Seedling Shoot Length Research Articles

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

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

Bacillus altitudinis Mediated Lead Bioremediation for Enhanced Growth of Rice Seedlings.

Lead (Pb) is a hazardous environmental pollutant that threatens soil health, water quality, and agricultural productivity. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) mediated bioremediation is considered as an eco-friendly approach for agro-environmental sustainability. This study investigated the Pb bioremediation potential of Bacillus altitudinis (IHBT-705). The results revealed that IHBT-705 strain tolerated upto 15mM of Pb, possessed 96% Pb bioaccumulation efficiency, and also maintained its plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits under Pb stress. Furthermore, IHBT-705 strain treated with 15mM Pb solution (IHBT-W) and soil containing 15mM Pb treated with IHBT-705 inoculum (IHBT-S) ameliorated the detrimental effects of Pb stress. Both IHBT-W and IHBT-S treatment significantly improved the shoot length, root length, total roots, chlorophyll content, and antioxidants enzyme activity of the rice seedlings as compared to the seedlings treated with 15mM Pb solution (Pb-W) and soil containing 15mM Pb (Pb-S). Also, IHBT-W and IHBT-S treatment decreased the Pb content in the rice plant by 97 and 96% over their respective Pb-W and Pb-S plants. Overall, our research underscores the remarkable Pb bioremediation potential of IHBT-705, offering a promising avenue for dual function, i.e. improving soil health and promoting plant growth under Pb contamination.

Eco(geno)toxicity of an acaricidal formulation containing chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, and fenthion on different plant models and Artemia salina L.

The mixture of pesticides is widely employed in cattle farming to combat ectoparasite resistance, such as ticks. The commercial formulation COLOSSO FC30, which contains three active ingredients (Cypermethrin, Chlorpyrifos, and Fenthion), stands out due to its efficiency. However, animals exposed to this product may become vectors of potentially toxic molecules, possibly causing contamination in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. In light of this, this study evaluated the eco(geno)toxic potential of the commercial formulation COLOSSO FC30, using plants (Allium cepa L., Lactuca sativa L., Raphanus sativus L., Pennisetum glaucum L., and Triticum aestivum L.) and Artemia salina L. as model organisms. In the phytotoxicity test, the species were ranked in order of sensitivity to the commercial formulation as follows: P. glaucum > L. sativa > T. aestivum > R. sativus. The most sensitive parameters were root length (RL) and shoot length (SL) of seedlings. In the cytogenotoxicity test with A. cepa, cell division was decreased at concentrations from 0.351mL L-1 in the meristematic region and root F1. Chromosomal aberrations and micronucleus were observed at all concentrations. In the test with A. salina, the IC50 after 24h of exposure was 0.01207mL L-1 of the commercial formulation. The results highlight the need for further research and regulations to understand and minimize the potential environmental impacts of COLOSSO FC30.

Mitigation of salt stress in Sorghum bicolor L. by the halotolerant endophyte Pseudomonas stutzeri ISE12.

Increasing soil salinity, exacerbated by climate change, threatens seed germination and crop growth, causing significant agricultural losses. Using bioinoculants based on halotolerant plant growth-promoting endophytes (PGPEs) in modern agriculture is the most promising and sustainable method for supporting plant growth under salt-stress conditions. Our study evaluated the efficacy of Pseudomonas stutzeri ISE12, an endophyte derived from the extreme halophyte Salicornia europaea, in enhancing the salinity tolerance of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.). We hypothesized that P. stutzeri ISE12 would improve sorghum salt tolerance to salinity, with the extent of the increase in tolerance depending on the genotype's sensitivity to salt stress. Experiments were conducted for two sorghum genotypes differing in salinity tolerance (Pegah - salt tolerant, and Payam - salt sensitive), which were inoculated with a selected bacterium at different salinity concentrations (0, 100, 150, and 200 mM NaCl). For germination, we measured germination percentage and index, mean germination time, vigor, shoot and root length of seedlings, and fresh and dry weight. In pot experiments, we assessed the number of leaves, leaf area, specific leaf area, leaf weight ratio, relative root weight, plantlet shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight, proline and hydrogen peroxide concentrations, and peroxidase enzyme activity. Our study demonstrated that inoculation significantly enhanced germination and growth for both sorghum genotypes. The salinity-sensitive genotype (Payam) responded better to bacterial inoculation during germination and early seedling growth stages, showing approximately 1.4 to 1.8 times greater improvement than the salinity-tolerant genotype (Pegah). Payam also displayed better performance at the plantlet growth stage, between 1.1 and 2.6 times higher than Pegah. Furthermore, inoculation significantly reduced hydrogen peroxide, peroxidase activity, and proline levels in both sorghum genotypes. These reductions were notably more pronounced in Payam, with up to 1.5, 1.3, and 1.5 times greater reductions than in Pegah. These results highlight the efficacy of P. stutzeri ISE12 in alleviating oxidative stress and reducing energy expenditure on defense mechanisms in sorghum, particularly benefiting salt-sensitive genotypes. Our findings highlight the potential of the bacterial endophyte P. stutzeri ISE12 as a valuable bioinoculant to promote sorghum growth under saline conditions.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Organic Seed Priming Formulations on Germination and Seedling Growth in Acid Lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) cv. Kagzi

The primary objective of this research was to evaluating the effectiveness of organic seed priming formulations on germination and seedling growth in acid lime cv. Kagzi at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, during the period 2020-2021. The study comprised six distinct treatments of organic formulations, including beejamrit, cow urine (50% and 100%), cow dung, cow dung slurry, and control (without soaking). The seeds were soaked for a duration of 24 hours. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with three replications. The study findings revealed that the control (without soaking) exhibited the highest germination percentage (45.17) and germination rate (2.38), followed closely by the beejamrit. Furthermore, the beejamrit treatment demonstrated remarkable seedling growth at 180 days after sowing, with the highest values recorded for seedling diameter (3.23 mm), seedling shoot length (36.90 cm), fresh shoot weight (3.26 g), fresh root weight (1.26 g), tap root length (37.57 cm), and survival percentage (91.50). Cow dung slurry also exhibited notable performance in terms of seedling growth parameters at 180 days after sowing with the beejamrit. Cow dung slurry showcased the highest number of secondary roots (50.00), number of leaves per seedling (31.67), leaf chlorophyll content (33.80 SPAD), and nitrogen content (1.52%), closely followed by the beejamrit treatment. Accelerating the rate of germination and growth of lime seedlings has become a top concern for nurserymen and scientists on a national level to reduce expenditures and time for seedling maintenance. For overcoming such types of problems at the nursery stage, contributing to more resilient and sustainable farming practices using organic seed priming is a good alternative against chemical seed priming.

Effect of Different Seed Priming Treatments on Seed Quality Components of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

The effects of different seed priming treatments, namely tap water, KNO3 @ 2.5%, Thiourea @ 1000 ppm, CaCl2 @ 2%, NaCl2 @ 2%, ZnSO4 @ 1%, KH2PO4 @ 1% and Salicylic acid @ 100 ppm solutions, on seed quality parameters of Barley cv. K-1055 and K-409 in Factorial Completely Randomized Block Design with four replications were investigated during 2022-23 and 2023-24 at the laboratory of Department of Seed Science and Technology, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur. Analysis of variance revealed that the all recorded seed quality parameters were significantly affected by various seed priming treatments. Priming with KNO3 @ 2.5 % showed maximum 1000 seed weight, standard germination %, seedling length, seedling root length, seedling shoot length, seedling dry weight, seed vigour index-I and seed vigour index-II.

Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter spp. capable of metabolizing aromatics displays multifarious plant growth promoting traits: Insights on strategizing consortium-based application to agro-ecosystems

The persistence and slow rate of natural attenuation of genotoxic and endocrine-disrupting aromatic pollutants has impacted the soil heath of agro-ecologies leading to various health and environmental issues. Ecotoxic-xenobiotic compounds degradation property along with plant growth promoting traits of microbes are beneficial for devising strategies for improved agricultural soil health and its clean-up. Present study assessed the multipartite plant growth promoting-, biocontrol- and niche adaptive- traits of five aromatic degrading soil bacteria viz. Pseudomonas bharatica CSV86T, Pseudomonas sp. C5pp, Pseudomonas sp. PP4, Pseudomonas sp. PPD and Acinetobacter sp. ISP4. Solubilization of rock phosphate (P) and feldspar (K), production of plant growth hormone (auxin; IAA), ammonia, siderophores and ACC deaminase by strain CSV86T, C5pp and PP4 were observed. Similarly, high fusaric acid resistance (MIC: 1–1.2 mg mL−1) and tolerance to salinity (5–7.5 %) was observed. In vitro application of CSV86T, C5pp, PP4 and ISP4 as consortium resulted in significant increase (P < 0.05) in the seedling shoot length (15–37 %), root length (65–150 %) and biomass (30–40 %) of wheat, mung bean and fenugreek. In-soil microcosm assay confirmed the plant growth promoting and phytoprotective ability of this consortium against toxicity of aromatics in contaminated soil. Antifungal activity against phytopathogenic fungi Magnaporthe oryzae and Aspergillus spp., ability to produce lytic enzymes and HCN suggests their biocontrol potential. Four aromatic degrading bacteria (as a consortium) exhibiting plant growth promotion and biocontrol activity could be used as an eco-friendly bioremediator-biofertilizer-biocontrol agent (bioformulation) for restoration of agricultural soil with improved crop productivity.

The effects of the magnetic field on germination and seedling growth of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Organisms interact with their environment and effects of environmental factors vary depending on ecology and tolerance levels. However magnetic field is an inevitable factor for all organisms. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of different magnetic field (MF) applications on germination percentage, pigment content and antioxidant capacity of two important agricultural plant (Sunflower and Chickpea) species. Initially, seeds were exposed to 5 mT, 10 mT and 20 mT magnetic field generated by Helmholtz coil for detection of germination effects. Then seedling test was survived at the same conditions. MF was applied 20 minutes for every day at the same time period. According to germination results, MF application to sunflower and chickpea seeds was resulted with increase in germination percentage compared to control. 20 mT application caused decrease in shoot length of sunflower seedlings. On the contrary, 20 mT MF application resulted with increase in shoot length of chickpea seedlings. All magnetic field strengths increased carotenoid levels in chickpea seedlings. Also, MF application affected the phenolic and flavonoid contents of sunflower and chickpea seedlings. Depending on the increase in secondary metabolites, DPPH and FRAP activities varied. As a conclusion, MF application contributed to effect on plant metabolism and it has the potential to be used in agricultural applications.

Morpho-physiochemical traits and metabolic analysis reveal the rapeseed responses under large clod sized soil conditions

Soil clod size is an important factor affecting seedling growth; besides, cultivation of strong seedlings is important to improve yield and benefit of direct-seeding rapeseed. To simulate the open field conditions, two rapeseed cultivars were grown in different clod sized soil to study morpho-physiochemical responses at five leaf stage, beside applying metabolite profiling. Moreover, foliar application via alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) was applied to improve the adaptability of rapeseed to large clod sized soil. Our results showed that soil water content was decreased in large clod sized soil (K2) versus small clod sized soil (K1), which decreased seedling weight, shoot length and root vitality, while increasing root length. Furthermore, osmolyte contents and peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activity were decreased with increasing malondialdehyde content in studied rapeseed cultivars under K2 conditions. Moreover, phospholipase A2 (PLA2) of phospholipid metabolism and its related enzymes were decreased, while its content and gene expression were increased. Besides, ALA metabolism was up-regulated, while lipoxygenase (LOX) activity, content and its gene expression were elevated under K2 conditions. Metabolic profiling showed that lipid metabolism was significantly changed than other identified components, which is synthetic precursors of various secondary metabolites. Compared with K1, the metabolic pathways of ALA and pyrimidine were up-regulated, while the metabolic pathways of glycerophospholipids and purines were down-regulated in both studied cultivars under K2 conditions. Moreover, ALA application enhanced seedling growth by improving root length, shoot and root dry weight, root vitality, ALA and proline contents, while reducing the malondialdehyde (MDA) content of two rapeseed cultivars under K2 conditions. Taken together, our study provided a theoretical basis and technical support for the soil tillage and cultivation of direct-seeding rapeseed.

Optimizing germination: comparative assessment of various growth media on dragon fruit germination and early growth

Dragon fruit (Selenicereus undatus), known for its captivating appearance and remarkable nutritional profile, has garnered considerable attention in recent years. Despite its popularity, there's a dearth of research on optimal conditions for seed germination and early growth stages such as seedling shoot length, which are crucial for optimal crop yield. This study aims to bridge this gap by evaluating various growing media's performance on dragon fruit germination and early growth stages. Dragon fruit seeds were obtained from local markets in Pakistan and evaluated in five different growing media: cocopeat, peat moss, sand, vermiculite, and compost. Germination parameters were observed for 45 days, including seed germination percentage, mean germination time, and mean daily germination percentage, among others while early growth was monitored for 240 days. Statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD test. Significant differences were found among the growing media regarding germination percentage, mean germination time, and mean daily germination. Vermiculite exhibited the highest germination rate (93.33%), while compost showed the least (70%). Peat moss and sand media facilitated rapid germination, while compost showed slower rates. Stem length was significantly influenced by the growth media, with compost supporting the longest stems. Vermiculite emerged as the most effective medium for dragon fruit seed germination, while compost showed slower but steady growth. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing dragon fruit cultivation, aiding commercial growers and enthusiasts in achieving higher yields and quality. Further research could explore additional factors influencing dragon fruit growth and development.

Agricultural waste-based modified biochars differentially affected the soil properties, growth, and nutrient accumulation by maize (Zea mays L.) plants

Biochar (BC) is an organic compound formed by the pyrolysis of organic wastes. Application of BCs as soil amendments has many benefits including carbon sequestration, enhanced soil fertility and sustainable agriculture production. In the present study, we acidified the different BCs prepared from rice straw, rice husk, wheat straw, cotton stalk, poultry manure, sugarcane press mud and vegetable waste; following which, we applied them in a series of pot experiments. Comparisons were made between acidified and non- acidified BCs for their effects on seed germination, soil properties (EC, pH) nutrient contents (P, K, Na) and organic matter. The treatments comprised of a control, and all above-described BCs (acidified as well as non-acidified) applied to soil at the rate of 1% (w/w). The maize crop was selected as a test crop. The results showed that acidified poultry manure BC significantly improved germination percentage, shoot length, and biomass of maize seedlings as compared to other BCs and their respective control plants. However, acidified BCs caused a significant decrease in nutrient contents (P, K, Na) of soil,maize seedlings, and the soil organic matter contents as compared to non- acidified BCs. But when compared with control treatments, all BCs treatments (acidified and non-acidified) delivered higher levels of nutrients and organic matter contents. It was concluded that none of the BCs (acidified and non-acidified) had caused negative effect on soil conditions and growth of maize. In addition, the acidification of BC prior to its application to alkaline soils might had altered soil chemistry and delivered better maize growth. Moving forward, more research is needed to understand the long-term effects of modified BCs on nutrient dynamics in different soils. In addition, the possible effects of BC application timings, application rates, particle size, and crop species have to be evaluated systemtically.

Trichoderma spp. isolates stimulate rice seedling growth of Sertani 13 variety

Trichoderma has become one of the most studied filamentous fungi to be used as a greener and more sustainable solution for improving the production and growth of numerous crops, due to its capability to form symbiotic associations with plants. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Trichoderma isolates obtained from the rhizosphere of organic rice fields in Sukabumi, Indonesia, in enhancing rice germination and seedling growth. A laboratory experiment used a completely randomized design consisting of seed treatments of 21 Trichoderma isolates (T1-T21) and a control treatment without Trichoderma (C). The inoculation was employed to elucidate any potential effects of Trichoderma isolates. Results showed that five isolates, i.e., T5, T7, T9, T10, and T14 stimulated the highest seedling vigor index, root and shoot length, and fresh weight and dry weight. These findings exhibited the potential of these five isolates as plant growth-promoting fungi to improve rice seedling growth and contribute to our understanding of the role of symbiotic fungi in sustainable rice crop production. Keywords: plant growth promoting fungi; seed treatment; plant-microbe interactions, symbiotic fungi

Genome-wide association study for seedling heat tolerance under two temperature conditions in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

BackgroundAs the greenhouse effect intensifies, global temperatures are steadily increasing, posing a challenge to bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production. It is imperative to comprehend the mechanism of high temperature tolerance in wheat and implement breeding programs to identify and develop heat-tolerant wheat germplasm and cultivars.ResultsTo identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) related to heat stress tolerance (HST) at seedling stage in wheat, a panel of 253 wheat accessions which were re-sequenced used to conduct genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using the factored spectrally transformed linear mixed models (FaST-LMM). For most accessions, the growth of seedlings was found to be inhibited under heat stress. Analysis of the phenotypic data revealed that under heat stress conditions, the main root length, total root length, and shoot length of seedlings decreased by 47.46%, 49.29%, and 15.19%, respectively, compared to those in normal conditions. However, 17 varieties were identified as heat stress tolerant germplasm. Through GWAS analysis, a total of 115 QTLs were detected under both heat stress and normal conditions. Furthermore, 15 stable QTL-clusters associated with heat response were identified. By combining gene expression, haplotype analysis, and gene annotation information within the physical intervals of the 15 QTL-clusters, two novel candidate genes, TraesCS4B03G0152700/TaWRKY74-B and TraesCS4B03G0501400/TaSnRK3.15-B, were responsive to temperature and identified as potential regulators of HST in wheat at the seedling stage.ConclusionsThis study conducted a detailed genetic analysis and successfully identified two genes potentially associated with HST in wheat at the seedling stage, laying a foundation to further dissect the regulatory mechanism underlying HST in wheat under high temperature conditions. Our finding could serve as genomic landmarks for wheat breeding aimed at improving adaptation to heat stress in the face of climate change.

Suppression of Root Rot Fungal Diseases in Common Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) through the Application of Biologically Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles.

The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plant extracts has become a safe replacement for conventional chemical synthesis methods to fight plant pathogens. In this study, the antifungal activity of biosynthesized AgNPs was evaluated both in vitro and under greenhouse conditions against root rot fungi of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), including Macrophomina phaseolina, Pythium graminicola, Rhizoctonia solani, and Sclerotium rolfsii. Among the eleven biosynthesized AgNPs, those synthesized using Alhagi graecorum plant extract displayed the highest efficacy in suppressing those fungi. The findings showed that using AgNPs made with A. graecorum at a concentration of 100 μg/mL greatly slowed down the growth of mycelium for R. solani, P. graminicola, S. rolfsii, and M. phaseolina by 92.60%, 94.44%, 75.93%, and 79.63%, respectively. Additionally, the minimum inhibitory concentration (75 μg/mL) of AgNPs synthesized by A. graecorum was very effective against all of these fungi, lowering the pre-emergence damping-off, post-emergence damping-off, and disease percent and severity in vitro and greenhouse conditions. Additionally, the treatment with AgNPs led to increased root length, shoot length, fresh weight, dry weight, and vigor index of bean seedlings compared to the control group. The synthesis of nanoparticles using A. graecorum was confirmed using various physicochemical techniques, including UV spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Collectively, the findings of this study highlight the potential of AgNPs as an effective and environmentally sustainable approach for controlling root rot fungi in beans.

Impact of magnetized water on seed germination and seedling growth of wheat and barley

Wheat and barley are considered as a world's number one in nutritional basis of humans and animals worldwide. The effects of magnetized water on the seed germination and seedling growth of wheat (Triticum durum L. c.v. umqais) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L. c.v. athruh) were investigated. Static magnetic field (MF) of 0.15 T strength on four types of water; Tap Water (TW), Deionized Water (DIW), Distilled Water (DISW), and Rain Water (RW) were examined. Triplicate groups of wheat and barley seeds with triplicate of water types were studied under the influence of magnetized water with different time intervals. The magnetized (DIW) significantly increased the seedling root fresh weight in wheat and the germination rate in barley, while magnetized (TW) increased the seedling shoot fresh weight and seedling root fresh weight in wheat but decreased the seedling shoot dry weight and vigor index-II in barley. Significant reduction in barley seedling shoot length and vigor index-I was observed with magnetized (DISW). Moreover, it is shown that in the presence of a static magnetic field the water pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) were significantly affected. In addition, the pH of DIW, DISW, and (RW) increased by 40%, 26%, and 1.1% respectively, after 25 min of exposure to MF, and the maximum increase occurred between 20 min and 25 min for DIW, DISW. A similar increase was observed in EC and TDS values for DISW. Data indicated that the best retention time for magnetized treated water is 15 min to maintain the pH (5.6–6.5), EC and TDS within the optimal range that are required for successful barley seed germination. These findings highlight the potentials of magnetized water as a novel approach in agricultural, proposing a new avenue to enhance crop growth and productivity, especially in challenging environmental conditions, thereby addressing critical challenges in modern agricultural engineering.

Biometry and physiological potential of Pterogyne nitens Tull. Seeds as a function of different substrates

The Pterogyne nitens Tul., popularly known as "amendoim-bravo," belongs to the Fabaceae family and can be used in the recovery of degraded areas and in the restoration of riparian forests. The objective of this study was to biometrically characterize the seeds of "amendoim-bravo" and study the influence of substrates on the physiological potential of the seeds. For biometric characterization, eight replicates of 100 seeds were used to determine length and width. In the germination test using a completely randomized experimental design, the seeds were distributed in five different substrates: paper towel in roll form, between blotting paper, on top of blotting paper, between sand, and commercial substrate, at a regulated temperature of 30°C in a Biochemical Oxygen Demand (B.O.D) chamber. The first germination count (PCG), germination speed index (IVG), root length, shoot length of seedlings, dry root mass, and shoot mass of seedlings were analyzed. Evaluating the first germination count and germination index, the paper towel roll substrate showed superiority with 96% and 98%, respectively, statistically differing from the other treatments. The value for germination speed index also highlighted the use of the paper towel roll (6.347). Regarding mean time, mean speed, and synchrony, the best results were also achieved with the paper towel roll substrate. Pterogyne nitens Tul. seeds have an average length of 11.52 mm and a width of 6.35 mm. For evaluating physiological potential, the use of the paper towel roll substrate is recommended.

Various extracts of the brown seaweed Cystoseira barbata with different compositions exert biostimulant effects on seedling growth of wheat.

Worldwide, where the demand for novel and greener solutions for sustainable agricultural production is increasing, the use of eco-friendly products such as seaweed-derived biostimulants as pre-sowing treatment represent a promising and important approach for the future. Cystoseira barbata, a brown seaweed species abundant in the Mediterranean Region, was collected from the Marmara Sea and subjected to water, alkali, and acidic extractions, and the biostimulant activity of these extracts was tested on wheat (Triticum durum cv. Saricanak-98) using different rates through application to the seeds or germination medium (substrate) applications. The different extracts were characterized by mineral, total phenolic, free amino acid, mannitol, polysaccharide, antioxidant concentrations and hormone-like activity. The effects of the extracts on growth parameters, root morphology, esterase activity, and mineral nutrient concentrations of wheat seedlings were investigated. Our results suggest that the substrate application was more effective in enhancing the seedling performance compared to the seed treatment. High rates of seaweed extracts applied to substrates increased the shoot length and fresh weight of wheat seedlings by up to 20 and 25%, respectively. The substrate applications enhanced the root fresh weights of wheat seedlings by up to 25% when compared to control plants. Among the biostimulant extract applications, the water extract at the highest rate yielded the most promising results in terms of the measured parameters. Cystoseira barbata extracts with different compositions can be used as effective biostimulants to boost seedling growth. The local seaweed biomass affected by mucilage problems, has great potential as a bioeconomy resource and can contribute to sustainable practices for agriculture.

IMPACT OF SALINITY ON SEED GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF WHEAT

Salinity is a widespread problem in arid and semiarid region, which severely limits plants growth and crop productivity. To evaluate the effect of salinity on germination and seedling growth a pot experiment was conducted during 2023 in the Department of Agronomy Lab. In this study, two varieties BWMRI Gom 1 and BWMRI Gom 2 were used to assess the effect of salinity levels (0, 3.5, 7 and 10.5 dS/m) on wheat seed germination efficiency. It was found that higher levels of salt stress significantly decreased germination percentage, coleoptile length, seedling shoot length, and seedling fresh, dry weight of shoot, root length, seedling fresh and dry weight of root. Moreover, at 10.5 dS/m NaCl seed germination percentage of the two varieties was remarkably reduced compared with non-stress conditions. The study showed that salinity influenced seed germination and seedling growth in both varieties of wheat, but BWMRI Gom 2 showed better results than BWMRI Gom 1.

Evaluation of Genetic variability and viability association of eight Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) varieties under different level of salinity stress

An investigation was carried to study the mean performance, variability and the associations between characters in mungbean. For this study eight mungbean genotypes viz., ADT 2, BM-2002-1, ML 5, AKM 4, Vishal, Vamban, TARM 1 and Utkarsh were used. The experiment was conducted in the Seed Science and Technology (sst) Laboratory and at Pot culture yard, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Annamalai nagar, Tamil nadu from September 2016 to December 2017 with four salt treatments (0, 2, 4 and 6 DSM-1) in ramdomized block design with three replications. Observation were on seven seedling characters such as germination percentage, seedling shoot length, seedling root length, seedling shoot fresh weight, seedling root fresh weight, seedling shoot dry weight, seedling root dry weight and seven quantitative characters such as days to first flowering, plant height, number of branches/plant, number of pods/plant, number of seeds/pod, 100 seed weight and seed yield/plant. Four elite genotypes were found to be superior based on the mean performance namely Utkarsh, TARM 1, Vamban and Vishal among the various levels of salinity.

Gamma Rays Sensitivity of Two Sesame cultivars in M1 Generation

The present study investigated the gamma ray sensitivity of two sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) varieties viz., AKT-64 and N-8 irradiated with five different doses from 400Gy to 700Gy. Germination percentage, root and shoot length, Survival percentage decreased gradually and observed a dose dependent relationship with an increase in dosage of gamma rays. N-8 showed a pronounced maximum reduction in germination percentage (28.44%) than AKT-64 (35.78%) at 700Gy, whereas survival percentage of AKT-64 (32.79%) and N-8 (26.45%) was drastically reduced at 700Gy dose. At a higher dose of 700Gy, root (2.42cm) and shoot (2.06cm) length of seedlings of N-8 were greatly inhibited. LD50 values that showed 50% reduction in biological parameters differed between AKT-64 and N-8. Based on all the biological parameters studied, the mutagen sensitivity of N-8 is higher than AKT-64. The overall considerations on M1 generation effects showed that N-8 were highly sensitive to gamma rays.