Uncoated Seeds Research Articles

Invasive shrub removal may be more effective at reducing granivory than coating tree seeds with capsaicin

The utility of seed addition to promote tree regeneration can be greatly limited by animals that consume seeds. Moreover, given that restoration often occurs in forests where invasive shrubs are abundant, and evidence that invasive shrubs can increase granivory, it is important to explore whether methods for reducing granivory work equally well in invaded and uninvaded habitats. We used a multi-site field experiment spanning 160 days to explore whether coating seeds of Prunus serotina with capsaicin extract leads to reduced granivory in habitats with or without invasive shrubs (Rhamnus cathartica). Capsaicin-coated seeds were removed at a similar rate to uncoated seeds, but seeds in invaded plots had a 78.8% higher rate of removal compared to plots without invasive shrubs. Our findings suggest that managers seeking to encourage regeneration of native trees using direct seeding should consider invasive shrub removal as a top priority to limit the loss of seeds once sown.

Synthesis and characterization of Lanthanum Oxide nanoparticles using Citrus aurantium and their effects on Citrus limon Germination and Callogenesis

The plant extract-mediated method is eco-friendly, simple, safe, and low-cost, using biomolecules as a reducing agent to separate nanoparticles. Lanthanum (La) is a rare earth metal that positively affects plant growth and agriculture. Citrus limon is a leading citrus fruit with many varieties. Conventional vegetative propagation methods depend on season, availability of plant material and are time-consuming. It is the main reason for limiting the acceptance of new varieties. So, In-vitro propagation of the lemon method is practiced overcoming all these problems. Lanthanum oxide nanoparticles (La2O3-NPs) were synthesized using plant extract of C. aurantium. Ultraviolet (UV)-Visible Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) were used to characterize the synthesized La2O3-NPs. Fabricated La2O3-NPs were oval and spherical, with an average size of 51.1 nm. UV-visible absorption spectra of La2O3-NPs were shown at a sharp single peak at 342 nm and FTIR showed stretching frequency at 455 cm−1-516 cm−1. In the TGA outcome, mass loss was 9.1%. In vitro experiments demonstrated that La2O3-NPs significantly enhanced the germination and growth of C. limon seeds, achieving an 83% germination rate at 5 mg/L concentration, with uncoated seeds showing root initiation at 10 days and shoot formation at 15 days. Furthermore, La2O3-NPs effectively stimulated callus induction and maturation, with optimal responses observed in media containing MS and 2 mg/L 2,4-D, resulting in a maximum callus frequency of 100% from leaves and 87.5% from shoots at 5 mg/L concentration. These findings underscore the potential of La2O3-NPs to improve seed germination rates, seedling vigor, and callogenesis efficiency, suggesting their promising integration into agricultural practices for sustainable crop production, especially in suboptimal growing conditions. Future research is recommended to explore the mechanisms and broader applications of La2O3-NPs across various plant species and environments.

Application of chitosan nanopriming on plant growth and secondary metabolites of Pancratium maritimum L

BackgroundNanotechnology has demonstrated its vital significance in all aspects of daily life. Our research was conducted to estimate the potential of primed seed with chitosan nanoparticles in seed growth and yield by inducing plant secondary metabolism of Pancratium maritimum L. one of the important medicinal plants. Petri dish and pot experiments were carried out. Seeds of Pancratium maritimum L. were soaked in Nano solution (0.1, 0.5, 1 mg/ ml) for 4, 8, 12 h. Germination parameters (germination percentage, germination velocity, speed of germination, germination energy, germination index, mean germination time, seedling shoot and root length, shoot root ratio, seedling vigor index, plant biomass and water content), alkaloids and antioxidant activity of Pancratium maritimum L. were recorded and compared between coated and uncoated seeds.ResultsOur results exhibited that chitosan nanopriming had a positive effect on some growth parameters, while it fluctuated on others. However, the data showed that most germination parameters were significantly affected in coated seeds compared to uncoated seeds. GC-MS analysis of Pancratium maritimum L. with different nanopriming treatments showed that the quantity of alkaloids decreased, but the amount of pancratistatin, lycorine and antioxidant content increased compared with the control.ConclusionsApplying chitosan nanoparticles in priming seeds might be a simple and effective way to improve the quantity of secondary metabolites of Pancratium maritimum L. valuable medicinal plant.

CONSERVATION STATUS AND RESEARCH ON PROPAGATION OF <i>CAMELLIA PIQUETIANA</i> IN LAM DONG PROVINCE, VIETNAM

Camellia piquetiana, one of the endemic species of Vietnam, is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) by the IUCN. A reassessment of its conservation status and research into propagation methods are essential for its conservation. Our survey recorded 246 mature individuals in the wild at three locations in Lam Dong Province: Bao Loc City, Bao Lam District, and Da Huoai District. The conservation assessment for this species, determined with GeoCat software, is still CR. Propagation by partially uncoated seeds had a higher propagation efficiency than by coated seeds. The germination percentage was 92.22%; the seeds began germination after 11 days and finished after 29.33 days. The results showed that stem cuttings immersed in a concentration of 500 ppm indole-3-butyric acid for 10 minutes with a 100% coir substrate gave the highest survival percentage (90.00%), rooting percentage (86.67%), average number of roots (4.54), root length (4.86 cm), and rooting index (21.98) after 90 days.

Coating seeds with biopolymers extracted from waste-activated sludge

Seeds can be coated with biopolymers extracted from waste-activated sludge, and the seeds of lettuce and spinach can be coated. When coated with the biopolymers, these seeds exhibited largely improved resistance to high temperature and humidity. The seeds coated or not coated with the biopolymers were aged, and the germination potential, germination ratio, and antioxidant enzyme activity of the coated seeds exhibited markedly greater differences than did those of the uncoated seeds. Moreover, the CAT, POD, and APX activities in the coated lettuce and spinach seeds increased by 56%, 2%, and 17%, respectively (lettuce), as did the activity of 8%, 3%, and 31%, respectively (spinach). In the pot trials, the contents of soluble protein and soluble sugar and the activities of antioxidant enzymes were also enhanced—42% and 56% (lettuce) as well as 34% and 23% (spinach). Thus, biopolymers can contribute to protecting against the aging of some rare seeds.

A prospective comparison of implant quality between suture-coated seeds and uncoated seeds in prostate cancer brachytherapy

A prospective comparison of implant quality between suture-coated seeds and uncoated seeds in prostate cancer brachytherapy

Role of Hydrophilic Biopolymers Concoction Seed Coating on Seed Germination and Field Performance of Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.)

Background: Blackgrm is one of the most important pulse crops majorly cultivated in rainfed conditions of India. Soil moisture deficit,low and erratic rainfall, use of poor quality seeds,poor crop stand and improper crop managementresulting in lower productivity in rainfed ecosuystem . Reduced crop stand alone leads to 30% deficit in production combined.Availability of technology to overcome drought stress is one of the way to expand blackgram cultivation in dry tracks. Hydrophilic polymers may have great potential in restoration and reclamation, when used the polymers correctly and an ideal situations will have atleast 95 % of their stores water available for plant absorption. There are N number of inorganic polymers available in the market, that can be applied in the farm of soil application. Studies on Hydrophilic bio polymer seed coating to mitigate water stress is very megar or nil. Hence, the present study was formulated in blackgram as hydrophilic bio polymer seed coating on seed germination and field emergence. Method: Seed coating experiment consists of seven hydrophilic biopolymers (Ethyl cellulose, Methyl cellulose, Carboxyl methyl cellulose, Agar, Gum Arabic, Xanthangum and Carrageenan); two coating methods (dry and dry powder concoction). The germination test conducted in sand media with 60 % Water Holding Capacity of sand and PEG induced water stress and evaluated for seed quality parameters against uncoated seeds. Field experiments conducted with water stress periods of 10 days, 20 days and 25 days after life irrigation and observed for biometric and yield parameters. Results: Results revealed that blackgram seeds coated with bio polymer concoction of xanthan gum : carrageenan : agar agar (4:1:1) @ 20 g / kg performed better in terms of all seed quality parameters and withstand water stress upto 20 days after life irrigation with the yield increase of 53% over stressed control (skipping irrigation for 20 days after life irrigation) and can be recommended as a pre sowing treatment for drought mitigation in blackgram.

Breaking Dormancy and Increasing Restoration Success of Native Penstemon Species Using Gibberellic Acid Seed Coatings and U-Shaped Furrows

Many plant species exhibit strong seed dormancy. This attribute benefits the species’ long-term survival but can impede restoration when rapid establishment is required. Soaking seeds in gibberellic acid (GA3) can overcome dormancy and increase germination but this treatment may not be effective outside the laboratory. An easier and potentially more effective method to apply this hormone is to coat seeds with a GA3-impregnated polymer. Seed dormancy can also be mitigated by creating a favorable microsite with increased soil moisture. We compared the emergence and establishment of penstemon seeds coated with GA3 to those of uncoated seeds planted in shallow drill rows versus deep, U-shaped furrows. Overall, 6 times more Palmer’s penstemon (Penstemon palmeri; p < 0.01) and 21 times more thickleaf penstemon (P. pachyphyllus; p < 0.001) established when coated with GA3, but GA3 coating did not affect the establishment of firecracker penstemon (P. eatonii; p = 1). Establishment was higher from deep furrows than shallow rows (p < 0.001). These results indicate that GA3 seed coating and deep, U-shaped furrows may improve the restoration success of some native forbs by breaking dormancy and providing a favorable microsite. Land managers could use these techniques to restore native forbs in dry, disturbed areas.

Environmentally benign approach to formulate nanoclay/starch hydrogel for controlled release of zinc and its application in seed coating of Oryza Sativa plant

Improper use of conventional fertilizers has been linked to adverse effects on soil nutrient levels. To mitigate the negative impact of surface feeding fertilizers and reduce environmental pollution, a new type of seed coating material has been developed to provide nutrients in close proximity to the growing seed. In this study, a biodegradable seed coating film encapsulating micronutrients was fabricated by incorporating montmorillonite into a starch matrix using the melt processing technique. The dispersion of montmorillonite within the starch matrix was examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The results revealed polar interactions among starch, silicate layers, and the hydrogel. The XRD analysis demonstrated a shift in the diffraction peak (001) of the Zinc/montmorillonite/starch/glycerol nanocomposite film from 6.2° to 4.9°, indicating the successful intercalation of Zinc, starch, and glycerol. Furthermore, the inclusion of nanoclay improved the thermal stability of the resulting polymer composite and enhanced its ion exchange capacity, water retention, and micronutrient retention. The time-dependent release of zinc micronutrient from the montmorillonite/starch/glycerol composite film was investigated in Zn-deficient soil extract over a 20-day period. The composite film demonstrated extended release behavior of Zn2+. Subsequently, rice seeds were coated with the zinc-containing composite film using a dip-coating method, and their performance in Zn-deficient soil was evaluated. The results indicated that zinc-coated seeds exhibited improved germination percentage, vegetative growth, and yield compared to uncoated seeds.

PSVI-27 Evaluation of Coated and Non-Coated Seed Species Pertinent to the Great Basin in Response to in Vitro Ruminal Incubation

Abstract Target grazing has exhibited itself as an effective method of invasive weed mitigation across degraded rangelands in the Great Basin. Additionally, if the seeds of target species are supplemented into the diets of ruminants, they can serve as vectors for the dispersal of native seed species through fecal pats, which may prove to be a useful tactic for rangeland rehabilitation. However, a challenge associated with seed supplementation, is that the seeds of many target species are sufficiently degraded in the rumen. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of seed coating technologies on germination rates post ruminal in vitro incubation. In vitro incubations were performed on seven species of seeds pertinent to the Great Basin: Achnatherum hymenoides (ACHY), Achillea millefolium (ACMI), Agropyron cristatum (AGCR), Atriplex canascens (ATCA), Elymus elymoides (ELEL), Pseudoregneria spicata (PSSP), and Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia (SPRT) uncoated (control) or coated with either Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or PVP+ ethocel, as well as uncoated Bromus tectorum (BRTE) seeds. A Daisy II incubator (Ankom Technology, Macedon, NY) was used for the in vitro analysis with rumen inoculum from two rumen-cannulated crossbred Angus steers (body weight = 910.5 ± 34.5 kg) and a buffer ratio of 1:4. Two F57 filter bags containing 1 g of seeds per treatment (control, PVP or PVP+ethocel) were then placed inside of the Daisy II incubator and kept at 39°C for 12 and 24 h for the control treatments, and for 12, 24, and 48 h for the PVP and PVP+ethocel coating treatments. For uncoated seeds, ACHY germination by 24 h was greater when compared with 0 h (P < 0.05), whereas ATCA germination rate decreased linearly by 12 h (P < 0.05). No differences were observed over time on germination rates of BRTE, as well as all of the other uncoated seeds (P > 0.05). When seeds were coated with PVP, ATCA germination rates started to linearly decrease by 12 h (P < 0.05), whereas PVP coated ACMI germination rates only started to decrease by 24 h (P < 0.05). The germination rates of PVP coated ELEL and PSSP seeds only started to significantly decrease by 48 h (P < 0.05). When coated with PVP+ethocel, the observed germination rates were similar to those observed for PVP coated seeds. However, when compared with uncoated seeds, coating with PVP+ethocel seem to decrease germination rates of ACMI and ATCA by 0 h (P < 0.05). No changes on germination rates were observed over time for coated and uncoated AGCR and SPRT (P > 0.05). In conclusion, seed germination rates after in vitro incubation were not increased by coating the seeds with PVP or PVP+ethocel.

Effect of dehulling, roasting, and cooking on the nutritional composition of Himalayan barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea)

AbstractBackgroundThe Himalayan Echinochloa frumentacea (barnyard millet) is believed to be a nutritionally rich crop but remains underutilized. It is generally used after removing its seed coat (SC) through dehulling, and for making some food items, it is roasted before cooking. Such pre‐cooking processes, such as dehulling, roasting, and then cooking affect the nutraceutical potential of raw grains and food items prepared.ResultsThe effects of processing techniques are determined in terms of variation in proximate properties, antinutrients, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. The processing methods significantly (p < 0.05) affected the nutraceutical potential of the processed form of barnyard millet. While comparing the nutritional properties of raw and dehulled barnyard millet, it was found that the SCs are nutritionally very rich, which are generally either discarded or become part of cattle feed. Vitamin C, E, alkaloids, and oxalate content were found to decrease after roasting. Cooking had decreased the carbohydrate, fat, vitamin C, vitamin E, alkaloid, oxalate, and iron content in both food types in comparison to the pre‐cooking stage of the millet samples, while tannin content was found to have increased.ConclusionIn this work, the variation in the nutritional parameters and phytochemicals of barnyard millet was studied during the processing steps, such as dehulling, roasting, and cooking. Roasting had shown a lesser impact on the selected nutritional properties of uncoated seeds, while cooking had changed some of the nutritional properties. The SC was also found to be nutritious, so it needs to be explored further for its efficient utilization.

Evaluation of the Iron-coating Technology for Direct-seeded Rice in the Philippines

Field and screenhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of iron-coated (Fe-coated) seeds in wet direct-seeded rice (DSR). Effects of iron-coating on seed germination and seedling establishment, yield performance, and the fate of added iron in rice and lowland soil were measured. The germination test disclosed that the mean maximum germination rates were almost similar between the coated and uncoated seeds across varieties, whereas the iron- coated seeds took a longer time to achieve the rates. Results confirmed that Fe-coated seeds produced more established seedlings at low seeding rates during the field experiment. Moreover, the effect of Fe-coating on yield was statistically similar to the transplanted rice and other wet direct seeding techniques, such as the use of dry and pre-germinated seeds regardless of the seeding rates and season. This implies that the seeding rate for wet DSR can be reduced using Fe-coated seeds without diminishing the yield. On the other hand, the screenhouse experiment disclosed a better seedling emergence response in the high flow rate with or without iron-coating. Though yields were not influenced by the treatments, the Fe-coated seeds at a static flow rate achieved the highest yield among the treatments using the NSIC Rc222 variety. Furthermore, Fe-coating in rice seeds did not increase the level of Fe in the soil and in the aboveground plant biomass under wet direct seeding practice. Therefore, the use of Fe-coated seeds is highly regarded both in the wet direct seeding and water seeding practices to reduce the seeding rate while sustaining or improving the yields that are normally achieved under the conventional wet direct seeding practice in the country.

Coating formulas protect shelled nutmeg seeds from Aspergillus colonization

Coating of nutmeg seeds may prevent the colonization of Aspergillus contamination. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of coating formulas to A. flavus on shelled nutmeg. Shelled nutmeg seeds were coated with aqueous (TT) and gel (GM+) formulas containing propylparaben (0.1%), potassium sorbate (0.8%), and clove oil (1.25%), and the aqueous GM- (0.65% clove oil and 0.4% potassium sorbate). The coated seeds were then sun-dried and sprayed with A. flavus conidia. The untreated control was only inoculated with A. flavus. The colonization of A. flavus on the seeds was visually observed. The aflatoxins, propylparaben, and potassium sorbate in the treated seeds were analyzed with HPLC. The results showed that seeds treated with GM+, GM-, and TT formulas were visually free from A. flavus. The total aflatoxins were not detected in the seeds treated with the GM+, but in the coated with GM- and TT was 0.95 µg/kg and 12.6 µg/kg, respectively. In the uncoated seeds, the total aflatoxins were 695.9 µg/kg. Propylparaben and potassium sorbate residues in the coated seeds were 66-11 mg/kg and 213-415 mg/kg, respectively. The coating formula effectively minimized A. flavus colonization and aflatoxin. Therefore, the coating formula could be used for reducing Aspergillus contamination.

Hydrogel Alginate Seed Coating as an Innovative Method for Delivering Nutrients at the Early Stages of Plant Growth.

Seed coating containing fertilizer nutrients and plant growth biostimulants is an innovative technique for precision agriculture. Nutrient delivery can also be conducted through multilayer seed coating. For this purpose, sodium alginate with NPK, which was selected in a preliminary selection study, crosslinked with divalent ions (Cu(II), Mn(II), Zn(II)) as a source of fertilizer micronutrients, was used to produce seed coating. The seeds were additionally coated with a solution containing amino acids derived from high-protein material. Amino acids can be obtained by alkaline hydrolysis of mealworm larvae (Gly 71.2 ± 0.6 mM, Glu 55.8 ± 1.3 mM, Pro 48.8 ± 1.5 mM, Ser 31.4 ± 1.5 mM). The formulations were applied in different doses per 100 g of seeds: 35 mL, 70 mL, 105 mL, and 140 mL. SEM-EDX surface analysis showed that 70 mL of formulation/100 g of seeds formed a continuity of coatings but did not result in a uniform distribution of components on the surface. Extraction tests proved simultaneous low leaching of nutrients into water (max. 10%), showing a slow release pattern. There occurred high bioavailability of fertilizer nutrients (even up to 100%). Pot tests on cucumbers (Cornichon de Paris) confirmed the new method’s effectiveness, yielding a 50% higher fresh sprout weight and four times greater root length than uncoated seeds. Seed coating with hydrogel has a high potential for commercial application, stimulating the early growth of plants and thus leading to higher crop yields.

Soybean Response to Seed Coating with Chitosan + Alginate/PEG and/or Inoculation

Inoculated or coated soybean seeds are often sown in agricultural practice. These treatments play a different role depending on the chemical composition of the preparation. The aim of the field experiment was to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed coating (chitosan + alginate/PEG) and commercial inoculant (HiStick® Soy) applied alone or in combination to soybean seeds. Uncoated (control) seeds were sown for comparison. The research was carried out in 2018–2020 using the cultivar ‘Mavka’. The experiment was located in Makowisko, Podkarpackie Province, Poland. Coating composition was developed in a laboratory belonging to the Łukasiewicz Research Network—Institute of Biopolymers and Chemical Fibers in Łódź, Poland. The main role of the coating is to protect soybean seeds from low temperatures. HiStick® Soy inoculant contains Bradyrhizobium japonicum bacteria which increase nodulation on the roots. The conducted research demonstrated that sowing only coated seeds was not very effective, because the suitable number of nodules had not developed on soybean roots. The application of the inoculant alone positively affected the assessed traits compared to control, however, plant population was lower than expected. The highest seed yield was obtained after sowing coated seeds in combination with the inoculant (4.32 t·ha−1) and only inoculated seeds (4.23 t·ha−1) compared to control (3.64 t·ha−1). The test of the novel seed-coating agent showed that it had an good effect and efficacy, but only in combination with the inoculation procedure.

Physical-physiological quality and early performance of sorghum plants under different boron doses via seed

Boron (B) deficiency is commonly found in tropical crops, among which sorghum stands out for its limited yield under B shortage. However, as a micronutrient, the range between its adequate and toxic levels is narrow, thus fertilization should be cautiously applied. Our goal was to evaluate the physiological and physical quality, as well as early performance, of grain sorghum seedlings under different B doses applied via seeds. Treatments consisted of six doses of boric acid (0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, and 12.5 g Kg-1 seeds) plus a control (uncoated seeds). Boron doses were applied to seeds by coating, in which dolomitic limestone and glue were used for pellet formation. Coated seeds were assessed for physical, physiological, and nutritional characteristics in the laboratory, and early seedling performance was evaluated in a greenhouse. Seed tests were carried out in a fully randomized design, while seedling evaluations were carried out in a randomized block design. Boron application to seeds had no significant effect on seed physical characteristics, despite increases in coated seed sizes. Boron doses had a negative effect on the length and dry mass accumulation of both plant shoot and root. Seed-applied B accumulated mainly in roots and significantly interfered with Ca and Mg accumulations in sorghum seeds, shoots, and roots.

​Influence of Iron Coated Seeds on Time of Sowing in Wet Direct Seeded Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Background: Wet direct seeding technique in rice, which aims to realize labour saving in paddy rice cultivation, has continued to gain popularity in recent years. Because the work of raising and transplanting seedlings can be omitted, wet direct seeding can make an important contribution to labour saving. In wet DSR, iron coated seed that is, seed is coated with iron powder, which increases its weight so that seed settle easily in water and forms a tough coating that preventing birds from eating the seeds. Methods: Studies were conducted during the year 2018 and 2019 at the Department of Rice, TNAU, Coimbatore on influence of iron coated seeds and time of sowing in wet direct seeded rice. Experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. In main plot, different time of sowing at weekly interval viz., first, second, third and fourth week of August sowing, where as in sub-plot iron coated seeds broadcasting in 1-2 mm water level condition; iron coated seeds broadcasting in wet condition; uncoated seeds broadcasting in 1-2 mm water level condition; uncoated seeds broadcasting in wet condition and normal method of transplanting. Result: The results indicated that iron coated seeds of variety Swarna, broadcasting in 1-2 mm water level condition during the first fortnight of August sowing resulted higher grain yield (5653 kg/ha) when compared delayed sowing. The Fe coating significantly increased grain yield over non-coating. Iron coated seeds recorded lesser occurrence of pest and disese incidence when compared to un-coated seeds.

Production of tomato seedlings using seeds pelleted with Natrum muriaticum and submitted to saline stress

The development and yield of plants is directly related to the effects of salinity. There are several reports in scientific studies of significant reduction in the growth and production of tomato in soils with high electrical conductivity. The correction or recovery of salinized soils, although technically possible, is a slow and very expensive process, making it necessary to develop new technologies. The objective of this study is to evaluate the production of tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.) seedlings using seeds pelleted with a homeopathic preparation of Natrum muriaticum (Nat-m) submitted to saline stress. The treatments consisted of the pelletization of tomato seeds with six dynamizations of Nat-m (3cH, 5cH, 7cH, 9cH, 11cH and 13cH). Coated or uncoated seeds (controls) were placed in phenolic foam blocks, kept in plastic trays previously moistened with 50 mM NaCl saline solution (2.922 g.L-1 of NaCl, electrical conductivity = 4.5 dSm-1) and nutrient solution (0.15 dS.m-1) at half the ionic strength, containing 4, 1, 2, 1, 0.5 and 0.5 mmol.L-1 of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S, and 17.5, 9.5, 10.5, 2, 0.45 and 0.35 mmol.L-1 of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and Mo, respectively. The variables evaluated were germination percentage, germination speed index, shoot length, leaf area, number of leaves, root volume, root dry matter, and shoot dry matter. The treatments pelleted seeds/talc Nat-m 5cH and pelleted seeds/talc Nat-m 7cH increased all variables evaluated. They differed statistically from the controls, with a positive response for the development of tomato seedlings under disequilibrium conditions.

Preemergent Herbicide Protection Seed Coating: A Promising New Restoration Tool

Invasive annual grasses such as cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) outcompete native grasses, increase fire frequency, and impact the functionality and productivity of rangeland ecosystems. Preemergent herbicide treatments are often used to control annual grasses but may limit timely restoration options due to negative effects on concurrently planted desired seeded species. We tested the efficacy of activated carbon-based herbicide protection coatings applied to individual bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata [Pursh] A. Love) seeds for protecting seedlings from injury associated with pre-emergent herbicide (imazapic) application in a laboratory environment. Emergence of coated seed averaged 57% ± 5% compared with bare seed, which had 14% ± 10% emergence with imazapic application. Seedling height for coated seed averaged 7.56 ± 0.6 cm compared with 2.26 ± 0.4 cm in uncoated bare seed in the presence of imazapic. Coated seeds produced 87% more plant biomass than uncoated seeds. Our laboratory results suggest that treating individual seeds with an activated carbon-based coating dramatically reduces negative effects of pre-emergent herbicide on desired seeded species. Field studies are needed to confirm these results in an applied restoration context.

Effect of treatments on seed dormancy breaking, seedling growth, and seedling antioxidant potential of Agrimonia eupatoria L.

Agrimonia eupatoria L. is an important medicinal plant of the Rosaceae family. Antioxidant and volatile components have been identified in this herb. The seed dormancy of A. eupatoria causes time-consuming germination with a low percentage. In this study, the effects of treatments including 4 °C wet cold (24 h and 48 h), seed coat removal, potassium nitrate (0.2 %, 1%, and 3%), and gibberellic acid (100, 200, and 300 mg L−1) were studied on seed dormancy breaking, seed germination indices, seedling growth parameters, the activity of α- amylase, antioxidant potential, as well as catalase and peroxidase activity in the in vitro conditions. The results showed that in coated seeds, seed coat removal was effective treatment on seed dormancy breaking, and increased the germination. The effect of 0.2 % potassium nitrate and 100 mg L−1 gibberellic acid was very low, and 4 °C wet cold (24 h and 48 h) had no effect. The effect of treatments was more significant in uncoated seeds. The most effective treatments in uncoated seed were 0.2 % potassium nitrate and 100 mg L−1 concentration of gibberellic acid, respectively. These treatments had a significant effect on germination indices, growth parameters, antioxidant potential, and α- amylase activity. Further, 1% potassium nitrate was the most suitable treatment for increasing the hypocotyl axis and seedling weight in uncoated seeds. In addition, 4 °C cold (24 h and 48 h) had a very little positive effect on all the mentioned indices. In all measurements, 3% potassium nitrate showed the weakest results.