Seed Size Research Articles

Damage caused by Tuckerella ornata (Acari: Tuckerellidae) on cocoa fruits (Theobroma cacao) in the Amazon region, state of Pará, Brazil

The study aimed to report peacock mites (Acari: Tuckerellidae) on cocoa fruits (Theobroma cacao L.; Malvaceae) in the northeast Bragantina region, state of Pará, Brazil. Two mite species were identified, Tuckerella ornata, with 149 specimens, 32.89% on leaves and 67.11% on fruits, and Tuckerella knorri, with only two specimens on leaves. It was found that green fruits with T. ornata significantly reduced the size and weight of seeds. More attacked fruits, with more severe damage, showed deformations and thick cracks. Significant damage was noted in the Forastero cocoa seeds, visible to the naked eye, with light brown spots and a fine crack on the epidermis.

Mechanisms controlling seed size by early endosperm development

Seed size is an important agronomic trait determining the yield potential of crops that is controlled by the growth and development of the endosperm, embryo, and seed coat. The seed coat and endosperm have been proposed to play primary roles in determining seed size. Extensive research has been carried out on the regulation of seed size by seed coat, whereas the molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of seed size by the endosperm is poorly understood. Recent studies have emphasized the central role of the endosperm in seed development. The proliferation of syncytial endosperm nuclei and the endosperm cell division during early endosperm development determine the number of endosperm cells, which plays a fundamental role in controlling seed size. Here, we summarize the recent progress in early endosperm development, emphasizing the roles and molecular mechanisms of the HAIKU pathway, phytohormones, and polycomb repressive complex 2 in the control of seed size.

Variation in Acacia senegal Seed size and Germination Collected from Different Regions of Rajasthan

Acacia senegal is common in Rajasthan and its seeds are used in Panchkutta vegetable. It is good for fencing and also on bunds fencing. Seeds from different locations were collected and their seed size and other parameters were studied. Its germination in laboratory with different treatments as well as with different concentrations of Growth regulators was studied. Results shows that seed size varies with different locations even in same districts also. However there is no correlation with germination behavior. Phenological study and reproductive biology of seeds need to be studied in details.

Physical characteristics of maize seeds and their technological significance in processing and storage of sowing material

Topicality. The research on the preparation of high-quality seed of maize hybrids based on the consideration of their technical and technological properties at the stages of harvesting, processing and storage is relevant today. Purpose. To study and determine the essential physical parameters that characterise technical and technological characteristics and affect the seed quality of maize hybrids. Methods. The research includes theoretical and practical calculations with a review of literature sources, laboratory and model experiments and the laying out of field trials, mathematical and statistical evaluation of the data obtained. The experiments were carried out according to standardised methods of DSTU and agrotechnical recommendations, and the source material was hybrids bred by the State Enterprise Institute of Grain Crops of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine. Results. The most significant physical characteristics of seeds are evaluated: shape, linear size, volume and geometric surface of seeds, their weight and specific weight, mechanical strength of maize hybrids and self-pollinated lines, and differences between them are determined. Experiments on seed separation, drying and storage were carried out, and certain physical characteristics were identified that have a special impact on the technology of these processes and form the seed quality. Conclusions. The dry seed quality during the separation process is most affected by the linear size of the seed, in particular, seed width, depending on which the fractions with the highest germination and yield are separated (tailing through round holes of 8 mm and more in diameter). Drying is influenced by the coefficient that characterises the ratio of the geometric area to the volume of the seed; at a coefficient of more than 1.0 (in experiments – 1.14–1.22), the intensity of moisture transfer and the drying rate increase by 8.3–15.7 % compared to a coefficient of 1.0. During storage, especially long-term storage, the quality and resistance of seeds is affected by the equilibrium moisture content, which should be at the level of 12 %, depending on the environmental conditions. Key words: maize seed, harvesting, drying, storage, physical characteristics, germination, yield

Germination and Seedling Vigor of Jack Bean (Canavalia ensiformis) as Affected by Seed Size

Seed size is one of a quantitative indicator of seed quality that influences the plant performance and is often associated with yield. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of seed size on germination and seedling vigor in jack beans. The research was carried out in Malang, Indonesia, using local jack bean cultivars from Tanggamus (Lampung, Indonesia). The study was arranged in a completely randomized design with seed size as treatment. The effect of seed size on germination percentage, seed vigor, and seedling morphology was studied. The classification for the seed size in this study was the large seed (1.81 g/seed), medium seed (1.40 g/seed), and small seed (0.95 g/seed). Small and medium seeds have the speed and simultaneity of emerging cotyledons on the fifth day. Small seeds had the highest germination percentage than medium and large seeds on the sixth day. The relationship between GP and seed vigor variables was not significant, however, GP and seed vigor features are determined by emerging cotyledon, germination, and some seedling morphological characters. The vigor parameters (MDG, PV, GV, and GI) of small seed sizes were higher than those of medium and large seed sizes. The medium seed size of jack beans produces a better seedling morphology than other seed sizes. It was concluded that although medium seeds produce a better seedling growth yet small seeds could also be used for successful jack bean production.

Chapter 16: Rules for size and grading of seeds

Chapter 16: Rules for size and grading of seeds

Variability and correlation between properties of maize hybrid seeds of different fractions obtained after seed processing and the initial seedling growth

The shape and the size of maize seeds are the most variable traits, which are determined by a genotype and environmental conditions. The aim of this study was to understand the effects of the mechanism of the relationship and significance of seed variability on germination and morphology of seedlings. The seeds of five hybrids ZP388, ZP434, ZP555, ZP606, and ZP6263 were used in this study. The following seed traits were analysed: physical ones: seed length (L), thickness (T) and the width (W); morphological ones: seed weight (SW), seedling length (SLW), root length (RL), shoot length (SL) and seed germination (G) as a phydiological trait. There are statistically significant differences not only among physical traits of the seeds of the five hybrids (p?0.05), but also among the morphological traits (p?0.05). Statisticlly significant differences (p?0.05). in the width (W), length(L) and thickness (T) of seeds of all hybrids were determined in the small flat fraction (SP). The large rounded seed fraction (KO) mainly differed in the width and thickness between hybrids ZP434 and ZP 555, while the large flat seed fraction differed the most in the length between these two hybrids. Large-flat (KP) seed fractions are also characterized by the highest germination (99%). As the seed weight increases, the seedling weight decreases (R2=0.527). Segmentation within hybrids according to the diversity of morphological and physiological properties of seeds was carried out according to the seed size, fraction and seedling weight, while the other parameters were less important. The characteristic of all hybrids is that large seeds of the KP fraction have high germination and well-developed seedlings.

Polyculture of sea cucumber (Holothuria scabra) and milkfish (Chanos chanos) in controlled tanks

Milkfish (Chanos chanos) and sea cucumbers (Holothuria scabra) are fishery commodities that can grow well in ponds. The commodities have different feeding habits. Polyculture trials in controlled tanks are possible. This study aimed to determine the growth and survival of sea cucumbers reared in polyculture in tanks and to know whether sea cucumbers can use milkfish feces as feed. This study used 12 PE tanks of 500 L to ascertain that no other food sources were available in the tanks. The initial size of sea cucumber seeds was 3.4 – 5.4 cm and milkfish 19.0 – 22.5 cm. The treatments designed were (A) monoculture of sea cucumber (28.6 g/m2), (B) polyculture of sea cucumbers (28.6 g/m2) and milkfish (0.28 g/L), (C) polyculture of sea cucumbers (28.6 g/m2) and milkfish (0.56 g/L), and (D) monoculture of milkfish (0.56 g/L). Results showed that both monoculture and polyculture of sea cucumbers and milkfish resulted in high survival rates (100%). Although the polyculture of sea cucumbers showed no significant difference in growth, polyculture with milkfish (C) tended to have a higher final weight of sea cucumbers than the other treatments. Sea cucumbers could utilize milkfish feces and increase the growth of sea cucumbers.

Morphological Characterization and Recognition of New Traits of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill

Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS) characterization of ninety recently evolved soybean genotypes including three national checks were carried out at JNKVV, Jabalpur, during Kharif 2021. Sixteen DUS traits were evaluated as described by National DUS test guidelines. Observations were made on Hypocotyl Pigmentation, Growth type, Growth habitat, Leaf shape, Leaf size, Leaf colour, Flower colour, Flower colour, Pod hairiness, Pod pub colour, Pod intensity of brown colour, Seed size, Seed shape, Seed coat colour, Hilum colour, Seed coat Lustre and Colour of funicle at various phases. It revealed that there was a lot of variation in the soybean genotypes for DUS characters. Frequency distribution of data exhibited that presence of Hypocotyl: anthocyanin pigmentation (65.55 %), Semi-Determinate Growth type (75.55 %), Semi-erect Growth habitat (90.0 %), Pointed Ovate Leaf shape (83.33 %), Pod hairiness pubescent (84.44%), Seed size medium (64.44%), Seed coat colour yellow (84.44%), Seed coat Lustre intermediate (77.77%) and Colour of funicle brown (100%) were dominating traits in present set of genotypes. This soybean germplasm has a wide range of features and morphological variation, which may assist a breeder in further improvement of soybean. This will be extremely helpful in identifying, conserving and developing ideal plant type on the basis of distinguishing morphological characters.

Tuning Growth of ZnO Nano-Arrays by the Dewetting of Gel Layer

The classical two-step sol-gel hydrothermal method enables the growth of nanoarrays on various substrates via a seed layer. The morphology of the nanoarrays is often tuned by changing the composition ratio of the seed solution. It is taken for granted that the number density and size of seeds will increase with the proportion of precursors. However, in this work, we found novel two-stage dependencies between the concentration of the precursor (ZnAC) and the geometric parameters (number density and diameter) of ZnO seed particles. The completely opposite dependencies illustrate the existence of two different mechanisms. Especially when the proportion of precursors is low (ϕZnAC:ϕPVA<0.22), the seed number density and diameter decrease with the increasing precursor concentration. This counterintuitive phenomenon should be caused by the destabilization and dewetting process of the thin film layers during annealing. Based on this new mechanism, we demonstrate the tuning growth of the ZnO seed layer and the nanowire array by annealing time. The number density of the nanorod array can be changed by 10 times, and the diameter of the nanorods can be changed by more than 8 times. The new mechanism we proposed can not only help people deepen their understanding of the formation and evolution of the seed layer but also provide a new way for the controllable growth of nanomaterials.

Study of Paclobutrazol Dosage and Seed Size on Growth and Yield of Porang (Amorphophallus onchophyllus P.)

The konjac plant (Amorphophallus oncophyllus Prain.) contains high glucomannan with many benefits. This experiment aimed to study effect of paclobutrazol dose and seedling size on the growth and yield of konjac plants. The research was arranged factorially based on a Completely Randomized Design with two factor. The first factor (paclobutrazol dose) consisted of P0: 0.0 g/plant, P1: 0.05 g/plant, P2: 0.10 g/plant, P3: 0.15 g/plant, P4: 0.20 g/plant. The second factor (seed size) consisted of U1: 20-50 g/seed, U2: 100-150 g/seed, U3: 200-250 g/seed. Observation parameters included plant height, canopy diameter, stem diameter, stem sturdiness, number of buds, weight and diameter of tubers. Results showed that paclobutrazol dose of 0.20 g/plant had a significant effect on stem sturdiness, weight and diameter of the tubers. The maximum of tuber weight obtained by paclobutrazol application of 0.2 g/plant was estimated to be 1,533 g with tuber diameter of 167 mm. Small size seed (20-50 g) produced the largest number of buds and did not differ markedly from those of medium size seed (100-150 g). Large size seed (200-250 g) produced the best konjac plants in term of canopy diameter, stem sturdiness, weight and diameter of tubers. Keywords : Dosage, Konjac, Paclobutrazol, Seed Size, Tuber Size

Influence of Seed Size and Bio-fertilizer on Growth, Yield and Yield Parameter of Groundnut [Arachis hypogaea (L.)] Crop under Rainfed Condition

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season 2021 to study the effect of seed size and bio-fertilizers on growth, yield and yield parameter of crop. The treatments include different categories of seed size viz., mixed (S1), bold (S2) and small seed size (S3) and bio-fertilizer viz., control (B1), Rhizobium + PSB + KMB (B2) and Trichoderma harzianum + Aspergillus niger (B3). Large seed size and bio-fertilizer shows significant effect on growth parameter viz., plant height, number of branches plant-1, number of pegs plant-1 and root nodules plant-1 and yield parameter viz., number of pods plant-1, number of seeds per pod-1, seed index, shelling percentage and seed yield of groundnut except harvest index. Large seed size shows significant increase in number of pegs plant-1 and pods plant-1 which increase the yield of groundnut. In case of bio-fertilizer, Rhizobium + PSB + KMB shows significant effect on growth and yield parameter viz., plant height, number of branches plant-1, number of pegs plant-1, root nodules plant-1, yield parameter viz., number of pods plant-1, number of seeds per pod-1, seed index, shelling percentage and seed yield of groundnut except harvest index.

Response of Seed Size and Bio-fertilizer on Yield, Quality, Nutrient Content and Uptake of Groundnut Crop under Rainfed Condition

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season 2021 to study the effect of seed size and bio-fertilizers on yield, quality, nutrient content and uptake by the crop and available nutrients in soil after harvest of crop. The treatments include different categories of seed size viz., mixed (S1), bold (S2) and small seed size (S3) and bio-fertilizer viz., control (B1), Rhizobium + PSB + KMB (B2) and Trichoderma harzianum + Aspergillus niger (B3). Seed yield and haulm yield of groundnut were significantly increased by the treatments of seed size and biofertilizers. The crops sown with large seed size (1184 kg ha-1) and bio-fertilizer with the treatment Rhizobium + PSB + KMB produced significantly higher seed yield (1227 kg ha-1). Similarly, significantly higher haulm yield was also found in the treatment large seed (2442 kg ha-1) and Rhizobium + PSB + KMB (2427 kg ha-1). However, oil content and oil yield were found non-significant by seed size and bio-fertilizer. Significantly higher nutrient uptake by seed and haulm of crop obtained with the treatment bold seed and Rhizobium + PSB + KMB.

Can Soybean Cultivars with Larger Seed Size Produce More Protein, Lipids, and Seed Yield? A Meta-Analysis.

Increasing soybean production and ensuring greater access to soybean protein and lipids is critical for global food security and human health. Seed size (i.e., seed weight) is one of the most important agronomic traits of soybean, which not only determines the seed yield, but can also affect the yield of protein and lipids. In China, farmers favor soybean cultivars with large seeds, which they believe produce more protein and lipids; however, experimental evidence supporting this belief is lacking. Therefore, we conducted field experiments from 2017 to 2020 at 35 locations across the Huang-Huai-Hai region (HHH) of China with 64 soybean cultivars. The seed yield, seed protein content, and seed lipids content of soybean, and their relationship with seed size were investigated. The highest seed yield (i.e., seed weight per unit area) was 2996.5 kg ha−1 in the north of HHH. However, the highest seed protein content was found in the south of HHH (42.5%) for the higher temperature, which was significantly higher than that of the middle (41.7%) and north of HHH (40.2%). In contrast, the highest seed lipids content was 20.7% in the north of HHH. Temperature, which had a path coefficient on seed yield of 0.519, can promote soybean seed yield. The correlation analysis indicated that the selection of the large seed size cultivar did not increase seed yield, and even led to a reduction of seed yield under high-yield environmental conditions. The seed protein content of soybean was not increased in the cultivars with large seed sizes. In addition, under different levels of seed lipids content (<20.30% or >20.30%), a significantly negative relationship was found between seed lipids content and hundred seed weight. Therefore, it is recommended that farmers choose to plant cultivars with smaller soybean seed sizes, so as to ensure high and stable soybean seed yield and obtain more vegetable protein and lipids per unit area.

Genome-Wide Association Study Revealed SNP Alleles Associated with Seed Size Traits in African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa (Hochst ex. A. Rich.) Harms).

Seed size is an important yield and quality-determining trait in higher plants and is also crucial to their evolutionary fitness. In African yam bean (AYB), seed size varies widely among different accessions. However, the genetic basis of such variation has not been adequately documented. A genome-wide marker-trait association study was conducted to identify genomic regions associated with four seed size traits (seed length, seed width, seed thickness, and 100-seed weight) in a panel of 195 AYB accessions. A total of 5416 SNP markers were generated from the diversity array technology sequence (DArTseq) genotype-by-sequencing (GBS)- approach, in which 2491 SNPs were retained after SNP quality control and used for marker-trait association analysis. Significant phenotypic variation was observed for the traits. Broad-sense heritability ranged from 50.0% (seed width) to 66.4% (seed length). The relationships among the traits were positive and significant. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) using the general linear model (GLM) and the mixed linear model (MLM) approaches identified 12 SNP markers significantly associated with seed size traits across the six test environments. The 12 makers explained 6.5-10.8% of the phenotypic variation. Two markers (29420334|F|0-52:C>G-52:C>G and 29420736|F|0-57:G>T-57:G>T) with pleiotropic effects associated with seed width and seed thickness were found. A candidate gene search identified five significant markers (100026424|F|0-37:C>T-37:C>T, 100041049|F|0-42:G>C-42:G>C, 100034480|F|0-31:C>A-31:C>A, 29420365|F|0-55:C>G-55:C>G, and 29420736|F|0-57:G>T-57:G>T) located close to 43 putative genes whose encoding protein products are known to regulate seed size traits. This study revealed significant makers not previously reported for seed size in AYB and could provide useful information for genomic-assisted breeding in AYB.

Seed Water Absorption, Germination, Emergence and Seedling Phenotypic Characterization of the Common Bean Landraces Differing in Seed Size and Color

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most widespread legume in Croatia and its production is based on landraces of great morphological diversity. Landraces morphologically differ the most in the seed coat color and size. Because plant emergence and crop establishment represent the most sensitive stage in crop development, the aim of this study was to determine whether the seed coat color and seed size of Croatian common bean landraces affect the water absorption rate, seed germination, emergence and phenotypic characteristics of the seedlings. In this study seeds of four common bean landraces with different seed color and size, ‘Biser’ (white-colored, small-seeded), ‘Bijeli’ (white-colored, large-seeded), ‘Kornjača’ (dark-colored, small-seeded) and ‘Trešnjevac’ (dark-colored, large-seeded) were evaluated in three different experiments: (i) water uptake, (ii) seed germination and (iii) emergence and seedling phenotypic characterization. The results show that white-colored seeds have a higher absorption rate and release more electrolytes compared to dark-colored seeds of similar size (and weight). The germination results show that white-colored and smaller seeds germinate faster compared to dark-colored and large seeds. On the other hand, the white-colored landrace ‘Bijeli’ took the longest time to emerge, probably due to cell damage that occurred during the fast initial water absorption. Using multispectral imaging, chlorophyll fluorescence imaging and stomatal conductance analysis, the seedlings of the dark-colored and large-seeded landraces were found to contain more photosynthetic pigments and have higher light absorption. In contrast, seedlings of white-colored and large seeds have lower stomatal conductance and transpiration and higher photochemical efficiency (despite possible cell damage during water absorption and germination). Results suggest that dark-colored seeds could survive better under unfavorable soil conditions without absorbing water, swelling, emergence or molding than white-colored seeds. Despite all this, white-colored common bean landraces remain popular in human diets and are often grown on small-scale farms.

Multivariate Machine Learning Approach for Size and Shape Prediction of Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower constitutes an important source of protein, mineral, vitamin, fatty acid, and offer a balanced source of amino acids. Machine learning is mostly performed for the prediction of descriptive attributes in the quality evaluation of foods. In this study physical attributes of two different sunflower varieties (Metinbey and İnegöl Alası) were determined and algorithms were applied for size and shape prediction of these varieties. In addition, five different machine learning predictors were used as Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Gaussian Processes (GP), Random Forest (RF), k-Nearest Neighbors (kNN), and Support Vector Regression (SVR). The prediction of surface area, volume, geometric mean diameter, aspect ratio, elongation, and shape index were based on the main physical attributes. İnegöl Alası variety had the greatest physical attributes. The seed length, width and thickness were obtained from İnegöl Alası variety as 23.89, 8.80 and 4.15 mm and from Metinbey as 17.88, 6.20 and 4.01 mm. All varieties were determined as significant in terms of the selected attributes as reported by Pillai Trace and Wilks’ Lambda (p&amp;lt;0.01). In the Wilks’ Lambda statistics, unexplained of the similarities or differences among the groups was 12.30%. Present findings revealed that MLP and SVR algorithms had the greatest correlation coefficients for all predicted attributes. In the study, the best predicted attributes were geometric mean diameter with an R value of 0.9989 (SVR), followed by volume and elongation with an R value of 0.9988 (MLP). Present findings revealed that MLP and SVR algorithms could potentially be used for size and shape prediction of sunflower varieties.

Calculating the depth of cultivation of the area where vegetable seeds are planted depending on their type

In the article, the working body of the tiller, which is processed before planting on horizontal ground, was determined according to the agrotechnical conditions with the following working parameters: the diameter of the milling drum, the number of blades, the angle of installation on the drum, the length of the milling blade and the number of revolutions of the milling drum. Depending on the size and types of vegetable seeds, the depth of processing varies. In order to ensure the depth of processing of vegetable seeds depending on the type, the range of the angle of installation of the milling cutter was determined.

Black Soybean Cultivar “Saebaram” with Dark Green Cotyledons and a Large Seed Size

Black Soybean Cultivar “Saebaram” with Dark Green Cotyledons and a Large Seed Size

Multi-Omics Profiling Identifies Candidate Genes Controlling Seed Size in Peanut.

Seed size is the major yield component and a key target trait that is selected during peanut breeding. However, the mechanisms that regulate peanut seed size are unknown. Two peanut mutants with bigger seed size were isolated in this study by 60Co treatment of a common peanut landrace, Huayu 22, and were designated as the "big seed" mutant lines (hybs). The length and weight of the seed in hybs were about 118% and 170% of those in wild-type (WT), respectively. We adopted a multi-omics approach to identify the genomic locus underlying the hybs mutants. We performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) of WT and hybs mutants and identified thousands of large-effect variants (SNPs and indels) that occurred in about four hundred genes in hybs mutants. Seeds from both WT and hybs lines were sampled 20 days after flowering (DAF) and were used for RNA-Seq analysis; the results revealed about one thousand highly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in hybs compared to WT. Using a method that combined large-effect variants with DEGs, we identified 45 potential candidate genes that shared gene product mutations and expression level changes in hybs compared to WT. Among the genes, two candidate genes encoding cytochrome P450 superfamily protein and NAC transcription factors may be associated with the increased seed size in hybs. The present findings provide new information on the identification and functional research into candidate genes responsible for the seed size phenotype in peanut.