Seed Water Content Research Articles

Analisis Kadar Protein Jewawut (Setaria italica L.)

Jewawut has been used by the community as a food ingredient for noodles, pastries, porridge, juice and health drinks. The barley plant is rich in protein which is equivalent to rice. Protein has many functions in our body, as a building block, regulating substance and producing calories. As a body building substance, protein serves to provide material for growth, tissue formation and for tissue maintenance. Analysis of protein content is useful for measuring protein levels in food ingredients. This study aims to determine the water content, crude fiber, carbohydrates and protein content of barley seeds found in the Balanipa District, Polman Regency. The research was carried out at the Makassar Health Center Laboratory January – February 2022, the data obtained were presented in a quantitative descriptive manner by doing three replications. water content is 5.32%, crude fiber is 2.36%, carbohydrates are 77.39% and barley seed protein is 9.47%. The protein and carbohydrate content of barley in Lambanan Village, Balanipa District, Polewali Mandar Regency is equivalent to the protein and carbohydrate content in white rice and brown rice.

Desiccation, storage and physiological quality of Phoenix roebelenii O’Brien (Arecaceae) seeds

Phoenix roebelenii is a palm species widely used in Brazil due to its exuberant leaves and adaptability to different climatic variations. For proper propagation, detailed information about seed viability, vigor and longevity subjected to dehydration and storage is yet to be obtained. For this purpose, the present research comprised two stages. The first one aimed at evaluating the response of seeds to desiccation and storage based on formal protocols. In the second stage, seeds were desiccated to 33, 30, 25, 23, 20, 18, 16, 12, 10 and 7% of water content by monitoring water loss in a convection oven at 35±2°C. After reaching each established water content, the seeds were subjected to germination tests. At 65 days after sowing, root length, root area, volume and diameter, shoot and eophyll length, and total seedling fresh and dry weights, were measured. Significant increases in germination and eophyll length were observed for lower seed water contents. Aversely, collar diameter decreased with seed desiccation. Highlights: Phoenix roebelenii seeds are orthodox. Reduced seed water content increased the percentage of germination, the germination speed index, and eophyll length of Phoenix roebelenii seedlings. Significant increases in germination and eophyll length were observed for lower seed water contents. Aversely, collar diameter decreased with seed desiccation.

A Comparison of Water Imbibition and Controlled Deterioration in Five Orthodox Species

Orthodox seeds deteriorate even when stored in the best of conditions; hence, it is very important to monitor germination in stored seeds. To assess orthodox seed deterioration, a germination test is usually employed. This study assessed and compared seed deterioration in five orthodox species using electrolyte leakage and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The study also compared water imbibition by the test orthodox seeds. To achieve this, the seeds from three wild (Bolusanthus speciosus; Combretum erythrophyllum; Erythrina caffra) and two agricultural (Pisum sativum and Cucurbita pepo) species were imbibed between 20 layers of single-ply paper towel. The other set was subjected to controlled deterioration at 40 °C and 100% relative humidity for 32 d, with samples taken for germination and electrolyte leakage measurement at 4 d intervals. FTIR measurements were performed at 0, 20, and 32 d of controlled deterioration. The results indicated that there were some significant interspecies differences in the imbibition times and seed water contents but these were not large. In all species, uptake of water was complete between about 15 and 25 h. The wild species showed higher sensitivity to controlled deterioration. Complete loss of germinability occurred much earlier in the wild species (20 d in B. speciosus and E. caffra, and 16 d in Co. erythrophyllum) compared with 36 d for the agricultural species P. sativum and Cu. pepo. There was a negative correlation between electrolyte leakage and seed germination in all wild and agricultural species. A strong positive correlation was observed between the time of controlled deterioration, electrolyte leakage, and FTIR transmission in all the species. While controlled deterioration may help in decisions relating to the storage of orthodox seeds, the water imbibition results from this study will help to set the priming time of the species. The study reaffirms electrolyte leakage as an indicator of seed viability in P. sativum and Cu. pepo; it also recommends the use of electrolyte leakage as an indicator of seed deterioration in B. speciosus, Co. erythrophyllum, and E. caffra. The study also recommends FTIR as a tool for monitoring the germination of stored seeds of all the test species.

Changes in cell wall composition and ultrastructure related to desiccation during the seed maturation of Paubrasilia echinata (brazilwood).

Paubrasilia echinata (brazilwood) is an endangered native tree from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest whose seeds tolerate maturation drying, but, unlike classic orthodox seeds, they quickly lose viability after shedding. This work analyzed the biochemical and ultrastructural changes during the maturation of brazilwood seeds, with particular attention to the cell walls and organization of the cellular components. The physiological seed maturity was accompanied by increased starch content and decreased soluble sugars. Arabinose increased considerably and was the predominant cell-wall sugar during maturation, suggesting a rise in arabinans that contribute to greater cell wall flexibility. This increase was consistent with the cell wall infolding observed in the hypocotyl axis and cotyledons during the maturation of brazilwood seeds. Ultrastructural analyses showed changes in the number and distribution of protein bodies and amyloplasts and the reorganization of lipid droplets into large drops or masses during seed desiccation. Our findings demonstrate that brazilwood seeds behave like other orthodox seeds during maturation, performing the cell wall and metabolic changes before the major decline in the seed water content. However, the high vacuolization and reorganization of lipid bodies observed at 65 DAA suggest that cell deterioration occurs to some extent at the end of the maturation period and could be responsible for reducing the longevity of the brazilwood dried seeds.

Priming Urochloa ruziziensis (R.Germ. & Evrard) seeds with signalling molecules improves germination

Abstract: As forage production increase, high-quality seeds demand follows. Priming have been reported as a technique for improve seed quality and stress tolerance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the priming agents effect on Urochloa ruziziensis seed germination and seedling establishment under water deficit and salt stress. A completely randomized experiment assessing six priming agents and three germination conditions were established. We evaluated: seed water content; germination percentage and speed index; viability of seeds remaining from the germination test; seedling length; antioxidant enzymatic activity; and malondialdehyde quantity. Seeds primed under water deficit and salt stress showed better physiological performance than dry seeds. There was a significant increase in seed germination percentage and speed and in seedling roots and shoots length. Sodium Nitroprusside shows significant potential for use in the physiological priming of U. ruziziensis seeds.

Desiccation Tolerance and germination of Psidium guajava seeds from different regions of Brazil

Background: The germination ecology of P. guajava seeds collected in two regions of Brazil was investigated aiming to (1) characterize the seed batches; (2) determine the best temperature for germination; and (3) assess variations in seed desiccation tolerance (DT). For each batch, we determined seed water content and initial germination. To evaluate temperature effects, we tested seed germination. After, we generated the imbibition curves for the two provenance. To evaluate the loss of DT, the seeds were left to germinate along different time intervals. We monitored water loss by regularly weighing the seeds until achieving stabilization, keeping them under these conditions for 72 hours. After drying, the seeds were pre-hydrated and submitted to the germination test. Results:We identified variations in physiological characteristics between the seeds from north and southeast batches. At the temperature extremes, the seeds from both provenance failed to germinate. The highest germination percentages were observed at 20 and 25 °C (constant) and between 20-30 °C (alternating) for the two batches and, for the southeast batch specifically, at 30 °C. The imbibition curve displayed a triphasic pattern with a rapid increase in seed fresh weight in the first 48 hours. Conclusion: The southeast provenance seeds lost DT abruptly, until its complete loss after radicle protrusion, which occurred in both batches. The highest values of germination speed index (GSI) of both provenance were observed after a 9-day imbibition period, suggesting seed hydration memory. Drying resulted in necrosis of the root tissue and death of the seeds with visible roots.

Natrum mur 200c promotes seed germination and increases total protein, chlorophyll, rubisco and sugar in early seedlings of cowpea under salt stress

Background: High level of salinity deteriorates seed germination, growth and yield of crops in cultivated lands all over the world. There is no effective remedy to mitigate this global problem. Homeopathy offers a remedy like Natrum mur which at ultra high dilution ameliorates diseases of patients having strong desire for salt consumption. The purpose of the present study is to see whether potentized Natrum mur could alleviate salt stress in germinating seeds of cowpea Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp.
 Methods: Water-soaked seeds were kept over moist filter paper in covered petridishes which were divided into 5 groups: (1) unstressed and untreated control in sterile distilled water, (2) in 100mM sodium chloride solution, (3) seeds pretreated with Natrum mur 200c and then kept in sterile distilled water, (4) seeds pretreated with Natrum mur 200c and then transferred to 100mM NaCl solution and (5) seeds pretreated with 90% ethanol. Both Natrum mur 200 c and its diluent medium 90% ethanol were diluted with distilled water 1:100 before use for treatment.
 Results: Natrum mur 200c increased the rate of seed germination, seed water content and growth of seedlings. The drug also enhanced chlorophyll, soluble and insoluble sugar, rubisco and total protein content as compared to the untreated salt stressed group. Treatment with Natrum mur 200c increased salt tolerance in the seedlings as compared to the untreated salt stressed group. All the data were analyzed by ANOVA and the significance level was not less than 1%. 
 Conclusion: Natrum mur 200c reversed the effects of salt stress in germinated seeds thereby providing evidence for Hahnemann’s similia principle in plants. Potentized Natrum mur could be safely used with profit on plants grown on brackish soil.

Genetic Improvement of Local Red Peanut With Using Nuclear Technique (Multigamma Irradiation) for Obtaining Superior Variety

The main problem examined in this study concerns the breeding of local red peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) to use standard multigamma irradiation methods to obtain superior variety that can be adapted to drought conditions, pests-diseases, extreme climate, and high production. The research objective was to develop local red peanut variety to use multigamma irradiation and careful selection for obtaining superior variety that can be adapted to drought conditions, pests-diseases, extreme climate, and high production. Research methods include multigamma irradiation, observation, sampling, carefully selection, comparative, and interpretation. The results of the study are as follows: The development of local red peanut variety through breeding to use multigamma irradiation and careful selection resulted in superior variety that could adapt to drought conditions, pests-diseases, extreme climate, and increased production significantly. The range of production of selected superior variety resulting from multigamma irradiation was (3.68-4.10) t ha-1 with an average production of 3.92 t ha-1. The percentage increase in the production of selected superior variety was 49.23% with an average water content of dry seeds of 11.3%.

Physiological Quality of Swingle Citrumelo Seed after Refrigerated Storage of Fruits and Seeds

For citrus, there is no definition of the ideal fruit harvesting point for seed extraction. Some studies have shown the positive effect of postharvest refrigerated storage of fruits to obtain quality seeds. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the fruit maturation stage on the germination of Swingle citrumelo (CS) seeds after the refrigerated storage of fruits and seeds. CS fruits were harvested at 180 days after anthesis (DAA); 210 DAA and 240 DAA. Fruits and seeds were stored in cold chamber for 0, 15, 30, and 45 days. Physicochemical analyses were performed on fruits (colour, soluble solids, acidity and ratio) and seeds (water content, germination, and emergence). Germination of seeds extracted from fruits harvested at 180, 210, and 240 DAA, without refrigerated storage, showed a positive correlation with colour index. The refrigerated storage of fruits and seeds extracted from fruits harvested at 210 DAA, increased the seed germination rate. Peel colour (IC) was correlated positively with the germination of Swingle citrumelo seeds. The results of this study revealed that the absence of refrigerated storage, harvesting Swingle citrumelo fruits, with ripe characteristics (end of harvest), results in a high seed germination rate. On the other hand, refrigerated storage of fruits and seeds extracted from fruits harvested at mid-harvest increases the seed germination rate.

The correlation of variable affecting yield on anthocyanins corn

Variable importance under vegetative and generative stage for effecting of grain yield opv anthocyanins corn. Simple correlation and regression analysis has been conducted between grain yield as dependent variable (yi) with all independent variable (xi, i: 1,2,3,…,6) as vegetative and generative stage. Stepwise of multiple regression was be used for define of variable was more important to affecting of yield.The experiment were conducted in Maros and Bajeng experimental farm on rainy 2017, data has been collected as sample from 30 plants per se. Two blocks of experiment 17x25m were planting of with spacing 75x20 cm one plant per hole, length of plot 15 m. Fertilizer be applied with Urea-Ponska (300-200) kg/ha. Anthocyanin’s corn held to increase of human health. The origin of anthocyanins corn is from Mesoamerica it is a pigment that give color of purple to black may affect to anticipated of viral (virus), cholesterol, heart disease, obesity, and cancerThe result multiple regression shown that variable which is be increase of yield and significant different founded in Maros were plant height (x1), water content of seeds (x2), and ear height. (x5). Model: y:3.404+0.027x1+0.018x2-0.073x5, R2:0.645. In Bajeng shown that water content of seeds (x5), number of seeds per cob (x7), and 1000 seeds (x8), Model was yi=4.096-1.776x5+0.087x7+0.023x8; R2:0.92. In The two-location yield, be decrease if water content of seed was increase.

Water content in peanut seeds according to conditions of the storage environment

The conditions of the storage environment can influence the quality of seeds or grains in relation to commercial quality, deterioration and nutritional characteristics, mainly as a function of temperature and relative humidity. The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of temperature and relative humidity of storage on the water content of peanut seeds. The experiment was developed in a completely randomized design in factorial scheme 5 x 9, with five temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 °C) and nine conditions of relative humidity, each condition had nine repetitions. The seeds were stored in airtight packaging with saturated solutions to maintain a constant condition. The water content in the seeds was evaluated in each condition. The data were subjected to analysis of variance, correlation, regression, multivariate analysis and adjustment with mathematical models. Relative humidity was more expressive in changing the equilibrium water content. The Chung-Pfost model was the most suitable to represent the sorption process in peanut seeds.

Imbibition curve in forest tree seeds and the triphasic pattern: theory versus practice

Although providing the basis for seed germination studies, there is little information available on seed imbibition curves for Brazilian forest species. Among the few studied species, the theoretical triphasic pattern may not apply, hampering the conduction of subsequent studies that require a clear definition of imbibition phases. In this paper, we characterize the seed imbibition curves of 25 Brazilian forest species and compare them with those from other studies and with the classic triphasic pattern. We collected seeds of the chosen species in the region of Lavras, MG, Brazil, and measured their fresh weight before and during the entire germination process. Seed weight data were used to calculate the weight gain percentage of each species. We defined the imbibition curves of Peltophorum dubium seeds using seed fresh weight and seed weight gain percentage of both single and multiple samples, as well as using water content (on fresh and dry bases) to compare potential changes in imbibition patterns caused by differences in data. When only weight gain was considered, we observed the triphasic pattern in 11 species; however, only in four of them, the germination coincided with the third phase of imbibition. The triphasic pattern did not emerge for the remaining 14 species. Considering seed water content instead of weight resulted in some changes in the pattern of the imbibition curve, influencing the accuracy of the results.

Modelling the Effect of Salt and PEG on Water Uptake in Wheat Seeds

Water uptake is a seminal process in seed germination. Salt and polyethylene glycol (PEG) are known to retard seed germination rates and percentages, which is often attributed to osmotic effects. Here, we quantified water uptake in wheat seeds killed with a hot needle, finding evidence of three distinct water uptake pools. The fast pool was unaffected by salt, and likely represents cell walls and other apoplastic material. Water uptake into the medium and slow pools was slowed by salt addition, with the medium pool thought to be cellular, while the slow pool is presumably related to endosperm hydration. Salt caused a minor decrease in the water uptake rates and maximum seed water content, while PEG strongly suppressed both parameters. Seeds transferred between water and salt solutions followed the water uptake trajectories of the solution into which they were transferred. Seeds transferred from PEG to water achieved final seed water contents similar to water control seeds, while seeds transferred from water to PEG achieved significantly higher final water contents than PEG controls. This work confirms that salt and PEG have distinct effects on water uptake by wheat seeds.

Seed and seedling morphology of Bauhinia scandens L.

Bauhinia scandens has potential importance as an ornamental and medicinal plant. Researchers have isolated and identified 1-O-alkylglycerol in the leaves of the B. scandens plant, and established antitumor properties using the Brine Shrimp toxicity test, an internationally accepted bioassay. Although this species has high potential, little is known about the viability of seedling production and the morphology of these plants, particularly in terms of seed characteristics and initial stages of germination. The objective of this study was to characterize the seed morphology, germination, and seedlings of B. scandens. Seed water content, weight, and coloration were evaluated. This study also included a description of seed biometrics, external and internal structures, germination, and seedling morphology. Internal seed morphology was evaluated by the anatomical sectioning and X-ray methods. The morphology data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis and germination data were determined using Cramér’s V. B. scandens seeds have a coloration ranging from very dark grayish-red to dark reddish-brown, flat oblong shapes, and rounded bases and apexes with full or slightly undulating margins. Healthy seedlings are produced mainly by seeds with well-formed internal structures. The reddish petiole of the seedling leaves is a taxonomic character for B. scandens identification. The non-domestication and genetic variability of this species reflect on the seed and seedling color and size variation.

Implications of Cocoa Pod Storage and Temperature to the Performance of Pod Components and Seedling Growth

Cocoa seeds are recalcitrant with some problems in their storage due to lack of dormancy period. This study aimed to find out the effect of cocoa pod storage in two different temperatures and the storage period towards seed viability and growth of the seedlings. This study applied a split-plot design with storage temperature as main plot and storage period as sub-plot. Cocoa pods of Sulawesi-1 clone were harvested and stored at 20ºC and 29ºC for 3, 7, 14, and 30 days. The stored cocoa seeds were then sown for three months. The findings showed that the storage of cocoa pods at 20ºC for 30 days causing the seed water content was 45%, the growth of the seedlings after the storage was 98.7%, and could press the pod shrinkage (1.6%). The storage of cocoa pods at 29ºC for 30 days could accelerate the reduction process by 68.2%, decreased germination of seeds upto 83.4%, and reduced the water content by 44.2%. The pod storage at 20ºC for 30 days showed a high value in some aspects such as seedling height, stem diameter, leaf area, seedling fresh weight, and shoot/root ratio. The storage of pods at 29ºC for 14 days indicated a high score in the character of germination, seedlingheight, stem diameter, and fresh weight of seedlings. The storage of pods at room temperature could be conducted for 14 days, meanwhile, at controlled temperature, it could be conducted for 30 days.

Seed weight determination in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)

AbstractExpansion into areas outside their centres of origin requires knowledge of quinoa's physiology and its response to the environment concerning the determination of seed yield and its numerical components to facilitate crop management and breeding. The objectives of the current work were to analyse the determination of seed weight (SW) of different quinoa genotypes adapted to temperate climates (Sea‐level type) under a wide range of growth conditions through: (a) the analysis of seed growth rate (SGR) and seed filling duration (SFD) variation, (b) the study of seed's water dynamics, and (c) the analysis of the effect of environmental conditions on SW components and water dynamics. For this, four genotypes were planted under four environments, as a result of the combination of sowing dates and growth conditions (field or greenhouse). Variation in SW was a result of a change in SGR (r2 = .66; p < .001) and not in SFD (r2 = .03; p = .45). Final SW was closely related to maximum seed water content (r2 = .84; p < .0001) achieved around the mid‐seed filling. In relation to climate variables, SWs showed a negative association with temperature in all genotypes. Of the SW components, SGR decreased with increases in temperature while SFD showed no association with it. Source–sink ratio during seed filling did not explain variation in SW, but the analysis of this relationship allowed us to identify the type of limitation experienced during seed filling in the different environments. From the perspective of improvement, breeding schemes should be focused on the increase of the source during seed filling (current or stored resources) in early sowings, and that in the sink (higher seed number) for late sowings.

Análise comparativa das taxas de deterioração de sementes ortodoxas de Erythrina speciosa e recalcitrantes de Eugenia spp.

The main factors affecting seed storage capacity are the seed water content and temperature. The higher are these values, the higher are the deterioration rates. There are mathematical models that allow to estimate the lifespan of seeds in storage, whenever the values of both factors are provided. However, for some species, especially these native from tropical forest regions, these equations are not so efficient. In this work we analysed the deterioration rates of desiccation-tolerant (Erythrina speciosa) and desiccation-sensitive (Eugenia spp.) seeds, in order to obtain new data to understand the difference in the deterioration rates under different environmental conditions. The results evidenced great variation in the responses. Therefore, more studies are needed, especially for seeds that are sensitive to desiccation.

Use of different conditioning agents and quality evaluation of two lots of annatto (<i>Bixa orellana</i>) seeds

Due to the low germination of annatto seeds (Bixa orellana L.), it is necessary to test different techniques that facilitate and enable its production, such as the use of the physiological conditioning method. Here, we aimed to characterize the germination of two annatto seed lots under physiological conditioning. For this, two lots of seeds (newly-collected and stored) were submitted to physiological conditioning using an aerated solution of 1) deionized water; 2) cathodic water; 3) potassium nitrate 0.3%; 4) sodium nitroprusside 100 µM; for 24h and 48h, and an additional treatment (control) without conditioning. After the germination test, ungerminated seeds were submitted to a tetrazolium test at 0.075% at 30 °C, in the dark for 24 h. We used a completely randomized factorial design (4 x 2 + 1) with four replications of 25 seeds per treatment. Despite the low germination already mentioned in the literature for this species, we obtained high germination without any type of dormancy-break pretreatment, even in lots stored for over 10 years with a water content of 8%, characterizing this species as non-dormant. The germination and viability of Bixa orellana were influenced by seed water content decrease. The conditioning agents were not efficient to increase annatto seed germination. Further studies are needed to classify these seeds according to their storability.

Salt stress effects in the physiological quality of Cajanus cajan (L.) millspaugh seeds at different temperatures

Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh, known as pigeon pea, is considered a rustic legume, high-temperature tolerant, well adapted to environments with low water availability, saline, and low fertility soils. This study aimed to evaluate the germination and vigor of Cajanus cajan seeds under conditions of salt stress and different temperatures. A completely randomized experimental design was used, with treatments distributed in a 6 x 3 factorial scheme (salinity levels and temperatures), with four replications of 50 seeds. After determining the seed water content, the seeds were placed on germitest paper moistened with sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions in concentrations of 0.0 (control); 2.0; 4.0; 6.0; 8.0 and 10.0 dS m-1; Seeds were incubated in a B.O.D, at constant temperatures of 25 and 30 °C and alternating 20-30 ºC. The germination and vigor tests (first germination count, germination speed index, length and dry mass of roots and shots) were evaluated. An interaction between the salt concentration and temperature for all variables analyzed was observed, with a negative effect on the germination and vigor of Cajanus cajan seeds as the salinity levels increased. Salt stress simulated with NaCl reduced the germination and vigor of Cajanus cajan seeds, mainly when submitted to the temperature of 25 °C. However, the increase in NaCl concentration, up to the potential 10.0 dS m-1, was not high enough to impair seed germination.

Drying and storage of Melanoxylon brauna Schott. seeds.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the sensitivity of Melanoxylon brauna Schott. tree legume seeds to desiccation and storage. In the drying experiment, the Melanoxylon brauna seeds were submitted to two drying conditions: a forced air circulation chamber (40.18 °C ± 0.13 and 28.48% ± 3.95 RH) and a silica gel desiccator (27.19 °C ± 1.28 and 26.19% ± 0.94 RH) for different times (0, 12, 24, 36, 72, and 144 hours). A completely randomized design in a 2 (drying methods) × 5 (drying times) factorial scheme plus control and 4 replications of 25 seeds was used. The following variables were evaluated before and after drying: seed moisture content, percentage of germinated seeds, germination speed index, percentage of mortality, normal and abnormal seedlings. In the storage experiment the seeds were divided into two batches: pre-dried (at 5.0% humidity) and without drying (control at 8.9% humidity). The seeds were then stored in plastic bags in three environments: refrigerator at 5 °C, freezer at -20 °C and room temperature (29 °C). The seeds were removed every four months and submitted to the humidity and germination test for 24 months. Data from this storage experiment were analyzed considering a randomized block design in a 2 (drying levels: presence and absence) × 3 (storage environments: refrigerator, freezer or room temperature) factorial scheme + 2 controls (with and without drying at baseline) and 4 repetitions of 25 seeds. Drying reduced initial seed water content from 8.9% to 5.0%, without loss of viability. Drying in the chamber at 40 °C was faster and more efficient than in silica gel. The results enable classifying the seeds of this species as orthodox, i.e. tolerant to desiccation. The fridge and freezer were efficient for storing the Melanoxylon brauna seeds up to 24 months, independent of previous drying, while storing the seeds at room temperature with previous drying makes them last longer than without drying, as the seeds can last up to 16 months with drying, or 12 months without drying.