Seedling Length Research Articles

Potassium Solubilizers, Aspergillus sp. and Trichoderma sp. Promote Growth in Tomato


 
 
 Potassium (K) is the third most significant plant macronutrient that plays a crucial role in growth and development of plants. K is abundant in soil, but 90-98% of K exists as insoluble minerals and only 1-2% becomes available to the plants. Certain microbes, K solubilizing microbes (KSMs), can solubilize unavailable forms of K and making it available to plants. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the growth promotion ability of two previously (2019) isolated KSMs, Aspergillus sp. and Trichoderma sp in-vitro and under greenhouse conditions using feldspar as the K source. Khandeparkar‘s selection ratio calculated based on K solubilizing assay on Alexandrov medium showed that Aspergillus (1.72+0.16) has a higher and faster K solubilization ability than Trichoderma (1.0+0.16). Effect of KSMs was assayed in a Tomato seed germination assay carried out in Petri plates with KSMs treated and non-treated soils. Both Aspergillus (58%) and Trichoderma (72%) showed enhanced percentage germination of tomato seeds under in vitro conditions compared to that of controls (Aspergillus sp.: 24%, 14%, 22.7%, 51.3%, 39.3%, Trichoderma sp.: 22%, 12%, 13%, 59%, 51%) which was statistically significant (Aspergillus, P=0.026; Trichoderma, P=0.003) at 0.05 confidence level. Seedling length (P=0.102, P=0.028) and root length (P=0.453, P=0.002) of tomato were enhanced when raised in non-autoclaved natural soil than autoclaved natural soil inoculated with Aspergillus and Trichoderma respectively. The greenhouse experiment was carried out with same experimental set up as an in vitro assay. No significant difference was observed in shoot length, number of leaves and length of leaves of tomato plants planted in soil treated with Aspergillus (P=0.093, P=0.906, P=0.260) and Trichoderma (P=0.334, P=0.239, P=0.243) respectively in comparison to controls during the vegetative stage (2 months after sawing). However, flowering was started four days early in plants planted in non-autoclaved soil treated with Aspergillus sp. suggesting that the impact of Aspergillus sp. starts to become visible in the reproductive stage. The results suggest that K solubilizing ability of Aspergillus sp. and Trichoderma sp. seem to show a positive effect on germination ability of tomato, however, only Aspergillus sp. seems to have a positive effect on the later stages of plant growth where K is mainly needed for flower and fruit development. Therefore, Aspergillus sp. can be a potential candidate to be used in up scaling the natural K fertilizers such as feldspar after intensive future experimentation.
 Keywords: Plant Growth Promoting Microbes (PGPMs), Growth promotion, K deficiency
 
 

Biometry and physiological potential of Pterogyne nitens Tull. Seeds as a function of different substrates

The Pterogyne nitens Tul., popularly known as "amendoim-bravo," belongs to the Fabaceae family and can be used in the recovery of degraded areas and in the restoration of riparian forests. The objective of this study was to biometrically characterize the seeds of "amendoim-bravo" and study the influence of substrates on the physiological potential of the seeds. For biometric characterization, eight replicates of 100 seeds were used to determine length and width. In the germination test using a completely randomized experimental design, the seeds were distributed in five different substrates: paper towel in roll form, between blotting paper, on top of blotting paper, between sand, and commercial substrate, at a regulated temperature of 30°C in a Biochemical Oxygen Demand (B.O.D) chamber. The first germination count (PCG), germination speed index (IVG), root length, shoot length of seedlings, dry root mass, and shoot mass of seedlings were analyzed. Evaluating the first germination count and germination index, the paper towel roll substrate showed superiority with 96% and 98%, respectively, statistically differing from the other treatments. The value for germination speed index also highlighted the use of the paper towel roll (6.347). Regarding mean time, mean speed, and synchrony, the best results were also achieved with the paper towel roll substrate. Pterogyne nitens Tul. seeds have an average length of 11.52 mm and a width of 6.35 mm. For evaluating physiological potential, the use of the paper towel roll substrate is recommended.

Efficacy of spinetoram and flupyradifurone against bruchid on blackgram (Vigna mungo) under storage conditions

The effectiveness of various molecules, including spinetoram 11.7 sc and flupyradifurone 200 sl, along with chemical checks like emamectin benzoate 5 sg and deltamethrin 2.8 ec, was investigated for controlling bruchid infestation and preserving seed quality during ambient storage at University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka (2021–22). After 9 months, spinetoram 11.7 sc at 25.6 mg/kg seeds (T3) demonstrated outstanding results compared to the control (T9). Treatment T3 exhibited the highest 100-seed weight (5.28 g), lowest seed moisture (9.64%), and the highest germination rate (82%). Additionally, treatment T3 showed maximum shoot length, root length, mean seedling length, and mean seedling dry weight. The electrical conductivity (EC) of seed leachate was significantly lower in T3 (834 µS/cm) treatment, highlighting its superiority. Spinetoram 11.7 sc also excelled in dehydrogenase activity, protein content and total soluble sugars, indicating its positive impact on seed quality. Bruchid infestation significantly reduced in treatment T3 (1.42%), while untreated seeds exhibited the highest seed damage (16.50%). Teatment T3 recorded the fewest live and dead bruchids per 400 seeds, as well as the lowest seed infection. Compared to other treatments, spinetoram 11.7 sc at 25.6 mg/kg seeds emerged as the most effective in controlling bruchids and maintaining superior seed quality, as reflected in its highest B:C ratio. Overall, this research suggests that spinetoram can be a highly effective solution for bruchid control and seed quality preservation in blackgram during storage.

Effect of Xanthan gum seed coating on seed germination and seedling vigour of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.)

Six Hydrophilic polymers Xanthan Gum, Iota Carrageenan, Kappa Carrageenan, Agar Agar, Food grade Agar and Gellan Gum were studied for polymerization potential and water holding capacities. Among the six polymers, Xanthan gum and Iota Carageenan recorded the maximum values for water holding capacities of 38.27 ml/g and 34.17 ml/g and were forwarded for the Seed coating experiment. Coating experiments consist of twodosages of polymer powders (10g, and 20g /kg) and two concentrations of sticking agent (water 5ml and 10 ml). Coated seeds exposed to seed germination studies against untreated seeds. Results revealed that Finger millet seeds coated with 20 g Xanthan gum + 10 ml water as sticker recorded the maximum values for seed germination (87%), seedling length (26.23cm), dry matter production (12.47mg 10 seedlings-1)and Vigour Index I (2282) and II (1084).The % increase over the control was 7 for seed germination, 56 for seedling length (cm), 21 for dry matter production (mg) ,69 for seedling vigour index I and 31for seedling vigour index II. From the studies it could be concluded that Finger millet seeds coated with the Xanthangum @20 g can be recommended as pre sowing seed treatment for improving the Seed Germination and seedling vigour.

Effect of Substrates on Germination, Growth and Flowering of Different Winter Annuals

This study was conducted at Centre for Quality Plant Material, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during 2015-16 to 2017-18 to determine the effect of different substrates and their combinations on vegetative growth and flowering of winter annuals (Larkspur, Antirrhinum, California Poppy and Dahlia). Six types of substrates (cocopeat, perlite, vermiculite, vermicompost, Farm Yard Manure and send) were mixed by volume to create seven different treatments. The seeds were sown in the month of October in different treatments to record vegetative and floral parameters. The results showed that using substrate, that mixture of cocopeat with vermiculite and perlite following rate 3:1:1, gave higher and early germination and longer seedling length, seedling root length duration of flowering and earliest flowering and is found suitable for winter annuals nursery raising, vegetative growth and flowering.

Evaluating thermotolerant sunflower genotypes with temperature induction response (TIR) technique

High temperature affects various physiological processes of the plant. Delayed sowing and changing climate both subject the crop to increasing temperatures during the crop growth period. There is a need to take on a technique to screen the wide number of genotypes for high-temperature tolerance. In the present study, a screening protocol was followed based on the principle of “acquired tolerance” in which 47 sunflower seedlings were exposed to sub-lethal heat stress to induce tolerance before subjecting to subsequent lethal stress and the second set were directly exposed to lethal stress. Significant variation was observed for the traits - survival percentage, total seedling length, and seedling weight. Tolerant inbreds were identified using Z distribution and PCA. Results suggested that TIR is a rapid and powerful technique that can be used to screen large number of germplasms to identify thermotolerant lines.

Response of gamma irradiation on germination and seedling growth of green gram var. GAM 8

Being a pulse crop, green gram has huge scope in crop improvement in terms of productivity and other yield related parameters. Genetic variability is a preferable option for breeders in breeding programme for varietal development programme and others crop improvement aspect. The present investigation was framed to create the variability in mung bean var. GAM 8 during the seedling period through gamma (γ) irradiation. The significant variation was observed in germination percentage and it was found that dose dependent relationship between the germination rate and dose. Significantly minimum germination percentage (22.38 %) was observed in 700 Gy but optimal lethal dose (LD50) calculated through Probit analysis based on germination percentage was revealed at 540.26 Gy. Data revealed that γ irradiation had significantly reduced the seedling growth parameters such as shoot length (10.05 cm), shoot dry weight (19.68 mg), seedling length (13.90 cm), vigour index I (311.01) and II (509.01) was registered in 700 Gy while minimum root length (3.83 cm) was occurred in 600 Gy γ irradiation. Growth reduction (GR) 50 and 30 with respect to the seedling length was occurred respectively at 1093.79 and 1469.74 Gy. Therefore, this finding as the source of genetic variability would be used in future breeding and crop improvement programme like enhancement of yield potentiality and stress management in mung bean var. GAM 8.

Various extracts of the brown seaweed Cystoseira barbata with different compositions exert biostimulant effects on seedling growth of wheat.

Worldwide, where the demand for novel and greener solutions for sustainable agricultural production is increasing, the use of eco-friendly products such as seaweed-derived biostimulants as pre-sowing treatment represent a promising and important approach for the future. Cystoseira barbata, a brown seaweed species abundant in the Mediterranean Region, was collected from the Marmara Sea and subjected to water, alkali, and acidic extractions, and the biostimulant activity of these extracts was tested on wheat (Triticum durum cv. Saricanak-98) using different rates through application to the seeds or germination medium (substrate) applications. The different extracts were characterized by mineral, total phenolic, free amino acid, mannitol, polysaccharide, antioxidant concentrations and hormone-like activity. The effects of the extracts on growth parameters, root morphology, esterase activity, and mineral nutrient concentrations of wheat seedlings were investigated. Our results suggest that the substrate application was more effective in enhancing the seedling performance compared to the seed treatment. High rates of seaweed extracts applied to substrates increased the shoot length and fresh weight of wheat seedlings by up to 20 and 25%, respectively. The substrate applications enhanced the root fresh weights of wheat seedlings by up to 25% when compared to control plants. Among the biostimulant extract applications, the water extract at the highest rate yielded the most promising results in terms of the measured parameters. Cystoseira barbata extracts with different compositions can be used as effective biostimulants to boost seedling growth. The local seaweed biomass affected by mucilage problems, has great potential as a bioeconomy resource and can contribute to sustainable practices for agriculture.

Candle soot colloids enhance tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seed germination and seedling quality

The effect of candle soot colloids, a novel nanomaterial from candle combustion that we developed previously, on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seed germination and seedling vigor was investigated. Candle soot colloids were applied at different concentrations and hydrophobicities to tomato seeds and germination parameters and seedling vigor characteristics, such as length, fresh weight, dry weight, chlorophyll, and carotenoids, were measured. It was found that candle soot colloids significantly improved germination speed, seedling length, and seedling fresh weight compared to the control. The adherence of soot particles to the trichomes on the seed surface, which may help seeds retain moisture and stay hydrated, was observed. The chemical composition of the soot samples was analyzed using gas chromatography-time of flight mass spectrometry and two different chemical constituents in hydrophilic and hydrophobic soot samples that may affect seed germination were identified. A new potential use of candle soot colloids as plant growth-promoting agents and insights into the effects of nanomaterials on plant physiology and biochemistry were revealed by this study.

The Effects of Mycorrhiza and Seaweed Applications on Seedling Growth Parameters: Tomato and Pepper

ABSTRACT The use of mycorrhiza and seaweed are becoming significant and complementary applications in different production systems because organisms increased quality of seedlings and crop yield. This study has been conducted under growth chamber conditions to determine some of the seedling growth parameters (length (cm), stem diameter (mm), fresh weight (g plant −1), dry weight (g plant −1), root fresh weight (g plant −1), root dry weight (g plant −1), leaf area (cm2 plant−1), SPAD, photosynthesis rate (%) and color parameters). As a plant material, Cuma F1 and Mert F1 genotype seeds were sown. Endo Roots Soluble (Mycorrhiza (ERS)) and MC-Extra (Seaweed) were applied in different doses (0, 250 and 500 mg kg−1) to seedling growing vessels at a rate of 10 ml per plant. Treatment effects in tomato were found statistically significant (p ≤.01**) on stem diameter, fresh weight, dry weight. Seedling length, leaf area and SPAD results were also statistically significant (p ≤.01**), and the results of these parameters were higher in ERS. ERS increases the leaf area and SPAD measurements in tomato seedlings. The results of pepper measurements were found to be statistically significant at p ≤.05* on root fresh weight, SPAD and photosynthesis rate. The highest values of root fresh weight, SPAD were obtained from 250 mg kg−1 doses of ERS; the highest value of photosynthesis rate was measured from 500 mg kg−1 doses of ERS on pepper. The effect of 500 mg kg−1 ERS on seedling growth was found statistically significant in pepper.

Antioxidants and polymer coating for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed longevity enhancement

IntroductionTo explore the effect of polymer coating and antioxidants on the soybean seed quality enhancement by reducing the oxidation process, the experiment was carried out in the Department of Seed Science and Technology, PJTSAU, India. Method: Soybean seed of JS 335 was treated with four antioxidants at concentrations of 100 ppm, 300 ppm, and 500 ppm, either individually or in combination with polymer at 8 ml kg-1 seed and stored in airtight containers. Seed quality parameters like seed germination, seedling abnormality, seed mortality, seedling length, seedling dry weight, and Seedling Vigour Index 1 and 2 were measured at various months of storage period. Results: Polymer coating, either individually or in combination with antioxidants, showed a significant influence on soybean seed quality and longevity. Six months after storage, seeds treated with polymer + ascorbic acid at 100 ppm recorded significantly (p < 0.05) higher germination %, speed of germination and field emergence % (92, 40, and 85), followed by polymer + ascorbic acid at 300 ppm with a high seedling vigour index-2 (86) compared to untreated control (86, 35, 79, and 76, respectively). Seed treated with tocopherol at 300 ppm + polymer recorded higher seedling length (cm) and seedling vigour index-1 (24.73 and 2258) than control (17.49 and 1709, respectively). Among chemical antioxidants, ascorbic acid, followed by tocopherol and reduced glutathione, showed a good effect on soybean seed longevity. Conclusion: Soybean seed quality could be enhanced either with a polymer coating or with a polymer + antioxidant coating with ascorbic acid at 100 and 300 ppm.

Path Coefficient Analysis of Rice (Oriza sativa L.) Genotype under Laboratory Conditions

The present investigation was conducted at Seed Testing Laboratory of Seed Technology Section, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.). The study was based on the germplasm evaluation of 45 germplasm including three checks viz., NDR-2065, BPT 5204 and Sambha sub1. Seedling length (0.366), speed of germination (0.132), Seed width (0.108), shoot length (0.082), seed weight (0.064), root length (0.061), vigour index-II (0.057) and L/B ratio (0.033) existed substantial positive effects on vigour index-I. Seeds weight (0.875), followed by seed width (0.610), exerted very high order positive indirect effects on vigour index-I seed weight substantial positive indirect effects on seed vigour index-I via seed width were also contributed by seed width (0.610), seedling length (0.552), L/B ratio (0.294), seedling dry weight (0.037) made considerable positive indirect on vigour index-I. The lowest and highest mean performance for root length (cm) was noted for B-4311 (10.50 cm) and HRT-m-20/3220 (31.20 cm) respectively. None of the 45 lines were statically inferior or superior than general mean for root length which 14.63 cm. out of 45 genotypes, nineteen were statistically at par with the best genotype is HRT-m-20/3220.

Evaluation of Upland Rice Response to Water Stress Using Polyethylene Glycol (PEG -6000) at Germination and Early Seedling Stage

Water stress is one of the most important crop growth limiting factors which leads to low crop productivity and yield instability. Water stress affects crop growth and development, especially during the germination and seedling period. The experiment was conducted in the growth chamber at the seed physiology laboratory of the Department of Seed, Crop and Horticultural Sciences, University of Eldoret to evaluate sixteen upland rice varieties to water stress tolerance at germination and early seedling growth stage. These varieties were tested against four levels of water stress imposed by Polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG - 6000) at 0%, 5%,10% and 15% concentration. The lay out of the experiment was complete randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Osmotic stress induced by PEG levels significantly (P&lt;.001) reduced plant growth parameters. The result showed that the germination percentage, germination index, Relative seedling height (%), seedling dry weight, Seedling fresh weight, Seedling length, seedling vigor index and mean germination time of all tested rice varieties were found decreasing trends with increasing the levels of PEG from 0 to 15% concentration levels. Among all the sixteen varieties, NERICA rice varieties followed by MWUR, White rice, Kpatawee, and Komboka had an outstanding performed in terms of germination percentage, germination index, seedling height, seedling dry weight, root length and relative dry weight under water induced stress by using PEG concentration levels compared to other varieties. Therefore, these varieties could be useful in breeding programs and can be cultivated in arid and semi-arid environment or where water shortage is a regular constraint.

Seed Germination and Seed Vigour Induction through Foliar Application of Plant Growth Regulators and Nutrients under Drought Stress in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Chickpea cultivation in rainfed regions, such as Madhya Pradesh, faces challenges due to water stress, impacting crop yield and quality. The study conducted assesses the impact of foliar spray with plant growth regulators and nutrients on the germination percentage, seedling length, and seed vigour indices of chickpea varieties (JG 36 and JG 14) under water deficit conditions. Cytokinin analogues, known for breaking dormancy, and other growth regulators and nutrients were applied during the flowering stage. The results revealed significant differences in germination percentage, seedling length, seed vigour index I, and seed vigour index II among irrigation levels, varieties, and foliar spray of plant growth regulators and nutrients. Under different irrigation levels, D1 (Irrigation at 30 DAS and at flower initiation) recorded the highest germination percentage (97.24%), seedling length (31.41 cm), seed vigour index I (3054.81), and seed vigour index II (52.77) compared to control D2 (Drought stress at Flowering up to physiological maturity). JG 14 (V1) performed well, achieving the highest germination percentage of 96.99%. Among the treatments, foliar application of Benzyladenine (BA) at 40 ppm (T3) resulted in the highest germination percentage (98.17%) and seed vigour index II (60.33), whereas T8 (BA 40ppm + ZnSO4 1%) exhibited the highest seedling length (31.83 cm) and seed vigour index I (3099.85). This study demonstrates that foliar spray with plant growth regulators and nutrients, particularly Benzyladenine at 40 ppm, significantly improved germination percentage, seedling length, and seed vigour index, offering potential solutions for enhancing chickpea productivity under water deficit conditions.

Diversity and dose-dependent allelopathic potential of volatile sesquiterpenes from root extracts of Chrysanthemum morifolium cultivars

Chrysanthemum × morifolium Ramat. (chrysanthemum) is rich in terpenoids in both aboveground and belowground parts with multiple biological functions. This study aims to comprehensively assess the diversity of root-derived terpenoids and their potential role in plant-plant interaction in chrysanthemums. By GC–MS identification, we revealed the intraspecific variation of terpenoid components dominated by sesquiterpenes in the root extracts among 26 chrysanthemum cultivars with different application types (including cut-flower, ground-cover and tea cultivars). The total terpenoid content in tea cultivars was generally higher than that in ground-cover and cut-flower cultivars. In this context, the correlation between the terpenoids from root extracts and allelopathic effect was established. The root extract of tea, cut-flower and ground-cover cultivars could universally promote the root length of Lactuca sativa seedling without significant effect on bud length. Moreover, the root extracts of tea and cut-flower cultivars showed no significant effects on the bud length and root length of Echinochloa crus-galli seedlings, whereas the root extract of ground-cover cultivars could significantly promote the bud length and inhibit the root length of E. crus-galli seedlings. OPLS analysis successfully correlated the content of sesquiterpenes (β-farnesene, β-elemene, β-bisabolene, neollocimene, β-sesquiphellandrene and α-longipinene) with bud and root length of L. sativa and E. crus-galli seedlings. Additionally, root extracts of 3 representative cultivars in each application type displayed dose-dependent effect in the seed germination of L. sativa. These findings provide a scientific basis for the development of eco-friendly herbicides\\plant growth regulator and the arrangement of reasonable farming systems in chrysanthemum.

CeO2NP priming enhances the seed vigor of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) under salt stress.

Soil salinization is a common environmental problem that seriously threatens crop yield and food security, especially through its impact on seed germination. Nanoparticle priming, an emerging seed treatment method, is receiving increasing attention in improving crop yield and stress resistance. This study used alfalfa seeds as materials to explore the potential benefits of cerium oxide nanoparticle (CeO2NP) priming to promote seed germination and improve salt tolerance. CeO2NPs at concentrations up to 500 mg/L were able to significantly alleviate salt stress in alfalfa seeds (200 mM), with 50 mg/L of CeO2NP having the best effect, significantly (P< 0.05) increasing germination potential (from 4.0% to 51.3%), germination rate (from 10.0% to 62.7%), root length (from 8.3cm to 23.1cm), and seedling length (from 9.8cm to 13.7cm). Priming treatment significantly (P< 0.05) increased seed water absorption by removing seed hardness and also reducing abscisic acid and jasmonic acid contents to relieve seed dormancy. CeO2NP priming increased α-amylase activity and osmoregulatory substance level, decreased reactive oxygen species and malonaldehyde contents and relative conductivity, and increased catalase enzyme activity. Seed priming regulated carotenoid, zeatin, and plant hormone signal transduction pathways, among other metabolic pathways, while CeO2NP priming additionally promoted the enrichment of α-linolenic acid and diterpenoid hormone metabolic pathways under salt stress. In addition, CeO2NPs enhanced α-amylase activity (by 6.55%) in vitro. The optimal tested concentration (50 mg/L) of CeO2NPs was able to improve the seed vigor, enhance the activity of α-amylase, regulate the osmotic level and endogenous hormone levels, and improve the salt tolerance of alfalfa seeds. This study demonstrates the efficacy of a simple seed treatment strategy that can improve crop stress resistance, which is of great importance for reducing agricultural costs and promoting sustainable agricultural development.

Screening herbal extracts as biostimulant to increase germination, plant growth and secondary metabolite production in wheatgrass

Recently it has been recognized that herbal plants contain endogenous molecules with biostimulant properties, capable of inducing morphological and biochemical changes in crop plants. Therefore, the present experiment was conducted to screen herbal samples for their plant growth promoting properties. Twenty-five herbal extracts were tested for their biostimulating activity on wheat crop (Triticum aestivum) through seed priming. Morphological parameters chosen for evaluation include: percent seed germination, length and weight of seedling, wheat grass length and biomass. Biochemical parameters include: total phenolic and flavonoid, enzymatic activity of catalase and phenylalanine ammonium lyase and antioxidant activity. Results indicated an increase in the tested parameters by the extracts, however the biostimulant property varied between the selected herbal samples. Some of the samples, such as Phyllanthus emblica, Plumbago zeylanica, Catharanthus roseus and Baccopa monnieri, were highly effective in inducing plant growth promoting parameters. Principal component analysis was performed and herbal samples were grouped into categories based on their activity.

UNVEILING GENETIC THREADS: PHENOTYPIC EXPLORATION OF CHICKPEA (CICER ARIETINUM L.) GERMPLASMS FOR HERITABILITY AND TRAIT ASSOCIATIONS

The second most important self-pollinating legume crop in the world is the chickpea. Chickpea is an inexpensive source of protein that grows well in various climates. The current study aimed to evaluate the genetic advance and heritability of different characters at the seedling stage by analyzing their phenotypic attributes. During the 2022–2023 growing season, a randomized complete block design experiment was set up in the University of the Punjab's field area. The experiment included five different germplasms. At the seedling stage, data from seven morphological parameters were collected. ANOVA and correlation were performed using Statistix software. Seedling length, root length, and root-shoot ratio have shown low genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV), indicating a high environmental effect on these traits. Root length and leaf width had shown a strong correlation with seedling length. Path coefficient analysis directly affected root length and leaf width towards seedling length. Low genetic advance and high heritability were observed in root length, seedling length and root-shoot ratio, meaning selection should be delayed for one or more generations for such traits. Leaf width and leaf area have shown high heritability and genetic advance, suggesting that selecting such characters may lead to superior variety development based on phenotype.

Seed priming with Aloe vera and Trichoderma asperellum improves germination in chickpea under osmotic and temperature stress

The productivity of chickpea is often hampered by drought and extreme temperatures, especially during the early growth stages, which are intensifying with climate change. Chickpea seeds were primed with Aloe vera leaf extract (AvLE), Trichoderma asperellum and their combination. Primed seeds were subjected to osmotic stress (0.0, -0.15 and -0.50 MPa) or temperature stress (high, 30&amp;deg;C; optimum, 20&amp;deg;C; and low, 15&amp;deg;C). Seed priming with AvLE and T. asperellum significantly improved chickpea performance under osmotic or temperature stress conditions in comparison to hydro-primed seeds. Under osmotic stress, AvLE seed priming increased germination, seedling length, seedling dry weight, vigour index I and vigour index II by 18.4%, 54%, 25.6%, 50.8% and 64.7%, respectively. Similarly, under temperature stress, AvLE enhanced the germination and vigour index I by 12% and 22.9%, respectively, while T. asperellum treatment resulted in a 15.8% increase in seedling length. The findings suggest that AvLE priming enhances the resilience chickpea seeds to adverse environmental conditions. Future investigations should focus on unravelling the physiological and molecular stress response mechanisms underlying the observed germination and growth improvements provided by AvLE.

USE OF BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE SUBSTANCES IN AGRICULTURAL PREPARATIONS

Introduction. The production and use of growth stimulants, both as single preparations and in combination with traditional organo-mineral fertilizers, is of great scientific interest and practical significance. In this connection, one of the most promising approaches to solving this problem is the development of preparations based on plant growth regulators, including both biostimulants obtained by microbiological synthesis and biostimulants obtained by chemical synthesis. Purpose. To develop a growth-stimulating preparation using non-traditional raw materials and test it in laboratory and field conditions on pilot batches of barley and wheat seeds encapsulated with the preparation being studied, which contained the following components: sodium humate, hydrated fullerenes, an aqueous solution of shungite, microbiological carotene in a certain ratio. Methods. Laboratory and field experiments to study the effect of the application of preparations with different components on the growth and development of barley and spring wheat were carried out on the basis of V. Dokuchaev Kharkiv National Agrarian University at the Department of Plant Growing in 2020. Results. The results obtained during laboratory experiments showed that the application of the preparation "Humyr" had a stimulating effect on the growth of plants. Seedlings in the test variant appeared a day earlier than the control ones, and the plants of the test variant were ahead of the control ones in development. At the end, the average length of seedlings was 9.5 cm in the control, and it was 13.8 cm in the test. The average mass of seedlings was 1.6 g in the test. Thus, in the preliminary laboratory experiments it has been shown that the application of the preparation at the first stages of plant growth had a stimulating effect, ensuring an increase in the length and mass of seedlings in the tests compared to the control ones. Conclusions and perspectives. Research and development of new non-traditional preparations which, along with known plant growth stimulants, increase the productivity of crops in food production were carried out. The developed preparation “Humir”, in addition to increasing the yield of grain crops, had good wettability and a film-forming effect. After spraying, it caused a creation of thin film on the surface of the leaf, which was being absorbed by the plant for several days. Because of this, “Humir” can also be successfully used to combat diseases such as powdery mildew, late blight, bacteriosis, etc.