Soaking Seeds In Water Research Articles

Effects of methyl jasmonate seed treatments on adult oviposition preference and larval performance of seed corn maggot (Delia platura) in corn (Zea mays).

Eliciting host plant resistance using plant hormones such as jasmonates has the potential to protect seeds and seedlings against insect pests; however, several hurdles exist for adapting it for pest management. This includes determining a dose that promotes resistance without limiting plant growth, an application method that growers could use, and ensuring the plants are responsive in the abiotic conditions when the pest occurs. In laboratory and field assays, we tested if treating corn seeds with multiple concentrations of methyl jasmonate would reduce the preference of ovipositing seed corn maggot adults and the performance of larvae feeding on seeds. We found that corn seeds soaked in aqueous 0.2 mM methyl jasmonate solution showed marginally lower seedling growth, but the adult oviposition preference was ~60% lower on these seeds compared to control water-soaked seeds. Seeds that were treated with methyl jasmonate using a conventional polymer-based seed coating showed no effect on seedling growth but reduced adult oviposition preference. In no-choice bioassays with adult flies, we found reduced oviposition on seeds soaked with aqueous methyl jasmonate compared to controls. Larval survival to pupation was also lower in methyl jasmonate-treated seeds. Lastly, the methyl jasmonate-induced resistance also occurred at the lower temperatures typical of the spring soil conditions when this fly is most damaging. Methyl jasmonate seed treatment in aqueous solution or using conventional polymer-based technology, has the potential to deter adult oviposition and reduce maggot performance in spring temperature conditions with minor effects on seed germination and growth. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of the Hot Water Pre-treatments and Storage Durations on the Seed Germination of Falcata (Falcataria Falcata (L.) Greuter & R. Rankin)

Seed dormancy in Falcataria falcata (L.) Greuter & R. Rankin is well documented. In order to attain a higher seed germination rate, the effect of hot water pre-treatment and storage duration was determined in this study. This study found a highly significant difference (p < 0.05) between the mean Cumulative Germination Percentage (CGP) between treatments. Hot water pre-treatment significantly increased the CGP of seeds. However, storage duration and its interaction with different hot water pre-treatment did not have a statistically significant effect on the CGP of seeds. Overnight (12 hrs) soaking of seeds in water with an initial temperature of 80oC yields the highest CGP regardless of the storage duration. On development, it was found that radicle emergence of imbibed seeds generally starts within 1-2 days. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(2): 249-255, 2024 (June)

Effect of Various Pre-sowing Treatments on Germination and Seedling Performance of Bixa orellana L. at Low Seed Moisture Content

Natural plant-based substances are becoming more and more popular in today's society for a variety of uses. Bixin (vibrant red-orange dye) is one such compound derived from Bixa orellana L., commonly known as annatto. This plant is primarily propagated through seeds for commercial cultivation. However, there is very little information available on germination combined with the seedling performance of this species. Hence, to fill this research gap, the present study evaluated seed morphological characteristics and various pre-sowing treatments to enhance seed germination and its vigour at a low seed moisture content of 10%. This study used Completely Randomized Design (CRD), and seeds were subjected to six pre-sowing treatments with four replications. The study showed the highest germination (52%) and highest mean daily germination (4.6) in 24hrs Water-soaked seeds, whereas mechanical scarification in combination with 24hrs water-soaking increased the germination percentage from 19% to 47%. In addition, the highest seed vigour index (411.25) was also observed in mechanical scarification combined with 24-hour water soaking. These findings of germination and vigour at low seed moisture content will certainly help in the formation of desiccation and storage protocols for medium to long-term conservation of Bixa orellana L. seeds.

Cold plasma treatment boosts barley germination and seedling vigor: Insights into soluble sugar, starch, and protein modifications

This study investigates the impact of three cold plasma treatments on barley seed germination: direct treatment of dry seeds (DDS), direct treatment of water-soaked seeds (DWS), and indirect treatment of seeds using plasma-activated water (IPAW). Our findings reveal that while DDS maintained the seed's imbibition structures, DWS significantly reduced water uptake. Notably, DWS-treated seeds exhibited a substantial increase in moisture content, potentially leading to an oxygen-deficient environment within the seed. This condition appeared to hinder germination, contrasting with the beneficial effects observed in DDS-treated seeds. Analyses of surface hydrophilicity, phenolic compounds, carbohydrate composition, protein storage and seedling growth were conducted. Interestingly, cold plasma treatment enhanced seed surface hydrophilicity, as evidenced by a decrease in water contact angles, particularly for DWS. We observed specific reductions in flavonoids and total phenolics, alongside shifts in carbohydrate composition, including increased sugar content up to 15.1% (DDS) and 13.5% (DWS), accompanied by a decrease in starch content to 189.00 ± 7.86 mg/g FM for DWS. Protein storage assessments revealed declines in albumin, globulin and prolamin fractions post-CP exposure. Finally, DDS and IPAW treatments markedly improved seedling shoot growth (from two to three-fold), underscoring the potential of these treatments in enhancing barley germination.

Seed priming with various chemical agents stimulates the germination and growth attributes synergistically in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties

Seed priming is a pre-sowing technique that involves the soaking of seeds in water or other solutions to initiate germination and early growth. This study explores the impact of different seed priming solutions on both the germinate on rate and overall performance of the wheat varieties Banganga and Bijaya. The seeds were subjected to different treatments, including polyethylene glycol (PEG) (10 %), boric acid (0.1 %), urea (2 %), polyethylene glycol (PEG) (5 %), ZnSO4 (2 %), MoP (2 %), DAP (2 %), CaCO3 (2 %), and with untreated seeds serving as the control. There was significant variation among the seed priming agents and that they also had a significant effect on the germination percentage, speed of germination, and seedling growth of wheat. CaCO3 (2 %), DAP (2 %), and untreated seeds were found to be the most effective priming solutions, showing superiority in all parameters measured, including shoot length, root length, and fresh weight. Furthermore, Bijaya exhibited higher germination parameters, while Banganga displayed better growth parameters. In conclusion, the findings suggest that using Bijaya with DAP (2 %) or CaCO3 (2 %) as seed priming agents can significantly improve the germination and growth parameters of wheat seedlings. This research sheds light on the potential of various chemical agents applied during seed priming to enhance the germination and growth of two different varieties of wheat.

Effect of Soaking of Seeds in Water and Storage Period in a Regular Refrigerator to Produce Sprouts of some Vegetables for Marketing Purposes

The study was conducted under the condition of the laboratory affiliated with the Department of Horticulture/College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences/University of Baghdad, aiming to investigate the effect of soaking seeds in water and the storage period (0, 3, and 7 days) on some traits of sprouts produced from three types of plants (brown mustard, red radish, and purslane). The completely randomized design (CRD) was used in this experiment involving three factors with three replicates. Results demonstrated that the red radish sprouts were significantly superior in the contents of carbohydrates, chlorophyll, fibers, phosphorous, and protein; purslane sprouts were superior in the contents of calcium, potassium, and vitamin C; mustard sprouts were superior in the contents of calcium, chlorophyll, and potassium. Soaking seeds gave results significantly superior to non-soaking seeds in each carbohydrate, fiber, phosphorous, protein, and vitamin C content. The sprout storage period also significantly affected the trait that the second and third periods were superior to the first period in the most studied traits. Concerning the binary introduction, the non-soaked seeds affected the most traits in the interactions A x B and B x C. In the interaction A x C (plant type with the storage period), most results refer to the significant superiority of the red radish sprouts stored for a further time. Regarding the triple interactions, non-soaked seeds and long storage periods of the red radish sprouts were significantly superior in most interaction treatments.

Impact of Salt stress on Morphology and Physiology of Maize Plants

Soil salinization negatively influences crop plants worldwide. Stress conditions can defer plant development and improvement, lessen productivity, and in outrageous cases cause plant death. The biomass, morphology, homeostasis, and functioning of the plant are reduced under the influence of salt stress. High rates of the salts inside the plant tissues are toxic metabolically and can lead to a reduction in root and shoot weight, oxidative stress, production of ROS, and inhibition of photosynthesis. Maize is an important fodder crop grown worldwide. Nutritional imbalance, reduced seed germination, vegetative growth, and uptake of the nutrients have been noticed in maize crops as a result of salt accumulation. Seedling vigor, development, and stress resistance ability of the maize crop have been improved by nutritional management and an effective, simple, and receptive way known as seed priming. Soaking of seeds in water before sowing, i.e. hydropriming and use of different chemicals, i.e. osmopriming is being practiced in this regard. These seed priming methods facilitate the treated plants with resistance against salinity, early growth, vigorous plant stand, and uniform germination. So, this review paper investigates the effect of salinity on maize crops and the efficacy of osmo and hydro priming methods against abiotic stresses, especially soil salinization.

Effect of pre-sowing magnetic treatment of seeds with bio- and mineral fertilization on the soybean cultivated in a saline calcareous soil

<p>Bio-farming is an eco-friendly advance that minimizes the required chemical additives for optimizing the quality of crops that their storage is often accompanied by seeds’ components degradation. Magnetic treatment of seed was considered as a promising tool improves germination and growth. This study aims to evaluate the effect of individual and combined application of bio-fertilizers and the N-P-K mineral fertilizers preceded by magnetic treatment of dry and/or water-soaked seeds before sowing on the yield and quality of soybean cultivated in a saline soil.The field experiment was carried out in a split-split plot design with triplicates. The main two factors (F1) were not bio-fertilized and bio-fertilized plots. The sub-factors (F2) were three application rates (A: 50%, B: 75%, and C: 100%) of recommended doses of the three N, P, K fertilizers. The sub-sub factors (F3) were seeds not magnetically treated (NM) and magnetically treated (M). All factors were studied for dry soybean seeds (without soaking) and soaked seeds in magnetically treated water. After harvesting, soil and plant samples were analyzed. The most significant increase in the soybean seed yield (kg ha<sup>-1</sup>) was by 49.98% for the bio-fertilized magnetized dry seeds at 75% and 100% mineral N-P-K fertilization compared with the NM soaked seeds at 50% N-P-K (A rate) without bio-fertilization. The 75% mineral fertilization significantly increased the protein (%) by 41.69% and decreased the proline (mg g<sup>-1</sup>dw) by 46.68%. Magnetic treatment of seeds before cultivation and combined bio/mineral N-P-K fertilization reduced the Proline that alleviats the stress conditions.</p>

Response of Rice Establishment Methods on Different Dates on Yield and Yield Attributing Characteristics of Rice in Mid-hills of Nepal

An experiment was conducted in the summer season of 2019 and 2020 at the National Agronomy Research Centre to find out the response of various establishment methods and dates on the performance of rice. The experiment was carried out in 2 Factorial Randomized Complete Block (RCB) design with 3 replications in an area of 12 m2 and planting geometry of 25 cm between rows and 20 cm between plants. The establishment methods were Sprouted Direct Seeded Rice (SDSR) broadcasting, puddled transplanting, and unpuddled transplanting at three dates viz. 10th June, 26th June, and 10th July. Twenty four hours water-soaked seeds were allowed to sprouting for 48 hours and broadcasted in a puddled plot. 22 days old seedlings were transplanted in a puddled and unpuddled plots. Recommended doses of fertilizer @ 100:30:30 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1 was used in the experiment. SDSR produced the highest yield of 4.2 Mt ha-1 compared to puddled transplanting method with 3.4 Mt ha-1. The highest grain yield was recorded on 10th June (5.9 Mt ha-1) followed by 26th June (4.0 Mt ha-1). Sprouted direct seeded rice permitted to mature early and produced the higher grain yield.

The influence of gamma rays and electric shock on seed germination and seedling growth in burdock plants

Burdock plant is one of the important medicinal plants, the critical part of which is the roots used to clearance the body of toxins; the study aimed to stimulate burdock seed germination and seedling growth with low-cost treatments, represented by electric shock and irradiation with low doses of gamma rays on seeds. The experiment was implemented at the Medical and Aromatic Plants Research Unit, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, Iraq, in 2020. included 6 treatments: soaking the seeds with water for 12 hours only, an electric shock of the seeds (2 and 4 A) by soaking with water for 12 hours, irradiating the seeds (with 10, 20 or 30 Gy) and soaking in the water for 12 hours. The experiment used the design of complete randomized (CRD) with three replicates. The results indicated that the highest germination percentage was recorded under the treatment of electric shock (4 A) and water soaking seeds only (91.0 and 85.7%, respectively). On the other hand, the best germination speed was achieved when gamma rays were treated at (30 Gy) reached 5.93 days. The two treatments: seed irradiation (30 Gy) and water-soaked seeds, were distinguished in most of the seedlings' vegetative and root growth characteristics represented by the length of the seedlings, the number of leaves, and the soft, fresh and dry weight of the shoot and root systems. We conclude from the results that soaking the seeds with water before planting has a positive effect on increasing germination characteristics and seedlings, and the effect increases at treatment with gamma.

Germination Biology of Bell (Passifloria burifolia L.) and Sugar Apple Seeds (Annona squamosal L.) in Southern Nigeria

Germination biology of two species of the apple – Bell apple (Passifloria burifolia L.) and Sugar apple (Annona squamosal L.) was undertaking to determine the possibility of growing apple in Southern Nigeria. Some seeds were sown directly in a garden soil in polythene bags, while other seeds were subjected to different treatments like scarification with sand paper, in boiling water for 1 minute, placing in 10% H2SO4, puncturing seeds with needle and soaking seeds in tap water for 24 hours. Seedlings of Bell apple and Sugar apple were planted directly in garden soil using the square system method of planting. Effects of different treatments on seed germination and growing of seeds and seedlings were investigated. Seedling growth parameters such as number of leaves, measurement of stem girth, leaf area and plant height for both seedlings grown from seeds and seedlings planted directly into the garden soil were studied at a 7day (weekly) interval. The water holding capacity of soil, nutrients availability, soil conductivity and pH were also investigated. Observations revealed that seeds soaking enhanced the rate of germination of the seeds of sugar apple, and the garden soil enhanced the growth rate of seedlings of Bell apple.

Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Robinia pseudoacacia Depending on the Origin of Different Geographic Provenances

Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is recognised as a forest species of interest due to its multiple uses. The management of forest genetic resources and their efficient conservation suffer from variations in traits and start with seed germination. The aim of the current study was to investigate the germination of seeds obtained from plus trees selected in eight Romanian provenances, as well as to investigate the influence of the origin upon plants’ growth and development. Two experiments were undertaken to test seed germination: one treatment involved water-soaked seeds and heat/cold treatment, while the other treatment was based on sulphuric acid, at different concentrations (50, 70, 90%). The results were correlated with the morphological analysis of the seeds. Satu-Mare had the lowest germination rate within both treatments. Sulphuric acid did not improve seed germination as much as the heat treatment. The highest germination rate occurred for the water and temperature treatment on seeds from Bihor provenance (68.2%). The most distant provenance was Bihor, in inverse correlation with Bistrița Năsăud and grouped separately within the hierarchical dendrogram of cluster analysis based on the analysed parameters of the provenances investigated. The results demonstrated that the genotypes and environmental heterogeneity of the seed origin within the provenances may finally result in different performances.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT CONCENTRATION OF ETHREL ON GERMINATION OF SUNFLOWER SEEDS (Helianthus annuus L.) AT BHARATPUR, CHITWAN, NEPAL

The research was carried out on “Effect of different concentrations of ethrel on germination of sunflower seed at the Agronomy laboratory in Nepal Polytechnic Institute, Bharatpur, Chitwan from December 2015 to January 2016. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD). In the present investigation, seed samples of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) variety viz. Modern Dwarf was collected from the National Oil Research Program (NORP) Nawalpur, Sarlahi for the experiments. Soaking of seeds in water, seed treatment with ethrel (@0.3ml/lit and 0.4ml/lit concentration), hot water treatment, mechanical clipping and control (without treatment) were done to see their effect on the germination of sunflower seed. The recorded parameters among the sampled seeds were germination percentage, root length, shoot length, fresh weight and dry weight. The seeds soaked for 12 hours germinated maximum (100.00%) and seeds that are boiled in water for 15 minutes germinated minimum (4.8%) on the 3rd, 6th and 9th days of observation. Maximum root and shoot length of germinated seed was found in seeds without treatment i.e. 8.5cm & 5.575 cm and minimum root and shoot length was found in seeds boiled in water for 15 minutes i.e. 0cm. Similarly, seeds without treatment and seeds boiled in water for 15 minutes showed the maximum fresh and dry weight (2.790gm & 0.488gm respectively) and seeds boiled in water for 15 minutes & seeds without treatment showed the minimum and dry weight (0.913gm & 0.289gm respectively) on the 9th day of observation. The results also showed that the seeds treated with ethrel (@0.3ml/lit) germinated (91%) with significant root & shoot length and fresh weight (4.55cm, 5.25cm and 2.537gm respectively).

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.

Effect of Various Immersion Time and Water Temperature on Seed Germination of Clitoria ternatea and Momordica charantia

The seeds of Clitoria ternatea and Momordica charantia were subjected to seven pre-sowing treatments, i.e., control (T0), peeled coat and soaked in 5 oC for 24 hours (T1), peeled coat and soaked in 37 oC for 24 hours (T2), peeled coat and soaked in 5 oC for 48 hours (T3), peeled coat and soaked in 37 oC for 48 hours (T4), peeled coat and soaked in 5 oC for 48 hours (T5), peeled coat and soaked in 37 oC for 72 hours (T6). The study revealed that peeling the coat and soaking seeds in water for various temperatures and periods improved seed germination. The highest germination and germination energy percentage of C. ternatea were observed in T2, namely 94.95% and 23.69%, respectively, while the lowest germination (0%) and germination energy (0%) was found in T6. The highest germination and germination energy percentage of M. charantia, namely 64.38%, and 16.10%, respectively, were found in T3, while the lowest germination (10.67%) and germination energy (2.17%) were observed in T0. The germination may vary for both seeds used in the study as C. ternatea and M. charantia are different in type. The pre-sowing treatments of seeds would prove its potential in the practical fields.

How to accelerate the germination of Scots pine and Norway spruce seeds?

The aim of the study was to confirm and compare efficiency of methods enhancing the vitality of Scots pine and Norway spruce seeds: soaking in water, cold stratification, additional moistening and incubation according to IDS method. The examined parameters included water content in the seeds, germination energy, mean germination time and germination capacity before the seed treatment, after its treatment by the tested methods and after drying. Results show that all the tested methods accelerate germination of seeds; cold stratification is the most efficient and recommended method for Scots pine and soaking of seeds in water is the most efficient and recommended for Norway spruce. The best results in spruce were also obtained with cold stratification (comparable with soaking in water) but the method is complicated, longer-lasting and more costly than soaking in water.

Effect of Milk and Hydro-priming on Seed Germination Characteristics of Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

To meet the demand for an appropriate soaking duration and priming type, there is a need to embrace cheap, fast, natural, accessible, and adaptable physiological techniques as soaking of seeds in water and fresh cow milk. Fresh cow milk contains hormones that relieve seeds from photo, thermo, physiological and mechanical dormancy. In light of this, this study was conducted to assess the effect of hydration and fresh cow milk on different seed quality attributes like germination percentage, mean germination time, the uncertainty of germination process, and synchrony of germination process of bitter gourd seeds. The study involved two factors namely hydropriming and different concentrations of fresh cow milk (viz. 60%, 80% and 100%), and the other factor was seed soaking duration with 4 levels (i. e., 0, 12, 18 and 24 hours). The experiment was conducted in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with three replicates. Results revealed that the percentage germination value of seeds soaked in all concentrations of fresh cow milk was better than hydropriming. A significant germination percentage value of 96% and 93% were recorded for seeds treated for 18 hours in 80% and 100% concentrations of fresh cow milk respectively. Maximum uncertainty of the germination process and minimum synchrony of germination the process was recorded in untreated seed.

Hydropriming and Biopriming Improve Medicago truncatula Seed Germination and Upregulate DNA Repair and Antioxidant Genes.

Seed germination is a critical parameter for the successful development of sustainable agricultural practices. While seed germination is impaired by environmental constraints emerging from the climate change scenario, several types of simple procedures, known as priming, can be used to enhance it. Seed priming is defined as the process of regulating seed germination by managing a series of parameters during the initial stages of germination. Hydropriming is a highly accessible and economic technique that involves soaking of seeds in water followed by drying. Biopriming refers to the inoculation of seeds with beneficial microorganism. The present study aims to investigate whether hydropriming and biopriming could enhance seed germination. Thereby, the germination of Medicago truncatula seeds exposed to hydropriming and/or Bacillus spp. isolates was monitored for two-weeks. The seeds were sown in trays containing two types of in situ agricultural soils collected from Northern India (Karsara, Varanasi). This region is believed to be contaminated by solid waste from a nearby power plant. Phenotypic parameters had been monitored and compared to find the most appropriate combination of treatments. Additionally, qRT-PCR was used to evaluate the expression levels of specific genes used as molecular indicators of seed quality. The results show that, while hydropriming significantly enhanced seed germination percentage, biopriming resulted in improved seedling development, represented by increased biomass rather than seedling length. At a molecular level, this is reflected by the upregulation of genes involved in DNA damage repair and antioxidant defence. In conclusion, hydropriming and biopriming are efficient to improve seed germination and seedling establishment in soils collected from damaged sites of Northern India; this is reflected by morphological parameters and molecular hallmarks of seed quality.

Salicylic Acid-Producing Endophytic Bacteria Increase Nicotine Accumulation and Resistance against Wildfire Disease in Tobacco Plants.

Endophytic bacteria (EB) are both a novel source of bioactive compounds that confer phytopathogen resistance and inducers of secondary metabolites in host plants. Twenty-seven EB isolated from various parts of Metasequoia glyptostroboides, Ginkgo biloba, Taxus brevifolia, Pinus densiflora, Salix babylonica, and S. chaenomeloides could produce salicylic acid (SA). The highest producers were isolates EB-44 and EB-47, identified as Pseudomonas tremae and Curtobacterium herbarum, respectively. Nicotiana benthamiana grown from EB-44-soaked seeds exhibited a 2.3-fold higher endogenous SA concentration and increased resistance against P. syringae pv. tabaci, the causative agent of tobacco wildfire disease, than plants grown from water-soaked seeds. N benthamiana and N. tabacum grown from EB-44-treated seeds developed 33% and 54% disease lesions, respectively, when infected with P. syringae pv. tabaci, and showed increased height and weight, in addition to 4.6 and 1.4-fold increases in nicotine accumulation, respectively. The results suggest that SA-producing EB-44 can successfully colonize Nicotiana spp., leading to increased endogenous SA production and resistance to tobacco wildfire disease. The newly isolated EB can offer an efficient and eco-friendly solution for controlling wildfire disease and nicotine accumulation in Nicotiana, with additional application for other important crops to increase both productivity and the generation of bioactive compounds.

Effectiveness of daily rinsing of alfalfa sprouts with aqueous chlorine dioxide and ozonated water on the growth of Listeria monocytogenes during sprouting.

Alfalfa sprouts have been implicated in multiple foodborne disease outbreaks. This study evaluated the growth of Listeria monocytogenes during sprouting of alfalfa seeds and the effectiveness of daily chlorine dioxide & ozone rinsing in controlling the growth. Alfalfa seeds inoculated with L. monocytogenes were sprouted for 5days (25°C) with a daily aqueous ClO2 (3ppm, 10min) or ozone water (2ppm, 5min) rinse. Neither treatment significantly reduced the growth of L. monocytogenes on sprouting alfalfa seeds. The initial level of L. monocytogenes was 3·44±0·27, which increased to c. 7·0 log CFU per g following 3days of sprouting. There was no significant difference in the bacterial population between the treatment schemes. Bacterial distribution in roots (7·63±0·511 log CFU per g), stems (7·51±0·511 log CFU per g) and leaves (7·41±0·511 log CFU per g) were similar after 5days. Spent sanitizers had significantly lower levels of bacterial populations compared to the spent distilled water control. The results indicated that sprouting process provides a favourable condition for the growth of L. monocytogenes and the sanitizer treatment alone may not be able to reduce food safety risks. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Sprouts are high-risk foods. Consumption of raw sprouts is frequently associated with foodborne disease outbreaks. Optimum sprouting procedure involves soaking seeds in water followed by daily water rinsing to maintain a moist environment that is also favourable for the growth of pathogenic micro-organisms. The present study emphasized the potential food safety risks during sprouting and the effect of applying daily sanitizer rinsing in the place of water rinsing to reduce those risks. The finding of this study may be useful in the development of pre-harvest and post-harvest risk management strategies.