Germination Length Research Articles

Effect of cold plasma on physical–biochemical properties and nutritional components of soybean sprouts

Cold plasma has been used to promote seed germination. In this study, soybean seeds were directly treated with cold plasma (CP) for different durations (0, 30, 60, 120, and 180 s) and then cultivated with cold-plasma-activated water (PAW) during germination. The effects of CP and PAW treatment on the physical–biochemical properties and nutritional components of soybean sprouts were investigated. The results showed that sprout length increased by 41.07% after moderate CP (60 s) and further increased with PAW. The fresh weight increased by 11.24% after moderate CP treatment. Although sugar content decreased with CP, it increased with PAW. Total amino acid and isoflavone content increased after moderate CP treatment. Both CP and PAW treatments increased the intercellular water and weakened the fluidity of water, and small-molecule proteins were polymerized into large-molecule proteins. The solubility of protein was enhanced under PAW treatment. However, neither PAW nor CP treatment exerted a significant influence on the secondary structure of proteins. The hardness of the soybean sprouts decreased and their fracturability increased after moderate CP treatment. This study demonstrates that cold plasma has the potential to enhance the biomass and edible quality of soybean sprouts.

Evaluation of Genetic Variations and Agronomic Performance of Some Cultivars of White Yam (Dioscorea rotundata) in Obio Akpa, Nigeria

Field experiments were conducted in 2020 and 2021 at Teaching and Research Farm of Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Ekaideh, Obio Akpa Campus, Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State to assess Genetic Variability and the Agronomic Performance of ten different cultivars of White Yam (Dioscorea rotundata). The experiments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Data analysis was done using statistical software (SPSS 20 version). Results indicated differences for some of the traits studied. However, there was a significant difference (P<0.05) for the number of tubers, the weight of tubers, stem number plant, and sprout length. The genetic variability assessment indicated that the phenotype of Variation (PCV) was higher than the Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV) in all the traits, which suggests the influence of the environment on the study genotypes. Moderate heritability and genetic advance values were recorded for sprout length, plant vigor at 8 weeks, plant vigor at 16 weeks, plant vigor at 32 weeks, and number and weight of tubers suggesting that these traits as a good selection for improvement. However, high heritability and Genetic Advance value were recorded for sprout length suggesting the selection for improvement on this trait will be successful. Hence, cultivar TDR110180, TRD 1401593, TDR 1401785, and TDR 1100128 tend to be the preferred cultivars of white yam for improvement as they exhibited the longest sprout length, maximum mean number, and weight of yam tuber and were earliest to attend plant vigor at 8, 16 and 32 weeks after planting respectively.

Effect of fibroblasts on promoting the sprout and migration of endothelial cells in three-dimensional pre-vascularized microstructures

To construct three-dimensional (3D) pre-vascularized microstructures and explore the promoting effect of human fibroblasts (HFs) on the sprout and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in 3D co-culture system. HUVECs and HFs were cultured and the 3rd to 5th generation cells were selected for subsequent experiments. In 2D co-culture system, HFs were stained with PKH26 and the cell density was fixed, which co-cultured with HUVECs in different ratios (1∶4, 1∶1, 4∶1) and inoculation methods (HUVECs inoculation at 48 hours after HFs, direct mixed inoculation). Then the formation of vascular like structures was observed under fluorescence microscope. In 3D co-culture system, HUVECs and HFs were labeled with green fluorescent protein and red fluorescent protein by lentivirus transfection, respectively. They were inoculated on porous micro-carriers followed by dynamically culturing in rotating bottles to prepare HF, HUVEC, HF-EC, or HF&EC microstructures. The cell growth in microstructures was testing by low permeability crystal violet staining. Subsequently, the microstructures were embedded in fibrin gel and the cell growth and adhesion in HF and HUVEC microstructures were observed by laser confocal microscopy. Laser confocal microscope were also used to observe the sprouts of 4 kinds of microstructures, as well as the cell composition, the number and length of sprouts from HF-EC and HF&EC microstructures. HFs conditioned medium was prepared to observe its effect on sprouts of HUVEC microstructures with DMEM as control group. In 2D co-culture system, HFs pre-culturing was helpful to the formation and stability of vascular like structures, and the best effect was when the ratio of two kinds of cells was 1∶1. In 3D co-culture system, it was found that the cells grew well on micro-carriers and had the ability of pre-vascularization. HUVEC microstructures did not sprout, but HF, HF-EC, and HF&EC microstructures could which indicated a good vascularization ability. The HF-EC microstructures were superior to HF&EC microstructures in terms of sprouts length and number ( P<0.05). The tubes sprouting from co-cultured group were composed of HFs and HUVECs, and HF microstructures migration preceded HUVEC microstructures always, and their migration trajectories were the same. HUVEC microstructures could sprout when cultured in HFs conditioned media. HF-HUVEC pre-vascularized microstructures can be prepared by pre-culturing HFs before HUVECs and with the cell ratio at 1∶1 in a rotating bottle. In 3D co-culture system, HFs can promote and guide the sprout of HUVECs.

Hypertensive Stimuli Indirectly Stimulate Lymphangiogenesis through Immune Cell Secreted Factors.

(1) Background: Renal immune cells and lymphatic vessel (LV) density have been reported previously to be increased in multiple mouse models of hypertension (HTN). However, whether interstitial levels of HTN stimuli such as angiotensin II, salt, or asymmetric dimethylarginine have a direct or indirect effect on lymphangiogenesis is unknown. We hypothesized that these 3 HTN stimuli directly increase lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) proliferation, LEC 3-D matrix invasion and vessel formation, and sprouting of mouse mesometrial LVs. (2) Methods: Human LECs (hLECs) and mouse LECs (mLECs) were treated with HTN stimuli while explanted mouse mesometrial LVs were treated with either the same HTN stimuli or with HTN stimuli-conditioned media. Conditioned media was prepared by treating murine splenocytes with HTN stimuli. (3) Results: HTN stimuli had no direct effect on hLEC or mLEC proliferation. Treatment of hLECs with HTN stimuli increased the number of lumen-forming structures and invasion distance (both p < 0.05) in the 3-D matrix but decreased the average lumen diameter and the number of cells per invading structure (both p < 0.05). Conditioned media from HTN-stimuli-treated splenocytes significantly attenuated the decrease in sprout number (aside from salt) and sprout length of mouse mesometrial LVs that is found in the HTN stimuli alone. (4) Conclusions: These data indicate that HTN stimuli indirectly prevent a decrease in lymphangiogenesis through secreted factors from HTN-stimuli-treated immune cells.

Effects of blue light on physiological and biochemical changes in germinating cabbage sprouts

Sprouts as a natural food have been commonly consumed in different cultures, which are richer in health-promoting compounds than their mature counterparts. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of blue light on physiological and biochemical changes including sprout length, respiratory rate, free amino acids, ascorbic acid, glucosinolates, isothiocyanates and myrosinase activity in germinating cabbage sprouts. Furthermore, their correlation analysis was conducted to elucidate their changing patterns during germination and relationships with each other. The respiratory rate, free amino acids and ascorbic acid content were greatly enhanced by blue light compared to the darkness. Blue light could better retain glucosinolate content in cabbage sprouts than the darkness. More isothiocyanates formation was observed from cabbage sprouts under blue light, which was a result of the promoted myrosinase activity and higher glucosinolate content. These results indicate that blue light has selectively improved the nutritional compounds in germinated cabbage sprouts.

Estimation of shear stress values along endothelial tip cells past the lumen of capillary sprouts.

Shear stress is recognized as a regulator of angiogenesis. However, the shear stress experienced by the endothelial cells of capillary sprouts remains unknown. The objective of this study was to estimate shear stress due to local interstitial flow along endothelial tip cells at the end of the capillary sprout lumen. Computational fluid dynamics were used to model flow within a blind-ended vessel, transendothelial flow across the vessel wall, and flow within the surrounding perivascular/interstitial space. Shear stress along the wall of the tip cells was calculated while varying sprout length, perivascular space channel width, and vessel wall hydraulic conductivity. Increasing sprout length, increasing wall hydraulic conductivity, and decreasing perivascular space width increased shear stress magnitude. Wall shear stress magnitude within the lumen ranged from 0.015 to 0.55dyne/cm2 at the sprout entrance and linearly decreased to near zero at the base of the tip cells. Tip cell wall shear stress magnitude due to interstitial flow ranged from 0.009 to 4.65dyne/cm2. In 3 out of 8 cases, shear stress magnitude was above 1dyne/cm2 and considered physiologically relevant. The results provide a framework for discussing the role of local mechanical cues in regulating endothelial cell dynamics involved in angiogenesis. Mainly, interstitial flows may generate physiologically relevant shear stresses on tip cells in certain scenarios. This source of tip cell shear stress has not been previously considered or modeled.

Optimal Spectral Radiation Composition of a LED Phytolapm for Stimulating Carrot and Tomato Seed Development

Introduction. Light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation is widely used in various spheres of human activity, including agriculture. Due to the growing urban population and aggravating environmental situation, the problem of high-quality food provision is increasingly attracting research attention. In this context, it is important to develop energy-efficient optical systems for ensuring optimal irradiation conditions for accelerating the growth of various types of plants and improving the quality of products in autonomous agro-industrial complexes.Aim. Determination of an optimal spectral radiation composition of a phytolamp consisting of LEDs based on AlGalnP (660 and 730 nm) and InGaN (440 nm), as well as phyto-LEDs (400. _ .800 nm), to stimulate the growth and development of tomato and carrot sprouts at the germination stage. Calculation of the LED optical power and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD).Materials and methods. Experiments were carried out to study the influence of visible radiation of different quality and quantity on the development parameters of carrot and tomato seeds, including germination energy, the appearance of cotyledon and primary leaves, seed germination, average hypocotyl and root length. Optimal spectral composition and radiation power parameters ensuring effective growth of plants were determined.Results. Additional 660-nm irradiation of tomato sprouts at the germination stage was shown to exhibit a positive effect on germination, average sprout length and root development. The best results of carrot germination and development were achieved when irradiated with short-wavelength light (PPFD 243 µmol∙s–1∙m–2). Irradiation of ~ 170 µmol∙s–1∙m–2 blue and 86 µmol∙s–1∙m–2 red light was found to be effective for enhancing carrot cultivation.Conclusion. The developed irradiation schemes can be used to vary the spectral radiation composition and PPFD at different stages of crop growth and development, thereby increasing yields and reducing energy costs. In the future, this technology can be used in space research, where high energy efficiency is fundamental.

Comparative Analyses of Impact of Varying Germination Periods on Malt Quality and Wort Characteristics of Sorghum Bicolor (L) Moench and Sorghum Vulgare Varieties

Three Sorghum bicolor [L] Moench and two Sorghum vulgare varieties were steeped for 20 h at 30 ℃ and germinated for 2 to 6 d. The varieties differed in 1000-grain weight, germination energy, germination capacity, water sensitivity, nitrogen, protein, tannin and moisture contents. Sprouts length increased with germination days and varied with sorghum varieties. Malting loss increased with germination days and differed with cultivars. Cold water extract and hot water extract increased from 2-day to 4-day malts and thereafter decreased. Tannin content varied among cultivars, grains&gt;malts&gt;worts. Diastatic power (DP) and amylase activities increased in both sweet and non-sweet sorghum cultivars from day-2 to day-4 malts and then declined. Sweet sorghum malts revealed higher DP (ca 142.1 ºL) than the non-sweet malts (ca 119.6 ºL). Malts of sweet sorghum varieties had -, β- and γ-amylase activities while non-sweet cultivars indicated only - and β-amylase activities. Sweet sorghum worts had more reducing sugars than non-sweet sorghum varieties. Wort-yields (43.9-68.7%) and reducing sugars differed and increased from day-2 to day-4 malts and then decreased. Worts pH (5.1-6.7) varied with cultivars and the sweet generally had higher pH than non-sweet sorghum cultivars. Generally, the 4-day sweet sorghum malts yielded the best quality malts.

Effects of Typical Antimicrobials on Growth Performance, Morphology and Antimicrobial Residues of Mung Bean Sprouts.

Antimicrobials may be used to inhibit the growth of micro-organisms in the cultivation of mung bean sprouts, but the effects on mung bean sprouts are unclear. In the present study, the growth performance, morphology, antimicrobial effect and antimicrobial residues of mung bean sprouts cultivated in typical antimicrobial solutions were investigated. A screening of antimicrobial residues in thick-bud and rootless mung bean sprouts from local markets showed that the positive ratios of chloramphenicol, enrofloxacin, and furazolidone were 2.78%, 22.22%, and 13.89%, respectively. The cultivating experiment indicated that the production of mung bean sprouts in antimicrobial groups was significantly reduced over 96 h (p < 0.05). The bud and root length of mung bean sprouts in enrofloxacin, olaquindox, doxycycline and furazolidone groups were significantly shortened (p < 0.05), which cultivated thick-bud and rootless mung bean sprouts similar to the 6-benzyl-adenine group. Furthermore, linear regression analysis showed average optical density of 450 nm in circulating water and average production had no obvious correlation in mung bean sprouts (p > 0.05). Antimicrobial residues were found in both mung bean sprouts and circulating water. These novel findings reveal that the antimicrobials could cultivate thick-bud and rootless mung bean sprouts due to their toxicity. This study also proposed a new question regarding the abuse of antimicrobials in fast-growing vegetables, which could be a potential food safety issue.

INFLUENCE OF THE COMPLEX BACTERIAL PREPARATION AZOGRAN ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPROUTS OF CULTIVATED PLANTS

Objective. To investigate the effect of seed treatment of cultivated plants with the complex bacterial preparation Azogran (based on Bacillus subtilis IMB B-7023 and Azotobacter vinelandii IMB B-7076) on the initial stages of ontogenesis under laboratory conditions. Methods. Microbiological (cultivation of microorganisms was carried out under periodic culture conditions — A. vinelandii IMB B-7076 in Ashby liquid digest medium, Bacillus subtilis IMB B-7023 — in a mineral medium with glucose; the number of viable cells in suspensions was determined by the method of serial dilutions followed by sowing on the surface of the relevant agarized media), physiological (with different dilutions of biopreparation suspensions for seed inoculation), statistical. Results. Bacterization of Ukraina variety buckwheat seeds, Podolianka variety winter wheat and Marharyta variety common tare with a liquid complex bacterial preparation Azogran had a positive effect on germination energy, germination, sprout length and their weight compared to the control (water treatment). The best results at the initial stages of plant ontogenesis were found for buckwheat and wheat. The positive effect of inoculation was more pronounced when diluting the biopreparation suspension with water in ratios of 1:10 and 1:100, which indicates intensive production of biologically active substances by bacteria. Treatment of seeds of different corn varieties with an aqueous suspension of the granular complex bacterial preparation Azogran had a positive effect on the development of sprouts, and also contributed to the reduction of their damage by phytopathogenic micromycetes. Conclusion. The complex bacterial preparation Azogran has a positive effect on the energy of germination, germination and the weight of sprouts of the investigated plant species, reduces the degree of seed damage by micromycetes and is recommended for the treatment of seeds of agricultural plants before sowing in the soil.

Nanotechnology on Breaking Corm Dormancy in Elephant Foot Yam [Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson

Background: Nanotechnology is a fast developing science which has various applications in agriculture. Nanoparticles are broadly defined as the small particles with at least one-dimension size between 1 and 100 nm in diameter. Nanomaterials have the potential to penetrate the seed coat and enhance the ability of absorption and utilization of water, which stimulates enzymatic system and ultimately improves germination and seedling growth. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of nanoparticles and commercially used chemicals on breaking dormancy of Amorphophallus corms. Methods: Silver (Ag), zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO2), cerium oxide (CeO) and zero valent iron (ZVI) nanoparticles were synthesized successfully using chemical method and characterized for its size, shape and properties using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Particle Size Analyzer (PSA) and Raman spectroscopy. Freshly harvested corms of Amorphophallus were treated with different concentrations (50 and 100 mg kg-1) of these five nanoparticles and commercially used chemicals viz., thiourea (100 and 200 mg kg-1) and potassium nitrate (1000 and 2000 mg kg-1), with three different soaking periods (2, 4 and 6 h). Result: The analysed data indicated that corms treated with ZnO @ 100 mg kg-1 for six hours registered the minimum number of days (47.0 days) for sprout emergence. The maximum sprout length (23.50 cm), sprout diameter (6.35 cm), pseudo stem length (31.00 cm), pseudo stem girth (7.35 cm) and vigour index (1591.7) were recorded in TiO2 @ 50 mg kg-1 for two hours.

Effect of germinating quinoa flour on wheat noodle quality and changes in blood glucose

Germinated quinoa flour has been proven to be rich in a variety of nutrients, in order to improve the nutritional value and reduce the glycemic index of wheat noodle, 20% (w/w) of white quinoa (WQ), red quinoa (RQ), black quinoa (BQ) powder with different germination time were added to wheat noodle. The gemination rate, sprout length, digestion ratio and microstructure of WQ, RQ, and BQ were determined. Also, the characteristics of cooking, texture, digestion and blood glucose of noodles were studied. It was found that the addition of quinoa flour (WQ-0, WQ-1, RQ-0, RQ-1, BQ-0, BQ-3) maintained the cooking and texture characteristics of wheat noodle. Meanwhile, WQ-1, RQ-1, BQ-3 reduced the optimal cooking time and starch digestibility compared with wheat noodle. At the same time, it showed that the addition of WQ-1, BQ-3 significantly reduced the area under the blood glucose curve (AUC) to 132.17, 126.83 (mmol/L)·h, respectively. The correlation analysis verified that the digestion ratio was significantly positively correlated with AUC (p < 0.01). It will provide the theoretical basis for the development of new quinoa foods that lower blood sugar.

Effect of Ultrasonic Induction on the Main Physiological and Biochemical Indicators and γ-Aminobutyric Acid Content of Maize during Germination.

Research on the nutrient content of cereal grains during germination is becoming a hot topic; however, studies on germinated maize are still scarce. This study aimed to provide a technical reference and theoretical basis for the development of functional maize health foods and to expand the application of ultrasonic technology in the production of germinated grains. In this study, the germination rate of maize was used as the evaluation index, and the ultrasonic frequency, ultrasonic temperature, and induction time were selected as the influencing factors in orthogonal experiments to determine the optimal process parameters for ultrasonic induction of maize germination (ultrasonic frequency of 45 kHz, ultrasonic temperature of 30 °C, and ultrasonic induction time of 30 min). Based on this process, the effects of ultrasonic induction on the main physiological, biochemical, and γ–aminobutyric acid contents of maize during germination were investigated. The results showed that the respiration of the ultrasonic treated maize was significantly enhanced during germination, resulting in a 27% increase in sprout length, as well as a 4.03% higher dry matter consumption rate, and a 2.11% higher starch consumption rate. Furthermore, the reducing sugar content of germinated maize increased by 22.83%, soluble protein content increased by 22.52%, and γ–aminobutyric acid content increased by 30.55% after ultrasonic induction treatment. Throughout the germination process, the glutamate acid decarboxylase activity of the ultrasonically treated maize was higher than that of the control group, indicating that ultrasonication can promote maize germination, accelerate the germination process, and shorten the enrichment time of γ–aminobutyric acid in germinated maize. The results of this study can be applied to the production of γ–aminobutyric acid enrichment in germinated maize.

Nonwoven spidroin materials as scaffolds for ex vivo cultivation of aortic fragments and dorsal root ganglia

Recombinant spidroins (RS; the analogues of silk proteins of spider’s web) have multiple properties beneficial for bioengineering, including their suitability for electrospinning and thus, for production of materials with oriented fibers. This makes RS-based matrices potentially effective in stimulating regeneration of peripheral nerves. The restoration of injured nerves also depends on prompt regrowth of blood vessels. Therefore, prospective scaffold materials for neuro-regenerative therapy should positively affect both the nerves and the blood vessels. Currently, the experimental models suitable for culturing and quantitative assessment of the vascular and neuronal cells on the same material are lacking. Here, we assessed the suitability of electrospun RS-based matrices for cultivation of the mouse aorta and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) explants. We also quantified the effects of matrix topography upon both types of tissues. The RS-based materials have effectively supported aortic explants survival and sprouting. The cumulative length of endothelial sprouts on rS1/9-coated inserts was significantly higher as compared to type I collagen coatings, suggesting stimulatory effects on angiogenesis in vitro. In contrast to matrices with random fibers, on matrices with parallel fibers the migration of both smooth muscle and endothelial cells was highly oriented. Furthermore, alignment of RS fibers effectively directs the growth of axons and the migration of Schwann cells from DRGs. Thus, the electrospun RS matrices are highly suitable to culture both, the DRGs and aortic explants and to study the effects of matrix topography on cell migration. This model has a high potential for further endeavor into interactions of nerve and vascular cells and tissues.

Evolution of Physicochemical Properties, Phenolic Acid Accumulation, and Dough-Making Quality of Whole Wheat Flour During Germination Under UV-B Radiation.

The effects of ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation on the physiological properties, phenolic acid accumulation, and dough-making quality of wheat during germination were investigated. UV-B radiation inhibited the wheat sprout length and reduced the dry matter loss. As phenolic acids were principally present in the kernels' bran, UV-B radiation could promote their accumulation in the interior of germinated wheat (GW). The total phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, and antioxidant activity were also enhanced significantly during germination with UV-B. UV-B improved the development time, stability time, rheological properties, and viscosity of GW, and inhibited the α-amylase activity, the destruction of the amorphous region of starch particles, and the proteins degradation process during germination, and thus the deterioration of dough-making quality caused by germination was inhibited. Therefore, UV-B radiation could be a potential approach to enhance the nutritional and dough-making quality of germinated whole wheat flour.

An Automated Quantification Tool for Angiogenic Sprouting From Endothelial Spheroids.

The process of sprouting angiogenesis can be measured in vitro using endothelial cells in sprouting assays such as the fibrin bead assay and the spheroid-based assay. While the technical aspects of these sprouting assays have been well-optimized, the analysis aspects have been limited to manual methods, which can be time-consuming and difficult to reproduce. Here, we developed an automated analysis tool called AQuTAS to quantify sprouting parameters from the spheroid-based sprouting assay. We trained and validated the algorithm on two subsets of data, and tested its sensitivity by measuring changes in sprouting parameters over a range of concentrations of pro- and antiangiogenic compounds. Our results demonstrate that the algorithm detects known differences in sprouting parameters in endothelial spheroids treated with pro- and antiangiogenic compounds. Moreover, it is sensitive to biological changes that are ≥40%. Among the five quantified parameters, cumulative sprout length is likely the most discriminative parameter for measuring differences in sprouting behavior because it had the highest effect size (>1.5 Cohen’s d). In summary, we have generated an automated tool that quantifies sprouting parameters from the spheroid-based assay in a reproducible and sensitive manner.

Effect of household sanitizing agents and electrolyzed water on Salmonella reduction and germination of sunflower and roselle seeds

Sprout consumption has become more popular due to a new variety of sprouts being introduced to the market. However, sprout seeds are a major source of sprout contamination and have been linked to most sprout-associated foodborne outbreaks. This study investigated Salmonella reduction in sunflower and roselle seeds using various sanitizing agents including water, water at 55 °C, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), diluted vinegar, acidic electrolyzed water (ACEW), and alkaline electrolyzed water (ALEW). Diluted vinegar containing 1.25% (v/v) acetic acid was the most effective treatment to inactivate Salmonella in sunflower seeds, resulting in a 3.82 log reduction after 15-min treatment. High concentrations of NaOCl (available chlorine concentration (ACC) 1692 mg/L) and ACEW (pH 2.76, oxidation-reduction potential 1093 mV, ACC 48 mg/L) had significantly lower antimicrobial activity with 3.20 and 2.39 log reduction, respectively, after 15-min treatment. Disinfecting roselle seeds for 15 min with water at 55 °C and diluted vinegar had comparable efficacy to reduce Salmonella by 2.54 and 2.48 log, respectively. There were no significant changes in Salmonella reduction among the high and low concentrations of NaOCl containing ACC 79 and 1692 mg/L, respectively, and ACEW in roselle seeds during 5–15 min of exposure time. All tested treatment solutions had no negative impact on the percentage of seed germination with over 96% and 92.56–95.89% for sunflower and roselle seeds, respectively. Conversely, the fresh weight and length of sunflower and roselle sprouts were influenced significantly by the types of sanitizing agents used for decontaminating the seeds. Collectively, our findings may contribute to the development of effective seed sanitization measure for sunflower and roselle seeds to reduce the risk of Salmonella-associated outbreaks linked to sprout consumption.

Pruning height and frequency of Moringa oleifera and Leucaena leucocephala in a silvopastoral system

Objective: To evaluate two different heights (50 and 70 cm) and pruning frequencies (60 and 135 days) in Moringa oleifera and Leucaena leucocephala in a developing silvopastoral system. Design/methodology/approach: Four treatments were established: T1=Moringa oleifera with pruning at 50 cm; T2=Moringa oleifera with pruning at 70 cm; T3=Leucaena leucocephala with pruning at 50 cm; and T4=Leucaena leucocephala with pruning at 70 cm. In all cases, pruning frequencies were 60 and 135 days. The number of sprouts, diameter, and length of the largest sprout, as well as the amount of biomass, were recorded. A mixed model, variance analysis, and Tukey's test were used to analyze the data. Results: The number of regrowths for L. leucocephala was higher than for M. oleifera. Treatment T2 had the highest performance at day 60; in the case of L. leucocephala, performance was similar between pruning frequencies. For T2, diameter and length were larger at both frequencies; for T3, at 60 days; and for T4, at 135 days. Biomass was higher for M. oleifera than for L. leucocephala, while pruning at 70 cm was better than at 50 cm. Pruning at 135 days produced a higher biomass than at 60 days. For T2, biomass was higher at 60 days, while for T1 and T4, it was higher at 135 days. Study limitations/implications: Forage species, as well as pruning frequencies and heights, determine tree growth potential and the amount of biomass available for animals. Findings/conclusions: The agronomic performance of Leucaena leucocephala has a better response to pruning, regardless of pruning height and frequency, in a silvopastoral system.

Standardization of Wedge Grafting Technique in Guava (Psidium guajava L.) under Subtropical Conditions of Himachal Pradesh

The present investigation was carried out in the fruit nursery, Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh w.e.f., June, 2019−July, 2020. In the present investigation two factors viz., time of wedge grafting (mid-June, mid-July, mid-August, mid-September, mid-February and mid-March) and use of polycap (Graft union covered with polycap or without polycap) were studied to standardize the ideal time for wedge grafting with or without the use of polycap under protected conditions. Wedge grafting is being used as a rapid and successful technique for year-round production of guava plants, even in harsh climatic conditions and coving the graft union with polycap has also been used for obtaining higher success due to the development of a congenial microclimate in the graft’s region. The results thus obtained showed that wedge grafting performed in guava during mid-February covered with polycap resulted in maximum graft-take (84.44%) and survival percent (80.31%). Whereas, wedge grafting executed during mid-July and covered with polycap resulted in maximum bud sprout (71.11%), minimum time for bud sprouting (10.67 days) and first leaf emergence (14.24 days). Wedge grafts performed in mid-July, covered with polycap also induced a notable increase in plant growth attributes in guava plants viz., production of number of leaves and sprout length at 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days after grafting.

Testing of macro- and micronutrient nanoparticles on grain crops

The studies were conducted in the northern forest-steppe of the Tyumen region. Under laboratory and field conditions, different forms and dosages of macro- and micronutrient nanoparticles and associated substances were tested in the treatment of seeds and plants of spring triticale and wheat. The preparations had a positive effect on seed germination, while higher rates reduced energy and germination. The germination energy and germination of triticale seeds increased by 4-10% with the application of preparations containing nanoparticles of copper, manganese, molybdenum, biogenic iron, Titan M. Treatment of daily seedlings with manganese, calcium, molybdenum, Titan M, biogenic iron, boron, potassium increased sprout length by 7.8-25% and sprout weight by 6-8% by day 7. Only already developing sprouts responded to the application of potassium. It was noted that the application of biogenic iron causes a 4-10% decrease in laboratory germination of seeds, but promotes the development of the main root. Its increase was 9-12% compared to the control. The inclusion of biogenic iron and silicon in the mixture to the chemical dressing reduced the effectiveness against root rot from 18% at the beginning of the growing season to 30% by the harvesting period. The application of biogenic iron increased the yield by 0,5-0,6 t/ha or 23% in the system of complex crop protection compared to the control and by 0,16-0,23 t/ha with the standard scheme of crop protection. A positive effect of biogenic iron in the treatment of plants during the earing phase as a separate element of the technology and in a tank mixture with fungicides was noted.