Seed Treatment Research Articles

Biostimulatory Impacts of Seed Priming through Botanical Extracts on Crop Production: A Critical Review

Rapid human population increase, food scarcity, and climate change are some of the global challenges in the current scenario. Among these, climate change adversely impacts crop production by creating abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and metal toxicity. Seed emergence, the critical stage in crop development, is highly vulnerable to these abiotic stresses. Therefore, short-term approaches to increase seed germination and the initial growth of plants were investigated in advance as a solution. Seed priming is indeed a pre-sowing treatment of seeds. It is a technique used to enhance the germination and early growth of seeds by exposing them to controlled hydration and sometimes other treatments before planting. Seed priming considered a low-cost, eco-friendly, and sustainable technique to promote seed germination and the initial growth of plants. Though various priming methods are available, this review discusses only botanical extracts (both seaweed and plant extracts) used as priming agents in seed priming. Among the seaweed extracts, green and brown algae species such as Ascophyllum nodosum, Sargassum spp., and Ulva spp. enhanced the crop performances even under stress conditions. In addition, leaf extracts derived from drumstick (Moringa oleifera) and neem (Azadirachta indica) are widely used to increase the crop production under stress and non-stress environments. Furthermore, in this review discussed about priming mechanism, different extraction methods and bioextracts behavior under diverse agroecosystems are discussed in detail.

Does ash dieback affect the reproductive ecology of Fraxinus excelsior L.?

Forest tree species reproduction is a key factor in maintaining the genetic diversity of future generations and the stability of forest ecosystems. The ongoing ash dieback disease could affect the reproductive ecology of Fraxinus excelsior L. and have a major impact on the quantity and quality of pollen and seeds. In this study, we investigated pollen production and viability of pollen and seeds of ash trees with different health status from 2018 to 2022. Inflorescences were collected from 105 trees (pollen production), pollen from 125 trees (pollen viability), and seeds from 53 trees (seed quality) in two seed orchards and in one floodplain forest in southern Germany. Not all parameters were examined at every site every year. The average pollen production per tree was estimated at 471.2 ± 647.9 billion pollen grains. In addition, we found that a high number of inflorescences did not equate to high pollen production per inflorescence. Pollen production of healthy and diseased trees did not differ significantly, although only 47% of severely diseased male trees (vs. 72% for healthy trees) produced flowers. With regards to pollen viability, the TTC test showed an average viability of 73% ± 17%. Overall, there was a slight tendency for diseased trees to have less viable pollen. However, a significant difference could only be calculated for trees in the floodplain forest. The percentage of germinable seeds in 2018 was 38% in the floodplain forest and 57% in one of the seed orchards. The percentage of viable seeds (TTC test) ranged from 17 to 22% in the orchards in 2020. Non-viable seeds were usually heavily infested by insects. In general, seed quality was not significantly different between healthy and diseased trees. Our results indicate that ash dieback affects flower formation and pollen viability but not pollen production or seed quality. Nevertheless, the fact that hardly any flowering was observed, especially for trees that were seriously affected, suggests a negative effect of ash dieback on reproductive performance. Thus, severely diseased trees will transfer their genes to a smaller extent to the next generation.

Phenotypic characterization, plant growth and development, genome methylation, and mineral elements composition of neotetraploid lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.).

Stable neotetraploid lines of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) were produced from three phenotypically distinct cultivars (Annapolis, Eruption, Merlot) and an advanced breeding line (SM13-L2) using colchicine treatment of seeds or young seedlings. When tested under the greenhouse and field conditions, neotetraploids initially grew more rapidly than their diploid progenitors, however they reached their reproductive stage (bolting, flower bud formation, and flowering) substantially later. Seeds production on neotetraploids was delayed by more than 30 days compared to diploids. Tetraploid plants had fewer, but larger stomata and leaves, less chlorophyll per area, higher photosystem II photochemical efficiency, generally lighter root system, and produced less than 1% of seeds in comparison with diploids. Field-grown neotetraploids of all lines displayed a significant reduction in tipburn (1.8% vs. 22.2%, respectively), a highly undesirable physiological disorder. Changes in leaf and root mineral composition were detected in neotetraploids. Several elements were found in lower abundance than in diploids, most notably iron, calcium, and silicon. Whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) revealed 498 differentially methylated regions (DMR), with 106 of these regions having at least 50% difference in the level of methylation between neotetraploids and their diploid progenitors. At least 18 of the most prominent DMR were detected in proximity to genes predicted to be involved in plant development or reaction to biotic and abiotic stressors. Because neotetraploid lines have low seed production, they are not suitable for commercial cultivation. They can be used, however, in research to study the factors contributing to tipburn, traits affected by stomata size or density, and the effect of ploidy on resistance to environmental stressors.

Effect of Microbial Consortia Inoculation and Chemical Fertilizers on Growth Parameter and Nodulation of Soybean (Glycine max L. merill.) and Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Microbial consortia inoculation and chemical fertilizers significantly impact plant growth parameters. Microbial consortia contribute to soil health by enhancing nutrient availability and promoting plant growth, while chemical fertilizers provide essential nutrients. In this study, an Field Experiment was conducted during two successive years in Kharif and Rabi 2020-21 and 2021-22 consecutively on effect of microbial consortia inoculation and chemical fertilizers on productivity and soil properties in soybean chickpea sequence on vertisol at research farm of department soil science and agricultural chemistry Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University, Parbhani (MAH) India. The Soil of experimental site was classified as vertisol (Typic Haplustert) dominant montmorillonite type with kaollinite and illite mineral alkaline in reaction. Experimental treatments consist of four levels of laboratory evaluated microbial cultures (Bradyrhizobium, Mesorhizobium, Bacillus megaterium, Pseudomonas striata, Thiobacillus thioxidant) and uninoculated control and four levels of chemical fertilizers (100 % RDF, 75 % RDF, 50 % RDF and Control i.e. (without fertilizers)). Seed treatment of soybean and chickpea was done with microbial consortia immediate before sowing and chemical fertilizers were applied at the time of sowing as per treatments. The results revealed that the application of microbial inoculants with chemical fertilizers showed significant effect on biometric attributes and nodulation of soybean and chickpea. The microbial consortia Rhizobium spp.+ Pseudomonas striata inoculation has highest plant height, shoot weight, root length, number of nodule, fresh weight of nodules, and dry weight of noduels in both crops as compared to uninoculated control. However, the application of chemical fertilizer i.e. N,P and K 100% RDF obviously increased the height, shoot weight, number of nodulation, and fresh weight of nodules in respect of both soybean and chickpea crops. The chemical fetilizers N,P and K are applied in the form of Urea, single super phosphate and muriate of potash respectively.

Validation Cropping Systems and Input Management in Calcareous Vertisols

Inputs were tested and validated to supply optimum P and Zn content in index leaf of Bt hybrid cotton during squaring to flowering stage, such as seed treatment with NPK consortia to encourage soil biological activities in low organic carbon highly Calcareous Vertisols alongwith 75% RDF. Bentonite sulphur @20 kg ha-1 yr-1 soil application (SA) + RDF; Sagarika seed treatment @ 0.2% alongwith twice foliar sprays @ 0.002% at squaring and flowering + RDF; Nano ZnO 4% Seed treatment twice foliar sprays@0.004% + RDF produced significant agronomic response during 2019, exception was during 2020, the magnitude was 50% less due twice torrential (>60-100mm) and five times medium (25-50mm) rains during July and August months upset the reproductive physiology of cotton, shedded all the fruiting bodies, unable to maintain index leaf NPK, besides heavy pink bollworm attack. All these treatments were applied with 100% RDF @90:45:45 N:P2O5:K2O granular, two splits of basal spot application having 6.5% Sulphur containing, N: P2O5: K2O @ 22.5 kg ha-1 twice on 15, 30 DAS and twice as Urea at 45 and 60 DAS, Bentonite Sulphur @ 20 kg ha-1 +RDF or seed treatment and foliar applications of bio-stimulants Sagarika @ 0.02% and twice foliar applications of the same @ 0.002% and Nano ZnO @ 0.004% twice produced 67-86 ppm Zn in index leaf of the Bt hybrid cotton, similar to that of chelated Zn 0.5%. These inputs produced 161-287 kg lint ha-1 i. e. more than double 38 to 50% due to better nutrient uptake, biomass production, boll number with more than ₹. 15 to 30, 000/- ha-1 profitability and 1.5 to 2.2 C:B ratio, FUE 1.6 to 1.2 and lowest cost of production in both the years. Large scale OFTs in Kalmeshwar Tq, Nagpur district (M.S.) India in highly Calcareous soils, on suitable field and horticulture crops, irrigations and inputs management confirmed the beneficial effect of RDF 150% @120:60:60 N:P2O5:K2O three splits fertilizers mixture of SSP + Urea + 20:20:0:13 soil application and also Bentonite sulphur or with and without two winter irrigations in late September besides seed treatment with PGPRs or Sagarika 0.002% before sowing and twice foliar applications with the same or alongwith chelated micronutrients 0.5% + WSF 17:44:0 and 0:0:50 2.0% + Boron 0.3% alternately with ZnSO4 0.5% or nano ZnO 0.004% alongwith Urea 2% and Boron 0.3% or were help full in doubling the seed cotton yields besides reducing the pre mature leaf reddening by maintaining optimum index leaf nutrient content.

Breaking seed dormancy for sustainable food production: Revisiting seed priming techniques and prospects

Seed dormancy represents a pivotal challenge in seed germination, standing as a significant impediment to attaining SDG 2 - the zero-hunger goal. This dormancy arises from a range of environmental stressors, including restricted water conditions, temperature fluctuations, and light exposure. Consequently, the disruption of seed dormancy assumes paramount importance to ensure consistent germination and the cultivation of high-quality crops. Seed priming, an approach involving the treatment and desiccation of seeds, serves to augment pre-germination metabolism and expedite the germination process. Traditional priming methods encompass hydro-priming, halo-priming, hormonal-priming, and osmo-priming, each contributing to enhanced seed germination. Recent strides in priming technology have yielded even more effective outcomes concerning germination, germination timing, and seedling vigor. Novel approaches such as nano-priming (employing nanoparticle-infused solutions) and magneto-priming (involving magnetic fields) have surfaced, fostering uniform seed germination. Preeminent among these strategies is seed bio-priming, which not only alleviates seed dormancy but also augments nutrient uptake efficiency in germinating seedlings. This review paper delineates diverse priming methodologies applicable across a spectrum of crops, serving as an environmentally benign alternative to mitigate dormancy-linked predicaments and enhance plant growth. Additionally, we delve into the latest advancements in priming techniques and offer future perspectives. The central objective of this review article is to enhance comprehension of seed priming as a potent and invaluable tool for surmounting seed dormancy, consequently fostering sustainable global food production.

Effects of dormancy on seeds treatment germination of Beta macrocarpa achene

Effects of dormancy on seeds treatment germination of Beta macrocarpa achene

Exploration of Species Diversity as Ecological Conditions Vary to Determine the Possible Areas for Collecting Tree Seeds in Amhara Region, Ethiopia

The aim of this study was to determine the forest species trees and shrubs that occur in the Amhara region, Ethiopia, for determining the possible areas for collecting seeds and propagations to meet genetic conservation and use programs as well as the recovery of degraded areas. The study was conducted at Fudi Natural Forest in Fagta Lekoma district, Amhara region, northwestern Ethiopia. Using geographic information systems (GISs), the points of presence of species were plotted on the USGS SRTM map (GTOPO30) at 1 : 250,000 scale (USGS, 2018) using Arc GIS 10.1 software (ESRI, 2011). The map has been cropped and presented only for the citizens that contained points of presence of the species. Figures were generated in the JPG format for each species individually, presenting the distribution of each according to the altitude of the region. The maps were elaborated using multiple linear regressions, relating the bioclimatic variables with the numerical models of latitude, longitude, and altitude. Descriptive statistical analysis was initially performed. This was followed by performing a normality test to observe the data distribution. In the region, 1250 individuals of 32 families and 46 species were surveyed. The families most found in the northeast, north, northwest, southwest, southeast, and west regions were Mimosoideae, Euphorbiaceae, Celastraceae, and Rubiaceae.

THE ROLE OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS IN THE FORMATION OF SUNFLOWER HYBRIDS PRODUCTIVITY

The results of the study of the influence of plant growth regulators and basic nutrients on the productivity of sunflower hybrids of different maturity groups are presented. The research was carried out on the basis of the farm of LLC "Organic-D" in the village of Sutisky, Vinnytsia region, during 2021-2022. The soils of the experimental plot are gray forest soils with medium loamy texture and slightly acidic reaction of the soil solution. The content of the main nutrients is typical for this type of soil. The research was conducted on three sunflower hybrids: early maturing –Oskil, mid-early - NK Delphi and mid-early - NK Condi by applying the plant growth regulator (PGR) DEFENDA Vertex (0.5 l/t) and mineral fertilizer at the rate of N45P45K45 d.p. m. The technology of sunflower cultivation is generally accepted for the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine, except for the factors under study. We have found that the use of seed treatment with PPP DEFENDA Vertex and the application of mineral fertilizers at the rate of N45P45K45 on the crops of the studied sunflower hybrids of different maturity groups led to an improvement in the morphological structure of plants, an increase in their productivity, which ultimately led to an increase in oil yield per unit area. The maximum value of plant height, number of flowers and seeds in the basket of the studied hybrids in the variant with the combined application of mineral fertilizers at the rate of N45P45K45 with the treatment of seeds with PPP DEFENDA Vertex: Oskil - 163.3 cm, 1129 pcs. and 923 pcs, NC Delphi - 187.1 cm 1247 and 967 pcs. and NC Condi - 171.7 cm 1335 and 995 pcs. respectively. The highest level of yield, on average for two years of research, was obtained in the variant with the use of seed treatment with PPP DEFENDA Vertex and the application of mineral fertilizers at the rate of N45P45K45 in the sunflower hybrid Oskil - 2.78 t/ha, NC Delphi - 2.95 t/ha, mid-season NC Condi - 3.09 t/ha, which is 0.48-0.59 t/ha more compared to the control variant. Seed treatment with PPP DEFENDA Vertex provided an increase in yield of 0.27-0.36 /ha, compared to the control variant (without seed treatment and fertilization). Seed treatment with PGR DEFENDA Vertex contributed to the growth of oil content in the seeds of the studied hybrids and it was 46.9%, 49.7 and 54.5%, and the combination of seed treatment with PGR DEFENDA Vertex and the introduction of mineral fertilizers in pre-sowing cultivation provided the highest value of oil content - 47.8%, 50.1 and 55.7%, respectively. The acid number of oil had an ambiguous value when using the studied factors. The highest value of huskiness was obtained when using a combination of seed treatment with PGR DEFENDA Vertex with the introduction of mineral fertilizers in pre-sowing cultivation in the hybrid Oskil - 23.7%, NC Delphi - 26.3% and NC Condi - 24.9%. The combined use of seed treatment with PGR DEFENDA Vertex and mineral fertilizers at the rate of N45P45K45 showed the highest value of oil yield per unit area - 1.47 t/ha, 1.61 and 1.72 t/ha, respectively, in hybrids Oskil, NK Delphi and NK Condi.

THE EFFECT OF MYCORIZATION OF SEED AND SOIL BIOFERTILIZER ON THE FORMATION OF INDIVIDUAL PRODUCTIVITY OF SOYBEAN PLANTS

This article presents the results of field research on the effect of seed treatment with the Mycofriend mycorrhizal biopreparation and the use of Groundfix soil biological fertilizer in pre-sowing cultivation, under different rates of mineral fertilization, on the formation of elements of individual plant productivity, namely the number of beans per plant, the number of grains per plant, mass grains from one plant and the mass of 1000 grains. The early ripening soybean variety of the Ukrainian selection Diadema Podillya was used for the study. The research was carried out during 2017-2021 at the research field of the "Agronomichne" research center of the VNAU. On the basis of the received data of the five-year cycle of field research, it was established that on the gray forest soils of the Right-bank forest-steppe, the most optimal conditions for the growth processes and development of soybean plants, and as a result of the formation of high individual productivity, are made under the conditions of applying mineral fertilizers in the norm of N60P60K60, soil biological Graunfix fertilizers (5 l/ha) and pre-sowing treatment of seeds with the mycorrhizal preparation Mycofriend (1,5 l/t). Under these conditions, the maximum number of beans per plant was obtained in the experiment, 27,2 pcs. (19,3 pcs. on the control), the number of grains per plant is 47,2 pcs. (37,5 pcs. on the control), the weight of grains from the plant is 7,6 g (5,43 g on the control) and the weight of 1000 grains is 160,9 g (145,1 g on the control). It should be noted that the variant of the experiment, which involved the application of mineral fertilizers at the rate of N45P45K45, the application of Groundfix at the rate of 5 l/ha and the treatment of seeds with the mycorrhizal preparation Mycofriend (1.5 l/t) ensured the formation of indicators of individual plant productivity at the same level as the variant with the introduction of only mineral fertilizers at the rate of N60P60K60, and in some cases even exceeded it. At the same time, the number of beans per plant was 22,0 pcs., the number of grains per plant was 41,3 pcs., the weight of grains per plant was 6,32 g, and the weight of 1000 grains was 153,4 g.

Global warming could shorten the seed lifespan of pioneer tree species and thus natural regeneration window of damaged areas

Prolonged periods without precipitation in spring prevent timely and rapid germination of pioneer tree seeds and could lead to an accelerated loss of germination capacity (reduced lifespan). To get knowledge about the shortening of seed lifespan and, thus, the shortening of natural regeneration windows under climate change, an experiment was conducted. Seeds of Alnus glutinosa, Betula pendula, Populus tremula, Salix caprea, Larix decidua, Pinus sylvestris, and Picea abies were exposed to temperatures of 15 °C, 25 °C (past or present climate), and 40 °C (future climate) with low or high humidity for a period of 3 months. Regardless of air humidity, the initial germination percentage of Alnus glutinosa, Betula pendula, Larix decidua, and Pinus sylvestris seeds decreased only slightly by 5–15% over the 91-day period when stored at 15 °C and 25 °C. For Populus tremula and Salix caprea, time windows of maximum 14–49 days and 42–91 days were identified, respectively.However, as climate change progresses with rising temperatures and increasing absolute air humidity values, the window of opportunity for successful germination will shorten for all studied tree species. In the moist air humidity variant of 40 °C, the germination percentage dropped to 0% after 42 days for Alnus glutinosa, Betula pendula, and Larix decidua. The natural regeneration window will be reduced by half from more than three months to about three weeks under climate change. The lifespan of Populus tremula and Salix caprea seeds will be shortened to 1 week. For Picea abies, the time window will shorten to a maximum of 28 days.

Seed Treatment with Salicylic Acid Increases Gene Expression and Activity of Antioxidant Enzymes in Wheat Plants in Zinc or Copper Deficiency.

The effect of wheat seed treatment with salicylic acid (SA) on expression of the TaCu/ZnSOD, TaFeSOD, and TaCAT2 genes and activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in leaves was studied at optimal contents of zinc (2 µM) and copper (0.3 µM) in the root environment and in zinc and copper deficiencies. Seed treatment with SA was for the first time shown to increase of the amount of transcripts of the above genes as compared with untreated plants, both in optimal conditions and in zinc or copper deficiency. Activities of the enzymes, especially catalase, also increased. Judging by the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, the changes make it possible to avoid an increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and, therefore, oxidative stress. A positive effect of seed treatment with SA on activities of the main antioxidant enzymes was assumed to underlie the stimulating effect of SA on physiological processes in plants exposed to microelement deficiency.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Yield, Uptake and Soil Properties of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) in Alluvial Soil of Gird Region of Madhya Pradesh

Aims: Effect of Integrated nutrient management onyield, uptake and soil properties of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) in alluvial soil of Gird region of Madhya Pradesh.
 Study Design: Randomized block design.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, R.V.S.K.V.V., CoA, Gwalior, Districts of Madhya Pradesh during kharif, 2022.
 Methodology: There were 12 treatments T1 – Control, T2 -50% NPK, T3-75% NPK, T4 -100% NPK, T5 - 150% NPK, T6 -100% NPK-S, T7 -100% NPK ZnSO4, T8 -100% NPK + FeSO4, T9 -50% NPK + FYM, T10 -75% NPK + FYM, T11 -100% NPK + FYM and T12-100% NPK + FYM + {PSB+ Azotobacter (Seed treatment)} and were replicated thrice under RBD and were statistically analyzed by the Fishher the analysis of variance technique was adopted as suggested by Panse and Sukhatme (1984) for Randomized Block Design. The pH , EC, OC, N, P, K and S content before creation of treatments were 7.72, 0.23 dSm-1, 0.39 %, 170 kgha-1, 12.04 kg ha-1 and 180 kg ha-1 respectively.
 Results: The results indicated that yield, uptake of nutrients and soil properties pH, EC, OC, Available Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium and Sulphur were found highest in the treatment T12-100% NPK + FYM + {PSB+ Azotobacter (Seed treatment)} and was found lowest in the treatment T1 – Control.
 Conclusion: Based on experimental findings it can be concluded that application of100% NPK + FYM + {PSB+ Azotobacter (Seed treatment)} is beneficial in terms of yield, uptake of nutrients and Soil chemical properties pearl millet.

Seed treatment with clothianidin induces changes in plant metabolism and alters pollinator foraging preferences

Neonicotinoids, systemic insecticides that are distributed into all plant tissues and protect against pests, have become a common part of crop production, but can unintentionally also affect non-target organisms, including pollinators. Such effects can be direct effects from insecticide exposure, but neonicotinoids can affect plant physiology, and effects could therefore also be indirectly mediated by changes in plant phenology, attractiveness and nutritional value. Under controlled greenhouse conditions, we tested if seed treatment with the neonicotinoid clothianidin affected oilseed rape’s production of flower resources for bees and the content of the secondary plant products glucosinolates that provide defense against herbivores. Additionally, we tested if seed treatment affected the attractiveness of oilseed rape to flower visiting bumblebees, using outdoor mesocosms. Flowers and leaves of clothianidin-treated plants had different profiles of glucosinolates compared with untreated plants. Bumblebees in mesocosms foraged slightly more on untreated plants. Neither flower timing, flower size nor the production of pollen and nectar differed between treatments, and therefore cannot explain any preference for untreated oilseed rape. We instead propose that this small but significant preference for untreated plants was related to the altered glucosinolate profile caused by clothianidin. Thereby, this study contributes to the understanding of the complex relationships between neonicotinoid-treated crops and pollinator foraging choices, by suggesting a potential mechanistic link by which insecticide treatment can affect insect behavior.

The Role of Seed Treatment with Bacterial Biofertilizer Azotobacter, Gibberellic Acid and Kinetin Before Planting in some Biochemical Characteristics in the subsequent Growth of Psidium guajava L. Seedlings

The experiment was carried out in the College of Agriculture - University of Karbala at the beginning of September of the year 2022 according to a randomized complete block design to study the effect of the bacterial biofertilizer Azotobacter and a solution of gibberellic acid in three concentrations (0, 150 and 300 mg. L-1), and kinetin in three concentrations (0, 25 and 50 mg. L-1) in some biochemical characteristics of Psidium guajava L. seedlings. The results showed that the single effect of the bacterial biofertilizer was superior in the all studied characteristics compared to the control treatment, as for the gibberellic acid solution, the concentration (300 mg.L-1) was superior by giving it the highest significant increase in all the studied traits except for the activity of the peroxidase enzyme compared to the control treatment, while the treatment of seeds with chitin solution excelled, and the concentration (50 mg.L-1) recorded the highest significant difference in all the studied traits in the all studied characteristics compared to the control treatment.

Effect of Mechanical and Chemical Treatments on Astragalus spinosus (Forssk.) Muschl. Seed Dormancy

In this study, two specific methods of breaking seed dormancy were chosen to break the dormancy of Astragalus spinosus (Fabaceae) seeds. The first is sulfuric acid with a soaking time of seeds in it. The treatment of seeds with acid 98% at 15 minutes, the treatment with sulfuric acid 50% for soaking for 30 minutes, the treatment with acid 10% at a soaking period of 60 Minutes and for 24 hours, and all these treatments were in different degrees of incubation 16, 20, 22, 25 °C, while the second method that treated the seeds by scarification at degrees of incubation 16, 20, 22, 25 °C with the observation of no damage to the embryos when scarified the seeds, as well as the application of not treat seeds with any method (control) in same degrees for seven days of incubation, and such methods are considered inexpensive and effective. The results showed that when applying the treatment of seeds with sulfuric acid 98% at a soaking period 15 min and incubation degree 20 °C the germination rate have reached 86.66%, while the best germination rate of seeds when treated with scarification at an incubator of 22 and 25 °C and the germination rate reached 100%. We conclude from the present study that the seeds of A.spinosus has dormancy and the lack of optimal conditions from late winter rains under optimal temperatures will lead to the lack of the environmentally important desert species A.spinosus, or it will be absent or loss.

The Effect of Seed Treatment with Polyfunctional Preparations on the Resistance of Winter Wheat to Adverse Environmental Factors

The Effect of Seed Treatment with Polyfunctional Preparations on the Resistance of Winter Wheat to Adverse Environmental Factors

Effect of Seed Priming Duration with Bio-Stimulator (Appetizer) on Germination Characteristics and Seedling Emergence of Sorghum

Two factorial experiments were conducted. One of them was laboratory experiment which was carried out at the Laboratory of Agricultural Engineering Sciences College, University of Baghdad during 2023. The other was conducted at the lath house with used the pots during spring season of 2023. The aim was to investigate the effect of seed priming duration with bio-stimulator (Appetizer) on germination characteristics and seedling emergence of Sorghum. The design of Lab. experiment was (CRD) while for the other experiment was (RCBD) with four replications. Each experiment consisted of two factors. The first factor included seeds priming treatments with bio-stimulator (Appetizer) concentrations (1, 2 and 3) ml l-1 and seeds soaking in distilled water, in addition to unsoaked seeds treatment (dry seed). The second factor was included seeds priming periods that is (8,16 and 24) h in room temperature. The results of Laboratory experiment showed that sorghum seeds primed with appetizer concentrations 3 ml l-1 gave highest averages of germination percentage in the first count, germination percentage in the final count, radical length, plumule length, seedling dry weight and seedling vigour index. While the comparision treatment (dry seed) gave the lowest averages for these characteristics and the priming period (24h) gave highest averages of germination percentage in the first count, germination percentage in the final count, radical length, plumule length, seedling dry weight and seedling vigour index. The results showed that iteration between the factors (seeds priming treatments with Appetizer and seed priming duration ) has significant effect in most characterstics. The results of pots experiment showed that sorghum seeds primed with appetizer concentrations 3 ml l-1 gave highest averages of emergence percentage in the first count and emergence percentage in the final count. The priming period (24h) gave highest averages of emergence percentage in the first count and emergence percentage in the final count.

Pemanfaatan Tanaman Obat Keluarga (TOGA) sebagai Alternatif Pengobatan Mandiri Nyeri Sendi

Family Medicinal Plant (TOGA) or often also called living pharmacies are selected types of plants that are efficacious as medicines that are cultivated for family needs for medicines so that the principle of independence in family medicine will be realized. Family herbal medicine that is safe because it rarely causes side effects, is easy to process and consume for first aid for minor ailments such as fever, cough, overcoming inflammation of joints and bones or helping to maintain stamina. The existence of. TOGA in the home environment is very important. The purpose of this service is to provide counseling regarding the use of TOGA as an alternative to self-medication and to provide information about arthritis that can be treated using TOGA to the community of RT 13, Selamat Telanaipura Village, Jambi City. The method used in this service is to provide counseling and provide TOGA tree seeds for planting. The target partners are groups of housewives in RT 13, Selamat Telanaipura Village, Jambi City. The results of developing activities in R13 can increase the motivation of housewives to make more use of TOGA as a treatment, increase public knowledge about arthritis and natural ingredients that can be used to reduce arthritis pain

Influence of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. seeds treatment with biological preparations on its sowing qualities

The article presents the results of studies on the effect of sorghum bicolor seeds (Sorghum bicolor (L.)) Moench treatment with a mixture of the mycorrhizal biopreparation «Mycofriend» and the biologically active adsorbent «BM-nanobiochar» on germination energy and laboratory seed germination. The optimal doses of biological preparations «Mikofrend» and «BM-nanobiochar», which ensure the maximum sowing quality of seeds, have been established. The aim of the study is to establish the optimal dose of biochar and mycorrhizal biopreparation, which ensures the highest sowing quality of sorghum bicolor seeds. The subject of the research is sowing qualities of sorghum bicolor seeds, mycorrhizal biopreparation and biochar. The research methods were biological (conducting a laboratory experiment) and statistical (descriptive statistics, dispersion, correlation and regression analyses) ones. The research results showed that the use of «Micofrend» for the treatment of sorghum bicolor seeds at a dose of 3–6 g/kg increases the energy of seed germination to 88.63–88.00 % (control – 84.81 %) and laboratory germination to 90.69 % (control – 86.69 %). The use of biological preparation «BM-nanobiochar» at a dose of 3–6 g/kg provided an increased energy of seed germination to 88.75–87.81 % (control – 86.31 %) and laboratory germination to 90.44–90.63 % (control – 88.94 %). Increasing the dose of both tested biological preparations to 9 g/kg led to a deterioration of the sowing qualities of the seeds. In the experiment the highest germination energy (92.25 %) and laboratory germination (93.5 %) was observed when treating sorghum bicolor seeds with a mixture of «Micofrend» and «BM-nanobiochar» at a dose of 6 and 3 g/kg respectively. The lowest rate of germination energy (81.75 %) was observed in the control variant without seed treatment with biological preparations. A close curvilinear relationship (R2 =0.81–0.98) was established between the sowing qualities of sorghum bicolor seeds and the doses of biological preparations «Mycofriend» and «BM-nanobiochar». The presence of a close multiple correlation between the sowing quality of the seed and its treatment with biological preparations «Micofrend» and «BM-nanobiochar» (R=0.867) was proved. Key words: germination energy, laboratory germination, mycorrhizal preparation, biochar, sustainable development, climate agreement, green European course, bioenergy.