Seedling Vigor Index Research Articles

Germination and Seedling Performance of Watermelon as Affected by Chemo-priming

Seed priming is a very important operation for healthy germination and seedling growth. Though a growing body of literature, the report on seed priming on watermelon is hardly available. Thus an experiment was conducted to study the germination and seedling performance of three watermelon cultivars viz. Asian 2, Pakorea F1 and Black Red with six seed priming treatments such as hydropriming with distilled water, halopriming with 1.5N NaCl and 3% KNO3, osmopriming with 3% PEG (Polyethylene Glycol), oxidative priming with 0.1N HCl solution and control i.e. no priming. The seeds were primed overnight with the aforesaid liquids and were allowed to grow both in petridishes in dark condition within laboratory and in pot soil under natural condition in an open grill house. All three watermelon cultivars showed significant difference due to seed priming with aforesaid primers. Germination Index (GI) was found higher in Asian 2 and Black Red cultivars due to HCl priming and in Pakorea F1 due to NaCl priming, while priming with PEG and KNO3 inhibited the GI of respective cultivars. Seedling Vigor Index (SVI) was found higher in Pakorea F1 with HCl priming whereas lower in Asian 2 and Black Red cultivars with PEG priming. Both in dark (Lab) and light (open field) conditions, total seedling dry matter was found higher in Asian 2 and Black Red cultivars due to HCl priming and lower in Pakorea F1 due to PEG priming. Results showed that low concentrated (0.1N) HCl solution can be used as priming medium to enhance germination and seedling growth of watermelon seeds.

Machine Learning Insights into Ascorbic Acid-Enhanced Germination of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) under Cadmium Stress

AbstractThe objective of the present work is to study the impact of seed priming with varying concentrations of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) on the germination process of black cumin (Nigella sativa) under cadmium (Cd) stress. As expected, Cd had a great effect on germination rates and seedling growth. However, the application of ascorbic acid during seed priming effectively alleviated Cd stress and significantly increased seed vigor. Primed seeds exhibited markedly elevated final germination percentage, germination index, mean germination time, seedling length, seedling vigor index, and reduced abnormal seedling percentage. Additionally, vitamin priming reduced membrane lipid peroxidation, in treated seeds. Moreover, seed priming elicited a considerable increase in peroxidase and catalase activity, thus mitigating stress effects and augmenting seed vitality. Our experimental data allowed us to establish 100–150 mg/L as the optimal concentration range for ascorbic acid in seed priming of black cumin. These insights were further corroborated through modeling techniques based on supervised machine learning. Notably, XGBoost emerged as a proficient tool for predicting final germination percentage, mean germination time, seedling vigor index, abnormal seedling percentage, and peroxidase activity, while SVR demonstrated aptitude in forecasting catalase activity and germination index. The Gaussian method exhibited superior performance in predicting malondialdehyde content. These comprehensive findings substantiate the premise that vitamin priming with ascorbic acid serves as a promising strategy to ameliorate germination outcomes under Cd-induced stress conditions.

Studies on Effect of Planting Dates on Seed Quality of Onion (Allium cepa L.) in North Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India

Aim: To study the effect of planting dates on seed quality of onion varieties. Study Design: Split plot design and FCRD. Place and Duration of Study: Agricultural Research Station, Hagari, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur (Karnataka) during Rabi 2023-24. Methodology: Two varieties as main plot with five planting dates as sub plots. Results: The results revealed that significantly highest seed germination (89.3 %), shoot length (8.97 cm), root length (7.02 cm) and seedling vigour index I and II (1428 and 1294, respectively) in D1 (1st fortnight of November). While, lowest seed germination (84.7 %), shoot length (7.65 cm), root length (6.04 cm), and seedling vigour index I and II (1250 and 1047, respectively) in D5 (1st fortnight of January). Among the varieties, Bhima super (V2) registered significantly highest seed germination (87.8 cm), shoot length (8.49 cm), root length (6.18 cm), and seedling vigour index I and II (1291 and 1116, respectively). Whereas, lowest seed germination (86.5 cm), shoot length (8.07 cm), root length (5.89 cm), and seedling vigour index I and II (1209 and 978, respectively) recorded in Bellary red (V1). Conclusion: The results of present investigation revealed that, bulbs planted during 1st fortnight of November and Bhima super were found to be superior for high quality seed production of onion.

Impact of Maleic Hydrazide Foliar Application on In situ Germination, Seed Yield and Seed Quality Parameters in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

In the 2023 kharif season, a field experiment was conducted at the All India Coordinated Research Project on Groundnut, Main Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka. The study aimed to investigate the impact of foliar application of maleic hydrazide on in situ germination, seed yield, and seed quality parameters in groundnut (cv. Dh 86). The findings indicated that foliar spray of maleic hydrazide @ 3000 ppm resulted in lower in situ germination (24.64%), higher yield attributes like pod yield per plant(9.35 g), kernel yield per plant (6.67 g), shelling percentage (71.47%), hundred seed weight(39.65 g) and sound mature kernel (96%) and lower seed quality parameters like germination (66%), root length (13.50 cm), shoot length (8.13 cm), mean seedling length(21.63 cm), seedling dry weight (332 mg) and seedling vigour index I &II (1428 & 21912) as compared to control. Indicating induction of dormancy through foliar spray of maleic hydrazide.

Optimization of Sargassum bovianum Extraction Techniques for Germination of Wheat, Canola, and Corn Under Different Salinity Stress

Seaweeds are a cheap, eco-friendly, and rich source of plant growth stimulators that can mitigate the adverse effects of salinity stress. This study examined the impact of Sargassum bovianum extracts obtained through different techniques using pressure, heat, and microwave radiations on the germination and growth of wheat, corn, and canola seeds under varying salinity levels (500, 3500, and 6500 µS cm−1). The findings showed that pressure, microwave, and acidic extraction methods were the most effective in extracting polysaccharides, alginate, and nutrients from S. bovianum. Seaweed extract significantly improved the mean germination time (MGT) and germination index (GI) of wheat under high salinity stress and had a positive effect on wheat plumule length (PL) and germination percentage (GP). However, seaweed extract had no significant impact on canola seeds in salinity stress, except for improved canola PL. The PL and seedling vigor index (SVI) of corn were enhanced in low salinity levels, but most treatments reduced PL and SVI in high salinity. This study suggests that using heat, pressure, and microwave techniques for seaweed extraction results in higher polysaccharides and alginate content, leading to improved germination and plant growth, particularly in wheat and canola. These findings can help growers optimize the germination and growth of these important crops.

Influence of Potting Mixture and Sowing Orientation on Physiological Parameters of Balanites roxburghii (Linn.)

Balanites roxburghii (Linn.) species has been classified under the category of endangered plant species due to excessive exploitation for a variety of purposes, which has necessitated conservation of this tree species, and hence a study was conducted to investigate the effect of potting mixture and sowing orientation on early growth performance and vigour. Seeds were subjected to seven potting mixtures: M1: Soil:Sand:FYM 2:1:1, M2: Soil:Cocopeat:FYM 2:1:1,M3: Soil:Cocopeat:Vermicompost 2:1:1, M4: Soil:Paddy Husk:FYM: 2:1:1, M5: Soil:Paddy Husk:Vermicompost: 2:1:1, M6: Soil: Saw Dust:FYM 2:1:1, and M7: Soil:sawdust: Vermicompost 2:1:1. The seeds were sown in three orientations. S1: Seeds laid vertically with stalk end downwards; S2: Seeds laid horizontally and S3: Seeds laid vertically with stalk end upwards. Physiological parameters considered for assessment were seed germination, days taken for germination, seedling length, and seedling vigor index. A completely randomized design was used for the experiment. The results showed that there is a significant difference among seven different potting mixtures and three orientations. At the end of 8 weeks, the seed is sown horizontally in the potting mixture Soil:cocopeat:vermicompost (2:1:1) has recorded the germination percentage of 71.67%, 37 days taken for seed germination, highest seedling length (64 cm), and highest seedling vigour index (4561). The high-vigor seedlings may survive even in unfavorable conditions, with high survival rate compared to others. The study recommended that to obtain high-vigor Balanites roxburghii seedlings, seeds may be sown in potting mixture soil: cocopeat: vermicompost (2:1:1) with horizontal orientation.

Drought Stress Screening in Backcross Inbred Lines of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) at Germination and Seedling Stage

Drought is a key stress factor that limits rice production globally. The present study was carried out to identify drought tolerant rice lines at the germination and seedling stages using polyethylene glycol (PEG) induced stress. Twenty promising high yielding BC2F4 lines, stacked with drought yield QTLs qDTY₁⸳₁ and qDTY₁₂.₁, derived from the cross between Manu Ratna X Improved White Ponni, were subjected to drought stress. Drought was imposed during germination using three levels (0, 10 and 15%) of polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) concentrations. The experiment was conducted in factorial completely randomized block design with three replications and the observations on number of seeds germinated, root length, shoot length, germination index, germination stress tolerance index, fresh weight stress tolerance index, dry weight stress tolerance index and seedling vigour index were evaluated after stress treatment. A significant difference was noted among lines for characters under drought stress. Among the lines, MIB-29-2-3-1, MIB-29-8-5-35, MIB-43-5-3-66 and MIB-119-5-7-33 were selected which showed higher germination percentage, root length, shoot length, germination stress tolerance index and and seeding vigour index. The selected lines can be further evaluated in the field to develop drought tolerant rice varieties.

Enumeration of Genetic Variability Parameters and Association among Early Seedling Growth Parameters under Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) induced Osmotic Stress in rabi Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (l.) Moench)

Aims: The research aims to explore the variability within diverse rabi sorghum germplasms and identify the relationships among different early seedling growth traits. This will provide valuable insights for future breeding programs, aiding in the development of resilient sorghum varieties that can contribute to improved food security and agricultural sustainability. Study Design: The study was conducted by employing factorial complete randomized design (FCRD) with two replications. Where, two factors was considered, genotype as first factor and PEG concentration as second. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2023 at University of Agricultural Sciences Dharwad, Karnataka. Methodology: A total of 156 germplasm lines of rabi sorghum were assessed in vitro for early seedling growth characteristics, including germination percentage, shoot length, root length, seedling dry weight, and seedling vigor indices I and II, under both control and osmotic stress conditions induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG). Osmotic stress was induced by dissolving PEG 6000 in distilled water to achieve the desired concentration. The germplasm lines were then subjected to germination and early growth under these conditions using the paper towel method. The genetic variability parameters for each trait were quantified to examine the degree of variability in the material used, and correlation analysis was performed to understand the relationships among the traits studied. Results: The variance analysis showed highly significant differences among genotypes, treatments, and the genotype-by-environment (G×E) interactions. Genetic variability parameters revealed considerable variability across all traits studied, which tended to increase with higher stress levels. Moderate to high GCV and PCV was observed for all the traits studied. Correlation analysis demonstrated a strong, significant positive relationship among all seedling parameters, except between root length and shoot length, as well as between shoot length and germination percentage under control conditions. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the effect of osmotic stress on the early vigor and growth of sorghum seedlings. The findings reveal significant variability in seedling traits, suggesting that selection can be employed for genetic enhancement of these traits. Correlation analysis identified specific traits or combinations of traits that should be considered when selecting genotypes tolerant to osmotic stress conditions. These findings offer great potential to guide and improve selection and breeding programs focused on enhancing drought tolerant sorghum varieties.

Green approaches for the synthesis of silver nanoparticle and its augmentation in Seed. germination, growth, and antioxidant level in Capsicum annuum L.

Eco-friendly natural nano-compounds, including biological extracts from Aspergillus niger, Azadirachta indica, and Moringa oleifera are known for their efficacy. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) improve seed germination, plant growth, and photosynthetic efficiency. This study focuses on how bio-silver may affect the development and physiology of Capsicum annuum L., specifically bio-silver nano priming with different quantities of synthesised nanoparticles. Nano priming improved seed germination (90–100 %), seedling length (53 %), seedling weight (75 %), seedling vigour index (65 %), as well as germination speed and index. The phytochemicals significantly increased chlorophyll (6–145 %), carotenoids (19–138 %), TPC (12–74 %), and TFC (7–80 %), all of which support plant growth. Nano priming also enhanced TAA (7–67 %) and FRAP (7–57 %). The total protein content (18–111 %) increased, promoting enzyme activity and plant development. Nano-priming increased ROS generation in seedlings more than the control and other priming treatments. This indicates that both ROS, including SOD (2–36 %) and POD (2–72 %), play crucial roles in seedling growth. The various mechanisms involved in nano priming-induced ROS/antioxidant systems in seedlings, such as the production of proline content (7–154 %) and the decrease in MDA (1–15 %), all contribute to the regulation of nanoparticle-generated stress.

Effect of Green Synthesized Silver and Zinc Nanoparticles on Seed Quality OF Maize

Nanotechnology is an emerging science and has wide applications in agriculture. Green synthesized nanoparticles are safer, cost effective and eco-friendly over chemical and physical synthesis. The laboratory experiment was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of green-synthesized silver and zinc nanoparticles on seed quality of maize hybrid (GH-150125) during 2023-24 at the Department of Seed Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. Green synthesis of silver and zinc nanoparticles were mediated through neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract is as reducing and capping agent. The standardization for effective concentration and priming duration for silver and zinc nanoparticles were standardized from different concentrations of (250 ppm, 500 ppm, 750 ppm and 1000 ppm). For priming effective duration were standardized from six, eight and twelve hours inclusive of hydropriming and control (untreated). The effective concentrations of 250-750 ppm and duration of 8 h and 6 h from AgNPs and ZnNPs recorded higher respectively as compared to control and hydropriming. In laboratory, the seed treated with zinc nanoparticles at 750 ppm for 6 h recorded significantly higher germination percentage of (97 %), shoot length (21.53 cm), root length (20.17cm) and seedling vigour index I (4045) compared to control. Hence, the results conclude that ZnNPs at 750 ppm for 6 hours was superior as seed treatment in maize to enhance seed germination and seedling growth than other treatments.

Effect of Modified Atmospheric Storage on Seed Longevity of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.

Seed quality is crucial for boosting seed production and productivity. However, soybean seeds are inherently short lived, quickly loses viability even under optimal storage conditions. Therefore, maintaining their quality during storage is of prime importance. Keeping these in view a laboratory experiment was conducted to study the effect of modified atmospheric storage on seed quality of soybean (cv. DSb 34). The freshly harvested seeds with initial moisture content of 7.6% were stored in different modified atmospheric gaseous combinations for nine months from November 2023- August 2024. Results indicated that the seeds stored with gaseous combination of 90 % CO2: 4 % O2: 6 % N2 in 700 gauge polyethylene bag maintained better seed quality in terms of germination (86.77%), shoot length (14.49 cm), root length (12.58 cm), dry weight(0.995g/ 10 seedlings), seedling vigour index I (2349) and II (86.34) upto the end of nine months storage period by recording higher total dehydrogenase (0.438 OD value), α- amylase (10.72 µmol of maltose released min-¹ ml-1 of enzyme) and catalase activity (1.364 µmol H₂O₂ decomposed minˉ¹gˉ¹ protein) compared to all other gaseous combinations and control. Hence, this technique can be used to maintain seed longevity with little deterioration, ensuring the quality of seeds even after extended storage period.

Improving the Germination Performance of Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata Wall. ex Nees) through Hydropriming, Halo-Priming and Osmopriming Under Salinity Condition

Salinity is a significant global issue that adversely affects seed germination and seedling vigour across a wide range of crops. Priming, however, is considered a basic method to enhance seed performance (germination and vigour) under saline conditions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of different priming treatments on seedlings under varying salinity levels (0, 4, 6, 8, and 10 dS m⁻¹) in Kalmegh, a traditionally valuable medicinal plant. Seeds were primed through four methods viz., T0- Non-primed (control), T1- Hydro primed (distilled water), T2- halo priming with NaCl (0.8%), T3- halo priming with CaCl2 (0.8%) and T4- osmo priming with KNO3 (1%) for 6 hours at 25ºC in the dark. This experiment was arranged in a factorial design based on a CRD (Completely Randomized Design) with three replications. The results demonstrated that priming treatments significantly improved germination percentage, seedling length (cm), seedling fresh weight (mg), seedling dry weight (mg), and vigour indices. Notably, seeds primed with KNO3 showed the highest germination performance at all salinity levels. Even at the highest salinity level, they achieved a germination percentage of 94% and a Seedling Vigour Index I of 506, compared to the control group, which exhibited a germination percentage of 88% and a Seedling Vigour Index I of 298. KNO3 priming at 0 dS/m produced the highest seedling length (8.5 cm), root length (2.7 cm), shoot length (6.4 cm), fresh weight (26.32 mg), and dry weight (10.3 mg).

Seed size and <i>Azospirillum brasilense</i> Ab-V5 and Ab-V6 inoculation influences germination and early seedling vigor of <i>Acacia mearnsii</i>

Acacia mearnsii is an Australian native tree species commercially grown in Africa and South America that produces tannins and woodchips. Its seed size varies, which may impact the germination and initial growth of seedlings. In its turn, Azospirillum brasilense inoculation is known to improve the growth of several crops. However, there are few studies the effects of A. brasilense inoculation on the germination and initial growth of forestry species. The present study evaluated the influence of seed size and A. brasilense Ab-V5 and Ab-V6 inoculation on germination and initial growth of A. mearnsii. Small seeds reduced the mean germination time (MGT) by 5.2% and the time to 50% germination (T50) by 23.8% in comparison to large seeds. On the other hand, seedlings that originated from large seeds had a seedling vigor index (SVI) 18.6% higher than those that originated from small seeds. Azospirillum brasilense inoculation increased the germination percentage by 20.9%, germination speed by 91.8%, root length (RL) by 35.8%, and root fresh weight by 20.5%. Additionally, it decreased MGT by 8.2% and T50 by 37.6%. The combination of large seeds and A. brasilense inoculation increased RL by approximately 50% and SVI by 62.1%. Thus, the use of A. brasilense inoculation favors germination and seedling vigor in A. mearnsii, showing to be a promising strategy for obtaining more uniform seedlings in forest nurseries.

Determination of Seed Physiological Maturity and Invigoration using Plasma-Activated Water and Ultrafine Bubble Water on Okra Seeds

Seeds physical and physiological qualities are primarily determined by seed physiological maturity. Seed enhancement technology has developed rapidly, including using ultrafine bubbles (UFB) and plasma-activated water (PAW) to increase seed viability. This study aimed to determine seed physiology maturity on okra seed to get the optimal harvesting period seeds and to examine the most effective seed enhancement plasma-activated water and ultrafine-bubble Water. The first experiment was arranged using completely randomized design with fruit maturity as the single factor, harvested at 3, 4, 5, or 6 weeks after anthesis (WAA), with three replications. The second experiment used factorial completely randomized design; the first factor is seed lots with different storage times (fresh seed and one-year storage seed), and the second factor seed invigoration using UFB (20 ppm dissolved oxygen) and PAW (10-, 20-, and 30-min exposure) as the second factor. Untreated seeds were used as control. Fifty seeds were used in each treatment. Okra seed physiological maturity was reached at 5 WAA based on seed dry weight, germination capacity, seedling vigor, and speed of germination. The pod color at 5 WAA is olive brown, and seed testa has dark greyish purple. Plasma-activated water at 10 minutes exposure increased the vigor index of seed lots stored for one year by 86% and PAW20 by 87%. Plasma activated water at 10-, 20- and 30-minutes exposures significantly increased the seedling vigor index and germination speed of fresh seeds harvested at 5 WAA.

Effects of dynamised high dilutions and vegetal extract based on silicon on the growth and induction of resistance in tomato plants against Rhizoctonia solani

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to study the response of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) against Rhizoctonia solani using dynamised high dilutions and plant extract based on silicon. The treatments were Silicea terra (ST), Thuya occidentalis (TO), and Equisetum arvense (EA) at 30CH (Centesimal Hahnemannian dilution order), Equisetum arvense leaf extract (LE), and non-dynamised water as the control. Seeds of tomato cv Marmande were treated overnight. The in vitro bioassays involved assessment of R. solani mycelial growth, seed germination, and seedling development. In the greenhouse experiment, the emergence, root and aerial part development, and disease development were evaluated. Leaves were harvested to analyse concentrations of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, chlorophyll, carotenoids, and chitinase activity. In the in vitro bioassay, LE reduced mycelial growth and TO increased the seedling vigour index, dry weight, and length of seedlings. In the greenhouse experiment, TO and ST increased plant emergence. Tomato plants treated with ST improved the fresh weight and the length of the roots. The disease severity was decreased by ST, LE, and TO. The flavonoid concentration was higher in plants treated with TO and LE. Overall, the treatments of TO, EA, and ST improved the content of phenolic compounds. Moreover, endochitinase and chitobiosidase were activated by LE.

Influence of Green Synthesized Silver and Zinc Nanoparticle on Seed Quality Attributes in Red Sander (Pterocarpus santalinus Linn.)

Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus), or Rakta chandana, is an endangered tree native to the Southern Indian Peninsula, valued for its medicinal and dye properties. However, its germination is hindered by a hard seed coat, phenolic compounds and hormonal imbalances. Nanotechnology in forestry enhances product innovation, paper processes and sustainability through plant-based nanoparticle biosynthesis. The experiment used a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications and evaluated seven presowing treatments: T1 (AgNPs at 1000 ppm for 24 hours), T2 (ZnNPs at 2000 ppm for 24 hours), T3 (Conc. H2SO4 for 12 minutes), T4 (NaDC 500 ppm), T5 (Dewinging), T6 (soaking in hot water at 100°C for 5 minutes) and T7 (control). The results indicated that seeds treated with ZnNPs at 2000 ppm (T2) exhibited highest germination rate (56%), germination speed (1.04), root length (17.05 cm), shoot length (16.33cm) and highest dry weight (6.22 g) and highest seedling vigour Index-I (1869). In comparison H2SO4 treatment (T3) delivered 51.67 per cent germination and a speed of germination (0.95), with root length (15.28 cm), shoot length (16.22 cm), dry weight (5.24 g) and seedling vigour Index (1628) slightly lower but still significant. The control (T7) had the lowest performance with 31 per cent germination, a speed of 0.36, root length (15.28 cm), shoot length (16.22 cm), lower dry weight (1.63 g) and the lowest Seedling Vigour Index (649). Overall, ZnNPs at 2000 ppm (T2) were the most effective in enhancing germination, seedling growth and overall vigour in Red sanders.

Proline Priming Enhances Seed Vigour and Biochemical Attributes of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) during Germination.

Seed vigour is a desirable trait especially for direct seeded rice (DSR) cultivation. Seeds with high vigour could improve seed germination, support seedlings in competing with weeds for water and nutrients, and improving seedling establishment throughout the early stages of crop growth. The success of DSR system which account for more 25% of world cultivation areas is highly dependent on the seed vigour and seedling establishment. Seed priming is a promising technique to improve seed vigour. Proline is an amino acid that has been well studied for its roles in plants under different environmental stress conditions. Nevertheless, the effect of proline as a seed priming agent in improving seed vigour in rice remain elusive. In this research, the effect of 24 h of proline priming at various concentrations (0 mM, 1 mM, 2 mM, 10 mM and 20 mM) on rice seed vigour, amylase activity, and total soluble sugar (TSS) content of a Malaysia indica rice variety, MR269 was investigated. Results showed that seeds primed with lower concentration of proline (0 mM, 1 mM and 2 mM) had better germination responses while priming at high concentrations (10 mM and 20 mM) reduced seed germination. Among the concentration tested, priming with 1 mM proline enhanced seed vigour with significantly higher germination percentage (GP), germination rate index (GRI) and seedling vigour index (SVI). In addition, proline primed seeds also exhibited increased amylase activity and TSS content as compared to unprimed seeds. However, priming seed with 20 mM proline was detrimental to the seed vigour and seedling growth whereby lower GP, GRI and SVI and higher mean germination time (MGT) were observed. In short, this study shows that proline could be a potential seed priming agent to improve seed vigour in rice.

Variation in Seedling Quality Attributes of Lentil (Lens <i>culinaris</i> Medik.) After Harvested Under Different Sowing Dates

Planting dates are the most important components for Lentil seedling growth and development. Seeds planted in diverse environmental situations lead to changes in various seedling development and the final output of the yield. The present study, aimed to assess the effect of different planting (sowing) dates harvested seeds on the physiological properties of nineteen (19) lentil genotypes. Lentil was growing during two consecutive planting days on average the normal (main) 17/08/2021 and lately 16/09/2021, then harvested seed extract after five months of storage, planted CRD with two factorial designs and three replications under laboratory condition within a white plastic container filled with autoclaved 3.0kg sand applying 100ml distilled water. The lentil was grown per standard, and the lentil's postharvest physiological quality parameters were evaluated. Results indicated that the lowest speed of germination index was obtained during late planting time or stress situations on the genotype Adda (8.78) and ILL-1760 (8.94). Seedling length is the seedling vigor criterion and is statistically significantly different between planting dates at 1%. The effect of planting day on seedling fresh weight was significantly different (p < 0.01) on genotype Beredu (0.0022) on the main planting day. The seed viability on vigor index (II) as shown in was affected by planting date (p < 0.01) and genotypes (p < 0.01). The heritability value of shoot length, root length, and seedling fresh weight equal zero was the variation due to environmental it had no genetic effect after five months of storage both main and late planting. The seedling vigor index, fresh and dry weight traits maximum on the main planting day on the genotype Beredu indicates 0.0445, 0.00218, and 0.00045 respectively. Seeds from the main planting day had the best seedling traits performance and recorded minimal germination time compared to late planting seeds. Lentil seeds planted lately finally recorded lower seedling fresh and dry weight, vigor, and speed of germination index as compared to those harvested lentil seeds in main planting dates. As a result, when there is adequate rainfall necessary for lentil growth, development, and final output.

Biopriming using microbial consortia and biostimulants as a technique to increase seed quality of Solanum melongena L. by modifications in morphological and metabolic constituents

Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is a widely cultivated vegetable in tropical and subtropical regions. High-quality seeds are crucial for successful crop production, necessitating rapid and uniform field emergence. In the new wave of the Green Revolution, organic wastes were replaced by agrochemicals. This study was conducted from January to March 2024 to standardize biopriming techniques for brinjal using various organic inputs and microbial cultures to improve seed quality. Brinjal seeds cv. PLR 2 were treated with organic inputs (Panchagavya, Egg fermented extract, Fish fermented extract and effective microorganism solution) and liquid microbial cultures (Azospirillum and Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotroph). The bioprimed seeds were assessed for their physiological attributes and anatomical and biochemical changes. Compared with the control, biopriming with 2% Fish fermented extract significantly improved the germination rate (19.4%), germination energy (40.9%), root length (44.4%), shoot length (24.4%) and seedling vigour index (68.1%). This increase was attributed to the nutritional and bioactive compounds in the fish by-products, which promoted root development and nutrient absorption. The biochemical parameters revealed increased ?-amylase activity, protein, and amino acid content in the bioprimed seeds. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed beneficial root volatile compounds in the roots of treated seeds. An evaluation of the plant growth-promoting activities of the biopriming agents revealed the superiority of fish-fermented extract over other bioagents. Therefore, this method promotes sustainable agriculture and improved crop productivity, providing a scientific basis for biopriming as a viable alternative to conventional seed treatments.

Effect of pre-sowing treatments on seed germination and postgerminative seedling growth of acacia angustissima (mill.)

Seeds of Acacia angustissima were subjected to a control and five pre-sowing (soaking in cold water for 24 hours, soaking in hot water (100° C) for 5 minutes, immersion in 60 % H2SO4 for 30 seconds, immersion in 60 % H2SO4 for 5 minutes, and immersion in 60 % H2SO4 for 15 minutes) treatments. The number of seeds that sprouted was recorded daily for calculation of germination indices. When there had been no further germination in any of the treatments for four weeks, the height, number of leaves, number of leaflets, and root length of seedlings were determined. One-way analysis of variance was used to test the effects of the pre-sowing treatments on seed germination and seedling growth. Final Germination Percentage, Germination Rate Index, and Seedling Vigour Index were significantly higher in the warm water than other five treatments which displayed similar responses of the traits. Similar, the warm water pre-treatment resulted in the longest seedlings, when shoot height and / or root length was considered. There was no significant effect of treatment on Mean Germination Time, number of leaves, and number of leaflets. The findings suggest that hot water pre-sowing treatment is the most suitable for seed germination and initial seedling height attainment of Acacia angustissima.