Sowing Of Seeds Research Articles

ВПЛИВ СПОСОБІВ СІВБИ НА ЕФЕКТИВНІСТЬ ВИРОЩУВАННЯ СОНЯШНИКА В УМОВАХ ЗАХОДУ УКРАЇНИ

The purpose of research: to determine the influence of different methods of sowing on the formation of seed yield and the efficiency of sunflower cultivation in the soil and climatic conditions of Western Ukraine. Methods. Field research was conducted in the soil and climatic conditions of Western Ukraine. The experimental field was characterized by sod deep clayey sandy soils. Two methods of sunflower sowing were studied: traditional with a row spacing of 70 cm using a «Gaspardo Renata R MTR 8» precision seeding vacuum planter and narrow-row sowing with a row spacing of 12.5 cm – the «Gaspardo Corona 600» seeding complex. During the research, the structural elements of sunflower seed productivity and the efficiency of two methods of sowing were estimated. Results: According to the research results it was established that in the variant with traditional sowing the average number of seeds in the basket was greater. The same trend was also observed concerning basket size, seed weight, and productivity of one plant, which made it possible to form a sunflower seed yield of 1.67 t/ha, which is 0.14 t/ha (by 9.1%) more than in the plot with narrow-row sowing. Direct operational use of technical means for performing technological operations of soil preparation, fertilizer application, and seed sowing in traditional sowing amounts to UAH 2,541/ha and is higher by UAH 667/ha compared to costs in the narrow-row variant. However, due to the higher yield in the version of traditional sowing, a higher income from the sale of seed was obtained by 1890 hryvnias/ha. Therefore, the effectiveness of the applied technical and technological solutions on the plot with traditional sowing amounted to 1223 hryvnias/ha. Conclusions. The «Gaspardo Corona 600» sowing complex can perform narrow-row sowing of sunflower seeds with the specified sowing rate in the conditions of Western Ukraine. Although a slightly lower yield was obtained in the variant with narrow-row sowing, direct operating costs for pre-sowing soil cultivation and sowing are lower than for technical and technological solutions for implementing traditional wide-row sowing. The results of using the «Gaspardo Corona 600» sowing complex for sunflower sowing can be useful for farmers when deciding to buy a row drill and save the financial resources of farms. Keywords: sunflower, methods of sowing seeds, row seeder, sowing complex, productivity, efficiency.

ЗАСТОСУВАННЯ ОПЕРАТИВНОГО МЕТОДУ ВИЗНАЧЕННЯ ТИПАЖУ ТА КІЛЬКІСНОГО СКЛАДУ МАШИН ДЛЯ ЗАГОТІВЛІ ДЕРЕВИНИ В УМОВАХ ДП «ЛІСИ УКРАЇНИ»

The purpose of research: to determine the influence of different methods of sowing on the formation of seed yield and the efficiency of sunflower cultivation in the soil and climatic conditions of Western Ukraine. Methods. Field research was conducted in the soil and climatic conditions of Western Ukraine. The experimental field was characterized by sod deep clayey sandy soils. Two methods of sunflower sowing were studied: traditional with a row spacing of 70 cm using a «Gaspardo Renata R MTR 8» precision seeding vacuum planter and narrow-row sowing with a row spacing of 12.5 cm – the «Gaspardo Corona 600» seeding complex. During the research, the structural elements of sunflower seed productivity and the efficiency of two methods of sowing were estimated. Results: According to the research results it was established that in the variant with traditional sowing the average number of seeds in the basket was greater. The same trend was also observed concerning basket size, seed weight, and productivity of one plant, which made it possible to form a sunflower seed yield of 1.67 t/ha, which is 0.14 t/ha (by 9.1%) more than in the plot with narrow-row sowing. Direct operational use of technical means for performing technological operations of soil preparation, fertilizer application, and seed sowing in traditional sowing amounts to UAH 2,541/ha and is higher by UAH 667/ha compared to costs in the narrow-row variant. However, due to the higher yield in the version of traditional sowing, a higher income from the sale of seed was obtained by 1890 hryvnias/ha. Therefore, the effectiveness of the applied technical and technological solutions on the plot with traditional sowing amounted to 1223 hryvnias/ha. Conclusions. The «Gaspardo Corona 600» sowing complex can perform narrow-row sowing of sunflower seeds with the specified sowing rate in the conditions of Western Ukraine. Although a slightly lower yield was obtained in the variant with narrow-row sowing, direct operating costs for pre-sowing soil cultivation and sowing are lower than for technical and technological solutions for implementing traditional wide-row sowing. The results of using the «Gaspardo Corona 600» sowing complex for sunflower sowing can be useful for farmers when deciding to buy a row drill and save the financial resources of farms. Keywords: sunflower, methods of sowing seeds, row seeder, sowing complex, productivity, efficiency.

Modernization of the sowing device design of the VESTA pneumatic seeder for precise sowing of small-seeded vegetable crops

Annotation Puprose. Ensuring the sowing accuracy recommended for small-seeded vegetable crops with the modernized seeding device of the VESTA row seeder. Methods. Theoretical studies were carried out using the methods – analysis and synthesis of modern technical solutions, structural modeling and design; experimental research – experiment planning, mathematical statistics and analytical processing of experimental data. Results. Technical solutions have been developed to improve the VESTA pneumatic planter in order to ensure high-quality double-belt seed sowing of small-seeded vegetable crops. A prototype of the section of the seeding device was produced, its bench tests were carried out using the “moving belt” installation, and rational modes of the process of sowing small seeds were established, which ensure the recommended accuracy of its distribution. Production tests of the converted Selene universal seeder at the “Zorya Stepa” farm (Kodaki village, Obukhiv district, Kyiv region) confirmed the increase in the accuracy of sowing small-seeded vegetable crops. Conclusions. The results of experimental and production tests have confirmed that the proposed technical solutions for the modernization of the sowing apparatus of the universal VESTA seeder, in the design of the pneumatic vegetable precision seeder “Selena”, provide high accuracy of seed dosing of small-seeded vegetable crops and high uniformity of sowing and distribution of seeds without damage to the seedbed. This contributes to the survival and stability of the crop in the first days after sowing, which will reduce the cost of growing vegetables and increase yields. Keywords: small-seeded vegetable crops, precision sowing, universal pneumatic seeder, seeding device, modernization, accuracy of seed distribution.

The Main Directions of Improvement of Sowing Disks of Units for Joint Sowing of Two Crops

This article describes the design of an experimental sowing disk for joint sowing of corn and sorghum seeds. The results of laboratory studies are presented and the need to improve the sowing disk and its individual elements is justified. A patent search for sowing machines and sowing disks was carried out in order to analyze and further synthesize the best solutions for the development of new designs of a sowing machine and a sowing disk for joint crops. The necessity of conducting research on further improvement of the disk elements in order to increase its reliability is substantiated.

Study of the influence of stratification on germination of sea buckthorn seeds (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) in the conditions of the Moscow region

The article presents a comparative analysis of the influence of stratification methods on germination of sea buckthorn seeds (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) in autumn and spring sowing. In the fall sowing with natural stratification under snow, sprouts of H. rhamnoides seeds were more friendly, and the percentage of germination was higher than in the spring sowing with artificial stratification. At autumn sowing of seeds in H. rhamnoides seedlings, formation of many short roots was observed, which predicts more active development of the root system. The number of nodules on the roots of H. rhamnoides plants is formed depending on varietal characteristics and does not depend on the term and method of sowing. Lomonosovskaya, Rossiyanka, Studencheskaya varieties proved to be the most strongly growing in two variants of the experiment at fall sowing, and Trofimovskaya at spring sowing.

Comparison of pneumatic sowing machines by the number of seeds in the slots of the discs and the distance between the slots

This article compares the pneumatic seeders currently in use. The comparison results provide the following indicators specifying the number of seedlings in the clusters, the distance between the clusters, the width of the clusters and the length of the clusters. Based on the results obtained from 3 sowing machines selected for clustering sowing of seeds, it was determined that it is advisable to improve the sowing disc in order to improve it so that the indicators of the sowing machine in 3 variants exceed the indicators of other devices.

УДОСКОНАЛЕННЯ ТЕХНІКО-ТЕХНОЛОГІЧНИХ РІШЕНЬ СМУГОВОГО ОБРОБІТКУ ГРУНТУ

The article presents the results of studies of the strip tillage system and crop sowing in the three-field crop rotation “corn-corn-soybean”, the principles of the technological process have been formed, the initial requirements for the parameters of the strips, the quality of sowing crops in the crop rotation (corn and soybeans) have been prepared, technical and technological methods have been improved the solution of sowing in strips with a significant content of plant residues and the technical and economic advantages of strip tillage are substantiated. The purpose of the research is to substantiate the expediency, to improve the technical and technological solutions and methods of implementation of the strip tillage technology in short-rotation grain crop rotation, and to determine their effectiveness. Methods and materials. The study of the effectiveness of strip tillage was carried out on the short-rotational crop rotation “corn-corn-soybean”, with a total area of 21 hectares at the scientific research ground of L. Pogorilyy UkrNDIPVT. Agricultural machinery is generally accepted for the zone of the right-bank forest-steppe, except for the studied factors: A - tillage; B – mineral fertilizers; C is a predecessor culture. Field experiments, observations, and records were carried out according to the methods of B. Dospehov and V. Yeshchenko. The «Belarus MTZ 1025» tractor and the 4-row «STA-4» unit were used to form the strips, which allows for the arrangement of sections, their movement along the beam of the frame for cutting strips with a row spacing of 70 cm and 90 cm and applying fertilizers to each strip. Corn was sown with a row spacing of 70 cm along the path, and soybeans (with a row spacing of 45 cm) were sown on the sides of the deep loosener pass line with a step of 90 cm. Results. The short-rotation 3-field crop rotation “corn-corn-soybean” provides an increase in productivity with a narrow set of crops with a wide-row sowing method, which are combined in the crop rotation as good predecessors and belong to different taxonomic groups. The effectiveness of the proposed technical-technological solutions of strip tillage and sowing compared to traditional technology is determined by the reduction of used resources due to the smaller number of technological operations, fuel consumption, and increased productivity. Indicators of the structure of the biological yield of corn proved the advantage of strip cultivation over plowing: grain yield is higher by 17-21% (depending on the year). It is substantiated that the design parameters of the unit for forming strips should ensure the straightness of their cutting at a sufficient working speed and the preservation of unloosened strips for moving (without slipping) the wheels of the traction tractor; the seeder must ensure high-quality sowing of seeds on backgrounds with a large content of plant residues, the technological ability of conversion to the required width of rows, which is the basis for improving the progressive direction of growing corn and soybeans in short-rotation crop rotation. Conclusions. Grounded prospects for the implementation of strip tillage technology in short-rotation crop rotation and the feasibility of its implementation in the forest-steppe zone of Ukraine using the example of corn and soybeans. Emphasis is placed on the sources of efficiency and the main recommendations for machine complexes for resource-saving technologies for growing grain crops in small and medium-sized farms are outlined. Keywords: crop short-rotation, strip tillage, technical and technological solutions, agricultural machines, soybean, corn, productivity, crop yield.

Designing a Precision Seed Sowing Machine for Enhanced Crop Productivity

A seed sowing machine is a valuable agricultural device that facilitates the precise and efficient sowing of seeds in fields. When designing and optimizing such a machine, several crucial factors need consideration including seed size, seed rate, soil type, and field conditions. The primary objective is to achieve uniform seed distribution and optimal seed-to-soil contact, which can be accomplished by incorporating a seed metering mechanism to control the seed rate accurately. Versatility is another important aspect of the machine's design, as it should be able to handle different seed sizes, types, soil conditions, and field variations. To achieve this, utilizing advanced technologies such as sensors, automation, and precision farming techniques can significantly enhance the machine's performance and efficiency while also reducing costs and minimizing environmental impact. The optimization of a seed sowing machine plays a crucial role in ensuring successful crop production. By implementing cutting-edge technologies and precision farming techniques, farmers can increase their yields and decrease the amount of seed and fertilizer needed for a specific area. Ultimately, this leads to improved productivity, increased profitability, and a more sustainable approach to agriculture.

SOWING SEEDS OF RESILIENCE: CULTURAL TRANSITIONS, ECONOMIC STRAINS, AND FEARFUL REALITIES: A DEEP DIVE INTO PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS AMONG RURAL WOMEN

"Sowing Seeds of Resilience" examines the impact of psychological stress on the women living in rural areas. The article explores the interconnectedness amid cultural transitions, financial strains & fearful realities by employing the comprehensive approach to examine intricate experiences of women residing in the rural locations southern Punjab, aiming to comprehend their unique challenges. The study was quantitative in nature wherein findings reveal a complex scenario in which cultural shifts and financial difficulties synergistically contribute to heightened psychological stress. In this regard, actual terrifying occurrences exacerbate this situation. Study demonstrates the resilience exhibited by these groups. Thus, exerting specific efforts and comprehending the interconnections between these aspects are crucial for the promotion of mental well-being. This inclusive analysis of the thought processes of rural women provides valuable insights for policymakers and scholars to comprehend the situations by utilizing this knowledge to devise specific strategies that assist these resilient women in addressing wide range of challenges.

Design of precision seeding device based on hexarotor UAV platform and its application in hard soil

Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (hereinafter referred to as UAV), are widely used in both military and civilian applications, but agricultural drones have made great strides in recent years. Agricultural drones are often used to detect and evaluate crops, aid crop pollination, and spray fertilizers and disperse seeds. However, in terms of seed seeding, the vast majority of drones can only achieve extensive sowing of seeds, and seeds can only be sown on the surface of the soil, and the sowing accuracy of this method is extremely low, and there is a large waste of seeds. In order to improve the sowing efficiency of UAVs and the sowing effect on hard soil, this paper conducts relevant research on the seeding device carried by UAV and designs a new seeding device. On the basis of the traditional spreading function, the device performs design calculation, three-dimensional dynamic feasibility analysis, and is equipped with a precise interval sowing mechanism, which can also send seeds into the deep soil while accurately sowing seeds, which solves the problem of low efficiency of UAV seeding.

Influence of detopping practices on green fodder availability, seed yield and economics of fodder maize (Zea mays L.) in central and southern Zea maysplateau regions of India

The unavailability of adequate quality seeds and green fodder during the lean period together affects livestock productivity in the country. Hence, it is necessary to assure the availability of quality seeds for sowing and green fodder to feed the livestock. To study this, field experiments were conducted on fodder maize at two locations in the country. Treatments included four detopping (DT) practices ., T : no DT, T : DT at 10 days viz12after (DA) 50% silking, T : DT at 20 DA 50% silking and T : DT at 30 DA 50% silking. Results demonstrated that 34DT at 10, and 20 DA 50% silking is not advisable in fodder maize for seed production as it considerably reduced the biomass accumulation (252.4-254.5 g/plant) and leaf relative water content (44.79-63.95%). However, no DT produced the highest growth attributes and green fodder yield followed by DT at 30 DA 50% silking which was at par with no DT regarding 100 seed weight (23.01 g) and seed yield (2725 kg/ha) with an additional green fodder yield (3245 kg/ha). Thus, no DT followed by DT at 30 DA 50% silking favored the economics of fodder maize seed production (gross return, net return, and benefit-cost ratio). Regarding locations, Dharwad (Karnataka) outperformed Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh) regarding growth, seed yield attributes, and the economics of fodder maize. Therefore, DT at 30 DA 50% silking could supply additional green fodder (3245 kg/ha) with a 14% compromise in the seed yield of fodder maize

Influence of seed positioning during sowing on the amount of deviation of plant sprouts from the straightness of rows

To care for crops without damaging plant sprouts, a safe distance must be maintained from the wheels of the tractor and the working parts of the agricultural machine to the root system of the plant rows, which is determined by the size of the protective zone. Despite this, in some cases, during inter-row cultivation or care of crops, damage occurs to individual plant sprouts that are significantly deviated from the axis of symmetry of the row. This is due to the type of location of the seeds during sowing relative to the axis of symmetry of the seed row, the profile of the field and the content of the soil fraction of the surface layer of soil located above the sown seeds, gaps in the steering drive connections and the qualifications of the driver. Among them, the first two factors are probabilistic in nature and significantly affect the deviation of seedlings from the straightness of the rows and the setting of the size of the protective zone. Theoretical and experimental studies have shown that the deviation of sprouts under the influence of these factors from the straightness of the rows of plants is on average ±2.58 cm, which should be taken into account when determining the size of the protective zone.

Influence of the shape of the disc slots of the seeder on the suction force of the vacuum for precise sowing of seeds

Abstract The article analyzes the influence of the shape of the disc slots of the seeder on the suction force of the vacuum.Currently, pneumatic devices for various soil and climatic conditions are accurate with a cellular method of sowing seeds and the development of a seed drill design, in which 3 seeds are sown in each nest, targeted scientific research is being conducted to substantiate the parameters, ensuring its functioning at the level of agrotechnical requirements.In order to study the influence of the shape of the nests of the lander disk on the vacuum suction force, experimental studies were conducted using the lander disk of three different variants. Based on the conducted experiments, the authors drew their conclusions.

Impact of Pharmacist-Led Health Initiatives in Rural Alabama

Perry County is a predominantly African American community in rural Alabama. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension is higher than average in the Perry County population. The Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Clinic, a collaboration between Samford University McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Sowing Seeds of Hope, and the Perry County Health Department, partnered with the Perry County Department of Transportation (DOT) to offer DOT employees, mostly African American men, health screenings and education delivered at times and locations convenient to their work schedules. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the impact of a community partnership with pharmacist-led health interventions on modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in participants lacking access to other community health initiatives due to work obligations. This study was a retrospective chart review evaluating changes in blood pressure and body mass index (BMI). Participants included DOT employees 18 years of age and older who participated in at least two health screenings 12 weeks apart. Over the course of the intervention, the average systolic blood pressure decreased by 6 mmHg, and the average diastolic blood pressure decreased by 4 mmHg. The baseline BMI average of 35.1 kg/m2 had dropped to 34.5 kg/m2 at 12 weeks. Although modest, the reductions in blood pressure and BMI indicate a potential for cardiovascular disease risk reduction. Lessons learned from this pilot project can inform the initiation of similar programs intended to decrease cardiovascular risk. Pharmacist-led interventions combined with community support can lead to positive cardiovascular results among rural communities.

Establishing the optimal parameters of determining the sicklepod seed germination (Astragalus falcatus Lam.)

Establishing the good quality of the seed material and the sowing qualities of the seeds is one of the important aspects of the successful cultivation of sicklepod. At the same time, control of the seed material of medicinal plants, the requirements of which must be consistent with the international standards and the requirements of the «Guidelines on good cultivation and harvesting practice» (GACP) of raw materials of plant origin is impossible without establishing methods for determining its seed qualities. Special attention in the study of these issues should be paid to the seeds of medicinal plants that are grown in culture for a short time, such as sicklepod (Astragalus falcatus Lam.). It should be noted that germination is a standardised and most important indicator of seed quality, which is the basic indicator for the purchase and sale of seeds and the release of seeds for sowing. After all, germination rate established by the standard ensures normal germination of seeds in field conditions, formation of optimal crop density and crop yield. However the conducted patent search – analysis of scientific literature and regulatory documents – showed that in Ukraine for a wide range of medicinal and essential oil crops, in particular sicklepod, there are no regulatory documents (current standards) on methods of determining sowing qualities and technical conditions for seeds. Therefore, the purpose of the research was to establish the peculiarities of sicklepod seed germination determining using standard procedures and methods that are applied in domestic and international practice. The methodological approaches used for other crops in regulatory documents both in force in Ukraine and abroad were taken into account. The optimal parameters for determining the germination energy and germination rate of sicklepod seeds were experimentally determined. It was established that the optimal substrate is filter paper, and the germination method – on the filter. The optimal temperature regime for germination is variable (+20–30 °C) temperatures. Accounting periods: germination energy – 5 days, germination – 12 days. Key words: sicklepod, sowing qualities of seeds, determination methods, germination, substrate, germination method, temperature regime.

A novel seed balling technology and its effect on cotton emergence, yield and fiber quality

Seed coating is the most important type of pretreatment. Since cotton is an important economic crop, the cost of its cultivation and the resulting economic benefits are undoubtedly important aspects to be considered. In recent years, the high cost of coating materials and complex production processes have prevented the widespread application of cotton seed coating. Moreover, cotton plants emerge from cotyledons, and the coating material on the seed coat does not play a role after the seed emerges. Given the above shortcomings, to adapt to the mechanized direct seeding method and to include a large number of fertilizers and fungicides, insecticides can be used together with the seed direct seeding into the soil; at the same time, this will improve the cotton seedling emergence rate, the physiological qualities of cotton seedlings after the emergence of cotton seedlings, and the resilience of cotton seedlings in the early stage of resistance ability. In this study, we devised a technique for balling cotton seeds employing components such as cassava starch, bentonite, diatomite, attapulgite, and seedling substrate. The compositional ratios of the method were determined via a growth chamber trial, and we evaluated its effect throughout the cotton reproductive period using field trials. The results showed that the emergence and emergence hole rates of the balled cotton seeds increased by 34.42% and 28.84%, respectively, compared with the uncoated control. In terms of cotton yield, the seed balling treatment increased the number of bolls per plant and the overall cotton yield. Seed balling technology is different from traditional seed pelleting or seed coating techniques. It gathers one or more seeds in seed balls, enabling the simultaneous sowing of multiple seeds of the same variety or different varieties in the same crop. Additionally, seed balls can encourage seeds to carry fertilizer and pesticides into the soil, further weakening soil-borne diseases and abiotic stresses, form a relatively stable internal environment in the soil, and ensure the germination of cotton seeds. Our findings provide a reference point to improve cotton seedling emergence through the utilization of this novel technology.

Perilaku Solusi Pada Laju Pertumbuhan Jumlah Benih Padi Serta Luasan Area Sawah Desa Baratan

The aims research to find out the stages of good rice seed will be planted, to know the time calculation in Java to plant rice, and to complete the model and general mathematical solution by calculating the number of rice seeds involving the area of rice fields (10.000 m ^ 2). This type of research used qualitative research with ethnography approach. Research subjects namely Mbah and Pakde in Baratan village who work a rice farmer. This study uses interview guidelines. The results obtained from the interview data that is to determine the stage of good rice seed will be planted is to plow the field using a hoe, soaking rice seeds for 48 hours, sort the results of good rice immersion, curing for 48 hours to germinate, sow seeds evenly, after 20 days of paddy seedlings removed and planted, 1 week given urea fertilizer, 45 days fertilized again, and 3 months ready for harvest, while for the calculation of time in good Java language to plant rice that is prey ketelu on 25 August - 18 september (24 days ). The result of the mathematical model and solution associated with calculating the amount of rice involving the paddy area is obtained by the area of rice field (10.000m 2), the number of rice seeds needed is more.

Efficacy and Phytotoxicity of Triafamone 18.52% SC in Direct Sown Rice and their Residual Effect on Succeeding Blackgram

Rice (Oryza sativa), the staple food of more than half of the population of the world, is an important target to provide food security and livelihoods for millions. Direct seeding of rice (DSR) refers to the process of establishing the crop from seeds sown in the field rather than by transplanting seedling from the nursery. Therefore, field experiment was conducted on clay loam soils at Agricultural Research Station, Jangamaheswarapuram, Guntur Dist. Andhra Pradesh, India, during 2017-18 and 2018-19 in direct sown rice (DSR) to test the efficacy of Triafamone 18.52 SC herbicide on production and to evaluate the lasting impact of herbicides on succeeding blackgram. Among the herbicides tested only Triafamone 18.52 SC @ 100 g a.i. ha-1 had a slight phytotoxic effect on direct sown rice. Phytotoxicity of Triafamone 18.52 SC @ 100 g a.i. ha-1applied at 2-3 leaf stage of weed effect the rice crop, exhibiting slightly stunted growthand the leaves failed to fully expand and became yellow at 7 days after application. However, those symptoms disappeared, and the Rice plants recovered within a week. Further, it was observed that none of the herbicides applied at tested rates had adverse effect on succeeding blackgram. In among the herbicides Triafamone 18.52 SC @ 100 g a.i. ha-1(T5) and Triafamone18.52 SC @ 50 g a.i. ha-1(T4) applied at 2-3 leaf stage of weedwere at par recorded significantly higher grain yield over weedy check (T1).

Priming – innovative development of methodology preparation of seeds for sowing (review)

The development of classical methods of soaking and growing seeds to the method of hydropriming and its further improvement based on the introduction of new knowledge and integrated approaches are shown. Priming is a controlled hydration of seeds (saturation with a limited amount of water), which causes the activation of metabolism, the initiation of germination (preventing the appearance of a root) and ensuring the subsequent reversibility of this process (by drying) while maintaining a stimulating effect. P.A. Genkel, who presented a thorough theoretical justification and detailed experimental confirmation of the effectiveness of pre-sowing soaking and subsequent drying (often multiple times) to increase drought and salt tolerance of plants. For a complex of methods for influencing seeds with water and osmotic solutions, W. Heidecker proposed the term priming, which is widely used in the English language, but at first did not take root in Russian literature. The characteristic of the internal reasons for the decrease in the viability of seeds, associated primarily with the aging process, during which the depletion of nutrient reserves, the accumulation of growth inhibitors, mutagens, reactive oxygen species and other harmful substances, the denaturation of proteins and nucleic acids, the oxidation of unsaturated lipids and external (abiotic and biotic), and their interactions. The article provides information about agents and methods, technical solutions and priming techniques. The role of water, conditions, factors, parameters, fundamental morpho-anatomical, physiological and biochemical substantiation of the germination process are described. The shortcomings of priming and ways to overcome them are outlined on the basis of an in-depth study of the metabolic processes occurring in the process of priming and subsequent germination in order to understand the mechanisms for increasing the sowing and productive properties of seeds. The necessity of maximizing the practice of applying priming, especially in difficult environmental conditions, was noted.

Performance of five arid land shrub species in direct seeding: implications for seed‐based restoration

Direct seeding is one of the most feasible techniques in practical, logistical, and economic terms for large‐scale restoration of arid lands. However, several factors are still under study to enhance the outcomes of this restoration alternative, with species selection being a pivotal component. To evaluate differences in the performance of species in direct seeding, we selected five shrubs from the arid region known as “Monte Desert” in Argentina: Atriplex lampa, Hyalis argentea, Larrea divaricata, Neltuma flexuosa var. depressa, and Parkinsonia praecox. Direct seeding was carried out in furrows (4.0 m long, 0.5 m wide, and 0.4 m deep) with seeds previously treated to dormancy alleviation and with a density of 250 seeds/m2. We evaluated results in 12 furrows, where topsoil and hydrogel were deposited. The biological variables considered were seedling emergence, seedlings establishment regarding sowed seeds, and seedling success (survival in relation to emerged seedlings) after almost 3 years. The species with the highest emergence and establishment rates was A. lampa (50.16 and 23.75%, respectively). L. divaricata showed the lowest values for these variables (2.17 and 0.83%, respectively). On the other hand, the survival of N. flexuosa seedlings was >2× that of L. divaricata (65.02 vs. 30.36%). We discuss the notable differences in species performance and the possible role of furrows in the results.