Seedling Growth Performance Research Articles

Characterization of Fruit, Seed Traits and Seedling Growth Performance of Different Seed Sources of Calophyllum inophyllum

Calophyllum inophyllum is an oil-bearing tree species with seeds containing 50-70 per cent oil, mainly used for non-edible purposes. Belonging to the Clusiaceae family, it is commonly known as Undi in Kannada. This littoral tropical tree grows above the high-tide mark along coastlines and is frequently found on sandy beaches. Its prominence has increased due to high demand as biofuel and commercialization. The study aimed to examine the fruit and seed traits from various sources and the impact of seed source variation on germination and seedling growth of Calophyllum inophyllum. Experiments were conducted at the College of Forestry, Sirsi, with fruits collected from seven different regions from coastal taluks of Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka. Data on fruit, seed, and plant parameters were recorded. Results revealed that there was no such statistically significant difference was observed in fruit parameters, seed parameters, seedling parameters and germination percentage of Callophyllum inophyllum among the selected seed sources inferring no greater variations. However, the seeds from the Ramangindi (48.66%, 17% higher than the next best region, Ankola) region in Kumta taluk performed better in germination of seeds, fruit and seed traits, as well as growth compared to other sources.

Allelopathic Effects of Soil Extracts from Rhus typhina Plantations on Common Turfgrass Species in Northern China

The allelopathic plant Rhus typhina (Rt) has a shallowly distributed root system with a high density of secretory canals, which may allow it to exhibit indirect allelopathic effects through the soil on an understory turf species in a plantation. However, how these effects occur is still not well understood. For this study, the soil from the root zone of Rt was extracted via distilled water, and extracts at different concentrations (25, 50, and 100 g L−1) were used to treat six commonly planted turfgrass species, including Medicago sativa (Ms), Lolium perenne (Lp), Trifolium repens (Tr), Medicago falcata (Mf), Festuca arundinacea (Fa) and Coronilla varia (Cv), during a continuous germination–seedling culture experiment via the sand culture method. The germination, physiological, and growth indicators of the turfgrass seedlings were analyzed. The allelopathic effects of the soil extract at different concentrations on the six receivers were evaluated to provide a scientific basis for managing plantations with multilayer structures. The results indicated that, in general, the extracts of the soil from the root zone of Rt inhibited the germination and seedling growth performance characteristics of the mentioned turfgrasses; the inhibitory effects on Ms, Lp, and Mf increased with increasing concentrations of the Rt soil extracts, whereas those on Fa tended to decrease. In addition, the inhibitory effect on Tr obviously weakened at 50 g·L−1 relative to that at 25 g·L−1, whereas it became more obvious at 100 g·L−1; however, it exhibited the opposite trend for Cv. Generally, Mf and Cv were more sensitive to Rt allelochemicals at relatively low concentrations, and these species should be avoided when planting in Rt plantations at low densities. In contrast, Lp and Tr were more sensitive than those at relatively high concentrations and should be avoided when planting in Rt plantations at high densities.

Effects of Drought Stress on Germination and Seedling Growth of Seed Primed with Boron in Spinach

This study aimed to examine the effects of seed priming with different boron concentrations on the germination and seedling growth of spinach under drought-stress conditions. Seeds of the spinach cultivar Matador and sodium borate (Na2B8O13.4H2O) were used as materials. The seeds were primed with 0 (distilled water), 1, 10, 100, 500, and 1000 ppm B for 24 hours, with unprimed seeds serving as a control. Drought stress was induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) solution at a water potential of -3 bar and distilled water denoted as control conditions. A standard germination test was performed between papers at 20°C for 14 days. The germination percentage, mean germination time, germination index, seedling growth parameters, and root/shoot length ratio were investigated. The findings revealed that drought stress reduced germination percentage, germination index, and seedling growth of unprimed seeds of spinach. However, boron priming improved these parameters while mitigating the negative effects of drought stress. Under drought conditions, seed priming with 1 ppm B shortened mean germination time. Similarly, seedling fresh and dry weight of spinach were improved by seed priming with 100-1000 ppm B, whereas root growth was stimulated by 10 ppm B. The highest root/shoot ratio was found at 10 ppm B. Boron priming was more efficient in promoting seedling growth than germination in spinach. As a result, seed priming with 10-100 ppm B should be recommended to improve the germination and seedling growth performance of spinach in the event of drought stress after planting.

Unveiling the genetic potential of Terminalia chebula Retz. accessions from North-East and South India: A morphometric analysis

This study examined genetic diversity and growth performance of thirty Terminalia chebula genotypes from various regions of India. Seedlings were evaluated for growth attributes over 180 days after transplanting (DAT). Significant variations were observed across accessions for traits like shoot length, root length, collar diameter and volume. MHTC 04 showed superior performance, with maximum shoot length (36.23 cm) and root length (38.47 cm) at 180 DAT. KETC 05 exhibited the highest collar diameter (1.08 cm) and volume index (39.35) at 180 DAT. The genetic analysis revealed low to moderate PCV and GCV for most traits. Volume index showed the highest PCV (47.31 %) and GCV (47.23 %). High heritability (>95 %) was observed for several traits viz., root length, collar diameter and volume index. Path coefficient analysis identified collar diameter and shoot fresh weight as having the strongest positive direct effects on quality index. Cluster analysis grouped 30 genotypes into 10 clusters with cluster II being the largest (8 progenies). Quality index contributed the maximum (59.30 %) towards divergence followed by shoot dry weight (13.94 %) and volume index (8.28 %). This study identified promising genotypes and important traits for T. chebula improvement programmes, highlighting the potential for selective breeding to enhance the seedling quality and growth performance.

Effects of GA3 Concentrations and Mechanical Scarification on Germination and Seedling Growth Performance of Sour Orange (Citrus aurantium L.) Rootstock

The current experiment was conducted in Agriculture Faculty Lab (pro trays), at Nangarhar University, Afghanistan. As the germination of the sour orange seed is very poor and needs a long time for their competent germination, it was aimed to enhance germination and produce standard seedlings for proper growth and development. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) having six treatments, T1 (50 ppm + scarification), T2 (100 ppm + scarification), T3 (150 ppm + scarification), T4 (200 ppm + scarification), T5 (250 ppm + scarification) and T6 (Control) with three replications. The scarification was done manually for seed coat removal after the extraction of seeds from fruits. Analysis of variance revealed to be significant for most of the characters under study. The study revealed that among all treatments, T5 (250 ppm + scarification) was the best treatment for growth and root parameters, followed by T4 (200 ppm + scarification) while the lowest of growth and root parameters were registered in T6 (control). This investigation confirmed that high concentration of GA3 significantly affected the seed germination of sour orange.

Survival and plasticity in Acacia saligna growth across Contrasting management practices and growing niches

Reforestation and afforestation either through natural regeneration, tree planting or both methods have been globally promoted to motivate ecological restoration of degraded lands and to improve livelihoods. However, moisture stress and infertile soils limit the survival and growth of trees planted for restoration in drier areas. Hence, understanding the factors that determine the restoration success of drylands through tree planting is critical. We conducted a factorial experiment in Tigray, Ethiopia to evaluate the survival, growth performance and biomass of planted seedlings of the multipurpose agroforestry tree species Acacia saligna over 24 months. The treatments were application of watering (W), mulching (M) and compost (C) separately and in combinations (WM, WMC). We established experimental plots on farmland and on a nearby hillside-exclosure to examine the role of planting niches on seedling performance. Seedlings treated with watering, mulching, and compost (WMC) revealed significantly greater height, root collar diameter (RCD), and dry biomass compared to the other treatments. Seedlings planted in farmland showed significantly greater height, RCD, and total dry biomass compared to those planted at the hillside-exclosure. Although the survival rate was slightly higher in farmland, we also found sufficient survival rates in the hillside-exclosures. Therefore, post-planting care and activities including mulching, watering and fertilization are crucial to enhance the survival and growth performance of A. saligna or other tree species so that efforts in reversing land degradation and restoration of drylands will be successful.

Effect of Culture Temperatures on the Initial Growth Performance of Seedlings Germinated from Cryostored Seeds of a Tropical Tree Parkia nitida Miq. (Fabaceae, Mimosoideae)

Effect of Culture Temperatures on the Initial Growth Performance of Seedlings Germinated from Cryostored Seeds of a Tropical Tree Parkia nitida Miq. (Fabaceae, Mimosoideae)

Growth Performance of Neem (Azadirachta indica) Seedlings as Influenced by Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers

A pot experiment was carried out in the net house of the Department of Soil, Water and Environment, University of Dhaka. The aim of the study was to assess growth and yield performance of Neem seedlings with the different doses of organic and NPK fertilizers. Trichocompost (TC) was used as organic fertilizer. The treatments used in the experiment were: T1: Control (-OM and -NPK), T2: TC (10 ton/ha), T3: TC 5 ton/ha, T4: NPK 100% RDF, T5: NPK 80% RDF + TC 5 ton/h, T6: NPK 60% RDF + TC 5 ton/h, T7: NPK 40% RDF + TC 5 ton/h, T8: NPK 80% RDF + TC 10 ton/h, T9: NPK 60% RDF + TC 10 ton/h, T10: NPK 40% RDF + TC 10 ton/h. Pots were arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Plant height and the number of leaves per plant were recorded at a 15-day interval. The tallest plant (78.87 cm) observed with the application of sole Trichocompost 5 ton/ha. Incremental dose of TC and inorganic fertilizer reduces the height of plant. The maximum no. of leaves ( 51.67) was found with NPK 60% RDF + TC 5 ton/h at the stage of 90 days and the next highest amount of leaves (44.67) with NPK 80% RDF + TC 10 ton/h at 90 days after. The lowest height (12.52 cm) and leaf number/plant (8.33) were recorded in control. Maximum fresh and dry weights (root, bark, and leaf) were 17.19 g/plant and 6.24 g/plant, respectively, found in T8: (NPK 80% RDF + TC 10 ton/h). The best growth performance of seedlings was observed in T8: NPK, 80% RDF, and TC 10 ton/h .The research indicated that there was no significant treatment difference on nutrient uptake by the neem seedlings. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2024, 10(1): 81-90

Seed germination and seedling growth performance of berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) populations under different irrigation water sources

Irrigation water quality is closely associated with seed germination, however, information on the effect of water quality on berseem seed germination and seedling establishment is deficient. The present study evaluated the effects of using different irrigation water quality (indicative of local field practices); including distilled water (as control), canal water, tube well water and a mixture of canal and tube well water in a 50:50 ratio on three populations of berseem clover viz. cv. Agaitti Berseem-2002 (AB-2002) and two local landraces exchanged between farmers (LBF1) or available from local markets (LBM1). Seed germination percentage (GP) ranged from 89.5% to 99.5%, while the emergence energy four days after sowing (EE4DAS) ranged from 42.7% to 77.6%. The use of tube well water alone or in combination with canal water produced the highest GP (98.5%), EE4DAS (77.6%), germination rate (GR; 3.5 %/day), emergence index (EI; 13.8), shoot length (40.7mm), root length (20.9mm), root to shoot ratio (0.48), seedling vigour index (5835), shoot fresh and dry weights (135.7mg and 6.5mg) and root fresh and dry weights (58.8mg and 1.6mg), respectively. Moreover, all the pair-combination treatments between the water source and measured variables of using tube well water showed a strong positive correlation with increasing seedling growth parameters. The results further demonstrated that the seed genotypes significantly affected (P < 0.05) the studied parameters, with the AB-2002 population overall performed better in most seed germination and emergence parameters. However, the LBF1 seed population was found to be more robust in seedling growth and development traits.

Effects of Humic Acid-Copper Interactions on Growth, Nutrient Absorption, and Photosynthetic Performance of Citrus sinensis Seedlings in Sand Culture

Effects of Humic Acid-Copper Interactions on Growth, Nutrient Absorption, and Photosynthetic Performance of Citrus sinensis Seedlings in Sand Culture

Effect of Growing Media and GA\(_3\) on Germination and Growth of Papaya (Carica papaya L.) c.v. Tiwan-7

A field experiment entitled Effect of growing media and GA3 on germination, growth and establishment of papaya (Carica papaya L.) c.v. Tiwan-7 at the Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications and 10 (9+1 Control) treatments. The experiment consisted of germination, growth of Papaya. Among the various treatments, application of GA3 @ 150 ppm dipping for 12 hrs. + Soil + Cocopeat + Vermicompost (1:1:1) took shortest days to seed germination (13.15) and germination percentage (85.44 %) respectively. With respect to seedling growth parameters viz. sapling height 38.44 cm at 75 DAS, number of leaves 18.89 at 75 DAS, stem diameter (mm) 7.05 at 75 DAS, leaf area cm2 (51.48 cm2) was obtained best under of GA3 @ 150 ppm dipping for 12hrs. + Soil + Cocopeat + Vermicompost (1:1:1). From the successful germination and development of growth performance of papaya seedlings, it can be concluded that papaya seeds treated with GA3 @ 150 ppm dipping for 12hrs. + Soil + Cocopeat + Vermicompost (1:1:1) significantly increased the various seed germination parameters along with seedling growth parameters as compared to other treatments and hence, termed as best treatment, while the poorest and inferior among all was observed under T0-Control.

Assessment of All-in-One Fertilizers and Foliar Spray for Nutrient Management of GCTCV-218 Cavendish Banana Seedlings

With the proliferation of GCTCV-218 in the banana industry due to its promising performance against Fusarium wilt, there is a need to explore and establish an optimum and practical nutrient management, particularly in nursery management. As such, this study was conducted aiming to compare the growth performance of GCTCV-218 seedlings using conventional and all-in-one fertilization programs, evaluate the effect of a foliar spray in combination with fertilizer materials, and assess the profitability of using conventional and all-in-one fertilization programs. A 3 x 2 factorial experiment in completely randomized design (CRD) was used with four (4) replications with a total of 32 GCTCV-218 seedlings. Results show that GCTCV-218 seedlings had higher plant height grown under the combination of all-in-one fertilizer and foliar spray. Leaf surface area and root length were significantly high in the same treatment, implying a synergistic effect on the growth performance of GCTCV-218 seedlings. Cost analysis also revealed a positive return when using all-in-one and foliar spray since the desired height for planting is attained earlier (15-20 cm) than the recommended eight (8 weeks after planting (WAP). Savings of 31 cents per seedling or equivalent to PHP 580.23 on a hectare basis can be made if seedlings are released at 6 WAP using Haracoat all-in-one and foliar spray than at 8 WAP using the conventional and foliar spray. Therefore, optimal and economical nutrient management can be attained when Haracoat all-in-one fertilizer and foliar spray are applied in GCTCV-218 seedlings under nursery conditions.

Multifarious plant growth-promoting traits of mangrove yeasts: growth enhancement in mangrove seedlings (Rhizophora mucronata) for conservation.

Plant Growth-Promoting Yeasts (PGPY) have garnered significant attention in recent years; however, research on PGPY from mangroves remains a largely unexplored frontier. This study, therefore, focused on exploring the multifaceted plant growth-promoting (PGP) capabilities of yeasts isolated from mangroves of Puthuvype and Kumbalam. The present work found that manglicolous yeasts exhibited diverse hydrolytic properties, with the predominance of lipolytic activity, in addition to other traits such as phosphate solubilization, and production of indole acetic acid, siderophore, ammonia, catalase, nitrate, and hydrogen cyanide. After screening for 15 PGP traits, three strains P 9, PV 23, and KV 35 were selected as the most potent ones. These strains also exhibited antagonistic activity against fungal phytopathogens and demonstrated resilience to abiotic stresses, making them not only promising biocontrol agents but also suited for field application. The potent strains P 9, PV 23, and KV 35 were molecularly identified as Candida tropicalis, Debaryomyces hansenii, and Aureobasidium melanogenum, respectively. The potential of these strains in enhancing the growth performance of mangrove seedlings of Rhizophora mucronata, was demonstrated using the pot-experiment. The results suggested that the consortium of three potent strains (P 9, PV 23, and KV 35) was more effective in increasing the number of shoot branches (89.2%), plant weight (87.5%), root length (83.3%), shoot height (57.9%) and total leaf area (35.1%) than the control seedlings. The findings of this study underscore the significant potential of manglicolous yeasts in contributing to mangrove conservation and restoration efforts, offering a comprehensive understanding of their diverse plant growth-promoting mechanisms and highlighting their valuable role in sustainable ecosystem management.

Arbuscular mycorrhiza increases the facilitation between adult plant and seedling but root‐knot nematode inhibits it

AbstractSoil biotic and abiotic factors can affect the interaction between invasive and native species. However, it is not yet clear how arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis affects the interaction between adult invasive plants and neighboring seedlings. We used an invasive weed (Bidens frondosa) to test the hypothesis that adult invasive plants facilitate the growth of neighboring seedlings through AM symbiosis, and this facilitation can be inhibited by the biological stress of root‐knot nematode infection. The results showed that the height and total biomass of seedlings near the adult plant increased, indicating that the belowground effects mediated by AM symbiosis played a facilitative role. The positive growth response to resource allocation between adult plant and neighboring seedlings through mycorrhizal connection was inhibited when adult plants were infected by root‐knot nematode. Only the total biomass and root–shoot ratio of adult plants were increased, while seedling growth performance did not change. Our results supported the hypothesis that adult invasive plants can facilitate their neighboring seedlings growth through AM symbiosis and the benefits vary with biotic stress on adult plant. These findings provided important evidence to explain the role of AM symbiosis in plant invasion.

Variation among family of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre for oil content and seedling growth

Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre is a multipurpose tree species that produces non-edible seeds. Pongamia oil has been recognized as a viable source of oil for the burgeoning biofuel industry. The economic feasibility of Pongamia depends on the oil content of the seed. Meanwhile, information on variation among families (parent tree) of seedlings grown is also necessary to increase plant productivity besides the oil content. This study aims to determine the variation among families of Pongamia oil content and seedling growth (generative and vegetative propagation). The seeds were analysed using 48 families for oil content analysis by solvent extraction, 50 families for seedling growth analysis (generative), and 19 families for vegetative. The result showed a significant variation in crude oil content among the families. Oil production varied from 26.61 to 44.68%. Variations among families were also found in seedling growth performance for both generative and vegetative propagation, with an average survival rate up to 75%. The information is essential for the tree improvement program to produce genetically improved seeds of Pongamia for biofuel and land restoration in Indonesia.

Enhanced Seedling Growth and Physiological Performances of Melia azedarach L. by Foliar Application of 24-Epibrassinolide under Salt Stress

Salinity is a serious environmental problem following a worsening trend. This study investigates the role of 24-epibrassinolide(EBR) in regulating plant growth and physiological performances, particularly in alleviating the negative effects of salt stress. Melia azedarach L. seedlings from two seed sources, Sheyang (SY) and Xiashu (XS), were exposed to sea salt and treated with different concentrations of EBR within a 60-day period. The results demonstrate that appropriate EBR application improved the seedlings’ stress tolerance by promoting growth and physiological systems. In terms of the relative increment, it showed that a difference of 1.45% and 1.13% in the SY and XS groups was the positive effect of the highest EBR treatment concentration. As for diameter growth, the difference observed was 2.51% and 1.80% for the SY and XS groups, respectively. In all physiological measurements, including the content of photosynthetic pigments, water relations, membrane stability, osmolytes and antioxidant enzymes, significant changes generally observed between salt stress alone and the highest EBR treatment concentration. A better performance was observed in the SY seed source, which is of a coastal nature. These findings contribute to our understanding of Melia azedarach’s adaptation to changing environments and provide potential for further molecular studies as well as valuable insights for forestry, agricultural and ecological research.

Impact of different organic compost on seed germination and seedling growth performance of mungbean (Vigna radiata)

A better understanding of the physical and biological properties of compost enables us to use the compost wisely in agricultural practices. Besides the bright side of compost on plant growth and soil fertility, immature or unstable compost may be harmful to plants, soil, and soil microorganisms too. Therefore, quality assessment of compost is essential before using it for any type of agricultural activities which will lead to environmentally safe and sustainable farming practices. In the prsent study, compost was used as a substrate for seed germination and not as a fertilizer. So, more investigations must be done in the future to interpret the growth of different crops, their yield and the role of these different composts in it. Using the composts by mixing with soil in different ratios may also give different results, as one of our treatments didn’t show any germination. However, such nutrient-enriched compost materials can appropriately be diluted with a mixture of other organic composts or soil, and further application may provide adequate nutrient sources for crop productivity in the field conditions. This may also reduce the biodegradable waste accumulation in urban and semi-urban vicinity.

Investigation of Moisture Collection Structures and Introduction of Resistant Tree Species in the Semi-Arid Slopes of Tigray, Ethiopia

Vegetation cover degradation is a serious problem in low-rainfall areas of Ethiopia. A field experiment was carried out for three years on two degraded hillsides in Kilte Awlaelo district, Tigray, Ethiopia. The objective was to evaluate the effect of moisture harvesting structures on the survival and growth of tree seedlings. The treatments were micro basin, micro trench, eyebrow basin, and conventional pit as moisture harvesting structures combined with three multi-purpose tree seedlings, namely, Schinus molle, Grevillea robusta, and Olea europaea. The set-up was a split-plot design with three replications. Seedling survival, plant height, and collar diameter data were collected. The collected data were analyzed using GenStat 16 edition software by general liner model. Statistically significant differences between and among treatment means were assessed using the least significant difference (LSD) at the 5% level of significance. The results in the main effect showed eyebrow basin > micro basin > micro trench > conventional pit in the upper site, and micro basin > eyebrow basin > micro trench > conventional pit in the lower site in their order of level of significance in enhancing the seedlings survival and growth performance. The interaction effects also showed Schinus molle backed with an eyebrow and micro-basin in the above structure pit position had the highest survival rate and growth performance. Hence, the eyebrow basin and micro basin as moisture harvesting structures planted with Schinus molle tree species at the above pit position should be demonstrated and scaled up in moisture-stressed areas of Kilte Awlaelo district.

Titanium dioksit nano partiküllerinin ayçiçeği fide çıkışı üzerine olumlu etkileri

Seed germination and seedling emergence is the main step of cultivation and improving them could yield high performance in the field. Improved seedling emergence means less sensitivity to biotic and abiotic stress factors. It is possible to enhance seedling emergence via different technologies. Nanoparticles are one of the improving technology and their impact on crop cultivation are improving day by day. The seeds of hybrid-snack type cultivar Ahmetbey and for seed treatment agent TiO₂ nanoparticles were used in this experiment. This study was conducted to observe the impact of seed treatment with different titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles (NPs) concentrations (6, 12, and 24 mg Lˉ¹) with dimensions of 20-50 nm during 8 hours on the emergence and seedling growth performance of snack-type sunflower cultivar Ahmetbey. Four replicates of 50 seeds in each treatment were sown in plastic trays 4 cm deep and placed in a growth chamber at 20 ± 2 °C 45 μM photons m-² s-¹ light for 16 h. Mean emergence time (MET), emergence percentage, seedling vigor, root-to-shoot length ratio, shoot length, and root length seedling fresh and dry weight were measured. Emergence percentage, shoot length, root length, and fresh and dry weight of seedlings increased with TiO₂ NPs treatments. The results revealed that 8-hour priming with water has a low impact on seeds of cv. Ahmetbey compared to any treatment of TiO₂ NPs. In conclusion, it is proved that the improving effects of 8 hour priming of sunflower seeds with TiO₂ NPs solutions on sunflower seedling emergence.

Exogenous Easily Extractable Glomalin-Related Soil Protein Induces Differential Response in Plant Growth of Tea Plants via Regulating Water Channel Protein Expression

Glomalin, a glycoprotein secreted by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMFs), exhibits multiple beneficial functions in regard to plant growth. However, the roles and regulatory mechanisms of exogenous easily extractable glomalin-related soil protein (EE-GRSP) in water and their effects on the quality of tea plants (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Ktze.) remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of a quarter-strength exogenous EE-GRSP solution (1/4 EE-GRSP), half-strength exogenous EE-GRSP solution (1/2 EE-GRSP), three-quarter-strength exogenous EE-GRSP solution (3/4 EE-GRSP), and full-strength exogenous EE-GRSP solution (full EE-GRSP) on plant growth, the root system architecture, leaf water status, and the tea quality of tea seedlings, along with examining the changes in the relative expression of water channel proteins (AQPs) in tea plants. The results indicated that exogenous EE-GRSP of different strengths had different effects on both the growth performance (height, leaf numbers, and biomass) and root architecture parameters of tea seedlings, and the best positive effects on plant growth and the root architecture appeared under the three-quarter-strength exogenous EE-GRSP treatment. Similarly, the exogenous EE-GRSP application also differently affected tea quality indicators, in which only the quarter- and half-strength exogenous EE-GRSP solutions significantly increased most of the indicators, including carbohydrates, tea polyphenols, total amino acids, catechins, and flavonoids. Moreover, the half- and three-quarter-strength exogenous EE-GRSP treatments significantly increased the leaf relative water content (LRWC), but all of the exogenous EE-GRSP treatments significantly decreased the leaf water potential (LWP). Furthermore, the expression of AQP genes in the root system of tea plants was related to the strength of the exogenous EE-GRSP treatments, and different genes were significantly up-regulated or down-regulated under the treatment of exogenous EE-GRSP at different strengths. Moreover, the correlation analysis showed that most of the relative expression of AQPs was significantly and positively correlated with tea plant growth, the root architecture, and the leaf relative water content, but negatively correlated with tea quality indicators; however, the expression of CsNIPs and CsSIPs was markedly and negatively correlated with plant growth performance. Therefore, we speculated that the application of exogenous EE-GRSP could facilitate plant growth and improve the quality indirectly by regulating the expression of root AQPs, thus ameliorating the water uptake and nutrient accumulation in tea plants.