Germination Length Research Articles

Гидрохимический анализ и экотоксикологическая оценка качества вод реки Качи

Purpose: to conduct a hydrochemical analysis and give a comprehensive eco-toxicological assessment of the Kacha river water. Materials and methods. The content of chemical components in surface water was determined using titrimetric and photocolorimetric analyses. The degree of surface water pollution was calculated using a comprehensive assessment method on individual hydrochemical indicators, calculating the combinatorial water pollution index. Algotesting was carried out by measuring the optical density of the chlorella microalgae culture (Chlorella vulgaris Beijer). For phytotesting the seeds of dicotyledonous plants – cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), soya bean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) and monocotyledonous plants – common oats (Avena sativa L.) were used. Test parameters: seed germination and germination readiness, root and sprout length were analyzed. Results. According to the hydrochemical parameters of the Kacha river, the waters were classified as oligohaline, and according to the specific combinatorial index (S′ = 1.15) they were classified as slightly polluted ones of the second class. The values of the coefficient of complexity of water contamination rate during 2012–2018 were within 12 %. In 2023, the Kacha river water was defined as moderately hard water (7.4 mg-eq/cubic dm), while a decrease in the average water salinity (566.1 mg/cubic dm) and an improvement in its quality in terms of total iron (0.12 mg/cubic dm) were noted, which corresponded to the maximum permissible concentration for water bodies of municipal and amenity water use significance. The water algoeffect reached 57 %, and the phytoeffect – 87 %. Conclusions. The use of biological methods – algotesting and phytotesting – showed the presence of toxicants in the Kacha river water from the effluent to the mouth. The need for additional control of the river water quality during its use, including irrigation, was noted.

Comparative assessment of the genotypes of oats of domestic and foreign breeding to the toxic effect of aluminum ions

The purpose of the research is to identify the genetic resistance to the toxic effects of aluminum ions in oat genotypes for the targeted selection of aluminum-resistant varieties. The work was carried out on the basis of the laboratory of genomic research in crop production of the Research Institute of Agricultural Sciences, a branch of the Tyumen Scientific Research Center SB RAS in 2024. The research object were oat species: Avena sativa L., A. abyssinica L., A. strigosa L., A. byzantina L. The research is based on changes in the growth of plant roots during the phase of early ontogenesis (the first 7 days) under the action of aluminum ions. Aqueous solutions of aluminum sulfate were prepared at a concentration of 1.5; 3.0; 5.0 g/l with concomitant measurement of the acidity level (pH). Distilled water was used as a control. The most resistant to the toxic manifestation of aluminum ions at concentrations of 1.5 and 3.0 g/l in solution was the Tobolyak variety (k-15827), which belongs to the species Avena sativa L. The root length index was 57 and 20%, respectively (root length 89±1.8 and 32±0.9 mm). Aluminum-resistance in the variant with a maximum concentration (5.0 g/l) of Al3+ in solution is noted in oat genotypes Raduzhny (A. sativa L., k-15887) and Mestny (A. strigosa L., k-5200) root length index reached 10% relative to the control. The oat genotypes belonging to the species Avena abyssinica L. were unstable to the effects of aluminum ions. (Mestny k-4971 and k-5075). At an aluminum ion concentration of 3.0 g/l, the genotype of Avena byzantina L. (Haruabusa k-14873) was the least resistant to stress – the root length index was 11% relative to the control. The mathematical dependence of the root length of oat sprouts correlated (R2=1) with the concentration of Al3+ in solution was also determined, expressed by the following regression equation: y=5,32x2-48,4x+117,34 where y is the index of the root length of seven-day oat seedlings, mm; x is the concentration of aluminum ions, g/l.

Effect of short peptides on seed germination and morphometric parameters of flax seedlings

The use of peptide preparations is one of the current trends in modern agriculture. These preparations can be used to increase the efficiency of sowing treatment of agricultural crops seeds. The article presents the results of a laboratory experiment aimed at studying the effect of a complex of short peptides AC-3 (glutamic acid, aspartic acid, leucine) on seed germination and morphometric parameters of flax seedlings (Linum usitatissimum L.) - Tverskoy variety. The maximum germination energy (68, 68 and 74%, 50% at the control) and seed germination values (95, 95 and 100%, 75% at the control) were obtained in variants with seed treatment with a complex of short peptides at concentrations of 1*10-12, 1*10-13, and 1*10-15 g/l, respectively. According to the totality of the maximum values of seed quality indicators and morphometric characteristics of flax seedlings, the Tverskoy variety (the length of roots and sprouts, the yield of raw and dry biomass of seedlings), the optimal concentration of a complex of short peptides for pre-sowing seed treatment is 1*10-15 g/l.

Effect of calcium chloride concentration on seed germination and young seedling parameters in rice (Oryza Sativa L.)

The study was conducted with five rice varieties (Osmanchik 97, Gala, Luna, CL 34, Cameo) in order to determine and compare the effect of increased concentrations of CaCl2 on seed germination during the early stages of plant development. Variations include: control (deionized distilled water), 50 mM, 100 mM, 150 mM, 200 mM, 250 mM, and 300 mM CaCl2 concentrations. Germinating energy, germination rate, germination rate coefficient, germination index degree, germination index, mean germination time, sprout and root length, sprouts and roots fresh and dry weight, seed vitality index and salinity tolerance were determined. The data were analyzed with SPSS program. The results show that the application of increasing concentrations of CaCl2 salinity in the order of 50-200 mM leads to a prolongation of the mean germination time of the seeds and has an inhibitory effect on the growth of sprouts and roots, this effect being more pronounced on the roots . The cultivars Osmanchik 97 and Gala are relatively more tolerant to salinization with low and medium concentrations of CaCl2 in terms of seed germination. At salinity levels from 250 mM to 300 mM CaCl2 solution, all tested cultivars were sensitive.

Pre-sowing irradiation of annual ryegrass seeds as a way to accelerate plant growth and adaptation to adverse conditions

As a result of pre-sowing irradiation of annual ryegrass seeds of Rapid variety, the effect of radiobiological stimulation was obtained, which manifested in root growth and an increase in the mass of seedlings and was most observed at a dose of γ-irradiation of 4 Gy. A similar effect when germinating seeds after storage for 90 days was obtained at higher doses of seed irradiation – 10 and 15 Gy; a dose of 4 Gy increased the sprout length. In case of imitation of arid conditions for ryegrass plants, seedlings from non-irradiated seeds of the control variant, under stress, experienced depression and lagged in growth from seedlings with optimal hydration. At the same time, pre-sowing γ-irradiation of seeds in doses of 15-20 Gy partially compensated for the negative effect of lack of moisture, ensuring the same plant development as with optimal hydration, confirming that radiation hormesis can be an example of an adaptive reaction to changing environmental conditions.

Mung Seeds Under Constant Low Potential Difference During Post-Germination When Sprout Length Grows

Low potential difference 𝟎.𝟎𝑽𝒐𝒍𝒕 𝟏.𝟓𝑽𝒐𝒍𝒕, 𝟑.𝟎𝑽𝒐𝒍𝒕, 𝟒.𝟓𝑽𝒐𝒍𝒕, and 𝟔.𝟎𝑽𝒐𝒍𝒕 are applied during the growth of sprout length after germination and post-germination of mung seeds in open-air conditions. The sprout length decreases with an increase in potential difference and graphs show non-linear variations. Thus, this potential difference produces a negative impact on the sprout length elongation of seeds. The decrease in the sprout length may be due to lesser diffusion through the cell wall or due to the weakening of the activity of the other cell components leading to a slower rate of cell division. This may have an impact on the process of preservation of seeds.

Effects of microwave treatment on the microstructure, germination characteristics, morphological characteristics and nutrient composition of maize

This study investigated the effects of microwave treatment on the microstructure and germination characteristics of maize seeds, as well as the morphological characteristics and nutritional composition of germinated maize. The results indicated that microwave could alter the microstructure of endosperm cells in maize seeds. Microwave enhanced the germination rate and shortened the average germination time. Besides, the sprout length (20.0 %), fresh weight of edible parts (14.0 %) and reducing sugar content (6.04 %) of germinated maize were significantly increased by microwaving of 200 W/20 s, compared with CK (10 d). In addition, the respiratory rate (41.5 %) and free amino acids content (19.5 %) of germinated maize were also significantly enhanced with microwave of 200 W/20 s, compared with CK (7 d). Microwave could significantly increase amylase activity, accelerate starch hydrolysis, and greatly decrease starch content. For soluble protein and fat content of germinated maize, there were no significant differences among the treatment groups. Correlation analysis showed that the sprout length and fresh weight of germinated maize were highly correlated with their nutritional components. Therefore, microwave can be an effective method to improve the nutritional value of germinated maize.

EFFECTIVENESS OF CYTOKININ PREPARATIONS FOR IMPROVING CALLUSOGENESIS AND PHYSIOLOGICAL STATE OF GRAPE CUTTINGS (VITIS VINIFERA L.)

EFFECTIVENESS OF CYTOKININ PREPARATIONS FOR IMPROVING CALLUSOGENESIS AND PHYSIOLOGICAL STATE OF GRAPE CUTTINGS (VITIS VINIFERA L.)

Growth Response of Long Beans (Vigna unguiculata) and Mung Beans (Vigna radiata) to the Application of Different Types of Water

Germination begins with imbibition or the entry of water that will activate various physiological components of the seed. So it is known that water has an important role in initiating the early stages of plant growth and development. The process of growth and development can be influenced by the type of water around it. This study aims to determine the growth response in Long Beans (Vigna unguiculata) and Mung Beans (Vigna radiata) to the application of various types of water, namely river water, peat water, rainwater and tap water. The seeds were soaked for 3 hours before planting. Then transferred to the planting media. Furthermore, for 7 days, observations were made along with watering the seeds using the treatment water. The parameters observed were the number of germinated seeds, sprout length, and root length on the seventh day. The data obtained were analyzed and processed using IBM SPSS software through parametric test (One-way ANOVA) and non-parametric test (Independent-Samples Kruskal-Wallis Test). Based on statistical tests, it is known that there is no significant difference, where in Long Beans the significance value is 0.795 (> 0.05). While in Mung Beans the significance value is 0.602 (> 0.05). The conclusion of this study is that there is no significant difference between each treatment, so that the various types of water in the treatment only as an initiator in the process of germination.

Влияние коротких пептидов на рост и развитие проростков ячменя

The use of peptide preparations is one of the current trends in modern agriculture. These preparations can be used at the stage of seed germination, which is an effective strategy for increasing the dynamics of growth and successful development of plants. The article presents the results of laboratory experiments aimed at studying the effect of a complex of short peptides AC-5 (aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine) on the germination of spring barley seeds (Hordeum vulgare L.) - Vladimir variety and the intensity of their germination. The maximum values of germination energy (95%, 71% at the control) and seed germination (99%, 82% at the control) were obtained in variants with seed treatment with a complex of short peptides at concentrations of 1*10-12 and 1*10-13 g/l, the minimum – in variants with seed treatment at concentrations of 1*10-8 g/l. To determine the effective concentration of short peptides that cause the greatest growth-stimulating effect, morphometric characteristics of barley seedlings (length of roots and sprouts, yield of raw biomass, dry mass of sprouts and dry mass of roots) were studied. According to the totality of the maximum values, the optimal concentration of a complex of short peptides for pre–sowing treatment of spring barley seeds of the Vladimir variety is 1*10-13 g/l. Keywords: SPRING BARLEY, A COMPLEX OF SHORT PEPTIDES, SEED GERMINATION, GERMINATION ENERGY, LABORATORY EXPERIENCE

Resistance selection of local sorghum varieties in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia against Rhizoctonia solani

Abstract. Feni EI, Kasmiyati S, Meitiniarti VI. 2023. Resistance selection of local sorghum varieties in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia against Rhizoctonia solani. Biodiversitas 24: 5309-5318. Sorghum is a multifunctional crop that can be used as an alternative food for the people of East Nusa Tenggara. However, one of the challenges in cultivating sorghum in this region is the presence of the Rhizoctonia solani pathogen. This fungus causes a devastating root rot disease in sorghum crops, resulting in loss of crop yields and potentially disrupting food security in the region. Using resistant varieties is one of the most effective ways to prevent the growth of R. solani biologically. Therefore, it is important to study the resistance of local sorghum varieties. The purpose of this study was to determine different sorghum varieties' resistance responses to the R. solani fungus that causes root rot disease. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 2 levels of treatment: the treatment of sorghum varieties and the treatment of fungi inoculums, which were inoculated separately and simultaneously. Each treatment was repeated 3 times. Observations and data collection were carried out on the 7th day, and some of the parameters observed included germination percentage, radicle length, coleoptile length, sprout length, GTI value, and disease incidence value. The sorghum variety with the highest resistance value was found in the red variety. This red variety had a disease incidence value of 63.3%, much lower than the other four test varieties. These results provide important insights for developing a more root rot disease-resistant local sorghum plant variety.

Effect of plasma activated water treated by LF-microwave hybrid plasma on enhancement of seed germination and plant growth

The current study intends to examine the impact of non-thermal plasma generated by a low-frequency microwave hybrid plasma (LFMHP) on the germination and growth of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) sprout seeds. Plasma activated water (PAW) was utilized as part of the experimental approach for this investigation. The chemical indicator analysis revealed that the LFMHP generated a significantly higher concentration of reactive oxygen species compared with the conventional LF plasma jet (LF-PJ). The application of LFMHP treatment on PAW led to higher germination percentages and improved germination potential in radish sprout seeds compared to both the LF-PJ and control group treatments. Additionally, the average length of radish sprouts treated with PAW using the LFMHP was longer in comparison to those treated with PAW using the LF-PJ and the control group. The findings from this study suggest that PAW treated with LFMHP enhances both the germination and plants growth. Furthermore, this study observed that shows a crucial role in influencing the growth rate of radish sprouts.

The potential of invasive species Praxelis clematidea extract as a bioherbicide for Asystasia gangetica

Abstract. Wardini TH, Afifa IN, Esyanti RR, Astutiningsih NT, Pujisiswanto AH. 2023. The potential of invasive species Praxelis clematidea extract as a bioherbicide for Asystasia gangetica. Biodiversitas 24: 4738-4746. The occurrence of weeds in agriculture directly impacts crop productivity, and the reliance on synthetic herbicides to solve the problem has raised concerns about the increasing environmental damage. Using bioherbicides to control weeds is necessary to reduce the negative impact of synthetic herbicides. Bioactive compounds derived from plants can be utilized to develop eco-friendly herbicides. Praxelis clematidea extract was reported to exhibit allelopathic activity against weeds. This study aims to evaluate the potential of P. clematidea extract as a bioherbicide to control seed germination and seedling growth of Asystasia gangetica weed. P. clematidea water extract was screened for its chemical compounds and determined its phytotoxic effects on Asystasia gangetica. The results showed that P. clematidea water extract contained phenolics, alkaloids, and terpenoids. P. clematidea extract suppressed seed germination, the time needed for seed germination, sprout length, number of leaves, biomass, and total chlorophyll contents. LC50values for the seed germination, seedling, root, and shoot growth were calculated at 9%, 25%, 11%,and 37% (v/v), respectively. Thus, P. clematidea could be used as an A. gangetica weed biocontrol agent and might be integrated into weed management programs.

Influence of Shading and Anatomical Structure of the Stem Cutting on Rooting Performance of Fig (Ficus Sp.)

Fig (Ficus sp.) belongs to tropical and subtropical climates which have great potential for the commercial cultivation. Cutting is the most common and effective method of propagation for figs which is influenced by different exogenous and endogenous factors. In this light, a study was conducted to observe the responses of stem cutting of fig (Ficus sp.) of one exotic and two indigenous varieties (Teen- Ficus carica; wild fig- Ficus hispida and joggo fig- Ficus racemosa) in respect of duration of shade and anatomical status of stem. The study was laid in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with two factors (duration of shade and cultivars) and three replications of the treatments. The four different treatments of shade duration were as T1= open or control, T2=3 days of shading, T3= 6 days of shading and T4= 9 days of shading. Data were collected on root and sprout growth of the cuttings at weekly interval from two weeks of planting the cuttings in sand filled plastic cups. When the duration of shading increased, the teen (Ficus carica) showed the longest sprout (1.59 mm) and root (2 mm) as well as maximum number of root (5.67) and sprout (2.33). Better rooting performance was found in teen and it was very low in wild fig. A relationship between rooting performance and anatomical structure was clearly observed in this study. Long period of shading has positive effect on number and length of sprout in teen and wild fig. On the other hand, short period of shading minimized the days required for sprouting in teen Presence of thin cuticle, thin trichome and the absence of druses crystal in ground tissue and medulla also enhanced the performance of stem cutting of teen.

Photocatalytic Degradation and Toxicity Analysis of Sulfamethoxazole using TiO2/BC.

Sulfonamide antibiotics in the environment not only disrupt the ecological balance but can also enter the human or animal body in various forms and cause harm. Therefore, exploring efficient methods to degrade sulfonamide antibiotics is crucial. In this study, we prepared biochar (BC) using corn straw, and TiO2/BC was obtained by doping different proportions of TiO2 into biochar with varying carbonization temperatures using the sol-gel method. Next, we investigated the degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in solution using the generated TiO2/BC under ultraviolet irradiation and studied the effects of various experimental parameters, such as the type of composite material, composite material addition, solution pH, and initial antibiotic concentration on SMX degradation. Under an initial SMX concentration of 30 mg/L, the composite with the best photocatalytic degradation performance was TiO2/BC-5-300 (i.e., 5 mL of TiO2 doping; 300 °C calcination temperature), with an addition amount of 0.02 g and a solution pH of 3. The degradation efficiency increased from 22.3% to 89%, and the most significant degradation effect occurred during the initial stage of photocatalytic degradation. In the TiO2/BC-5-300 treated SMX solution, the average rhizome length of bean sprouts was significantly higher than that of the untreated SMX solution and slightly lower than that of the deionized aqueous solution (3.05 cm < 3.85 cm < 4.05 cm). This confirmed that the photocatalytic degradation of SMX by the composite was effective and could efficiently reduce its impact on the growth of bean sprouts. This study provides essential data and theoretical support for using TiO2/BC in the treatment of antibiotic-contaminated wastewater.

Influencia del ácido giberélico (AG3), etanol y cianamida hidrogenada (Dormex) sobre la brotación de yemas a partir de tubérculos de Solanum tuberosum L. var. Cecilia.

Induction of sprouting is widely used in Solanum tuberosum tubers to reduce the sprout growth time. The main objective of this article was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of gibberellic acid (GA3), ethanol, and hydrogen cyanamide (Dormex) on the budding of buds, length, and number of sprouts in Solanum tuberosum L. var. Cecilia tubers. Previously disinfected tubers were immersed in three sprouting inducers at different concentrations and placed in two peat-based substrates (TS1 and TS2). The tubers were submerged for 72 hours for gibberellic acid, while hydrogen cyanamide (Dormex) and ethanol were immersed for 15 minutes. The number and length of sprouts per tuber were evaluated. A completely randomized block design was used in each experiment. At 21 days of using gibberellic acid (GA3) (5 mg.L-1, 9 mg.L-1, 7 mg.L-1, and 3 mg.L-1), ethanol (0.5%, 0.7%, 0.3%, 0.9%, and 0.1%), and hydrogen cyanamide (Dormex) (3%, 4%, 2%, 0.5%, and 1%), the length of the sprouts in S. tuberosum var. Cecilia tubers increased, but it did not affect the number of projections. The types of substrates (TS1 and TS4) did not influence the length or number of sprouts in the budding of Cecilia potato tubers. Based on the results of this study, it was concluded that GA3, ethanol, and Dormex promoted the budding of buds in S. tuberosum var. Cecilia tubers. Keywords: activators, dormancy, inductor, latency, shoots.

Postharvest starch and sugars adjustment in potato tubers of wide-ranging dormancy genotypes subjected to various sprout forcing techniques

The development of an efficient, safe, and environment-friendly technique to terminate tuber dormancy in potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) is of great concern due to the immense scope of multiple cropping all over the globe. The breakage of tuber dormancy has been associated with numerous physiological changes, including a decline in the level of starch and an increase in the levels of sugars during storage of freshly harvested seed potatoes, although their consistency across genotypes and various dormancy-breaking techniques have not yet been fully elucidated. The purpose of the present research is to assess the efficacy of four different dormancy-breaking techniques, such as soaking in 90, 60, or 30 mg L−1 solutions of benzyl amino purine (BAP) and 30, 20, or 10 mg L−1 gibberellic acid (GA3) alone and in the combination of optimized concentrations; cold pre-treatment at 6, 4, or 2 °C; electric shock at 80, 60, 40, or 20 Vs; and irradiation at 3.5, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.5, or 1 kGy on the tuber dormancy period and sprout length of six genotypes. Furthermore, the changes that occurred in tuber weight and endogenous starch, sucrose, fructose, and glucose contents in experimental genotypes following the application of these techniques were also examined. Overall, the most effective technique to terminate tuber dormancy and hasten spout growth was the combined application of BAP and GA3, which reduced the length of dormancy by 9.6 days compared to the untreated control, following 6.7 days of electric current, 4.4 days of cold pre-treatment, and finally irradiation (3.3 days). The 60 mg L−1 solution of BAP greatly reduced the dormancy period in all genotypes but did not affect the sprout length at all. The genotypes showed a weak negative correlation (r = − 0.4) (P < 0.05) of endogenous starch contents with dormancy breakage and weight loss or a moderate (r = − 0.5) correlation with sprout length, but a strong positive correlation (r = 0.8) of tuber glucose, fructose, and sucrose contents with dormancy breakage and weight loss. During 3 weeks of storage, sprouting commencement and significant weight loss occurred as tuber dormancy advanced towards breakage due to a reduction in starch and an increase in the sucrose, fructose, and glucose contents of the tubers. These findings could be advantageous for postponing or accelerating seed potato storage as well as investigating related physiological research in the future.

Exogenous methyl jasmonate combined with Ca2+ promote resveratrol biosynthesis and stabilize sprout growth for the production of resveratrol-rich peanut sprouts

Promoting resveratrol accumulation in plants and utilizing resveratrol-rich plants as raw materials for the development of functional foods is a promising development direction. The effects of methyl jasmonate (MeJA), in combination with CaCl2 and Ca2+ inhibitors, on physiological metabolism and resveratrol enrichment of peanut sprouts were investigated. MeJA combined with CaCl2 increased Ca2+ content, calmodulin content, and Ca2+- adenosine triphosphatase activity, as well as upregulated calcium-binding proteinase expression levels. Treatment with MeJA plus CaCl2 significantly increased peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities and antioxidant capacities, significantly decreased the content of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide, which resulted in a significantly increased in sprout length and fresh weight, and alleviated the inhibition of sprout growth. MeJA plus CaCl2 significantly increased the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and 4-coumarate coenzyme A ligase and upregulated the expression levels of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, cinnamic acid 4-hydroxylase, and resveratrol synthase, thus significantly increasing resveratrol content. However, MeJA combined with Ca2+ antagonists reversed these effects. These results indicate that MeJA interacts with Ca2+ to promote resveratrol synthesis in peanut sprouts and to improve sprout stress tolerances.

Potential Potential of a native araticum species as the rootstock of atemoya cultivars propagated by grafting methods

Technical and secure information on the production of quality atemoya seedlings (Annona squamosa L. x Annona cherimola Mill.) are of paramount importance due to the growing interest in this crop. This study aimed to assess the formation of atemoya seedlings propagated by grafting methods and cultivars using araticum (Annona sylvatica) rootstocks. The experiment was carried out in a screened environment at the Western Paraná State University (Unioeste), Campus of Marechal Cândido Rondon, Paraná State, Brazil. Atemoya grafts (Thompson, African Pride, and Gefner) were collected from plants from the CATI seedling nursery, located in São Bento do Sapucaí, São Paulo State, Brazil. Grafting was performed using 1-year-old araticum rootstocks with 8–10 mm in diameter at a height of 15 cm from the ground and grafts measuring, on average, 8.5 cm in length, 10 mm in diameter, and three buds. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement (three grafting methods: cleft graft, whip and tongue graft, and chip budding × three cultivars: African Pride, Thompson, and Gefner), with four replications and 10 seedlings per replication, totaling 40 seedlings per treatment. The percentage of graft success (%), percentage of sprouting (%), number of sprouts, number of leaves, and longest sprout length (cm) were assessed at 60 days after grafting. The cleft graft method is efficient for producing atemoya seedlings. The cultivar African Pride can be grafted onto rootstocks by the cleft graft and whip and tongue graft methods, as they promote a higher percentage of graft success. The Annona sylvatica rootstock has potential for the production of atemoya seedlings, but chip budding is not viable.

Evaluation of Total Isoflavones in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Sprouts Germinated under Precursors (p-Coumaric Acid and L-Phenylalanine) Supplementation.

Cicer arietinum L. (Bengal gram, chickpea) is one of the major pulse crops and an important part of traditional diets in Asia, Africa, and South America. The present study was conducted to determine the changes in total isoflavones during sprouting (0, 3, and 7 days) along with the effect of two precursor supplementations, p-coumaric acid (p-CA) and L-phenylalanine (Phe), in C. arietinum. It was observed that increasing sprouting time up to the seventh day resulted in ≈1282 mg 100 g-1 isoflavones, which is approximately eight times higher than chickpea seeds. The supplementation of Phe did not affect the total length of sprouts, whereas the supplementation of p-CA resulted in stunted sprouts. On the third day of supplementation with p-CA (250 mg L-1), the increase in the total phenolic content (TPC) (80%), daidzein (152%), and genistin (158%) contents were observed, and further extending the supplementation reduced the growth of sprouts. On the seventh day of supplementation with Phe (500 mg L-1), the increase in TPC by 43% and genistin content by 74% was observed compared with non-treated sprouts; however, the total isoflavones content was found to be 1212 mg 100 g-1. The increased TPC was positively correlated with the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (r = 0.787) and ferric-reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) (r = 0.676) activity. This study suggests that chickpea sprouts enriched in TPC and antioxidants can be produced by the appropriate quantity of precursor supplementation on a particular day. The results indicated major changes in the phytochemical content, especially daidzein and genistin. It was also concluded that the consumption of 100 g of seventh-day sprouts provided eight times higher amounts of isoflavones in comparison to chickpea seeds.