Germination Length Research Articles

Acute Three-Dimensional Hypoxia Regulates Angiogenesis.

Hypoxia elicits a multitude of tissue responses depending on the severity and duration of the exposure. While chronic hypoxia is shown to impact development, regeneration, and cancer, the understanding of the threats of acute (i.e., short-term) hypoxia is limited mainly due to its transient nature. Here, a novel gelatin-dextran (Gel-Dex) hydrogel is established that decouples hydrogel formation and oxygen consumption and thus facilitates 3D sprouting from endothelial spheroids and, subsequently, induces hypoxia "on-demand." The Gel-Dex platform rapidly achieves acute moderate hypoxic conditions without compromising its mechanical properties. Acute exposure to hypoxia leads to increased endothelial cell migration and proliferation, promoting the total length and number of vascular sprouts. This work finds that the enhanced angiogenic response is mediated by reactive oxygen species, independently of hypoxia-inducible factors. Reactive oxygen species-dependent matrix metalloproteinases activity mediated angiogenic sprouting is observed following acute hypoxia. Overall, the Gel-Dex hydrogel offers a novel platform to study how "on-demand" acute moderate hypoxia impacts angiogenesis, with broad applicability to the development of novel sensing technologies.

Response of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) to Pruning Intensities and Foliar Application of Nutrients on Growth Attributes

The experiment was conducted on nine year old well-established guava orchard planted at 3.0 × 3.0 m spacing to study the response of foliar feeding of nutrients and pruning intensities on the growth attributes of guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Allahabad Safeda during 2022-23 and 2023-24 at Horticultural orchard at Powarkheda, Narmadapuram under the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, JNKVV Jabalpur (M.P.). The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with three replications. The treatment consist of two factor (A) three levels of pruning, i.e. No pruning (P0), pruning of 25cm shoot from tip (P1), pruning of 50cm shoot from tip (P2) and factor ( B) thirteen levels of nutrients No- Control, N1-Urea @ 2%, N2- Urea @ 3%, N3-Nano urea @ 0.2% N4- Nano urea @0.3%,N5 –Zinc @ 0.4%,N6- Zinc @ 0.6%,N7- Nano zinc @ 0.04%, N8-Nano zinc @ 0.06%, N9- Iron @ 0.3%,N10-Iron @ 0.5%,N11-Nano iron @ 0.03%,N12-Nano iron @0.5%. The results revealed that the maximum increase in - plant height (11.85%), plant spread N-S (12.77%), plant spread E-W (13.76%), length of new sprout (16.87cm) & (30.85cm) and diameter of new sprout (2.57mm) & (3.47mm) at 60 and 90 days after pruning (DAP) respectively were recorded in P2 (pruning of 50cm shoot from tip). While, minimum was observed under treatment N0 (no pruning). With respect to foliar application of nutrients, the maximum increase in plant height (11.13%), plant spread N-S (12.23%), plant spread E-W (13.33%), length of new sprout (16.18cm) & (30.16cm) and diameter of new sprout (2.53mm) & (3.45mm) at 60 and 90 DAP respectively were recorded in N2 (Urea @3%) and minimum was found in N0 (control). Among, the treatment combinations, P2N2 (pruning of 50cm shoot from tip + Urea @ 3%) was found most superior with respect to the maximum, increase in plant height (12.50%), plant spread N-S (13.40%), plant spread E-W (14.83%), length of new sprout (17.68cm) & (31.65cm) and diameter of new sprout (2.71mm) & (3.61mm) at 60 and 90 DAP respectively.

INFLUENCE OF ALTERNARIA SPP. FUNGI METABOLITES ON DEVELOPMENT OF WHEAT SPROUTS

The study purpose was in vitro investigation of phytotoxic activity of culture broth filtrates (CBFs) of five Alternaria Spp. fungi isolates on development of wheat sprouts. Fungi isolates were received from wheat seeds cultivated under conditions of Northern Kazakhstan. According to the study findings, culture filtrates of all the isolates studied varied with regard to their influence on wheat sprout development. Stimulant effects on seed germinating power were revealed with 14- and 21-day CBFs of A. infectoria (7/4), 14-day CBF of A. brassicae (7/2) and 21-day CBF of A. porri (8/1). It was found that long-term cultivation of fungi on a culture medium contributed to media pH modification towards alkalization due to production of metabolites of various chemical nature, including toxins, which could trigger growth inhibition of radicles and sprouts. However, the CBFs were predominantly low-toxic or non-toxic. Under effect of the 14-day CBF, significant positive correlation was identified between pH values and sprout lengths (0,86±0,25), while negative correlation was found between pH values and germinating power (-0,75±0,33). Change of pH value on the 21st day significantly affected radicle length (-0,92±0,20). Based on the findings it can be concluded that the 14-day CBF of all the Alternaria fungi isolates studied was most toxic for wheat sprouts.

Effect of Media Formulation on Survival and Growth Performance of Star Jasmine (Jasminum multiflorum Burm. f. Andrews) Propagation by Stem Cuttings

Present study investigated “Effect of media formulation on survival and growth performance of star jasmine (Jasminum multiflorum Burm. f. Andrews) propagation by stem cuttings”. during 2023-2024 using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments and three replications with eight treatments i.e., T5: soil + vermicompost + cocopeat (1:1:1). The treatments comprised various combinations of soil, farmyard manure (FYM), cocopeat, sand, rice husk, and vermicompost. The results indicated that the propagation media significantly affected the growth parameters. Notably, Treatment T5 i.e. soil + vermicompost + cocopeat (1:1:1) demonstrated superior performance, with the shortest sprouting time (9.67 days), highest survival rate (78.67%) and overall enhanced growth attributes, including sprout number, sprout length, plant height, leaf area, and root and shoot weights. The findings suggest that soil + vermicompost + cocopeat (1:1:1) is an optimal medium for propagating of star Jasmine, warranting further studies to confirm its efficacy across different locations and seasons.

Deciphering influence of donor age on adipose-derived stem cells: in vitro paracrine function and angiogenic potential

Background: As fat grafting is commonly used as a filler, Adipose-derived stem/stromal cells (ASC) have been reported to be key player in retention rate. Paracrine and differentiation potential of those cells confer them strong pro-angiogenic capacities. However, a full characterization of the influence of aging on ASC has not been reported yet. Here we’ve investigated the effect of age on paracrine function, stemness and angiogenic potential of ASC. Methods: ASC were extracted from young and old adult donors. We assessed stromal vascular fraction cell populations repartition, ASC stemness potential, capability to differentiate into mesenchymal lineages as well as their secretome. Angiogenic potential was assessed using a sprouting assay, an indirect co-culture of ASC and dermal microvascular endothelial cells (EC). Total vascular sprout length was measured, and co-culture soluble factors were quantified. Pro-angiogenic factors alone or in combination as well as ASC-conditioned medium (CM) were added to EC to assess sprouting induction. Results: Decrease of endothelial cells yield and percentage is observed in cells extracted from adipose tissue of older patients, whereas ASC percentage increased with age. Clonogenic potential of ASC is stable with age. ASC can differentiate into adipocytes, chondrocytes and osteoblasts, and aging does not alter this potential. Among the 25 analytes quantified, high levels of pro-angiogenic factors were found, but none is significantly modulated with age. ASC induce a significantly longer vascular sprouts compared to fibroblasts, and no difference was found between young and old ASC donors on that parameter. Higher concentrations of FGF-2, G-CSF, HGF and IL-8, and lower concentrations of VEGF-C were quantified in EC/ASC co-cultures compared to EC/fibroblasts co-cultures. EC/ASC from young donors secrete higher levels of VEGF-A compared to old ones. Neither soluble factor nor CM without cells are able to induce organized sprouts, highlighting the requirement of cell communication for sprouting. CM produced by ASC supporting development of long vascular sprouts promote sprouting in co-cultures that establish shorter sprouts. Conclusion: Our results show cells from young and old donors exhibit no difference in all assessed parameters, suggesting all patients could be included in clinical applications. We emphasized the leading role of ASC in angiogenesis, without impairment with age, where secretome is a key but not sufficient actor.

Exposure of Bromus hordeaceus to fossil- and plant-based micro- and nanoplastics: Impacts and plant-plastic interactions vary depending on polymer type and growth phase

Plastic pollution, especially pollution by micro- and nanoplastics, is now considered a potential threat to all ecosystems, including terrestrial ecosystems such as grassland habitats. This study investigated the impacts of micro- and nano-sized plastics on Bromus hordeaceus, a common grass species in European grasslands. The micro and nanoparticles were fossil-based polyethylene (PE) or plant-based polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and these two plastics were used at two different concentrations. Here, we report data on plant development and plastic-plant interactions from two different experiments, (1) an in vitro experiment to test seed germination and establishment and (2) a soil experiment to test plant development and plastic-plant interactions specifically investigated as a form of perforation. Results from the in vitro experiment indicate that while seed germination success was unaffected by plastic type, the presence of all plastic particle types acted as a stimulant, increasing the total length of radicles and sprouts of germinated seeds. Conversely, results from the soil experiment showed that the growth of Bromus hordeaceus was negatively affected by the presence of microPBAT in the soil during the pot assay.Microscopic analysis confirmed that seed and plant structures interacted with all plastic particles via adsorption or perforation. This study demonstrates for the first time the ability of roots to penetrate plastics, especially microPBAT particles. Overall, our study concludes that both fossil-based and plant-based micro- and nano-plastics can influence plant growth, with effects varying based on plastic type, concentration, and plant growth phase. Further research is crucial to fully understand the intricate interactions between microplastics, soil properties, and plant development.

Effects of microwave treatment on structural and functional properties of germinated corn starch.

Measuring the germination index of corn, and gelatinization index, thermodynamic properties, long-range structure, short-range structure and particle morphology of corn starch, the study aimed to investigate the effects of different microwave (MW) treatment on the structural and functional properties of germinated corn starch. The results indicated that after appropriate MW treatment, the germination indices (germination rate, germination potential, sprout length and sprout weight) of germinated corn starch were improved after 7 days of germination. In addition, MW treatment also affected the structure of germinated corn starch. MW treatment could reduce the relative crystallinity of starch, but did not change the crystal type and the peak position of each absorption peak in Fourier transform infrared spectra. In addition, rapid visco-analysis and differential scanning calorimetry results showed, respectively, that MW treatment decreased the peak viscosity of germinated corn starch and increased the gelatinization temperature. Finally, MW treatment made the starch surface become rough, destroyed the starch particle structure and produced random cracks and voids. Overall, the present study proves that appropriate MW treatment is an effective measure for the modification of germinated corn starch, and provides a theoretical basis for the application of MW technology in germinated corn products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Response of Types of Cuttings and IBA Concentration from First Sprout to Highest Sprouting and Rooting in Crossandra (Crossandra infundibuliformis L.)

The present investigation was conducted under Konkan Agro-climatic conditions at College of Horticulture, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Dist. Ratnagiri (India) during the kharif season (2023-2024). The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with twelve treatment combinations and three replications. Present investigation found that in types of stem cuttings treatment C1 :Softwood cuttings was found best with respect to minimum days to first sprout, days to highest sprouting , maximum number of new sprouts/cuttings, girth of sprout, length of new sprout, number of leaves, leaf area, survival(%), fresh weight of shoot, dry weight of shoot, absolute growth rate, relative growth rate, number of roots, length of longest root, fresh weight of root, dry weight of root, shoot to root ratio. In different IBA concentration treatment H4 : IBA@2000ppm was found best with respect to minimum days to first sprout, days to highest sprouting , maximum number of new sprouts/cuttings, girth of sprout, length of new sprout, number of leaves, leaf area, survival(%), fresh weight of shoot, dry weight of shoot, absolute growth rate, relative growth rate, number of roots, length of longest root, fresh weight of root, dry weight of root. In interaction effect treatment C1H4 (Softwood cuttings treated with IBA@2000 ppm) is found to be most effective among all other treatment combinations in terms of most of the parameters such as Sprouting percentage, Number of new sprouts/cuttings, Length of sprout/cuttings, Girth of new sprout, Number of leaves/cuttings, Leaf area, Survival percentage, Fresh weight of shoot, Relative Growth Rate, Fresh weight to dry weight of shoot ratio, Number of roots.

Effect of Different Growing Media on Shoot Growth of Dragon Fruit Cuttings [Hylocereus undatus L. (Haworth) Britton & Rose

The present investigation was carried out under open field conditions at Horticulture Research Farm, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow,Uttar Pradesh, India, to determine the effect of different growing media on the shoot growth of dragon fruit cuttings (Hylocereus undatus L.) during the years 2022–23. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RBD) with three replications. There were 8 treatments, viz., T1-Soil, T2-Sand, T3-Vermicompost, T4-Coco Peat, T5-Farmyard Manure, T6-Soil+Sand+Farmyard Manure, T7-Soil+ Sand+ Vermicompost and T8-Soil+Vermicompost+Coco Peat. Treatments have shown significant differences among the growth parameters in terms of number of days taken for sprouting, percent sprouting, number of sprouts per cutting, shoot diameter, length of sprout, number of spines/areoles, fresh weight of shoot, and dry weight of shoot. Among the treatment combinations, the least number of days taken for sprouting, maximum percent sprouting, maximum number of sprouts per cutting, maximum sprout and shoot length of stem cutting, maximum increase in diameter of shoot, maximum number of spines/areoles, maximum fresh weight of shoot, and maximum dry weight of shoot were found in treatment T7-Soil+ Sand+ Vermicompost, followed by T8-Soil+ Vermicompost+. Coco peat, while the minimum has been recorded in T1-Soil.

Positive properties of a biological preparation based on the consortium genus bacillus

Abstract An experiment to study the use of a biological preparation was carried out on spring wheat in plot experiments in the conditions of the northern forest-steppe. A fungicidal seed protectant, a bacterial preparation BP (Bacillus simplex / B. Megaterium consortium, secondary metabolites, titer 108 Coe/ml), Biocoal were studied. When treating seeds, plant development was 7 days higher than control when using BP at a rate of 2.5 l/t, where an increase in sprout length by 1.25 cm was noted. When applying the drug to day-old seedlings, the use of BP variants in pure form and with biochar at a rate of 5.0 l/t had a greater effect with an increase in the length of the sprout by 3.2-4.2 cm, a decrease in the population of pathogenic fungi in seeds at the level of 60%, stimulating effect on root length by 1.7 cm, sprout length by 1.5 cm and germination by 6-8%. The use of a bacterial preparation during seed treatment did not affect the reduction of crop root disease. Measuring plant development parameters in the tillering phase, BP with a rate of 1.5 l/t had a greater effect on the length of the upper leaf, exceeding the control by 1-2 cm. The development of morphometric parameters of the flag leaf in the filling phase - milky ripeness had a leaf length of 18-23 cm with a width of 1.0-1.2 cm, with an increase at BP rates of 2.5-5.0 l/t. For seed treatment options, the impact at this stage is minimal or absent. Taking into account biometric indicators of the mass of formed plant organs showed an excess of indicators for BP options in pure form and with biochar at a rate of 5.0 l/t when treating seeds and using them during the growing season. Structural analysis of the ear determined a significant excess of the results of the preparations used during the growing season; the weight of 1000 grains was higher by 2-3 g when the seeds were treated with a chemical disinfectant and using BP at rates of 2.5-5.0 l/t. The crop yield increased by 0.1 t/ha in variants with a rate of bacterial preparation BP of 2.5-5.0 l/t in its pure form.

Tolerance of local gogo rice sprouts under salinity stress conditions

The expansion of rice planting areas in the future needs to be carried out outside Java, as fertile land in Java is shrinking due to land conversion. Most of the land outside Java consists of marginal land, such as areas with high salinity. High salinity levels in the soil cause a decrease in plant germination, growth, and production. The research aimed to examine the tolerance of each cultivar at each level of NaCl concentration, to obtain cultivars that were tolerant to salinity stress, and to determine the NaCl concentration that suppresses the germination of local upland rice. The research was structured using a completely randomized design with a two-factor factorial pattern. The first was the six upland rice cultivars, namely, dongan, jahara, Pulu Konta, pomegranate, kalendeng, and pulu tau leru, while the second factor was the NaCl concentration consisting of 0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8% and 1%. Thus, there were 36 experimental units, which were repeated three times so that there were 108 experimental units. The results of the research showed that there was no interaction with all germination variables; cultivar and concentration had a significant effect on maximum growth potential, germination capacity, germination time, plumule length, radicle length and dry weight of sprouts, while cultivar affected the wet weight of sprouts. Kalendeng has a high salinity tolerance. The use of NaCl concentrations of up to 0.6% has been able to reduce the germination capacity of local upland rice. The conclusion of the research showe that there was no interaction between all germination variables.

Dried Laminaria thalli extract for stimulating germination and digestibility of oats and buckwheat

Despite their beneficial properties, cereal crops contain a number of antinutritive substances, the amount of which can be reduced by germination. In this work, we test the hypothesis about the possibility of stimulating the germination of cereal crops (on the example of oats and buckwheat) and increasing their digestibility using a dried Laminaria thalli extract. The research was conducted using hulless oats (Avena nudisativa) for germination and hulled buckwheat grain (Fagopyrum esculentum), as well as dried Laminaria thalli. Germination was carried out at a temperature of (20±2) °C for 120 h, using drinking water (control) and drinking water with addition of 1 wt% of dried kelp thalli. The germination intensity was assessed based on the mass of 1000 grains, sprout length, and the number of germinated grains. In all samples, the mass fraction of extractive substances and dry matter digestibility with modifications were determined. It was found that the addition of dried Laminaria thalli to water in the amount of 1 wt% stimulates the germination of oats and buckwheat, as well as their digestibility, significantly. The experimental samples demonstrated an improved water absorption and an increase in the weight of 1000 grains, sprout length, and the number of germinated grains. The use of dried Laminaria thalli extract in germination of oats and buckwheat for food purposes reduces the technological process up to two days with a simultaneous increase in digestibility and minimization of losses of extractive substances.

Influence of exogenous 24-epibrassinolide on improving carotenoid content, antioxidant capacity and gene expression in germinated maize seeds.

Carotenoids have various physiological functions, such as immune regulation and cancer prevention. Germination could further improve the content of carotenoids in maize seeds. In this study, yellow maize seeds (Suyu 29) were soaked and germinated with different concentrations of 24-epibrassinolide. The changes of germination percentage, sprout length, bioactive components, antioxidant capacity and carotenoid content of the maize seeds were analyzed. Additionally, the relative expression of key genes in the carotenoid synthesis pathway was investigated. The results showed that the sprout length, germination percentage, soluble protein, free amino acids, proline, endogenous abscisic acid, vitamin C, total phenolics and carotenoids displayed a significant increasing trend compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The activity of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase increased by 55.1% and 58.5% versus the control group, and the antioxidant capacity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and ferric reducing antioxidant power was 19.8%, 13.4% and 44.1% higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression of genes was significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05). Under the treatment of 0.1 mg L-1 of 24-epibrassinolide, carotenoid content reached the highest value. The carotenoids showed a positive correspondence with antioxidant enzyme activity, antioxidant capacity and total phenolics content (P < 0.05). This study showed that 0.1 mg L-1 of exogenous 24-epibrassinolide promoted the accumulation of carotenoids and improved the antioxidant capacity and the quality of germinated maize seeds. It could provide a method for the development of germinated maize products enriched in carotenoids. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Development of lentil malt production technology using plasma-chemically activated aqueous solutions

The result of the implemented research is the development of a technology for sprouted lentil (lentil malt) production using cold plasma-treated aqueous solutions. The object of the study was lentil grain. The main technological task is to obtain high-quality lentil malt suitable for producing gluten-free beer and highly nutritious foods. The rationality of using cold plasma-treated aqueous solutions as an intensifier of lentil grain germination process and high-quality lentil malt disinfectant is experimentally proven. It is confirmed that using cold plasma-treated aqueous solutions can accelerate the process of lentil bean moistening by 2 times. The germination indicators of lentils also experienced positive changes, with germination energy increased by 8–16 %, germination capacity by 3–10 %, and sprout length by 12–29 %. An analysis of the amino acid composition of lentil grain and lentil malt was carried out. Thus, the experimental samples had an increased content of amino acids: non-essential by 2.7 %, essential by 3.6 %. There was also an increase in the content of B vitamins (B1, B2, B5, B9), as well as PP and C, which indicates an increased biological value of lentil malt obtained by the presented technologies. In addition, the work noted the steady antiseptic properties of activated aqueous solutions in relation to lentil malt. The intensive technology of obtaining lentil malt can be implemented in the industrial production of malt for the brewing industry. In addition, sprouted lentil beans have health-improving properties and can be used in the production of functional products. The presented technology of lentil bean malting will be in demand in the production of highly nutritious and healthy grain products and fermented beverages

Growth and Economics of Production of Rooted Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) Cuttings as Affected by Drenching Cattle Urine

An experiment on survival and growth of rooted black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) cuttings as affected by drenching cattle urine was conducted at Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, College of Horticulture, Dapoli, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli during the year 2023-24. Eleven treatments and 3 replications in Randomized Block Design viz. T1 Cattle urine 5 %, T2 Cattle urine 7.5 %, T3 Cattle urine 10 %, T4 Cattle urine 12.5 %, T5 Cattle urine 15 %, T6 Cattle urine 17.5 %, T7 Cattle urine 20 %, T8 Cattle urine 22.5 %, T9 Cattle urine 25 %, T10 Keradix powder and T11 Control with the aim to investigate effect of drenching cattle urine on growth and economics of production of rooted black pepper cuttings. The highest length of sprout (65.17 cm), number of leaves per cutting (14.32) and leaf area (78.16 cm2) were recorded in treatment T7 i.e. drenching cattle urine 20 %. The maximum survival percentage (90.33%), net profit (₹ 2515.00) and B: C ratio (1.87) found in treatment T7.

Fertigation with Nitrogen and Phosphorus Improve Plant Growth, Root Growth, and Buddability of Containerized Citrus Nursery Plants

ABSTRACT Large-scale multiplication of quality planting material is needed to meet the huge demand of planting material in fruit crops. Little information is available on the effect of fertigation on rootstock growth, budding success, and buddling growth in containerized citrus nursery. The present studies were undertaken to study the effect of eight fertigation treatments viz. control (N0P0), N60, N80, N100, N0P100, N60P100, N80P100, and N100P100 on the growth of rough lemon rootstock and subsequently budded three citrus varieties. Among the treatments, N60P100 significantly improved seedling height, diameter, leaf number, root growth, leaf area in rough lemon, Blood Red orange, Kinnow mandarin, and Daisy mandarin over the control. The stomatal conductance was higher with treatments N60, N80, N60P100, and N80P100. While higher photosynthetic rates were observed with N60P100 and N80P100, N60P100 also improved the budding success in Blood Red, Kinnow, and Daisy. Fertigation treatments increased the nutrient concentration in leaves of all the varieties. The principal component analysis revealed that plant height and diameter were positively correlated with root length, root diameter, root number, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll content in rough lemon. In all the varieties, the sprout length and diameter showed a positive correlation with leaf area, leaf number, root length, root diameter, fibrous root number, photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll content. Among different treatments, N60P100 was the best treatment in improving the shoot growth, root growth, and physiological parameters of rough lemon rootstock. Besides, it also improved budding success and buddling growth in all three citrus varieties.

Exploring the potential of ultrasound combined with sucrose treatments for germination and growth of sunflower sprouts

Ultrasound is a promising physical method for enhancing the germination of leguminous plants, while sucrose supplementation can boost plant growth and metabolism. However, limited studies have explored the synergistic effects and metabolic mechanisms of ultrasound and sucrose on sunflower sprouts. This study comprehensively investigated the impacts of ultrasound, sucrose, and their combination (US-Suc) on the germination and seedling growth of sunflower seeds. Overall, the combine treatment significantly increased the germination rate, length and weight of sunflower sprouts, compared to either individual treatment. Scanning electron microscope images showed that the US-Suc combination induced a distinct microstructural alteration, enhancing the water absorption capacity of sunflower seeds. Additionally, sunflower seeds exhibited increased activity of endogenous enzymes with antioxidant properties following US-Suc treatment. Lastly, Nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics analysis demonstrated that the US-Suc treatment had a distinct regulatory impact on the metabolic profile compared to either treatment alone. The metabolism of carbohydrates and phenolic compounds was significantly up-regulated upon US-Suc treatment, leading to improved plant growth and resistance to environmental stress. In conclusion, pre-treating with ultrasound in combination with external sucrose application showed great promise in seed germination, enhancing nutrient accumulation in sunflower sprouts by accelerating water uptake and boosting enzyme activity. Thus, US-Suc represents an effective approach to increase both yield and nutritional value of sunflower sprouts.

Seed Disinfection Treatments Minimized Microbial Load and Enhanced Nutritional Properties of Fenugreek Sprouts Which Alleviated Diabetes-Negative Disorders in Diabetic Rats.

Sprouts are an attractive food product that contains high amounts of nutritional substances and has pro-health features. Sprout consumption has strongly increased despite its potential risk to health due to its microbial load. Both the safety and shelf life of sprouts may be negatively affected by a high microbial load. To reduce the microbial contamination in sprouts before consumption, the initial microbial load on the seeds needs to be controlled. Many herbal sprouts have been recommended for diabetes, and fenugreek is one of these sprouts. Thus, the current experiment aimed at disinfecting fenugreek seeds using microwave (5, 10, and 20 s) and hot water (30, 45, and 60 s) treatments for different durations. The best-disinfected sprouts with the highest nutritional properties were used to evaluate their influence on streptozocin-induced diabetic rats in comparison with fenugreek seed feeding. Microwave treatments showed the highest sprout length, fresh weight, total free amino acids, antioxidants, reducing sugars, and total phenols. Additionally, microwave seed treatments showed the lowest bacteria and mold counts on sprouts produced relative to hot water treatments, and the best seed treatment was a microwave for 20 s, which gave the best values in this respect. Feeding diabetic rats with different fenugreek seeds or sprout rates (0, 5, 7.5, and 10% w/w) improved body weight, restricted the growth of glucose levels, lowered total cholesterol and triglycerides, and improved HDL compared with the positive control group, and fenugreek sprouts at higher rates showed the maximum improvements in blood glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Treating fenugreek seed with microwave radiation for 20 s to disinfect the seeds before sprouting is recommended for lowering the microbial load with optimum nutritional and antioxidant activity, and feeding diabetic rats with these sprouts at the rate of 7.5 and 10% had promising effects on hyperglycemia and associated disorders.

Effect of ultrasonically stimulated potato germination during soaking on the physicochemical properties of starch and its use in edible films

The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of ultrasonic treatment during soaking of potatoes on the physicochemical properties of starches obtained after 16 weeks of germination. The ultrasonic treatment showed a direct correlation between sprout length and ultrasonic time. The protein content decreased from 0.63 to 0.38 % and the fat content decreased significantly from 0.31 to 0.01 % after germination. The amylose content changed depending on the ultrasonic treatment, and increased from 36.27 to 40.92 % after 16 weeks of germination, which was related to the amylopectin debranching and the duration of the ultrasonic treatment. X-ray diffraction showed that the nanocrystals with hexagonal structure were not affected by the germination and the duration of ultrasonic treatment. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the surface of the starch granules was not affected by the enzymatic treatment.The sprouted potato starch resulted in films with better tensile strength and lower water vapor permeability (WVP) compared to the native potato starch films. In addition, the films produced with ultrasound stimulated potato starch exhibited better properties (high strength and low permeability), which is desirable when it comes to controlling moisture exchange between a food product and the surrounding atmosphere.

Influence of Liquid Plant Growth Promoting Rhizomicrobial Consortia on Graft Success in Mango (Mangifera indica L.)

Mango is the most important and commercially grown fruit crop in India. The area under mango is increasing rapidly but the limited availability of genuine planting material is the most important bottleneck in the expansion of the area. The application of liquid plant growth promoting rhizomicrobial consortia (PGPR) at the nursery stage will enhance the seedling vigour and graft success. Hence, an experiment was conducted at the College of Horticulture, Hiriyur during the academic year 2022–23. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design with eight treatments and three replications. In this study, liquid PGPRs were applied to the media (soil, sand and FYM @ 3:1:1), the different PGPRs viz., Control- (T1), Azotobacter chroococcum (T2), Bacillus megaterium (T3), Frateuria aurantia (T4), Azotobacter chroococcum + Bacillus megaterium (T5), Azotobacter chroococcum + Frateuria aurantia (T6), Bacillus megaterium + Frateuria aurantia (T7), Azotobacter chroococcum + Bacillus megaterium + Frateuria aurantia (T8). Among different treatments, T8 has showed significantly maximum sprout success (82.22 % and 84.44 % at 30 and 60 days after grafting), survival per cent (84.55 %), sprout length (9.30 cm), sprout girth (4.76 mm), number of leaves (15.37), leaf length (14.08 cm) and leaf breadth (3.29 cm) at 120 days after grafting. Hence, it is concluded that the mango rootstocks treated with Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus megaterium and Frateuria aurantia resulted in better physiological growth and graft success.