Seeds Of Cv Research Articles

Standardization of Optimum Grading Sieve Size for Seed Processing in Black Gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] Varieties

Background: The seeds harvested from the field may not be homogenous in seed size, physical purity and viability in Black gram. Seeds are to be cleaned and graded using seed processing machineries to maintain uniformity of a seed lot. Every variety is having its individuality in seed size. Hence, the common recommendation of 2.8 mm sieve size recommended by Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standards (IMSCS) for grading black gram seeds may not be suitable to recover a maximum quality seeds in all varieties while processing. The present study was carried out to identify a suitable grading sieve size for newly released black gram varieties for getting good quality seeds with better seed recovery during processing. Methods: The study was conducted at Seed Technology Research Unit, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute, Karaikal during the year 2020-2023. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design with four replications. Four newly released black gram varieties viz., ADT 6, VBN 8, VBN 10 and VBN 11 were taken for the study. Specified quantities of unprocessed seeds have been sieved using slotted sieves of three sizes above (3.4 mm, 3.2 mm and 3.0 mm) and two sizes below (2.7 mm and 2.5 mm) the recommended sieve size of 2.8 mm for black gram varieties as per the IMSCS. The seeds retained over each sieves were collected separately and tested for seed quality parameters. Result: The results revealed that the seed recovery percent increased with decrease in sieve size while the seed quality parameters found higher with increase in sieve size.The sieve size of 2.7 mm (slotted) registered the maximum cumulative seed recovery of 87% and 89.9%, respectively in Black gram seeds of cv. ADT 6 and VBN 10 along with required seed standards. However, seeds retained from the sieve size of 3.0 mm (slotted) registered the maximum cumulative seed recovery of 91.2% and 87.5%, respectively in VBN 8 and VBN 11 with requisite seed germination and physical purity as per the IMSCS (75% and 98%). Hence, it is suggested that the sieve size of 2.7 mm may be considered as grading sieve size for seed processing in Black gram seeds of cv. ADT 6 and VBN 10 and 3.0 mm may be used as grading screen (Bottom screen) for VBN 8 and VBN 11 for getting good quality seeds with higher seed germination, physical purity and pure live seeds.

Influence of organic nutrient sources on growth and seed quality of garden pea

In the post-era of the green revolution, the productivity of crops has been increased by massive application of agro-chemicals that has disturbed harmony existing in the ecosystem. As a legume crop, garden pea is gaining attention towards organic farming systems. Seeds produced organically are better adaptable to organic growing conditions. A field experiment was laid out with three replications, comprising of twelve treatment combinations of different levels of FYM and jeevamrit during Rabi season of 2020-21. Seeds of cv. ‘Punjab-89’ were sown at a spacing of 60 cm × 7.5 cm after inoculation with Rhizobium and PSB. FYM was applied at the time of sowing. Jeevamrit was applied treatment-wise as soil drenching at an interval of 15 days starting from 30 days after sowing. Combined application of FYM @ 15 t ha-1 and jeevamrit @ 10% drenching resulted in maximum plant height (80.63 cm), pod length (8.84 cm), number of pods per plant (21.33), number of seeds per pod (8.07), gross seed yield (12.56 q ha-1), graded seed yield (11.31 q ha-1), speed of germination (8.68 days), 100 seed weight (17.51 g), seed germination (88.33%), minimum powdery mildew severity (25.33%) and lowest EC of seed (15.26 μS cm-1) along with highest net returns (₹ 195567.5 ha-1).

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.

Osmoregulatory Appraisal of Some Osmoprotectants on Hydrolytic Activities of Some Enzymes on Seeds of Two Water Stressed Cultivars of Sorghum bicolor (Moench)

Enzymes play significant roles in metabolic processes of seeds. Therefore, this study evaluated osmoregulatory potential of some osmoprotectants on activities of some hydrolytic enzymes in the seeds of two cultivars (SOSAT.C-88 and CV. LCIC 9702) of sorghum bicolor. Matured seeds of the two cultivars were harvested and prepared for alpha, beta, total amylase and proteinase activities assay. The osmoprotectants produced significant variations on the enzymes at 10 and 14 days (DA) of 8 weeks after treatments (WAT). Seeds of well-watered SOSAT.C-88 produced higher alpha (2.10 IU/ml), beta (1.70 IU/ml) and total amylase activities (3.30 IU/ml) at 14 days (DA). Higher alpha (2.01 IU/ml and total amylase activities (2.61 IU/ml) were recorded in the seeds of CV. LCIC 9702 well-watered at 14 days DA 8WAT. Furthermore, total amylase activities (3.87 IU/ml) were recorded in the seeds produced by CV. LCIC 9702 well-watered at 14 days DA. Significant increase was noticed in beta (1.14 IU/ml) and alpha amylase (1.58 IU/ml) in the seeds of CV. LCIC 9702 treated with mycorrhiza. CV. LCIC 9702 well watered produced highest proteinase activities (1.57 U/ml) while least of the parameters were recorded in SOSAT.C-88 and CV. LCIC 9702 droughted. In conclusion, the osmoprotectants had regulatory effects on the activities of hydrolytic enzymes therefore the use of the osmoprotectants in farming should be encouraged.

Co transformation of Gus and npt II genes using Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain GV2260:p35 GUS INT in tobacco variety Samsun Maden 2421

Co-transformation in Agrobacterium-mediated is known as an important problem. Therefore, this study aimed to co-transform the Samsun Maden variety of tobacco. For this purpose, fresh seeds of cv. Samsun Maden 2421varitey of tobacco was procured from the Bafra county open market in Samsun province, Türkiye. In this study, a well-known transformation through A. tumefaciens was used because plants for example tobacco are recalcitrant or difficult to regenerate and fail to respond to other transformation techniques. The result showed successful co-transformation of square-shaped leaf explants on all cultures, excluding 50 mg/l Kanamycin used as a selection pressure. This concentration showed minör escapes to the extent of 1.67%. Indicating that optimizing selection pressure is very important to avoid escapes in co-transformation. Moreover, the regeneration efficiency of explants is reduced considerably with each increase in selection pressure.

Comparison of the effect produced by ozone and constant electric field on the morphophysiological characteristics of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings

This study investigated the effect of ozone and constant electric field on the morphological and physiological characteristics of tomato and wheat seedlings with the purpose of creating an effective and environmentally friendly technology for increasing the growth potential of crop seeds. Seeds of cv. Ventura tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and cv. Irkutskaya soft winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were exposed to ozone concentrations of 1, 3, and 5 g/m3 and electric field strengths of 1.6 and 2 kV/cm. The exposure time was 15 and 30 min. Both ozone and constant electric field were found to expand the spread of data on the shoot and root length, as well as alter the energy of seed germination. Depending on ozone concentrations and electric field strengths, the effect of seed treatment was established to be both positive and negative. The most optimal mode for ozonization of tomato seeds was achieved at an ozone concentration of 5 g/m3 for 15 minutes. The optimal mode for treating tomato seeds by electric field was achieved at an electric field strength of 1.6 kV/cm for 15 min. Wheat was determined to response to treatment not as intensively as tomato. When treating wheat seeds, ozonization is a more preferable method, since it stimulates germination even at an ozone concentration of 1 g/m3 for 15 minutes. However, our experimental results showed that even small changes in the mode of exposure both to ozonization and electric field can result in seed damage, thereby inhibiting the development of plants and decreasing the seed germination energy.

The Effect of Mineral N Fertilization and Bradyrhizobium japonicum Seed Inoculation on Productivity of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)

Soybean yields can be considerably improved by inoculation with selected Bradyrhizobium japonicum strains and fertilization. The aim of this study was to assess the productivity of two soybean cultivars depending on the applied N mineral fertilizers and seed inoculation with B. japonicum. The study showed that on average, for both cultivars, the soybean yield was most favorably affected by the combined use of inoculation and nitrogen fertilization (increase in seed yield by 42%, protein yield by about 28%). The application of mineral nitrogen at the dose of 30 or 60 kg·ha−1 allowed the increase in the seed yield by about 17% and protein content by about 14% compared to the control. Inoculation of soybean seeds with B. japonicum increased the yield of soybeans by about 20%, proteins by about 10% compared to the control, and inoculation of Hi®Stick Soy favored a better yield than Nitragina. Inoculation of seeds with Nitragina or Hi®Stick Soy and fertilization with mineral nitrogen increased the content of protein and fiber in seeds of both soybean cultivars, as well as reduced the amount of ash and fat. The seeds of cv. Aldana had a higher amount of protein and ash than cv. Annushka, but a similar amount of fat and fiber.

The Effect of Microwave Treatment on Germination and Health of Carrot (Daucus carota L.) Seeds

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of microwave treatment on seed germination and health of carrot seeds using two seed lots naturally infected with the pathogens Alternaria dauci and A. radicina. Seeds of cv. Amsterdam and cv. Berlikumer varied in seed germination at the final count (50% and 29%, respectively), and seed infestation with A. radicina (38% and 5%, respectively). For treatment, seeds were placed in a Petri dish (dry treatment) or in a beaker with distilled water (wet treatment) and irradiated at power output levels 500, 650 and 750 W for 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 s. Germination and health were determined in treated and untreated (control) seed samples. Wet treatment controlled seed-borne fungi more efficiently than dry treatment. However, the exposure duration longer than 60 s frequently resulted in deterioration of seed germination. The highest seed germination in cv. Amsterdam was observed after microwave wet treatment at power output levels of 500 W for 75 s (81%), 650 W for 45 s (85%), and 750 W for 60 s (77%), whereas in the case of cv. Berlikumer this occurred when wet seeds were treated at 500 and 650 W for 60 s (46% and 43% respectively). Treating seeds soaked in water with microwaves for a period longer than 30 s, regardless of the power output, significantly decreased seed infestation with Alternaria spp. in both samples.

In vitro screening of gamma irradiated rice variety MR263 for drought tolerance using polyethylene glycol

Fluctuating weather conditions and climate change are affecting agricultural production worldwide including rice yield. Combined with the increasing population and decreasing land space for agricultural practices, biotechnological solutions are needed to improve the livelihood of farmers and the country’s food security. Rice seeds of cv. MR263 were irradiated with gamma rays at doses 300, 350, and 400 Gy to evaluate their response to ionizing radiation on their growth. The irradiated seeds were germinated on MS media, and the seedlings were grown in media with polyethylene glycol 6000. It was found that most of the germination percentage decreased gradually with increasing radiation dosage. Shoot lengths reduced with radiation dose, per treatment. The root length was highest at dose 350 Gy (9.5 cm) compared to the other irradiated treatments. Fresh and dry weights generally decreased with increasing dosage and water stress levels except for dose 350 Gy. The highest fresh (354 mg) and dry weight (56.7 mg) were observed in seedlings irradiated with a dose of 350 Gy treated with 0% PEG and 10% PEG respectively. The content of proline and carbohydrates increased as the radiation doses and PEG concentrations increased where the highest proline (11.8 µM/g) was observed in 350 Gy + 20% PEG. While the highest carbohydrate content (9.3 mg/g) was observed in 400 Gy+ 20% PEG. It was concluded that seedlings radiated with 350 Gy showed promising results indicating tolerance to drought stress, due to their improved morphological and biochemical traits.

Maturation and Conversion of Somatic Embryos Derived from Seeds of Olive (Olea europaea L.) cv. Dahbia: Occurrence of Secondary Embryogenesis and Adventitious Bud Formation.

Maturation and conversion of somatic embryos are two crucial steps that hamper the development of efficient somatic embryogenesis systems in olive. Herein, a simple and efficient protocol for the maturation and conversion of olive somatic embryos is reported. Globular somatic embryos derived from seeds of cv. Dahbia were cultured on either half-strength olive (OM) or olive cyclic embryogenesis (ECO) media, with and without plant growth regulators (PGRs). The embryos reached the cotyledonary stage in 9 weeks, but those cultured on ECO medium containing 0.1 mg·L−1 6-(dimethylallylamino)purine (2iP), 0.1 mg·L−1 6-benzyladenine (BA) and 0.05 mg·L−1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) exhibited the largest sizes, with an average of 4.7 mm. Somatic embryo conversion into plantlets was evaluated using different culture media (half-strength OM or one-third strength Murashige and Skoog (MS)), light conditions (light or dark) and desiccation pretreatments. The highest rate of somatic embryo conversion (45%) was observed under a 16 h photoperiod on half strength OM medium containing 0.1 mg·L−1 gibberellic acid (GA3) and 0.1 mg·L−1 1-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). The embryos that failed to germinate showed either necrosis, cotyledon greening with no further conversion, adventitious bud formation or secondary embryogenesis. The findings of this study will be beneficial for biotechnological applications in olive.

Nitrogen Uptake from Different Sources by Non-GMO Soybean Varieties

Soybean has the ability to live in symbiosis with microorganisms and take up nitrogen from the atmosphere, fertiliser and soil reserves. The amount of nitrogen taken up from these sources depends on many biotic and abiotic factors, e.g., the rhizobium species, cultivar, as well as weather and agricultural conditions. A field experiment was conducted in eastern Poland (central Europe) in two successive growing seasons to examine the uptake of nitrogen from the atmosphere (NDFA—% nitrogen derived from the atmosphere), fertiliser (NDFF—% of nitrogen derived from fertiliser) and soil reserves (NDFS—% of nitrogen derived from the soil) for three non-GMO (non genetically modified organism) soybean cultivars: Abelina, SG Anser and Merlin. Pre-plant fertilisation of plants with nitrogen excess with the 15N isotope and the isotope dilution method were applied. Soil reserves and the atmosphere were major nitrogen sources for soybean. Soybean roots contained the most atmosphere-derived nitrogen (45.85%), the amount being lower for soil reserves (41.43%) and the lowest for fertiliser (12.72%). Harvest residues and seeds contained the most soil reserve-derived nitrogen, the amount being lower for the atmospheric nitrogen and the lowest for fertiliser-derived nitrogen. The amount of nitrogen derived from different sources in the whole soybean mass significantly depended on cultivars and years’ percentage values being affected by study years only. Less atmospheric nitrogen was accumulated in cv. Abelina roots (2.15 kg N·ha−1) compared with cv. SG Anser (3.07 kg N·ha−1) or cv. Merlin (2.89 kg N·ha−1). More atmospheric nitrogen was recorded in the post-harvest residues and seeds of cv. Abelina and SG Anser than Merlin. The content of soil reserve-derived nitrogen taken up by the whole soybean plants averaged 61.29 kg N∙kg−1, the amounts being 50.95 and 11.38 kgN∙kg−1 for nitrogen taken up from the atmosphere and fertiliser, respectively. Soybean grown in the study year with more favourable thermal and precipitation conditions (2017) took up more nitrogen from all the sources compared with the year 2018.

Seed priming with 3-epibrassinolide alleviates cadmium stress in Cucumis sativus through modulation of antioxidative system and gene expression

The current research work was designed to interpret the potential and mechanism of cadmium (Cd) stress alleviation in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) seeds primed with 3-epibrassinolide (3-EBL). Phenological traits of different cucumber cultivars revealed that cv. French green was most susceptible variety with respect to Cd stress. Seeds of cv. French green primed with 1, 5 and 10 μM of 3-EBL were grown in Cd spiked petri plates for 10 d. Oxidative injury caused by higher biosynthesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) damaged morphological features in addition to leaf relative water content (LRWC), photosynthetic constituents and gas exchange attributes in C. sativus seedlings under Cd toxicity. However, 3-EBL treatment assisted in subsidence of these detrimental effects of Cd-induced toxicity on growth attributes of exposed seedlings. Stress alleviation effect of 3-EBL was more prominent at 5 μM than at 1 and 10 μM. Lower Cd level in C. sativus leaves revealed the pragmatic engrossment of 3-EBL in Cd translocation. Seed priming with 3-EBL enhanced shoot growth and biomass production of C. sativus seedlings facing Cd stress. On the other hand, 3-EBL priming reduced MDA and ROS level in treated seedlings. Furthermore, expression level of genes including ethylene receptor CS-ERS, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase1 (CSACO1), 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase2 (CsAOX), and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase2 (CSACO2) increased in 3-EBL treated seedlings. From current study it was concluded that 3-EBL alleviated Cd-toxicity through enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes besides regulation of stress-responsive genes in cucumber seedlings.

Seed germination and antioxidant enzyme activity in seedlings of diploid and tetraploid bahiagrass under water restriction

ABSTRACT: The objective of the following research was to investigate the physiological responses of two bahiagrass genotypes (Paspalum notatum Flügge) submitted to water restriction, induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG6000), during seed germination. Seeds of cv. Pensacola (diploid) and Bagual ecotype (tetraploid) were placed on paper moistened with osmotic solutions at potentials of 0.0; -0.1; -0.2 and -0.3 MPa. Composed of two subsamples of 100 seeds and four experimental units per treatment, the germination test was conducted in a germination chamber under alternating temperatures of 30 °C (8 hours) and 20 °C (16 hours), with presence of light during the higher temperature. Final germination percentage and germination speed index of the seeds, as well as early growth, activity and expression of antioxidant enzymes of seedlings were evaluated. The water restriction induced by PEG6000 reduced the percentage of germination in Pensacola (from 74% to 59%) and Bagual (34% to 10%). For the latter, the evaluation of seedlings showed higher dry mass in relation to cv. Pensacola (1.7 times higher in root and 1.6 times in shoot). In response to moderate water restriction, the genotypes showed increases in root growth (1.7 times higher in -0.1 compared to 0.0 MPa), both in expression and enzymatic activity (superoxide dismutase and catalase).

Seed Treatment with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens for the control of Meloidogyne javanica “in vivo” bean culture and its direct effect on the motility, mortality and hatching of M. javanica “in vitro”

The gill nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) is a widely distributed phytoparasite capable of causing great yield losses in the most diverse cultures. Therefore, the objective of the present work is to evaluate the effect of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens used in the treatment of seeds as a biocontrol agent of Meloidogyne javanica in common bean, and the direct effect of M. javanica on hatching, motility and in vitro mortality. Experiments were conducted in the municipality of Cascavel, Paraná, in a greenhouse and laboratory. A randomized complete block design (DBC) was used, using five different doses of the biocontrol (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200% of the recommended dose), with five replicates for both experiments. The sowing of 3 seeds of cv. IPR Bullfinch was performed in 2 L plastic vessels with autoclaved soil and sand mix. The inoculation of 2000 eggs / J2 of M. javanica per plant was carried out in a sequence. Forty days after inoculation, the plants were removed for evaluation, where vegetative parameters and nematological parameters were analyzed. In the laboratory bacterial / nematological suspensions were added totaling 10mL per plate. Hatching in distilled water was used as control. The chambers were maintained in B.O.D. to 27 +/- 1º C with photoperiod of 12 hours / light. Hatching, motility and mortality were evaluated at 9 and 15 days. Both data were subjected to a regression analysis at 5% probability level, using the statistical software SISVAR, version 5.6. Results showed that the bacterial isolate B. amyloliquefaciens is a potential controller of M. javanica "in vitro", as well as of “in vivo" vegetative and nematological parameters.

Effect of new NPK fertilizer on lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.) growth

Types of compound fertilizers in Indonesia and used for food crops were varied. At present, new NPK fertilizer has been produced with NPK composition of 15-15-15. To determine the level of effectiveness of new NPK fertilizer, new NPK fertilizer was applicated on lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.) crops. The research was conducted at the Mojosari Research Station, Mojokerto Regency, Indonesia in the 2016/2017 Rainy Season. The materials needed in this study were: seeds of cv. Inpari 30, Urea, Phonska fertilizers and new NPK fertilizer that tested. The treatment consisted of eight fertilizer levels, consisting of one control (without fertilizer), one treatment recommendation, and six levels of new NPK fertilizer with composition 15-15-15. The research result showed that: i). New NPK fertilizer affects the growth and yield of rice plants, ii). The fertilizer dosage that provides the best response to vegetative and generative growth of rice plants is 250 kg ha −1 of new NPK fertilizer + 300 kg ha −1 Urea. This is supported by the value of relative agronomic effectiveness (RAE) of 101 % and economic feasibility (R/C ratio) of 1.88, and iii). New NPK fertilizer can be effectively used as an alternative to Phonska NPK fertilizer.

Generating genetic variation in narrow‐leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) for plant architecture by ethyl methanesulfonate mutagenesis

AbstractNarrow‐leafed lupin (NLL) is a source of protein and fibre with exceptional functional properties useful for a variety of purposes. In adapted NLL germplasm selected for low alkaloid contents, the genetic base is narrow, thus limiting fast breeding progress. In an EMS‐based mutagenesis programme, we have treated 40,000 seeds of cv. ‘Boruta’ and obtained a variety of phenotypic mutant lines expressing novel growth types with altered plant height and/or branching. In 3‐year field trials at two locations, three of these lines exhibited significantly improved grain yield components compared to the cv. ‘Boruta’. Growth types of these promising lines were shown to be inherited in a monogenic recessive manner and should, thus, be easily fixable by breeding.

Saponin seed priming improves salt tolerance in quinoa

AbstractQuinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a facultative halophyte of great value, and World Health Organization has selected this crop, which may assure future food and nutritional security under changing climate scenarios. However, germination is the main critical stage of quinoa plant phenology affected by salinity. Therefore, two experiments were conducted to improve its performance under salinity by use of saponin seed priming. Seeds of cv. Titicaca were primed in seven different solutions with varying saponin concentrations (i.e. 0%, 0.5%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 25% and 35%), and then, performances of primed seeds were evaluated based on mean germination time and final germination percentage in germination assays (0 and 400 mM NaCl stress). Saponin solutions of 10%, 15% and 25% concentration were found most effective priming tools for alleviating adverse effects of salt stress during seed germination. Performances of these primed seeds were further evaluated in pot study. At six‐leaf stage, plants were irrigated with saline water having either 0 or 400 mM NaCl. The results indicated that saline irrigation significantly decreased the growth, physiology and yield of quinoa, whereas saponin priming found operative in mitigating the negative effects of salt stress. Improved growth, physiology and yield performance were linked with low ABA concentration, better plant water (osmotic and water potential) and gas relations (leaf photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance), low Na+ and high K+ contents in leaves. Our results suggest that saponin priming could be used as an easy‐operated and cost‐effective technology for sustaining quinoa crop growth on salt‐affected soils.

New Spring Wheat Mutation Resources with Improved Grain Quality, Metals Bioavailability and Yield Components

Genetic variability in micronutrients is limited in wheat varieties. To broaden variation, seeds of cv. Eritrospermum-35 were irradiated with 100 and 200 Gy using 60Co, the treated seeds were grown to M7 generation with successive selection of the highest yield lines in each generation. Selected lines were evaluated for yield and grain quality traits such as iron, zinc and phytic acid concentrations, calculation of molar ratios of PA:Fe and PA:Zn. A number of mutant lines had 2 to 3 times more iron and zinc concentrations and lower phytic acid concentration (1.1-3.5 times) and higher protein content (11.2-12.4%) relative to the parent were identified. Some M7 lines showed significantly larger grain weight (1.3-1.5 times) and number per spike (2.0-2.1 times) than the parent. There were significant correlations between zinc and iron concentrations, between grain protein content, zinc, iron and phytic acid concentrations and grain weight per spike, mainly in 100 Gy-dosed lines. The TaPhyllc cDNAs nucleotide and protein sequence similarities between parent and these M7 lines varied from 28.2% and 30.2% to 45.7% and 56.5%, respectively. The results clearly indicate that variability in grain nutrients and metals bioavailability in mutation resource is potential in wheat improving nutritional outcomes and overcome malnutrition.

Modeling seed germination of unprimed and primed seeds of sweet sorghum under PEG-induced water stress through the hydrotime analysis

The effects of reduced water potential (ψ) on seed germination at 25 and 15 °C in unprimed (UP) and primed (P) seeds of two cultivars of sweet sorghum (cv. Keller and cv. Makueni local), were analyzed through the hydrotime model. Six ψ (from 0 to −1.0 MPa) in polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG) solutions were used for the tests. Seeds were primed in 250 g/L PEG solution at 15 °C for 48 h. Decreasing ψ of imbibition solution reduced and delayed germination. At 15 °C seeds germinated less and slower than at 25 °C at any ψ. Seeds of cv. Makueni local exhibited a greater sensitivity to water stress in terms of germination percentage, than seeds of cv. Keller, but they were faster in germination. Osmopriming was beneficial for seed germination, both in terms of final percentage and rate, at any temperature and ψ. The hydrotime analysis revealed that predicted θ H constant was increased when temperature was reduced to 15 °C and at this temperature median base water potential [ψ b(50)] for germination was higher (less negative) than at 25 °C. Seed priming shifted ψ b(50) towards more negative values and reduced θ H requirements for germination. At 25 °C the two cultivars behaved similarly while at 15 °C cv. Keller exhibited a ψ b more negative but required a greater θ H to germinate, indicating a greater water-stress tolerance but a slower germination, than cv. Makueni local. The application of the model allows to identify water stress tolerant cultivars during germination, to include into breeding programs for the selection of well-performing cultivars under stress conditions.

Content of zinc and iron in common bean seeds (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in different weed control methods

A field experiment was conducted in 2010-2012 on a private farm located in the village of Frankamionka in the administrative district (powiat) of Zamośc, on brown soil with slightly acidic pH, and the average abundance of zinc and iron. The experiment was set up in a random split-plot design with four replications, with seven methods for controlling weed infestation: 1) no weeding control, 2) hand weeding control, 3) linuron (Afalon dyspersyjny 450 SC), 4) linuron + metribuzin (Afalon dyspersyjny 450 SC + Mistral 70 WG), 5) linuron + chlomazone (Harrier 295 ZC), 6) linuron + chlomazone + metribuzin (Harrier 295 ZC + Mistral 70 WG), 7) bentazon (Basagran 480 SL twice). The objective of the study was to determine the effect of weeding control methods on the content of iron and zinc in the seeds of cv. Jaś Karlowy common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The highest seed yield, on average 29.39 dt ha-1, was obtained on the plots where weeds were controlled by the application of the herbicides Harrier 295 ZC + Mistral 20 WG just after sowing. The lowest seed yield was harvested on unweeded plots – 6.77 dt ha-1 on average. Statistical analysis showed a significant effect of the weed control methods and the weather conditions in growing seasons on the content of iron and zinc in bean seeds. The lowest amount of zinc, an average of 36.11 mg kg-1, was found in beans from unweeded plots. The use of the herbicides Afalon dyspersyjny 450 SC + Mistral 70 WG, Harrier 295 ZC and Harrier 295 ZC + Mistral 70 WG significantly increased the zinc content compared to the un weeded control and manual weeding. The highest iron concentration, on average 75.12 mg kg-1, was observed in seeds from unweeded plots. Significantly less iron accumulated in beans from plots weeded manually and by application of the herbicides Harrier 295 ZC and Harrier 295 ZC + Mistral 70 WG.