Seed Research Articles

Identifying Wild Versus Cultivated Gene-Alleles Conferring Seed Coat Color and Days to Flowering in Soybean.

Annual wild soybean (G. soja) is the ancestor of the cultivated soybean (G. max). To reveal the genetic changes from soja to max, an improved wild soybean chromosome segment substitution line (CSSL) population, SojaCSSLP5, composed of 177 CSSLs with 182 SSR markers (SSR-map), was developed based on SojaCSSLP1 generated from NN1138-2(max)×N24852(soja). The SojaCSSLP5 was genotyped further through whole-genome resequencing, resulting in a physical map with 1366 SNPLDBs (SNP linkage-disequilibrium blocks), which are composed of more markers/segments, shorter marker length and more recombination breakpoints than the SSR-map and caused 721 new wild substituted segments. Using the SNPLDB-map, two loci co-segregating with seed-coat color (SCC) and six loci for days to flowering (DTF) with 88.02% phenotypic contribution were identified. Integrated with parental RNA-seq and DNA-resequencing, two SCC and six DTF candidate genes, including three previously cloned (G, E2 and GmPRR3B) and five newly detected ones, were predicted and verified at nucleotide mutant level, and then demonstrated with the consistency between gene-alleles and their phenotypes in SojaCSSLP5. In total, six of the eight genes were identified with the parental allele-pairs coincided to those in 303 germplasm accessions, then were further demonstrated by the consistency between gene-alleles and germplasm phenotypes. Accordingly, the CSSL population integrated with parental DNA and RNA sequencing data was demonstrated to be an efficient platform in identifying candidate wild vs. cultivated gene-alleles.

Application of Statistical Solvent Mixture Design in Optimizing the Solid-Liquid Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Mango Seed Kernels

Mango seed kernel (MSK) is a waste material of the mango processing industry and is reported to significantly contain phenolic compounds with anti-oxidative properties. In this work, these compounds are isolated via solid-liquid extraction (SLE) in which solvent mixture design approach was used to evaluate the optimal quaternary solvent ratio in relation to the phenolics content of extracts from MSK. The quaternary solvent is composed of ethanol (E), methanol (M), acetone (A), and water (W). The extraction process was implemented at 40°C for 60 minutes with the ratio between solid and solvent at 1:25. Response surface methodology coupled with simplex lattice design was developed to evaluate the optimal solvent system and their interaction effects on the phenolic compounds content. The linear, two-way, and three-way interaction, except for methanol-acetonewater system, resulted in positive effects on the phenolic compounds content. The response model shows that a quaternary mixture with approximately 3:3:3:1 E:M:A:W ratio provided the highest phenolic content. A Scheffé cubic model sufficiently described the extraction process. The results of this study showed that the extraction of phenolic compounds in MSK via SLE using a mixture of solvents is possible. Higher extraction efficiencies can be achieved by optimizing the SLE process, and the optimum conditions can be applied to produce phenolic extracts with positive antioxidant activity.

Interaction between type of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and patchouli varieties on growth and yield of patchouli (Pogostemon cablin Benth.)

A group of bacteria living in the rhizosphere area and capable to actively colonize the plant's root system called Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR). These bacteria can improve plant growth and yield. We determine the interaction between types of PGPR and patchouli varieties on growth and yield. This research was conducted at the Laboratory of Seed Science and Technology and Experimental Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Syiah Kuala University, between January to June 2020. The collecting data from experiment were analyzed by factorial randomized block design with three replications. Seven type of rhizobacteria consist used without rhizobacteria, Necercia sp., Pseudomonas capacia, Bacillus firmus, Bacillus bodius, Bacillus alvei, Bacillus stearothermophillus. The varieties consist of three levels Tapak Tuan, Lhokseumawe, and Sidikalang. There was very significant interaction between rhizobacteria and varieties on the parameters of fresh weight and dry weight and significant interactions on plant height at 60 and 120 DAP, number of branches at 90 and 120 DAP, and leaf area. Variety of Sidikalang combination with P. capacia have very high wet weight (73.43 g), dry weight (18.05 g), and leaf area (84.00 cm2).

RESPONSE OF DIFFERENT STORAGE CONTAINERS IN RICE GENOTYPES DURING STORAGE

Rice is the staple food of more than half the world’s population and is being cultivated in Asia since ancient time’s generation after generation. Good quality seeds are the seeds of the green revolution, it has been assertively and emphatically shown that 15-20% increased yield could be achieved by the use of good quality seeds alone. Good quality seed is one of the most important requirements for production and supply to achieve higher production and productivity in any crop. The seed quality is depended on various factors Viz. genetic, edaphic, environmental, biotic, etc. Good quality seed production depends on complex conditions evoking the most favorable interactions between the genetic makeup of the seed and the environment, under which it is produced, harvested, processed, and stored. Seeds undergo deterioration at various levels during storage resulting in a decline in vigor and viability. With the above considerations, the present investigation has been undertaken to observe the potentials of ten rice genotypes and observed its seed quality after harvesting in 2016-2017 at Seed Testing Laboratory, Department of Seed Science and Technology, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal, India. Just after harvesting G2 (Gobindabhog) and G9 (IR-36) showed highest germination percentage (97.66) and G9 (IR-36) showed highest Vigor index (3204.13). But most of the varieties germination and vigor were nearer to G2 & G9. Among the containers with seed moisture content aluminum foil packet with seed moisture content, 8% is the best storage container for rice among the other containers as up to one-year storage vigor index was observed highest in that conditions.

Relationship between Flooding Regimes, Time of Year, and Seed Coat Characteristics and Coloration within Fruits of the Annual Monocarpic PlantSesbania emerus(Fabaceae)

Premise of research. Many plant species produce propagules of different shapes and sizes on the same plant or within an inflorescence. These differences influence seed dispersal and germination and seedling growth. We investigated the relationship between the flooding regime, time of the fruiting season, and position within the fruit on seed coloration, seed abortion, and seed predation in Sesbania emerus.Methodology. We studied the production of seeds of different colors within fruits of S. emerus in Palo Verde National Park, Costa Rica, during the months of fruit maturation and seed dispersal. We sampled fruits in natural stands along a flooding gradient, and for each seed, we recorded the color of its coat, its position within the pod, and whether it was healthy, aborted, or predated. We also studied the structure of seed coats of seeds of different colors using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) to determine their chemical characteristics.Pivotal results. Our study reveals that S. emerus produced seeds of different colors within the same fruit and that their proportion varied along a flooding gradient and during the fruiting season. The proportion of seeds of different colors also varied among the positions within the fruit. Seed abortion and seed predation predominantly occurred for brown seeds and changed between flooding levels and fruiting season. SEM showed no differences in the seed coats’ thicknesses or structures among seed colors, but TGA showed differences in water, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin content.Conclusions. The production of seeds of different colors in S. emerus is related to differences in the flooding regime, time within the fruiting season, and position within the fruit. Seed color affects seed germination and the likelihood of seed abortion and predation, and we discuss the potential factors determining these differences.

Performance evaluation of tractor operated winnower using tachometer

Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss) is an important economical oilseed crop worldwide. An experiment was carried out at the Department of Seed Science & Technology, CCS Haryana Agriculture University, Hisar, Haryana to prepare an identification key for mustard varieties. It was based on seed characters of twenty Indian mustard varieties release for general cultivation from the various organizations. The characterization of varieties was based on the morphological characters as well as response of chemical seed tests. Mustard varieties were distinguished from each other on the basis of seed colour, test weight, oil content, phenol test, modified phenol test, potassium hydroxide test, peroxidase test and 2, 4-D auxin test. These seed characters based identification key can be an effective tool for maintaining the genetic purity of the varieties during seed certification process.

Erratum: Advanced 3D Liver Models for In vitro Genotoxicity Testing Following Long-Term Nanomaterial Exposure.

An erratum was issued for:Advanced 3D Liver Models for In vitro Genotoxicity Testing Following Long-Term Nanomaterial Exposure. The Representative Results sectionwas updated. Figure 6 in the Representative Results section was updated from: to: The fourth paragraph in the Representative Results section was updated from: With the inevitable development of a necrotic core, a known limitation of 3D liver spheroid cultures, the viability of this HepG2 based model had to be established to demonstrate it was able to sustain long-term (5-10 day) exposure regimes whilst maintaining the proliferative capability required to support the micronucleus assay5. Indeed, this 3D liver spheroid model has been shown to retain >70% viability over 10 days in culture. Based on this and in conjunction with the sustained liver-like functionality observed over the ≥14 day culture period, this 3D liver spheroid model can thus support long-term, repeated ENM exposure regimes up to 10 days long (i.e., before viability of the spheroids drop below 70%). For reference, it is advised that albumin levels for HepG2 spheroids seeded at 4000 cells/spheroid should be ≥0.06 mg/mL whilst urea production should be ≥0.4 ng/µL before conducting an in vitro toxicological assessment with this model. to: With the inevitable development of a necrotic core, a known limitation of 3D liver spheroid cultures, the viability of this HepG2 based model had to be established to demonstrate it was able to sustain long-term (5-10 day) exposure regimes whilst maintaining the proliferative capability required to support the micronucleus assay5. Indeed, this 3D liver spheroid model has been shown to retain >70% viability over 10 days in culture. Based on this and in conjunction with the sustained liver-like functionality observed over the ≥14 day culture period, this 3D liver spheroid model can thus support long-term, repeated ENM exposure regimes up to 10 days long (i.e., before viability of the spheroids drop below 70%). For reference, it is advised that albumin levels for HepG2 spheroids seeded at 4000 cells/spheroid should be ≥50.0ng/μL whilst urea production should be ≥0.25ng/µL before conducting an in vitro toxicological assessment with this model.

Grading of Scots Pine Seeds by the Seed Coat Color: How to Optimize the Engineering Parameters of the Mobile Optoelectronic Device

Research Highlights: There is a problem of forest seeds quality assessment and grading afield in minimal costs. The grading quality of each seed coat color class is determined by the degree of its separation with a mobile optoelectronic grader. Background and Objectives: Traditionally, pine seeds are graded in size, but this can lead to a loss of genetic diversity. Seed coat color is individual for each forest seed and is caused to a low error in identifying the genetic features of seedling obtained from it. The principle on which the mobile optoelectronic grader operates is based on the optical signal detection reflected from the single seed. The grader can operate in scientific (spectral band analysis) mode and production (spectral feature grading) mode. When operating in production mode, it is important to determine the optimal engineering parameters of the grader that provide the maximum value of the separation degree of seed-color classes. For this purpose, a run of experiments was conducted on the forest seeds separation using a mobile optoelectronic grader and regression models of the output from factors were obtained. Materials and Methods: Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seed samples were obtained from cones of the 2019 harvest collected in a natural stand. The study is based on the Design of Experiments theory (DOE) using the Microsoft Excel platform. In each of three replications of each run from the experiment matrix, a mixture of 100 seeds of light, dark and light-dark fraction (n = 300) was used. Results: Interpretation of the obtained regression model of seed separation in the visible wavelength range (650–715 nm) shows that the maximum influence on the output—separation degree—is exerted by the angle of incidence of the detecting optical beam. Next in terms of the influence power on the output are paired interactions: combinations of the wavelength with the angle of incidence and the wavelength with the grader’s seed pipe height. The minimum effect on the output is the wavelength of the detecting optical beam. Conclusions: The use of a mobile optoelectronic grader will eliminate the cost of transporting seeds to and from forest seed centers. To achieve a value of 0.97–1.0 separation degree of Scots pine seeds colored fractions, it is necessary to provide the following optimal engineering parameters of the mobile optoelectronic grader: the wavelength of optical radiation is 700 nm, the angle of incidence of the detecting optical beam is 45° and the grader’s seed pipe height is 0.2 m.

Effectiveness of different pest management modules on plant growth and yield of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

An investigation was carried out at experimental farm of Department of Seed Science and Technology, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.) on bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) having nine different treatment combinations. The trial conducted in two consecutive years (2018 and 2019) with Randomized Complete Block Design. The experimental results revealed that all the treatment combination performed significantly superior than control. The treatment T2: Seed treatment with Trichoderma spp. @ 10 g/kg seed + vermicompost @ 50 q/ha + Neem cake application @ 12g/plant + foliar application of NPV @ 1 g/l once in 7 days (after borers appearance) recorded highest plant height (62.59 cm), higher number of branches per plant (5.77), highest number of fruits per plant (21.02), maximum fruit weight (49.85) and highest fruit yield (1047.73 g/plant, 9.43 kg/plot and 310.44 q/ha) as compared to the control. In overall investigation, the results concluded that the application of Trichoderma sp. along with vermicompost, neem cake and NPV gives better results in bell pepper cultivation to obtain higher crop growth and yield.

Yield and Seed Quality Changes According to Delayed Harvest with Rainfall Treatment in Soybean (Glycine max L.)

Yield and Seed Quality Changes According to Delayed Harvest with Rainfall Treatment in Soybean (Glycine max L.)

Effects of Light and Temperature on Germination of Eggert's Sunflower (Helianthus eggertii)

Helianthus eggertii is a rare perennial sunflower of barrens and open habitats in Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and South Carolina in the United States (U.S.). Despite its delisting in the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 2005, little is known about the germination biology of H. eggertii other than seeds require cold stratification for optimal germination. Knowledge about the germination biology of rare species can aid in the management of natural populations and inform strategies for ex situ seed conservation and propagation. We examined how cold stratification, light, and temperature interact to affect seed germination in H. eggertii, and whether germination proportions varied among populations. At the time of maturity in October, seeds have primary physiological dormancy and require cold stratification or prolonged (> 8 wk) incubation in light at cool (15/6 C) temperatures to germinate. Seeds maintained a light requirement for germination when cold stratified in darkness, but not after cold stratification in light. However, seeds germinated to lower proportions after cold stratification in light relative to darkness, and when incubated at temperatures that mimic summer (35/20 C) compared to late spring (25/15 C). Germination varied widely among populations (23-58%), with plants from more open sites exhibiting lower germination proportions than those from partially shaded sites. Our results indicate seeds most likely germinate in early- to mid-spring, and light promotes germination of H. eggertii. Our results highlight the interactive role of light and temperature in determining seed dormancy break and germination in H. eggertii.

Seed Yields and Germinabilities of Zoysiagrass Species, Cultivars and Seed Type Breeding Lines

Seed Yields and Germinabilities of Zoysiagrass Species, Cultivars and Seed Type Breeding Lines

Comparison of the Nutritional Composition of Quinoa Seeds Cultivated in Korea Depending on Different Cooking Methods

Comparison of the Nutritional Composition of Quinoa Seeds Cultivated in Korea Depending on Different Cooking Methods

Chapter 13: Testing seeds by weighed replicates

Chapter 13: Testing seeds by weighed replicates

Chapter 11: Testing coated seeds

Chapter 11: Testing coated seeds

Proximate, Phytochemical and Anti-Nutritional Composition of Chrysophyllum albidum kernel seed

With increasing human population, proportional knowledge in the usefulness of underutilized plant seeds as potential sources of human foods became inevitable. Studies were carried out to determine the proximate analysis, phytochemicals, and anti-nutrients composition of African Star Apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) kernel seed using standard methods of analysis. Two samples of the fruit kernel seeds were produced. Unfermented African Star Apple Seed (ASAU) was the negative standard; it was dried and grounded into flour. Fermented African Star Apple Seed (ASAF), prepared in ungrounded form, was boiled for 12 hours and allowed to stand for 5 days to ferment. Freshly prepared fermented castor oil seed (OGR - Ogiri) was the positive standard. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, phenolic, alkaloids, flavonoids and terpenes, while tannin was only present in ASAU. The proximate analysis revealed a decrease in carbohydrate content of ASAF (26.0 %) and OGR (23.44 %) when compared to ASAU (55.12 %). Also the protein content of ASAF (18.22 %) and Ogiri (22.50 %) increased significantly (P

Editorial: Seed Science and Technology. Volume 49 Issue 1 (2021)

At the time of writing, in the UK and Northwest Europe the wood anemone (Anemone nemorosa L., Ranunculaceae) is in full flower, as Spring gets under way. This common herbaceous perennial of woodland and hedgerows is a possibly somewhat extreme example of the challenges facing conservationists striving to preserve seeds of their native species, in all their diversity, ex situ in conventional seed banks. Its seeds will survive drying, but only after the achenes, still green when shed, are dispersed from the parent plant. Ali et al. (2007) observed an initial increase in desiccation tolerance, followed by a decline; and the proportion of seeds surviving desiccation and their increase in subsequent longevity coincided with the growth and development of their embryos ex planta. However, developmental arrest of the embryo was not required for the acquisition of desiccation tolerance, and continued growth and development of the embryo resulted in loss of desiccation tolerance, analogous to that seen in orthodox (sensu Roberts, 1973) seeds upon radicle emergence. Consequently, the window of desiccation tolerance and maximum potential longevity is comparatively short; and in nature occurs when seeds are on or close to the soil surface. Though the seeds can be air-dried with care and stored at sub-zero temperatures, high initial viabilities are difficult to achieve and their storage lives are short (ten years or less under conventional seed bank conditions); throwing doubt on the role of conventional seed banking as a means of long, or even medium-term ex situ conservation for this species. Furthermore, while A. nemorosa seeds, like those of many species from the Ranunculaceae, might be described as having morphological or morphophysiological dormancy (Baskin and Baskin, 2014), the observed lack of developmental arrest is somewhat at odds with most definitions of dormancy.

Effect of Oil Extraction Conditions on the Anaerobic Fermentation of <i>Jatropha curcas</i> Seed Cakes

The production of biogas is a heathy way to convert biomass like seed cakes into energy. But before that, oil seeds like jatropha curcas are treated in some conditions in other to get oil first, and cakes after. And different levels of those conditions that are seed type, preheat temperature and extraction pressure can give different results on biogas production using those cakes. That is why in this study, biogas characteristics of cake, from three types of jatropha seeds (whole, kernels and crushed) preheated at four levels of temperature (25°C, 50°C, 75°C and 100°C) and submitted at three extraction pressures (181.81 bar, 324.66 bar and 422.06 bar), were assessed. It consisted in mixing 5 ml solid mixture (2.5 ml of cake sample and 2,5 ml cow dung) to the buffer solution (NH₄Cl, 100; NaCl, 10; MgCl 2 • 6H₂O, 10; CaCl₂.2H₂O, 5) at 1:1 ratio. The mixture was introduced in a reactor of 16 ml volume and then incubated in an electric oven at 37°C for 60 days. The measure of gas volume of each sample was done using the adapted method of displaced liquid. The gas calorific value estimation of each sample was theoretically done, using Buswell equation. And, the gas energy was obtained for each sample, using its gas volume and calorific value. The main results were as follows. The highest volume of biogas (8 ml / g) and highest energy (2485.85 J) were registered with whole seed cake at preheated temperature/extraction pressure couple of 100°C-324.66 bar. The highest calorific value (701.43 KJ/mol) was obtained with the whole seed cake at preheated temperature/extraction/ pressure couple of 100°C-422.06 bars. The main conclusion that can be made is that, there is an effect of oil extraction conditions on the anaerobic fermentation of jatropha curcas seed cakes.

Single Base Editing Using Cytidine Deaminase to Change Grain Size and Seed Coat Color in Rice.

The fast-moving CRISPR technology has allowed plant scientists to manipulate plant genomes in a targeted manner. So far, most of the applications were focused on gene knocking out by creating indels. However, more precise genome editing tools are demanded to assist the introduction of functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in breeding programs. The CRISPR base editing tools were developed to meet this need. In this chapter, we present a cytidine deaminase base editing method for editing the point mutations that control the grain size and seed coat color in rice.

Quorum quenching as a strategy for treating Methicillin Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) - Effect of ε-Polylysine, ethanolic extracts of guava leaves and mango seed kernel

Staphylococcus aureus accessory gene regulatory Quorum Sensing (QS) system facilitates biofilm formation and biofilms are major contributors for antimicrobial resistance. Quorum quenchers could be used as an adjunct to antibiotics to reduce the development of drug resistance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sub-inhibitory concentration of ethanolic extracts of Mango Seed Kernel Extract (MSKE), Guava Leaf Extract (GLE) and ε-Polylysine (ε-PL) against quorum sensing mediated virulence factors of S. aureus. We evaluated the antibacterial and Quorum Quenching (QQ) activity of these compounds on 10 MRSA and 10 MSSA isolates. The antibacterial activity was tested by disc diffusion assay. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) for MRSA isolates were: 20 µg/mL for ε-Polylysine, 20 µg/mL for MSKE extract and GLE and for MSSA isolates were:12.5 µg/mL for ε-Polylysine, 20 µg/mL for MSKE extract and GLE. Quorum Sensing Inhibition (QSI) activity was determined at sub-MIC of 10 µg/mL of all the compounds by studying inhibition of the delta hemolysin on sheep blood agar plate and motility on soft agar media. All these compounds affected the motility and expression of δ-hemolysin activity which confirms that these compounds interfere with the QS activity. The QQ effect was confirmed by quantitation of hld (delta hemolysin) transcript and rnaIII transcript by qPCR. The results of this study will be presented as proof of QQ activity by ε-PL, MSKE, and GLE on S. aureus in general and MRSA in particular, as an attractive proposition for adjunct therapy and anti-virulence therapy of MRSA infections.