favoured large seeds in upland habitat and small seeds in lowland habitat, which was consistent with local adaptation. By demonstrating the central role of seed mass in ecotypic differences in P. hallii and its importance to seedling and adult recruitment under field conditions, these studies show that early life-history traits can promote local adaptation and potentially explain ecotype formation.

Correlation and path coefficient analysis of yield and yield components of some Ethiopian faba bean (Vicia faba L.) accessions

<p>The knowledge of correlation and path coefficient analysis<strong> </strong>allow crop breeders to practice indirect selection to improve traits like grain yield which are complex in nature. The objectives of the present study were to measure association among yield and yield related traits and to identify important traits for indirect selection to improve faba bean grain yield. Eighty-one faba bean accessions were evaluated following 9 × 9 simple lattice design at one of the Bahir Dar University research sites at Mecha district in 2019 rainy cropping season. The result of correlation analysis revealed that grain yield had highly significant (<em>p</em> < 0.01) and positive phenotypic and genotypic correlations with plant height, pod length, number of pods per plant, number of branches per plant, biomass yield, 100-seed mass and harvest index indicating the possibility of simultaneous improvement of grain yield with these traits through selection. Path coefficient analysis demonstrated that higher positive direct effects were exerted by biomass yield and harvest index on grain yield both at phenotypic and genotypic levels, as a result, these traits could be used as indirect selection criteria to improve faba bean grain yield.</p>

Correlation and path coefficient analysis of yield and yield components of some Ethiopian faba bean (Vicia faba L.) accessions

The knowledge of correlation and path coefficient analysis allow crop breeders to practice indirect selection to improve traits like grain yield which are complex in nature. The objectives of the present study were to measure association among yield and yield related traits and to identify important traits for indirect selection to improve faba bean grain yield. Eighty-one faba bean accessions were evaluated following 9 × 9 simple lattice design at one of the Bahir Dar University research sites at Mecha district in 2019 rainy cropping season. The result of correlation analysis revealed that grain yield had highly significant (p < 0.01) and positive phenotypic and genotypic correlations with plant height, pod length, number of pods per plant, number of branches per plant, biomass yield, 100-seed mass and harvest index indicating the possibility of simultaneous improvement of grain yield with these traits through selection. Path coefficient analysis demonstrated that higher positive direct effects were exerted by biomass yield and harvest index on grain yield both at phenotypic and genotypic levels, as a result, these traits could be used as indirect selection criteria to improve faba bean grain yield.

Influence of basic soil treatment and moisture supply on the structural elements of soybean harvest

The article presents the results of studying the influence of methods of basic tillage and moisture availability on the elements of the structure of the soybean crop: the mass of seeds per plant, the number of beans and seeds per plant, the height of the plant, the weight of 1000 seeds and the yield of soybeans of the Volma variety, after winter wheat. It was found that on average in 2020-2022. Moisture conditions developed in such a way that among the main tillage methods, high yield structure and yield were obtained in the variant with plowing by 22-24 cm - 2.2 t/ha, slightly less yield was obtained by non-moldboard loosening by 22-24 cm - 2 0 t/ha, disking with a processing depth of 16-18 cm produced the least amount of grain - 1.9 t/ha. In addition, it was noted that the method of basic processing affects the amount and dynamics of moisture in the soil during the growing season. During the germination period, the largest moisture reserves were recorded on non-moldboard loosening, and the smallest - on disking. In the flowering phase, when soybean plants urgently need moisture to form a crop, the largest amount of it was in plowing, and the smallest - in disking.

APETALA2 is involved in ABA signaling during seed germination

APETALA2 (AP2) is well known for regulating the development of floral organs, ovules, seed coats, and the mass of seeds, but the role of AP2 in seed germination remains unclear. Here, we report that AP2 interacts with ABI5 in nuclear speckles and functions in controlling seed germination. Genetic study showed that the abi5 mutation could restore the ABA-sensitive phenotype of ap2 mutants, supporting that AP2 antagonizes ABI5 in ABA signaling and ABA-mediated inhibition of seed germination. In addition, we observed the interactions of AP2 with SnRK2.2, SnRK2.3, and SnRK2.6 in nuclear speckles, suggesting that AP2 plays a multifaceted role in the ABA signaling pathway. Our findings revealed that the interactions of AP2 with SnRK2s and ABI5 are critical for ABA signaling in control of seed germination.

Chromatographic Determination of Diflubenzuron Residues in Agricultural Plant Matrices

The article deals with the development of a method for the determination of diflubenzuron in agricultural products using HPLC with a diode array detector. The samples were extracted with acetonitrile, and then purified by solid-phase extraction using C18E and PSA adsorbents and a Diapak C cartridge. The developed method was tested on the green mass of plants, potato tubers, corn grain, soybeans, sunflower seeds, rapeseed, and vegetable oil in the concentration range from 0.025 to 0.25 mg/kg. The average values of recovery were 81–91% with an error of 1.3–2.3%.

Biological efficiency of gibberellic acid application in the technology of spring rapeseed cultivation in the conditions of the Ryazan region

The article presents the results of studies of the biological effectiveness of gibberelinic acid in the technology of cultivation of spring rapeseed, conducted in the conditions in 2019–2021. The purpose of the research is to identify the effect of gibberellic acid (GC) on the yield and quality of spring rapeseed oil seeds in the conditions of the forest-steppe zone of the Ryazan region. A clear advantage in the safety and overall survival of rapeseed plants for harvesting with the use of GC was revealed. It was found that the use of GC affected the date of the onset of the phenophases of the culture in the moistened year, reducing the growing season by 3 days. In a dry year, with a low vegetative mass, it did not have a significant effect. The use of GC had a positive effect on the structure of the spring rapeseed crop. The number of branches of the 1st order increased with the use of GC growth by 21,2-42,8 %, the number of pods by 5,9-25,0 %, the number of seeds from one pod by 8,3-52,2 %, the mass of seeds from the 1st plant by 20,6-28,0 %, the number of seeds from the 1st plant by 14,7-18,8 %, the mass of a thousand seeds by 5,5-17,5 %. The yield of oilseeds after the use of GC increased by 26,7-29,1 %. Processing of GC crops provided a reliable increase in yield by 2,6-3,2 c/ha, compared with the control in all years of research. The oil content of the seeds did not have a significant deviation from the control.

Optimization of the Mung Bean Seed Coating with Alginate in a Bottom-Sprayed Wurster Fluidized Bed Coater

Seed coating is used to improve seed handling or target the delivery of different active ingredients: (micro)nutrients and biofortifying minerals, plant biostimulants, and plant protection compounds. One type of coating is based on using film-forming biopolymers. The coating could be applied using various equipment, including the Wurster fluidized-bed coater. Deterministic models have been proposed to predict the coating process performance in the Wurster fluidized-bed coater. However, such deterministic models do not closely match real behavior. This paper proposes a statistical model approach to optimize the mung bean seed coating with a mixture of alginate/glycerol in a Wurster fluidized bed coating process. The process was optimized for a specific case through a factorial experimental design for the following parameters: the liquid flow rate, the mass of seeds, the backpressure period, and the nozzle pressure. The statistical analysis was done using Design-Expert 11®. The formed film was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Finally, the germination percentage (GP), germination energy (GE), germination rate (GR), mean germination time (MGT), and vigor index (VI) were determined for the coated mung bean seeds. An algorithm is proposed to identify the optimal coating conditions in a bottom-spray Wurster fluidized-bed coater for any coating solution or seed pair.

Mathematical modelling and verification of open sun drying of cotton seeds

Abstract Researchers have carried out the kinetics of various agro products for open sun drying, but research articles still need to address such analysis for cotton seeds. Open sun drying of cotton seeds has been experimentally investigated and presented in this paper. Shorting of cotton seeds was carried out to collect appropriate samples in current research work. Cotton seeds were found to have a nearly ovoid shape with an average radius of 2 to 2.5 mm. The initial moisture content of cotton seeds was estimated to be 14.65% wet-basis using the hot air oven method. During drying, the reduction in the mass of cotton seeds was measured at every one-hour time interval. From this data, it was observed that drying occurred with a falling rate period. Drying data were fitted with 10 mathematical models available in the literature. Multi-regression analysis in Excel-solver equation was performed to obtain values of constants and coefficients of these models. Coefficient of determination (R2), reduced chi-square (χ2) and root mean square error were taken as criteria for the selection of the best drying model. The diffusion approach and models by Verma et al. were chosen as the most suitable drying models for open sun drying of cotton seeds. Effective diffusivity was estimated and found within the range suggested in the literature.