Soaking Of Seeds Research Articles

INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT PREPARATIONS ON SOWING QUALITY OF SPRING WHEAT SEEDS

The article is devoted to the study of the effect of pre-sowing treatment with various preparations on germination, growth and development of spring wheat. Spring wheat seeds were pre-soaked for 24 hours in Biohumus liquid organomineral fertilizer and Chlorella Suspension growth stimulator, presowing treatment was also carried out with agromineral fertilizers - zeolite from the Tatarsko-Shatrashanskiy deposit and tripoli from Kaluga region. The experiments were conducted in laboratory conditions in vessels and rolls. An increase of germination energy and seed germination was noted in rolls, when seeds were soaked in biohumus and treated with zeolite - 45 and 22% higher than in the control. The maximum values of plant height were observed in the variant with zeolite - 9% higher than the control. The number of roots increased by 22%, their length in the variant with biohumus was, on average, 20% more than the control values. The coleoptile length was at the same level in all variants. The maximum germination in vessels was obtained in the variant with soaking seeds in chlorella suspension - 92%, which is 9.52% more than the control variant. The maximum plant height was observed in the variant with biohumus - 7% more than the control, the largest root length - in the variant with seed treatment with tripoli - 6% more than the control, and the largest number of roots in the variant with chlorella suspension and zeolite - 9% more than in the control variant.

Selenium conditioning decreases antioxidant enzyme activity and delays germination potency of Macrotyloma uniflorum and Vigna radiate

ObjectiveThis study focuses on the effect of Selenium (Se) on the germination of Macrotyloma uniflorum and Vigna radiate seeds. MethodsBoth the seeds were soaked in solutions containing different concentrations of Se (0 mg/L, 0.5 mg/L, 2.5 mg/L and 5.0 mg/L), for different time intervals (3 h, 6 h, 9 h and 12 h). After soaking, germination efficacy of the seeds was assayed. Total carbohydrate and starch content of the seeds were monitored along with α-amylase activity. The antioxidant activity was also estimated through measuring Catalase, Superoxide dismutase activity and amount of reduced Glutathione as well. ResultsThe result unveiled that at 0.5 mg/L of Se did not affect the germination at 3 h of soaking, however upon increasing the duration of soaking the germination efficacy is statistically decreased. 3 h soaking of seeds with 2.5 mg/L and 5.0 mg/L of Se reduced the germination efficacy of both the seeds. Further it was observed that increasing the duration of soaking from 3 h to 6hrs, 9 h and 12 h, inhibited the germination potency (P < 0.05). Total carbohydrate and starch content were increased (P < 0.05) in both the seeds soaked in 0.5 mg/L of Se for 3 h, on the other hand there is no statistical difference at 2.5 mg/L and 5.0 mg/L of Se. The α-amylase activities in different experimental samples are in line with carbohydrate and starch levels. Furthermore, it was observed that reduced glutathione and antioxidant enzyme activities were increased (P < 0.05) in both the seeds soaked in 0.5 mg/L of Se for 3 h, however these alterations were statistically reduced (P < 0.05) at 2.5 mg/L and 5.0 mg/L of Se. ConclusionThe present study documents higher concentration of Se could decrease the germination efficacy of M. uniflorum and V. radiate seeds through oxidative stress mediated pathway. On the other hand, lower concentration delays germination. Soaking of M. uniflorum and V. radiate seeds in less concentrated Se solution increases the carbohydrate and starch content compromising germination efficacy.

Fenclorim Increasing Butachlor Selectivity between Wheat and Roegneria kamoji by Seed Soaking

Roegneria kamoji Ohwi (Poaceae), a wild relative plant of wheat which is widely distributed across China, has become a dominant and problematic weed in wheat fields in some regions. We have previously confirmed that R. kamoji is highly tolerant to foliar-applied acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) and acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The sensitivity of R. kamoji to pre-emergence (PRE) herbicides and the basis of fenclorim increase selectivity to butachlor between wheat and R. kamoji were evaluated in this study. Screenhouse bioassay showed that R. kamoji exhibited similar sensitivity to wheat to PRE herbicides at their recommended field doses (RFD); it also showed that buatchlor provides the highest relative control for R. kamoji (53.4% emergence and 81.5% fresh weight reduction, respectively), while it had no impact on seedling emergence of wheat among the six PRE herbicides. When butachlor was applied at four-fold RFD, no R. kamoji seedlings emerged; however, it significantly reduced the above-ground biomass of wheat compared with the non-treated control. Pre-treatment with herbicide safener fenclorim by seed soaking increased the ED10 value of butachlor to wheat from 221.8 to 1600.1 g a.i. ha−1, thus increasing the selectivity index from 9.6 to 68.9 between wheat and R. kamoji. The activities of α-amylase activity and protein content during germination, and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and β-ketoacyl-CoA synthase (KCS) in the seedlings, could be induced by butachlor in both wheat seeds with or without fenclorim pre-soaking. These results suggested that butachlor provides the highest control for R. kamoji and did not affect germination and emergence in wheat. The basis of fenclorim-increased selectivity to butachlor was associated with the induced GST and KCS-mediated enhanced herbicide metabolism in wheat.

Influence of Seed Soaking and Foliar Application Using Ozonated Water on Two Sweet Pepper Hybrids under Cold Stress

The harmful impacts of ozone (O3) on plant development and productivity have been excessively studied. Furthermore, the positive influences of its low concentrations still need to be explored further. The present study was performed to assess the impact of low concentrations of O3 on two sweet pepper hybrids under cold stress. The ozonated water was utilized for seed soaking or foliar application at concentrations of 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 ppm. Seed soaking using ozonated water for 1 h was compared to soaking in distilled water as a control. Moreover, exogenously ozonated water was sprayed thrice at three-day intervals compared with untreated control. The differences between the applied methods (seed soaking and foliar application using ozonated water) were not statistically detected in most of the evaluated parameters. On the other hand, the evaluated hybrids displayed significant differences in the studied parameters, with the superiority of the Lirica evident in most germination and seedling growth parameters. Both applied methods significantly improved germination and seedling growth parameters. In particular, the concentration of 40 ppm displayed the highest enhancement of the germination index, coefficient velocity, and seedling quality. In addition, it promoted the seedling maintenance of high relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll, proline, and ascorbate peroxidase activity under cold stress conditions. Moreover, it protected the cell wall from damage by decreasing membrane permeability (MP). Generally, the best results were obtained from 40 ppm followed by 30 ppm of O3 as seed soaking or foliar spray. The results pointed out the possible use of O3 in a low concentration to protect the plants from cold stress during germination and early plant growth.

Effect of incubation period on the glycosylated protein content in germinated and ungerminated seeds of mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek)

The effects of different incubation periods on the contents of amino acids, proteins, glycosylated proteins and metabolites in germinated and ungerminated mung bean seeds were investigated in this study. The study employs soaking of mung bean seeds in water under laboratory conditions at 28 °C for 3, 6, and 9 h, followed by germination for 12, 24, 36, and 48 h. Seeds collected from different period of imbibition and germination were subjected to total protein extraction for phytochemical analysis. Germination of the seeds was found to be most successful after 6 h of soaking (rather than 9 h of incubation). Hence, seeds imbibed for 6 h were further investigated for germination at 28 °C for 12, 24, 36, and 48 h. Total protein was extracted from both imbibed and germinated seeds, followed by trypsin digestion. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS)-based peptide mass fingerprinting revealed 38 proteins in 6 h water-imbibed seeds and 50 proteins in 24 h germinated seeds. Among these, 16 were identified as glycosylated proteins and the maximum number of glycosylated proteins were detected in 6 h water-imbibed seeds and 24 h germinated seeds. Moreover, High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to quantify amino acids from the extracted proteins. A total of 15 amino acids were detected, of which eight were essential and the remaining were non-essential; amino acid concentrations increased following 3, 6, and 9 h of imbibition when compared to the control. It was concluded from the study that seeds with 6 h of imbibition and 24 h of germination can be used as potential nutritional source of different amino acids, proteins, glycosylated proteins, and other bioactive metabolites in human diet.

Exogenous Proline Optimizes Osmotic Adjustment Substances and Active Oxygen Metabolism of Maize Embryo under Low-Temperature Stress and Metabolomic Analysis

Maize (Zea mays L.) is more sensitive to low-temperature stress in the early growth period. The study was to explore the response mechanism of proline to low-temperature stress during maize seed germination. Maize varieties Xinxin 2 (low-temperature insensitive) and Damin 3307 (low-temperature sensitive) were chosen as the test materials, setting the normal temperature for germination (22 °C/10 °C, 9d), low-temperature germination (4 °C/4 °C, 5d) and normal temperature recovery (22 °C/10 °C, 4d), combined with proline (15 mmol·L−1) soaking treatment, to study its effects on the osmotic regulation system and antioxidant protection system of maize embryos. Metabolomics analysis was carried out to initially reveal the basis of the metabolic regulation mechanism. The results showed that the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), ascorbic acid peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) were induced to some extent under low-temperature stress. The activities of SOD, POD, APX and GR were further enhanced in the soaking seeds with proline. Proline treatment improved the activities of catalase (CAT), monodehydrated ascorbic acid reductase (MDHAR) and dehydroascorbic acid (DHAR), increased the contents of ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH) and decreased the contents of oxidized ascorbic acid (DHA) and reduced glutathione (GSSG) under low-temperature stress. The ratio of AsA/DHA and GSH/GSSG increased. The increase in antioxidant enzyme activity and the content of antioxidants can help to maintain the stability of the AsA-GSH cycle, and effectively reduce the production rate of superoxide anion (O2•−), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Based on the UPLC-MS/MS detection platform and self-built database, 589 metabolites were detected in each treated maize embryo; 262 differential metabolites were obtained, including 32 organic acids, 28 amino acids, 20 nucleotides and their derivatives, 26 sugars and alcohols, 46 lipids, 51 alkaloids, 44 phenols and 15 other metabolites. Sixty-eight metabolic pathways involving different metabolites were obtained by KEGG enrichment analysis. The results showed that proline increased the accumulation of sorbitol, planteose, erythritose 4-phosphate, arabinose and other saccharides and alcohols in response to low-temperature stress, increased the content of osmoregulation substances under low-temperature stress. Proline also restored the TCA cycle by increasing the content of α-ketoglutarate and fumaric acid. Proline increased the contents of some amino acids (ornithine, proline, glycine, etc.), alkaloids (cocamidopropyl betaine, vanillylamine, 6-hydroxynicotinic acid, etc.), phenols (phenolic ayapin, chlorogenic acid, etc.) and vitamins (ascorbic acid, etc.) in the embryo under low-temperature stress. Combined with pathway enrichment analysis, proline could enhance the low-temperature stress resistance of germinated maize embryos by enhancing starch and sucrose metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, flavonoid biosynthesis and pentose phosphate pathway.

Enhancing seed germination and seedling growth of chebulic myrobalan (Terminalia chebula Retz.) by appropriate soaking and sowing time after collection of fruits

The experiment was designed to enhance seed germination and seedlings’ growth of chebulic myrobalan (Terminalia chebula Retz.) by proper seed soaking and sowing time after collection of fruits during March to July 2020 at BAU-GPC of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. In total 900 seeds were subjected to five pre-sowing treatments e.g. control or without soaking of seeds (C1), soaking in water for two days (C2), four days (C3), six days (C4), and soaking cow dung slurry for six days (C5) and four sowing times: on collection date and after 10, 20 and 30 days of collection respectively. The field experiment was conducted following RCBD with three replications. Seeds soaked in cow dung slurry (C5) showed the highest germination percentage (85.25%), germination energy (43.41%) and survival percentage (85.65%). Seeds sowing after 10 days of collection (P2) recorded as the highest germination percentage (81.37%) and germination energy (39.60%) whereas the highest survival percentage was observed after 30 days of collection (P4) (76.71%). After 30 days of collection, seeds soaked in cow dung slurry for six days (C5P4) showed highest germination (93%), survival percentage (92.86%), leaf number (60) and shoot length (32cm). The lowest germination percentage (60%) and leaf number (32.50) was observed in the treatment C1P4 and the lowest survival percentage (40%) and shoot height (12 cm) in C1P1. Bangladesh J. Agri. 2019-2021, 44-46: 45-54

EFFECT OF BRASSINOLIDE ON SOME GROWTH TRAITS AND BIOLOGICAL YIELD OF BREAD WHEAT

A field experiment was conducted at the experimental farm, Dept. of Field Crop, Coll. of Agriculture of Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, Al-Jadiriya, Iraq during the winter seasons of 2018-2019 and 2019-2020, to study the effect of brassinolide on some vegetative growth traits of the bread wheat Triticum aestivum L. variety Rasheed by determining the best soaking periods and the spraying stage to production efficiency. A split plot arrangements were carried out according to RCBD design with three replicates, where the main plots contained three soaking periods of brassinolide (concentration 1 mg L-1 ) 6,12,18 hours, as well as comparison of 18hour distilled water and dry seeds. While the sub plots contained three spraying stages the same of brassinolide concentration (S1: tillering + elongation stage, S2: booting + 100% anthesis stage, S3:100% anthesis + grain formation stage) and tap water was sprayed on plants as control treatment. The results showed that soaking wheat seeds with 12 hours of brassinolide gave highest means for growth traits and biological yield 13.76 and 13.90 Mg ha-1 for both seasons. In addition, the results showed that the spraying stage (tillering + elongation) recorded highest averages in the studies traits above for the both seasons. The interaction between two factors was significant in most studied traits. Therefore we recommend soaking of wheat seeds 12 hour with brassinolide and sprayed with the stage of )tillering + elongation( to obtain the highest vegetative growth and biological yield.

Effect of Pre-sowing Treatments on Germination and Initial Growth of Terminalia citrina: A Medicinal Tree Species in Bangladesh

Terminalia citrina (Gaertn.) Roxb. ex. Fleming (local name-Hatiyal) is an important medicinal tree species naturally grown in Sal and hill forests of Bangladesh. An experiment was conducted at the Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh, to find out the effects of pre-sowing treatments on germination and vigor seedling production capability. Seeds were treated with six pre-sowing treatments, e.g. T0-seeds without any treatment (Control), T1-seeds soaking in normal water for 24 hours and sown in polybags (24º C), T2-seeds soaking in normal water for 48 hours and sown in polybags (24º C), T3-fruits sown in seedbed, T4-seeds soaking in hot water for 1 minute and sown in propagator house (80º C), and T5-seeds sown in propagator house. Highest germination percentage (95.83%), germination energy (37.5%), and germination value (1.0506) were found in T5 treatment (seed sown in propagator house) and significantly (p&lt;0.05) different from other treatments. Collar diameter and leaf number were recorded after three and four months of seed germination. After 3 months of the last germination, maximum shoot height (46.6 cm) was revealed in T2 (seeds immersed in normal water for 48 hours and sown in polybags) treatment. Collar diameter (6.02 mm) and leaf number (12.6) were recorded highest in T2 treatment. The lowest diameter (4.23 mm) and leaf number (5.8) were found in T4 treatment (seeds soaking in hot water for 1 minute and sown in propagator house). Finally, seeds sown in the propagator house (sand media) revealed comparatively better germination behaviour but low growth performance. Seeds treated with normal water for 48 hours treatment revealed appropriate for vigour and quality seedlings production for T. citrina.

Strategies for crop nutraceutical content enhancement, a review

AbstractThe increase in cardiovascular and degenerative diseases around the world, in addition to other metabolic alterations derived from an inadequate diet, have highlighted the need to consume more nutritious and healthy foods, that can also provide added value in the prevention of diseases. In this sense, nutraceutical‐rich functional foods have become a sustained growing market derived from consumer demands. Different strategies have been developed to enhance the content of nutraceuticals compounds in crops and end products, as well as to increase the bioavailability of them. These strategies have been grouped in biofortification techniques (e.g., foliar, and soil application of nutrients, germination, and soaking of seeds, genetic modification of plants and crops) and techniques for nutraceutical enrichment (e.g., fermentation of food byproducts, nanoparticles, and induced post‐harvest stress). The utilization of these techniques thrives a new approach for novel biofortified, and nutraceutical enriched foods that meet the needs of the most demanding and health‐conscious consumers.

The influence of gamma rays and electric shock on seed germination and seedling growth in burdock plants

Burdock plant is one of the important medicinal plants, the critical part of which is the roots used to clearance the body of toxins; the study aimed to stimulate burdock seed germination and seedling growth with low-cost treatments, represented by electric shock and irradiation with low doses of gamma rays on seeds. The experiment was implemented at the Medical and Aromatic Plants Research Unit, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, Iraq, in 2020. included 6 treatments: soaking the seeds with water for 12 hours only, an electric shock of the seeds (2 and 4 A) by soaking with water for 12 hours, irradiating the seeds (with 10, 20 or 30 Gy) and soaking in the water for 12 hours. The experiment used the design of complete randomized (CRD) with three replicates. The results indicated that the highest germination percentage was recorded under the treatment of electric shock (4 A) and water soaking seeds only (91.0 and 85.7%, respectively). On the other hand, the best germination speed was achieved when gamma rays were treated at (30 Gy) reached 5.93 days. The two treatments: seed irradiation (30 Gy) and water-soaked seeds, were distinguished in most of the seedlings' vegetative and root growth characteristics represented by the length of the seedlings, the number of leaves, and the soft, fresh and dry weight of the shoot and root systems. We conclude from the results that soaking the seeds with water before planting has a positive effect on increasing germination characteristics and seedlings, and the effect increases at treatment with gamma.

Influence of plant growth regulators on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seedling growing in the conditions of closed soil

The results of researches of ecological value of plant growth regulators on growth of Scots pine seedlings in the conditions of the closed ground — greenhouses of Sobolivsky forestry of Subsidiary enterprise «Romanovsky forestry of agro-industrial complex» of Zhytomyr regional municipal agroforestry enterprise «Zhytomyroblagrolis» of Zhytomyr regional council are given. Potassium humate, Epin (manufactured by Agriflex), Alga-600 were used in the experiments. Agrochemical analysis of soil in the greenhouses of the experimental farm was carried out. The study of the impact of growth regulators on the ecological condition of plants, their seedlings took place during the growing season of 2021. The influence of plant growth regulators on Scots pine seeds in the preparation of seed material for sowing was studied, the greatest efficiency of pre-sowing soaking of Scots pine seeds in aqueous solutions of growth regulators in the experiment with potassium humates and Epine was defined. It was found that the treatment of seedlings in greenhouses the greatest stimulating effect is achieved when using solutions of Epine and potassium humates at a concentration of 5 mg/l solution, the ecological impact on biometric indicators was assessed: height, root neck diameter of seedlings. It was found that in the needles of Scots pine treated with humate potassium content of a, β-chlorophyll is 70.4 mg / 100 g of raw weight, however, in the needles of Scots pine treated with growth regulator Alga — 600 this figure reaches 49.0 mg / 100 g of raw weight and approaching the indicators of the control area. According to the accumulation of a, β-chlorophyll, it can be predicted that seedlings treated with potassium humates and epinephrine will be more productive than others and will not cause environmental damage. It is recommended for agro-forestry enterprises, in particular, Zhytomyr Polissya, namely for the Subsidiary enterprise «Romanivsky forestry of agro-industrial complex» of Zhytomyr regional municipal agro-forestry enterprise «Zhytomyroblagrolis» of Zhytomyr regional council in closed soil conditions to obtain high-quality compliance with modern requirements for the balanced development of agricultural production as a component of environmental security of Ukraine.

Germination Biology of Bell (Passifloria burifolia L.) and Sugar Apple Seeds (Annona squamosal L.) in Southern Nigeria

Germination biology of two species of the apple – Bell apple (Passifloria burifolia L.) and Sugar apple (Annona squamosal L.) was undertaking to determine the possibility of growing apple in Southern Nigeria. Some seeds were sown directly in a garden soil in polythene bags, while other seeds were subjected to different treatments like scarification with sand paper, in boiling water for 1 minute, placing in 10% H2SO4, puncturing seeds with needle and soaking seeds in tap water for 24 hours. Seedlings of Bell apple and Sugar apple were planted directly in garden soil using the square system method of planting. Effects of different treatments on seed germination and growing of seeds and seedlings were investigated. Seedling growth parameters such as number of leaves, measurement of stem girth, leaf area and plant height for both seedlings grown from seeds and seedlings planted directly into the garden soil were studied at a 7day (weekly) interval. The water holding capacity of soil, nutrients availability, soil conductivity and pH were also investigated. Observations revealed that seeds soaking enhanced the rate of germination of the seeds of sugar apple, and the garden soil enhanced the growth rate of seedlings of Bell apple.

Evaluating the Role of Fertilizer and Seed Soaking on Direct Seeded Aus Rice Varieties

Evaluating the Role of Fertilizer and Seed Soaking on Direct Seeded Aus Rice Varieties

Changes in some indicators of growth, development and quality of eggplant in unheated greenhouses when using nanosilicon

The article evaluates the data on the effect of foliar feeding and soaking of eggplant seeds with various dosages of Nanosilicon when grown in ground greenhouses of the Rostov region. The data show the effectiveness of the preparation Nanosilicon at a dose of 0.35 g / kg for soaking seeds in increasing the height of plants and the average weight of fruits. The maximum values were noted in height for the Lilac Fog and Solaris varieties, and in weight for the Robin Hood variety. It was found that varietal characteristics are of decisive importance in the formation of the average mass of fruits, and the use of the Nanosilicon preparation for the treatment of vegetative plants is more effective than for the treatment of seeds, while an increase in the dose to 0.40 g / kg of seeds and 120 g / ha does not lead to the expected increase in the average weight of fruits. The varieties and hybrids had a high marketability of the yield - more than 90%, reaching a maximum in the Pelican and Violet Miracle hybrids - 98.5-99.0%. An increase in the dosage of nanosilicon application both for seed treatment and for the treatment of vegetative plants insignificantly increases the marketability of fruits. The data obtained indicate a greater efficiency of foliar dressing in comparison with soaking seeds, and an increase in the dose of nanosilicon when soaking above 0.35 g / kg and 110 g / ha when treating vegetative plants is not effective.

Growth and gas exchange of soursop under salt stress and hydrogen peroxide application

ABSTRACT The cultivation of irrigated soursop in semiarid Northeastern Brazil highlights the need for information regarding its responses to the salinity of irrigation water and the use of techniques that allow its exploration, such as the use of hydrogen peroxide. Thus, the study aimed to evaluate the effect of soaking of seeds and foliar application of hydrogen peroxide on soursop plant growth and physiology under conditions of salt stress. The study was conducted in lysimeters in a greenhouse, and the treatments were distributed in a randomized block design and 4 × 4 factorial scheme, with four values of electrical conductivity of the irrigation water - ECw (0.7, 1.7, 2.7, and 3.7 dS m-1) and four concentrations of H2O2 (0, 25, 50, and 75 μM), with three replicates and one plant per plot. H2O2 concentrations were applied via seed imbibition and foliar spray. Irrigation with water from 0.7 dS m-1 impairs gas exchange and absolute growth rates of plant height and stem diameter and relative growth rate in height of soursop plants. Concentrations of 35, 33 and 23 µM of hydrogen peroxide favored the relative and absolute growth rates of plant height and transpiration, respectively. Compared to the aerial part, the root of soursop plants is more affected when irrigated with water from 1.6 dS m-1.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT CONCENTRATION OF ETHREL ON GERMINATION OF SUNFLOWER SEEDS (Helianthus annuus L.) AT BHARATPUR, CHITWAN, NEPAL

The research was carried out on “Effect of different concentrations of ethrel on germination of sunflower seed at the Agronomy laboratory in Nepal Polytechnic Institute, Bharatpur, Chitwan from December 2015 to January 2016. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD). In the present investigation, seed samples of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) variety viz. Modern Dwarf was collected from the National Oil Research Program (NORP) Nawalpur, Sarlahi for the experiments. Soaking of seeds in water, seed treatment with ethrel (@0.3ml/lit and 0.4ml/lit concentration), hot water treatment, mechanical clipping and control (without treatment) were done to see their effect on the germination of sunflower seed. The recorded parameters among the sampled seeds were germination percentage, root length, shoot length, fresh weight and dry weight. The seeds soaked for 12 hours germinated maximum (100.00%) and seeds that are boiled in water for 15 minutes germinated minimum (4.8%) on the 3rd, 6th and 9th days of observation. Maximum root and shoot length of germinated seed was found in seeds without treatment i.e. 8.5cm &amp; 5.575 cm and minimum root and shoot length was found in seeds boiled in water for 15 minutes i.e. 0cm. Similarly, seeds without treatment and seeds boiled in water for 15 minutes showed the maximum fresh and dry weight (2.790gm &amp; 0.488gm respectively) and seeds boiled in water for 15 minutes &amp; seeds without treatment showed the minimum and dry weight (0.913gm &amp; 0.289gm respectively) on the 9th day of observation. The results also showed that the seeds treated with ethrel (@0.3ml/lit) germinated (91%) with significant root &amp; shoot length and fresh weight (4.55cm, 5.25cm and 2.537gm respectively).

Improving seed germination and seedling growth of maize (Zea mays, L.) seed by soaking in water and moringa oleifera leaf extract

Germination traits are the key factor in higher productivity of crops. Thus, laboratory tests were made to enhance the germination of the seeds. One of the best strategies to promote seed germination was soaking the seeds in water and Moringa leaves extracts (MLE.) before planting. This experiment was carried out to evaluate the optimal soaking duration to enhance seed germination and seedling growth of hybrid 178 maize. There were three soaking durations; 12 hours, 16 hours, and 20 hours, along with the un-treatment (0 hour or without soaking). While the other factor was the concentration of the soaking seeds solution in Moringa leaves extract which was (0.25, 0.5 and 1.00 g) at the ratio of 1:10 (w/v) beside to hydro-priming (soaking in water) and control (un-treatment), each with four replications. Seed germination (%), germination index (GI), germination speed index (SGI), germination rate (GR, day), mean germination rate (MGR, day), seedling shoot length (cm), seedling root length (cm), seedling length (cm), seedling fresh weight (g), seedling dry weights, (g) seedling vigor 1 (SV1) and seedling vigor 2 (SV2) were evaluated. Results showed that maximum value germination traits were found in hybrid 178 of Maize which soaked at 20 hours of duration, followed by soaked at 16 hours then at 12 hours soaking compared with un-soaked seed. The germination and seedling characters, improved with soaking in Moringa leaves extract. 0.25 g/mm MLE. was the best treatment, followed by 0.5 (g) and hydro-priming gave higher values, as to seed germination and seed vigour compared with other treatment. Field emergence experiment gave the best values for dry weight(g) and seedling vigour (SVII) with 0.25 g/mm then 0.5 g/mm and hydro-priming under soaked seed to 20 hour com. This suggests that soaking in Moringa leaves extract as 0.25 concentrate under 20 hour soaking was a suitable treatment that can improve germination and seedling growth in hybrid 178 maize.

Fenclorim Increasing Butachlor Selectivity between Wheat and Roegneria Kamoji by Seed Soaking

Fenclorim Increasing Butachlor Selectivity between Wheat and Roegneria Kamoji by Seed Soaking

Impact of planting density and soaking seeds in melatonin solution on yield, secondary products content and antimicrobial activity of lovage plant

Many studies worldwide have been done on the effect of medicinal uses of lovage plant but, very little works have been done on its production. In this study the effect of different planting density and soaking seeds in different concentration of melatonin solution as well as their combination treatments on yield, secondary products content and antimicrobial activity of lovage plant were studied. It was observed that using planting space of 15 cm gave the maximum mean values of total phenolic and antioxidant content and essential oil percentage. Using 30 cm planting space gave the maximum mean values of plant height, yield of herb fresh and dry weight per hectare, yield of roots dry weight and essential oil per hectare. While the plant space of 45 cm recorded the maximum mean values of fresh and dry weight of herb and roots fresh weight per plant and chlorophyll content. For melatonin levels, using 100 µM melatonin solution had the minimum mean values of number of days to emergence. While, soaking seeds in 75 µM melatonin solution recorded the best results of all studied parameters. Regarding the combination treatments, measurements comprising of herb fresh and dry weight as well as essential oil yield per hectare showed that the combination treatment of 30 cm between plants in row plus soaking seeds in 75 µM melatonin solution was able to achieve the maximum values of these parameters. While the combination treatment of 15 cm between plants in row plus soaking solution of 75 µM melatonin is recommended for getting the maximum yield of root fresh and dry weight per hectare and the maximum total phenolic and antioxidant contents per herb in both cuts of both studied season. The first major compound of lovage essential oil of herb is α-terpinyle acetate followed by β-Phellandrene. The percentages of these compounds were affected by the applied treatments. The volatile oil of lovage plant exhibits high antibacterial and antifungal properties in the concentrations range of 75–100 µg mL−1.