Solid Matrix Priming Research Articles

갈매보리수나무 종자의 온도 및 여러 가지 전처리에 따른 발아반응

본 연구는 기능성 작물, 사방용 수종, 토양개량 등 활용성이 뛰어난 갈매보리수나무의 유용 유전자원의 장기보존 및 실생번식에 도움을 주고자 종자의 발아 온도조건 및 전처리에 대한 발아특성을 구명하고자 실시되었다. 갈매보리수나무 종자는 <TEX>$10{\sim}35^{\circ}C$</TEX>의 온도조건에 치상한 결과, 15, <TEX>$20^{\circ}C$</TEX>에서 발아율이 가장 높았으며, 평균발아일수, 발아속도 및 발아치는 <TEX>$25^{\circ}C$</TEX>에서 가장 좋은 결과를 나타내었다. 또한 주요 발아온도를 예측하기 위하여 2차 및 선형 회귀분석모델을 이용하였는데, 발아율을 이용한 2차 회귀분석 모델에서는 기준온도 <TEX>$0.6^{\circ}C$</TEX>, 최대온도 <TEX>$36.4^{\circ}C$</TEX>, 적정온도 <TEX>$18.5^{\circ}C$</TEX>로 나타났으며, 발아가능 온도범위는 <TEX>$35.8^{\circ}C$</TEX>이었다. 발아속도를 이용한 선형 회귀분석모델에서는 기준온도 <TEX>$8.3^{\circ}C$</TEX>, 최대온도 <TEX>$35.4^{\circ}C$</TEX>, 적정온도 <TEX>$25.3^{\circ}C$</TEX>로 나타났으며, 발아가능 온도범위는 <TEX>$27.2^{\circ}C$</TEX>로 분석모델간 차이를 나타내었다. 갈매보리수나무 종자를 생리적 처리 방법인 예냉, 층적 및 priming을 이용하여 전처리한 후 발아특성을 조사한 결과, 발아율에서는 <TEX>$CaCl_2$</TEX> 300, 400 mM priming 처리구에서 가장 높은 수치를 나타내었다. 평균발아일수는 층적 6, 8주 처리구에서 가장 짧게 나타났으나 대조구 보다 발아율이 낮은 것으로 보아 발아일수의 단축 보다는 발아의 종기 종료로 판단되었다. 발아속도 및 발아치의 경우 예냉 1, 2주 처리구에서 가장 높게 나타났으며 발아율 또한 <TEX>$CaCl_2$</TEX> 300, 400 mM 처리구에 이어 높은 수치를 나타내어 유묘 생산시 양적 질적 측면을 고려했을 때 가장 적정한 조건으로 판단 되었다. This study was carried out to test seed germination responses to temperatures and pre-treatments in Hippophae rhamnoides, which has many abilities in antioxidant activity, soil improvement and erosion control. H. rhamnoides seeds were placed at 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and <TEX>$35^{\circ}C$</TEX> under light condition. As the results, germination percentage (GP) was the highest at 15 and <TEX>$20^{\circ}C$</TEX>, and mean germination time (MGT), germination rate (GR) and germination value (GV) were the highest at <TEX>$25^{\circ}C$</TEX>. Quadratic and linear regression model were used to determine the cardinal temperatures such as base (<TEX>$T_b$</TEX>), maximum (<TEX>$T_m$</TEX>) and optimum (<TEX>$T_o$</TEX>) temperature for germination. In quadratic regression model using PG, <TEX>$T_b$</TEX>, <TEX>$T_m$</TEX> and <TEX>$T_o$</TEX> was estimated as 0.6, 36.4 and <TEX>$18.5^{\circ}C$</TEX>, respectively, and temperature range for germination was <TEX>$35.8^{\circ}C$</TEX>. In linear regression model using GR, <TEX>$T_b$</TEX>, <TEX>$T_m$</TEX> and <TEX>$T_o$</TEX> was estimated as 8.3, 35.4 and <TEX>$25.3^{\circ}C$</TEX>, respectively, and temperature range for germination was <TEX>$27.2^{\circ}C$</TEX>. Germination properties were investigated after H. rhamnoides seeds were treated by prechilling (1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks), stratification (2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks), solid matrix priming (seed : carrier : water = 5 : 1 : 7, 8, 9 and 10), osmo-priming (-0.25, -0.5, -1.0 and -1.5 MPa) and calcium chloride (<TEX>$CaCl_2$</TEX>) -priming (100, 200, 300 and 400 mM). The highest GP was observed in <TEX>$CaCl_2$</TEX> 300 and 400 mM treatments, and MGT was the shortest in stratification 6 and 8 weeks treatments. GR and GV were the highest and GP was the second highest when seeds were prechilled for 1 and 2 weeks. Consequently, prechilling 1 or 2 weeks treatment was considered as the appropriate method when we contemplate qualitative and quantitative effects in seedling production.

Use of Sieved Compost Plus Hydrogel for Solid Matrix Priming of Carrot Seeds

In this study we report the water release curve of a compost-based carrier for solid matrix priming and its effects on carrot seed germination. ‘Danvers Half Long’ and ‘Nantes Scarlet’ carrot (Daucus carota) seeds were primed for 7 d at 15°C in a carrier consisting of 5:1:5.7 sieved compost: hydrogel:distilled water (based on weight) equaling a water potential of −1.0 MPa. Seeds were blended with carrier at 1:10, 1:20, 1:30, or 1:40 (based on weight) and compost priming was compared with a polyethylene glycol (PEG) priming procedure. Germination testing at 20-30°C (16-8 h) in darkness indicated that all compost priming treatments hastened seed germination more than PEG priming. Compost priming at 1:30 increased final germination percentage (FGP) for ‘Nantes Scarlet’ (FGP = 85%) compared to PEG primed (FGP = 72%) seeds but ‘Danvers Half Long’ FGP was similar for all treatments. For both cultivars, seeds that were compost primed had reduced G (days to 10% FGP) and G (days to 50% FGP) compared to PEG primed or nonprimed seed. For ‘Danvers Half Long’ carrot seeds, priming ratios of 1:30 reduced G values more effectively than all other treatments. For ‘Nantes Scarlet’ carrot seeds, G10 and G50 values were reduced similarly at all seed-to-carrier ratios. Compost primed seeds could be dried and stored for 35 d at 3 or 20-30°C (16-8 h) for ‘Danvers Half Long’ and for 35 d at 3°C for ‘Nantes Scarlet’ with no loss in priming benefit. We conclude that solid matrix priming with a compost based carrier is a satisfactory alternative to PEG priming to improve germination of carrot seed.

Effect of Priming on Stored Onion Seeds

Onion seeds were treated with water (hydropriming), sand (80% WHC) (Solid matrix priming), salts of KNO3 and NaCl at 3% (halopriming) for 12 h and 24 h and PEG (-0.25 MPa) for 8h and 12 h (osmopriming). Seeds grouped into two lots and dried to 7% and 8% MC were packed in Aluminium foil pouch and cloth bag respectively and stored for four months under ambient conditions (33°C and 57% RH). Results of the storage experiment revealed that all the eight priming treatments imposed upon onion seeds increased the speed of germination, germination percentage, seedling length, protein content and enzyme activity but lowered the electrical conductivity of seeds when compared to control. Among the treatments, seeds hydro primed with 80% sand for 24 h bestowed supremacy over the rest of the treatments throughout the period of storage in both containers. Between the containers, seeds stored in Aluminium foil pouch recorded significantly improved percentage of radicle protrusion and germination throughout the period of storage.

Solid matrix priming improves seed emergence and crop performance in okra

Solid matrix priming improves seed emergence and crop performance in okra

Germination Techniques for Common Lambsquarters (Chenopodium album) and Pennsylvania Smartweed (Polygonum pensylvanicum)

A laboratory bioassay was conducted to describe the effects of cold stratification and solid matrix priming (SMP®) on the germination response of common lambsquarters and Pennsylvania smartweed seeds. Treating seeds of common lambsquarters with a combination of cold stratification and SMP resulted in 78% germination compared with 13% in control seeds. Analogous treatments of Pennsylvania smartweed seeds resulted in 22% germination compared with 1% for control. Improved germination of common lambsquarters and Pennsylvania smartweed seeds suggested that the combination of cold stratification and SMP treatments have potential for improving seed germination in other weed species that exhibit high levels of seed dormancy.

Both anti-oxidation and lipid-carbohydrate conversion enhancements are involved in priming-improved emergence of Echinacea purpurea seeds that differ in size

This study evaluated the effects of priming on emergence responses of purple coneflower ( Echinacea purpurea L. Moench) seeds. The seeds that differ in seed size were either primed with moistened vermiculite (solid matrix priming) or primed in non-aerated −0.5 MPa polyethylene glycol 6000 solution at 25 °C for 6 days (osmopriming), followed by air-drying to their initial moisture level. The tetrazolium staining tests indicated that both large and small seeds were biochemically viable. No notable difference in germination percentage was found between large and small seeds. However, extensive cavity was visible in portions of small seeds in comparison with large seeds. Large seeds accumulated more antioxidants and had greater activities of anti-oxidative enzymes than small seeds. They also had greater isocitrate lyase and malate synthase activities than small seeds. As a result, large seeds had higher emergence percentage and faster emergence speed as compared to that of small seeds. Both solid matrix priming and osmopriming increased emergence percentage and shortened mean emergence time of purple coneflower seeds by increasing the activities of anti-oxidative enzymes and decreasing the levels of malondialdehyde and total peroxide accumulation. Moreover, priming also enhanced the anti-oxidative activities of treated seeds. The activities of isocitrate lyase and malate synthase were also increased in primed seeds. The enhanced anti-oxidation and lipid-carbohydrate conversion activities might explain in part why primed purple coneflower seeds emerged better than non-primed seeds.

Can Solid Matrix Priming With GA3Break Seed Dormancy in Eastern Gamagrass?

Abstract Development of methods for breaking seed dormancy in eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides, L.) could increase its use. Solid matrix priming, the controlled hydration of seed in a system of solid carrier and water, has been used with some success to enhance germination in warm-season grasses. gibberellic acid (ga3), a known promoter of eastern gamagrass germination, can be added to solid matrix priming systems. In this study, systems were evaluated for conditioning eastern gamagrass seeds using the solid carriers Agro-Lig, MicroCel E, and Vermiculite #5. GA3 was added in 0.01 M concentration solutions to systems with water potentials of −0.4 and −0.6 MPa in Agro-Lig and −0.2 and −0.4 in MicroCel E and Vermiculite #5 and compared with systems with deionized water. Priming seed with GA3 increased germination to 18% compared with 13% without GA3. MicroCel E and Vermiculite #5 were suitable materials for controlled hydration of eastern gamagrass seed. Germination was only 11% in Agro-Lig compared ...

Can Solid Matrix Priming with GA 3 Break Seed Dormancy in Eastern Gamagrass?

Can Solid Matrix Priming with GA 3 Break Seed Dormancy in Eastern Gamagrass?

Can Solid Matrix Priming With GA3 Break Seed Dormancy in Eastern Gamagrass?

Development of methods for breaking seed dormancy in eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides, L.) could increase its use. Solid matrix priming, the controlled hydration of seed in a system of solid carrier and water, has been used with some success to enhance germination in warm-season grasses. gibberellic acid (ga3), a known promoter of eastern gamagrass germination, can be added to solid matrix priming systems. In this study, systems were evaluated for conditioning eastern gamagrass seeds using the solid carriers Agro-Lig, MicroCel E, and Vermiculite #5. GA3 was added in 0.01 M concentration solutions to systems with water potentials of -0.4 and -0.6 MPa in Agro-Lig and -0.2 and -0.4 in MicroCel E and Vermiculite #5 and compared with systems with deionized water. Priming seed with GA3 increased germination to 18% compared with 13% without GA3. MicroCel E and Vermiculite #5 were suitable materials for controlled hydration of eastern gamagrass seed. Germination was only 11% in Agro-Lig compared with 16%-19% for MicroCel E and Vermiculite #5. Priming with GA3 does not appear to be as successful at breaking seed dormancy as cold, wet stratification.

Storage protein mobilization and thiol protease up-regulation by solid matrix priming in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) seed embryos

Experiments were conducted to investigate physiological mechanisms of solid matrix priming (SMP) on germination enhancement of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) seeds. During SMP, osmotic potential in the embryo decreased by 0.65 MPa, concentration of crystalloid proteins decreased to 62% and concentrations of buffer soluble proteins and free amino acids increased by 22% and by 166%, respectively. Observations under an electron microscope demonstrated protein bodies in the embryo were mobilized. Inhibitor analysis indicated thiol protease was the dominant enzyme among endopiptidases to degrade the reserved proteins. A fragment of thiol protease was cloned from the primed seed embryos and it has high identities to those thiol proteases responsive to water stress. RNA get blot analysis showed a 1.5 kb thiol protease gene was up-regulated by SMP. Treatment with E64, a thiol protease inhibitor, negated SMP effects on germination performance, water potentials and protein profiles. Based on the experimental results, reserve protein mobilization induced by SMP in the embryo before radicle emergence might be one of the mechanisms to enhance germination in loblolly pine seeds.

고추와 토마토 종자의 발아력 증진과 초기생육에 미치는 Osmotic Priming 및 Solid Matrix Priming 처리 효과

Osmotic priming과 SMP 처리과정 중 작물별 수분흡수율은 처리 후 3시간 이내에 대부분의 수분을 흡수하였다. 최종처리일의 두 처리간 종자함수율은 고추종자에서는 큰차이는 없었으나, 토마토에서는 osmotic priming이 SM보다 2.4% 높았다. Osmotic priming과 SMP 처리가 고추와 토마토에서 발아율을 향상시키지는 못했다. 그러나 osmotic priming과 SMP 처리 는 평균발아소요일수(MDG) 및 50% 발아에 소요되는 일수(<TEX>$T_{50}$</TEX>)는 단축되어 조기발아를 유도하였다. 고추종자에서는 osmotic priming과 SMP 처리는 무처리 종자에 이하여 <TEX>$T_{50}$</TEX>이 <TEX>$15^{\circ}C$</TEX>에서 약 6일, <TEX>$20^{\circ}C$</TEX>에서는 약 5일, <TEX>$25^{\circ}C$</TEX>에서는 약 4.6일, <TEX>$30^{\circ}C$</TEX>에서는 약 4일 정도 단축되었고, 토마토 종자에서는 <TEX>$15^{\circ}C$</TEX>에서 3.3일, <TEX>$20^{\circ}C$</TEX>에서는 1.7일, <TEX>$25^{\circ}C$</TEX>에서는 1일,<TEX>$30^{\circ}C$</TEX>에서는 0.5일 정도 단축되었다. 이러한 발아촉진 효과는 불량발아 조건인 저온에서 뚜렷하였으나, 발아적온에 근접할수록 미약해지는 경향이었다. Osmotic priming과 SMP상호처리간 발아촉진 효과는 고추에서는 SMP 처리가 좋았고, 토마토에서는 큰 차이가 없었다. 종자처리 후 건조방법은 고추는 완전건조가 토마토에서는 표면건조가 조기발아 하는 경향이었다. Osmotic priming과 SMP 처리된 고추와 토마토 종자는 포장조건에서 묘출현을 향상시키지는 못했지만 출현속도를 단축시켜 신속한 묘출현을 유도하였다. 그러나 파종 후 35일 생육시킨 유묘의 초기생육은 osmotic priming과 SMP 처리에 의해 향상되는 경향이었으나 그 효과는 미약하였다. Osmotic and solid matrix priming treatments enhanced germination performance. We compared osmotic with solid matrix priming to determine the more effective treatment for improving seed germination in pepper and tomato. Seed hydration was immediately observed after osmotic priming and solid matrix priming treatment. The moisture content of solid matrix primed seeds was lower than that of osmotic primed seeds in the two vegetable crops. Osmotic priming and solid matrix priming did not increased percent germination, but showed shorter number of days to 50% of the final germination percentage (<TEX>$T_{50}$</TEX>) compared with untreated seeds, regardless of germination temperature. <TEX>$T_{50}$</TEX> value was reduced in osmotic or solid matrix primed pepper seeds about 6.0, 5.0, 4.6 and 4.0 days compared with untreated seeds at 15, 20, 25, and <TEX>$30^{\circ}C$</TEX>, respectively. While, that in tomato seeds was reduced about 3.3, 5.0, 4.6 and 4.0 days compared with untreated seeds at 15, 20, 25, and <TEX>$30^{\circ}C$</TEX>, respectively. The effectiveness of osmotic priming or solid matrix priming in reducing the <TEX>$T_{50}$</TEX> was greater when the seeds were germinated at <TEX>$15^{\circ}C$</TEX> than at temperature of higher than <TEX>$20^{\circ}C$</TEX>. Solid matrix primed seeds germinated faster than osmotic primed seeds at all temperature in pepper. However, there was no significant difference on the percentage germination between solid matrix and osmotic primed seeds in tomato. After priming, dried-bark seeds showed faster germination than surface-dried seeds in pepper. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in tomato. Emergence of pepper and tomato seeds was markedly enhanced by osmotic priming or SMP treatment although the final emergence percentage was not significantly influenced. On the other hand, early growth was not significantly influenced by osmotic priming or SMP treatment of pepper and tomato seeds.

Increasing the temperature of the water soak preceding moist-chilling promotes dormancy-termination of seeds of western white pine (Pinus monticola Dougl.)

Seeds of western white pine (Pinus monticola Dougl.) exhibit a very pronounced and deep primary dormancy at maturity which often leads to erratic germination after the implementation of dormancy-breaking treatments. Toward increasing the efficiency of dormancy-breakage and improving the rate and synchronicity of germination, the effectiveness of various modified pre-chilling and chilling treatments were determined using five seedlots of western white pine. Treatments that combined chemicals (hormones or anaesthetics such as gibberellic acid and 1-propanol) with moist chilling were not effective in accelerating dormancy termination. Control of seed moisture content during chilling through the use of solid matrix priming was not effective in eliciting high germinability and proved more deleterious especially for longer chilling periods. The most effective treatment to terminate dormancy was an increased-temperature water soak prior to moist chilling. At an optimum temperature of 27°C, a 12-day water soak could effectively shorten the requirement for moist chilling by approximately 20-30 days (from 96 to 75 or 60 days).

Effect of parsley seed treatment on root yield

As parsley seed vigour is known to be low, a&amp;nbsp;3-year field study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of seed priming and pelleting. Hardening and solid matrix priming (SMP) were applied to two varieties (Cukrowa and Berlińska). Both methods of seed pre-sowing treatment increased the percentage, speed and synchrony of seedling emergence. Due to seed pre-treatment the original root yield of cv. Cukrowa increased by 6.45 to 7.09 t/ha and that of cv. Berlińska by 2.44 to 5.48 t/ha, depending on the priming technique. Pelleting of primed seeds negatively affected seed vigour as compared to the primed non-pelleted seeds.

The effect of parsley seed hydration treatment and pelleting on seed vigour

The effect of two priming techniques: hardening (prehydration treatment) and solid matrix priming (SMP) was studied on the seeds of two parsley varieties (Cukrowa and Berlińska) in 3-year laboratory experiments. On the images obtained from scanning electron microscope (SEM) there is a&amp;nbsp;parsley embryo developing during germination up to the moment of radicle emergence. On the surface of primed seeds, in particular using the hardening method, lateral cracks are visible. The respiratory activity of primed seeds was similar to that of non-primed in the period of initial 24 h of germination, but significantly higher after 48 h. As compared to non primed seeds solid matrix priming significantly increased the percentage and the speed of germination. Nevertheless, pelleting reduced the positive effect of priming on the germination ability, without affecting the germination speed. After 18 months of storage, the vigour of primed seeds, particularly through hardening, had significantly decreased.

Effect of solid matrix priming during moist chilling on dormancy breakage and germination of seeds of four fir species

The ability of solid matrix priming (SMP) to overcome seed dormancy ofseeds of four fir species (Pacific silver fir, subalpine fir, grand fir andnoble fir), was examined. Seeds were subjected to treatments that combinedmoistchilling and SMP (SMP-chilling) and their germination compared to that elicitedby traditional moist chilling. For the SMP-chilling, six solid matrices withdifferent water holding capacities were tested (sphagnum, cat litter, peatmoss,Agro-Lig Greens Grade, Agro-Lig Micro Fine and sand). For each of the speciestested, germination performance was significantly improved by SMP-chilling; theresults were dependent on the type of solid matrix, the matrix water contentandthe treatment duration. SMP-chilling, using the best solid matrices for each ofthe species tested, resulted in germination percentages and rates that were24–35% and 8–21% higher, respectively, as compared with thatyieldedfrom control moist-chilling. High germination percentages (79% or greater) ofthree of the four species (Pacific silver fir, subalpine fir, and grand fir)were promoted after just four weeks (grand fir in sand) or eight weeks oftreatment (Pacific silver fir in peat moss and subalpine fir in Agro-Lig GreensGrade). The germination rate of grand fir seeds benefited from SMP-chillingperiods longer than four weeks, but this resulted in germination during thedormancy-breaking treatment. The water contents of the solid matrices that wereoptimal in terms of eliciting the best germination performance were 320% (w/w)for peat moss, 40% for Agro-Lig Greens Grade and 5–15% for sand.Conducting SMP at chilling temperatures (4 °C) is a practicalapproach to shorten the time required for effective dormancy termination ofAbies seeds; treatment times were shortened by 27 days forPacific silver fir and subalpine fir and more vigorous seedling growth wasexhibited by grand fir and noble fir.

Sowing Dates and Priming Influence African Marigold Field Emergence

Field seedling emergence of four african marigold (Tagetes erecta) breeding lines, A-975, E-1236, I-822, and `Orange Lady', was examined using three or four spring sowing dates and either osmotic or solid matrix priming. Delayed sowing decreased emergence time. Sowing from middle to late April [average soil temperatures 77.0 to 84.2 °F (25 to 29 °C)] resulted in the highest total emergence percentages. Greater fl ower quantities [4.9 to 5.1 million/acre (12.11 to 12.60 million/ha)] and estimated yield [7.5 to 10.8 tons/acre (16.81 to 24.20 t·ha-1)] indicate mid to late April is the optimum time period for direct sowing unprimed seed in the southern Great Plains. Differences between lines were evident in emergence parameters and fl ower harvest data for each year examined, but results were inconsistent from year to year. However, A-975 and E-1236 produced harvestable fl owers most quickly, about 15 d before I-822, which could result in an additional harvest during a season. Osmotic priming of E-1236 and I-822 seed shortened emergence time, increased emergence uniformity, and increased total emergence percentage at early sowing dates as compared to both solid matrix primed and unprimed seed.

Beneficial Effects of Solid Matrix Chemo-priming in Okra.

Two field trials at Stillwater and Bixby, OK, evaluated the efficacy of solid matrix priming techniques, alone or in combination with fungicide seed treatment on seedling emergence and reduction of damping-off of okra in field soil naturally infested with Pythium ultimum. The following treatments were evaluated: thiram + carboxin (chemo-primed) (commercially applied), biological seed treatment (bio-primed) (Trichoderma harzianum isolate OK-110, 1 g suspended in 1% carboxymethylcellulose [CMC]), untreated seed (control), and a 1% CMC control. Chemo-primed seeds had a more uniform and faster emergence compared with untreated seeds at both field sites. Within 3 days, 92 and 78% of chemo-primed seeds had emerged at Stillwater and Bixby, respectively, compared with 84 and 71% emergence in the untreated control. Mean emergence of chemo-primed seeds was lower (P ≤ 0.05) than the untreated control. Chemo-primed seeds had greater vigor (P≤ 0.05) at both locations compared with either fungicide-treated or priming alone, at both locations. There were no differences (P ≤ 0.05) in yield among treatments at both locations. P. ultimum was consistently isolated from damped-off seedlings and surrounding soil at both locations. Isolates of P. ultimum were more pathogenic on okra in laboratory tests than isolates of Rhizoctonia spp., Fusarium spp., and other Pythium spp. also isolated from seed or soil.

Effects of moist chilling and solid matrix priming on germination of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seeds

Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seeds from sources with a mild climate under maritime influence (North Carolina) required shorter moist chilling to achieve maximum germination vigor than seeds from sources with a harsher continental climate (Oklahoma). Solid matrix priming (SMP) for 6 d achieved as much as 60 d of moist chilling to improve rapidity, synchrony and completeness of germination for three of the four families studied. SMP after moist chilling increased the rapidity, synchrony and completeness of germination. The benefit of SMP was greatest for non-stratified seeds and the benefit decreased with length of moist chilling. In general, delaying planting for one week after SMP had minor effects on germination when seeds were kept in the SMP matrix at 4°C. Delayed planting after SMP can increase germination rapidity and synchrony of seeds that have received long moist chilling and reduce the benefit of SMP in non-moist-chilled seeds.

261 Effect of SMP and Brushing on Gourd Seed Germination at Different Temperatures

The effectiveness of solid matrix priming (SMP) and seed brushing was further evaluated by using an thermo-gradient table (Seed Processing, Holland) set at 10 different temperatures from 12 to 30 °C. Intact or brushed seeds of gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) were primed with Micorocel E (Celite Corp.) at 25 °C for 3 days in the mixture of 10 seed: 1 Microcel E: 3 water, by weight, and the primed seeds were dried again for long-term storage. SMP treatment significantly increased earlier seed germination at all temperatures. However, the difference in seed germination rate between intact and SMP-treated seeds was most pronounced at somewhat lower temperatures of 18-22 °C. SMP-treated seed showed about 20% final germination rate at 12 °C, whereas intact seeds did not germinate at all. Seed brushing treatment itself did not influenced the germination rate. However, brushing treatment before SMP treatment significantly increased the SMP effect. Combined use of chemicals in solution further increased the early germination. Details of various seed treatment methods will be presented.

229 Solid Matrix Priming of Gourd Seeds for Fast and Uniform Germination

Grafting is common in all cucurbits in Asia, and gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) is the most popular rootstock for watermelons. Since the grafting is practiced at very early stage (right after the cotyledon expansion), uniform germination of rootstocks as well as the scions is crucial for grafting efficiency. Seeds were divided into three groups; intact, dry-heat treated (75 °C for 72 h), and brushed (575 rpm for 5 min). In each group, various solid matrix priming (SMP) treatments were imposed. Microcel E was used for SMP treatment with water or chemical solutions (10 seed: 1 Microcel E: 3 water, by weight). SMP treatment promoted earlier seed germination in all tested cultivars, thus resulting in higher rate of graftable seedlings. Brushing before SMP further enhanced earlier and uniform seed germination. Dry heat treatment, which can eliminated the seed-borne Fusarium spp. and virus, significantly delayed the early germination although the final germination percentage was not influenced. The characteristics of seedlings will also be presented.