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Emad Shahmansouri, Zahra Abbasi,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (9-2023)
Volume 10, Issue 1 (9-2023)
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: The selection of optimum planting date for every climate and mother bulb size are important factors affecting the quantity and quality of seed production in different cultivars. This study was performed in Isfahan province, Frieden, during two growing years 2016-2017 to determine the effect of planting time and mother bulb size on the quantity and quality of short-day onion seed varieties Texas Early Grano 502
Materials and Methods: A split-plot experiment was performed in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The main factor was cultivation dates at four levels: the end of August, the first of September, the end of September and the first of October and mother bulb size at three levels with 3.55, 5.5-7, and 7.5-9cm diameters were assigned as sub-plots. The measured traits were number of umbel per unit area, the number of fertilized capsules in umbel, the number of seeds per capsule, 1000 seed weight, seed yield and germination rate.
Results: The results of combined analysis of variance showed that effect of year was only significant on the number of capsules per umbel at p<0.01. The interactions of year× mother bulb diameter and year× planting date× mother bulb diameter were not significant for any of the traits. The traits were not affected by the year. The results showed that the planting date had a significant effect on all traits except for 1000 seed weight, and the first planting date (the end of August) had the highest values in all traits. The highest germination percentage (89.83%) and the highest germination rate (12.8) were obtained on the first planting date, which showed a statistically significant difference with the subsequent planting dates. However, these two traits were not affected by mother bulb diameter treatment. The highest seed yield for onion diameter factor (505.65 kg h-1in the first year and 465.78 kg h-1 in the second year) was associated with mother bulb size of 7.5-9 cm.
Conclusions: The overall result showed that to obtain the highest and most desirable quality of onion seeds of Texas Early Grano 502 cultivar in Friedan of Isfahan, the planting date of the first of September and the size of the mother bulb “between” 7 to 9 cm is recommended.
Highlights:
1- Early planting time (the first of September) increased germination rate.
2- Increasing the mother bulb size increased the onion yield.
Introduction: The selection of optimum planting date for every climate and mother bulb size are important factors affecting the quantity and quality of seed production in different cultivars. This study was performed in Isfahan province, Frieden, during two growing years 2016-2017 to determine the effect of planting time and mother bulb size on the quantity and quality of short-day onion seed varieties Texas Early Grano 502
Materials and Methods: A split-plot experiment was performed in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The main factor was cultivation dates at four levels: the end of August, the first of September, the end of September and the first of October and mother bulb size at three levels with 3.55, 5.5-7, and 7.5-9cm diameters were assigned as sub-plots. The measured traits were number of umbel per unit area, the number of fertilized capsules in umbel, the number of seeds per capsule, 1000 seed weight, seed yield and germination rate.
Results: The results of combined analysis of variance showed that effect of year was only significant on the number of capsules per umbel at p<0.01. The interactions of year× mother bulb diameter and year× planting date× mother bulb diameter were not significant for any of the traits. The traits were not affected by the year. The results showed that the planting date had a significant effect on all traits except for 1000 seed weight, and the first planting date (the end of August) had the highest values in all traits. The highest germination percentage (89.83%) and the highest germination rate (12.8) were obtained on the first planting date, which showed a statistically significant difference with the subsequent planting dates. However, these two traits were not affected by mother bulb diameter treatment. The highest seed yield for onion diameter factor (505.65 kg h-1in the first year and 465.78 kg h-1 in the second year) was associated with mother bulb size of 7.5-9 cm.
Conclusions: The overall result showed that to obtain the highest and most desirable quality of onion seeds of Texas Early Grano 502 cultivar in Friedan of Isfahan, the planting date of the first of September and the size of the mother bulb “between” 7 to 9 cm is recommended.
Highlights:
1- Early planting time (the first of September) increased germination rate.
2- Increasing the mother bulb size increased the onion yield.
Ladan Zinati, Asieh Siahmarguee, Farshid Ghaderi-Far, Masomeh Yones-Abadi, Bhagirath Singh Chauhan,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (9-2023)
Volume 10, Issue 1 (9-2023)
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: The different species of Amaranthus species are among the most important damaging weeds in the world. Due to the importance of studying the effect of management factors on seed dynamics of different weed species, this experiment aimed to investigate the effect of burial depth and high temperatures on the seed dynamic of different species of Amaranthus in Golestan province including white pigweed (A. albus), prostrate pigweed (A. belitoides), hybrid Amaranthus (A. chlorostachys), redroot pigweed (A. retrofelexus) and green Amaranthus (A. viridis) were performed.
Materials and Methods: This research was conducted on five amaranthus species of white pigweed, prostrate pigweed, hybrid Amaranthus, redroot pigweed, and green Amaranthus at the seed laboratory and greenhouse of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. In the first experiment, seed emergence of different species of Amaranthus was studied in eight burial depths including 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 10 cm. In the second experiment, seeds were exposed to 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, and 110 °C temperatures for 5, 10, and 15 minutes
Results: All seeds of A. blitoides and A. viridis germinated in the topsoil (zero depth); But, in A. albus, A. retroflexus, A. chlorostachys, 93%, 83%, and 3% of the seeds were emergence at the soil surface, respectively. By increasing the burial depth to one centimeter, the percentage of seeds emergence in different species of Amaranthus decreased significantly and was negligible at ≥ 2 cm depth. Germination test performed on retrieved seeds showed that zero to 16% of the seeds were able to germinate in petri dish, and most of the non-germinated seeds were viable. In all species except for A. chlorostachys high temperatures reduced the germination percentage.
Conclusion: Due to the reduction of seed germination percentage of different species of Amaranthus from a depth of more than one centimeter of soil, it seems that the use of conservation and conventional tillage methods has a good potential to reduce infestation of fields by these weeds. Also, although high temperatures reduce weed infestation in fields, they do not have a significant effect on depleting the seed bank of these species.
Highlights:
1- Seed dynamics of different species of Amaranthus were affected by burial depth and high temperature
2- Deep burial of seeds of different species of Amaranthus causes the stability of their seeds in the soil seed bank.
Introduction: The different species of Amaranthus species are among the most important damaging weeds in the world. Due to the importance of studying the effect of management factors on seed dynamics of different weed species, this experiment aimed to investigate the effect of burial depth and high temperatures on the seed dynamic of different species of Amaranthus in Golestan province including white pigweed (A. albus), prostrate pigweed (A. belitoides), hybrid Amaranthus (A. chlorostachys), redroot pigweed (A. retrofelexus) and green Amaranthus (A. viridis) were performed.
Materials and Methods: This research was conducted on five amaranthus species of white pigweed, prostrate pigweed, hybrid Amaranthus, redroot pigweed, and green Amaranthus at the seed laboratory and greenhouse of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. In the first experiment, seed emergence of different species of Amaranthus was studied in eight burial depths including 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 10 cm. In the second experiment, seeds were exposed to 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, and 110 °C temperatures for 5, 10, and 15 minutes
Results: All seeds of A. blitoides and A. viridis germinated in the topsoil (zero depth); But, in A. albus, A. retroflexus, A. chlorostachys, 93%, 83%, and 3% of the seeds were emergence at the soil surface, respectively. By increasing the burial depth to one centimeter, the percentage of seeds emergence in different species of Amaranthus decreased significantly and was negligible at ≥ 2 cm depth. Germination test performed on retrieved seeds showed that zero to 16% of the seeds were able to germinate in petri dish, and most of the non-germinated seeds were viable. In all species except for A. chlorostachys high temperatures reduced the germination percentage.
Conclusion: Due to the reduction of seed germination percentage of different species of Amaranthus from a depth of more than one centimeter of soil, it seems that the use of conservation and conventional tillage methods has a good potential to reduce infestation of fields by these weeds. Also, although high temperatures reduce weed infestation in fields, they do not have a significant effect on depleting the seed bank of these species.
Highlights:
1- Seed dynamics of different species of Amaranthus were affected by burial depth and high temperature
2- Deep burial of seeds of different species of Amaranthus causes the stability of their seeds in the soil seed bank.
Fatemeh Ghorbannezhad, Mohsen Zavareh, Farzad Sharifzadeh,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (9-2023)
Volume 10, Issue 1 (9-2023)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a multipurpose crop and is cultivated to obtain oil, fiber, and seeds. Under optimal moisture conditions, the temperature is considered an environmental factor affecting the germination of this crop. Hence, knowing the cardinal temperatures can help farmers to predict the successful germination, emergence, and even yield of linseed and help scientists to develop new cultivars that are more tolerant to high temperatures. Therefore, this study was performed to determine the temperature range and the cardinal temperatures of germination in two linseed genotypes.
Material and methods: The germination response of two linseed genotypes (Golchin genotype and Line 286) to nine temperatures (3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 Celsius degrees) was quantified in a CRD based split-plot experiment with four replications. For this purpose, three nonlinear regression models (beta, segmented, and dent-like) were used to fit to the data and select the superior model. The superior model was selected using the Akaike information index (AIC), the modified Akaike index (AICc), and ∆i.
Results: Findings showed that the beta model had the best performance in estimating the line 286 cardinal temperatures according to its lower AIC (-3.96), AICc (-89.61), and ∆i (0). Accordingly, the base, optimum, and maximum temperature as well as the number of biological hours estimated by this model for Line 286 were 7.18, 24.22, 40.16 Celsius degrees, and 19.25 hours, respectively. In the Golchin genotype, the beta model with the lowest AIC=-3.89 and AICc= -89.083 fitted better compared with the other models. Nonetheless, considering ∆i for beta which was respectively 0, 1.61, and 4.49 for beta, segmented, and dent-like models, Beta and segmented models had a similar accuracy in estimation of cardinal temperatures for Golchin genotype. These findings represent that the suitable temperature range for germination of the Golchin genotype is 3.8- 23.85 Celsius degrees and the range of biological hours to 50% of germination varied from 16.42 to 19.77 hours.
Conclusion: Overall, according to the results of this study, it is possible to predict the time to germination under optimal moisture conditions using the beta model for Line 286 and one of the two beta and segmented models for the Golchin genotype.
Highlights:
1. A suitable model was developed for a suitable prediction of the seed germination percentage of two linseed genotypes (Golchin genotype and Line 286).
2. The cardinal temperatures for two linseed genotypes (Golchin genotype and Line 286) were determined.
Introduction: Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a multipurpose crop and is cultivated to obtain oil, fiber, and seeds. Under optimal moisture conditions, the temperature is considered an environmental factor affecting the germination of this crop. Hence, knowing the cardinal temperatures can help farmers to predict the successful germination, emergence, and even yield of linseed and help scientists to develop new cultivars that are more tolerant to high temperatures. Therefore, this study was performed to determine the temperature range and the cardinal temperatures of germination in two linseed genotypes.
Material and methods: The germination response of two linseed genotypes (Golchin genotype and Line 286) to nine temperatures (3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 Celsius degrees) was quantified in a CRD based split-plot experiment with four replications. For this purpose, three nonlinear regression models (beta, segmented, and dent-like) were used to fit to the data and select the superior model. The superior model was selected using the Akaike information index (AIC), the modified Akaike index (AICc), and ∆i.
Results: Findings showed that the beta model had the best performance in estimating the line 286 cardinal temperatures according to its lower AIC (-3.96), AICc (-89.61), and ∆i (0). Accordingly, the base, optimum, and maximum temperature as well as the number of biological hours estimated by this model for Line 286 were 7.18, 24.22, 40.16 Celsius degrees, and 19.25 hours, respectively. In the Golchin genotype, the beta model with the lowest AIC=-3.89 and AICc= -89.083 fitted better compared with the other models. Nonetheless, considering ∆i for beta which was respectively 0, 1.61, and 4.49 for beta, segmented, and dent-like models, Beta and segmented models had a similar accuracy in estimation of cardinal temperatures for Golchin genotype. These findings represent that the suitable temperature range for germination of the Golchin genotype is 3.8- 23.85 Celsius degrees and the range of biological hours to 50% of germination varied from 16.42 to 19.77 hours.
Conclusion: Overall, according to the results of this study, it is possible to predict the time to germination under optimal moisture conditions using the beta model for Line 286 and one of the two beta and segmented models for the Golchin genotype.
Highlights:
1. A suitable model was developed for a suitable prediction of the seed germination percentage of two linseed genotypes (Golchin genotype and Line 286).
2. The cardinal temperatures for two linseed genotypes (Golchin genotype and Line 286) were determined.
Mahnaz Kandi, Asa Ebrahimi, Marjan Diyanat, Hamid Saeidian,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (9-2023)
Volume 10, Issue 1 (9-2023)
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: Weeds are one of the most important problems in agriculture and cause a lot of damage to crops. Overconsumption of herbicides in recent decades has led to harmful impacts on the environment and living organisms, including humans. In order to deal with these problems today, efforts are being made to reduce reliance on artificial herbicides and change direction towards sustainable agriculture as a part of integrated weed management. Among natural compounds, essential oils, which are components of aromatic and medicinal plants, were investigated to discover new herbicides.
Material and Methods: In order to investigate the effects of yarrow essential oil (Achillea wilhelmsii C. Koch) on the germination and growth of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) and rye (Secale cereale L.) seedlings, two factorial experiments were conducted in the form of a completely randomized design in three replicates at Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch. The first factor was the type of essential oil in two levels (normal and nanoemulsion) and the second factor was the concentration of essential oil in six levels (0, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1000 µl L-1).
Results and Discussion: Scanning electron microscopy images showed the particles were relatively sperhical and their size varied from 1 to 100 nm. The zeta potential of the nanoparticles was -13.8 mV, indicating particle stability. Both type of essential oils reduced germination percentage, germination rate, plumule length, radicel length and seedling dry weight of both weeds and germination percentage decreased significantly with increasing concentration. At a concentration of 200 µl L-1, purslane treated with essential oil germinated 55.25%, but at the same concentration, the germination percentage of seeds treated with nanoemulsion of essential oil was 30.50%. Nanoemulsion of essential oil at concentration of 800 µl L-1 was able to completely prevent the germination and growth of purslane seedlings. Nanoemulsion of essential oil at a concentration of 1000 µl L-1 completely prevented rye seed germination. Germination rate decreased under treatment of yarrow essential oil and there was no difference between two types of essential oils at concentration of 200 µl L-1, but at a concentration of 800 µl, the germination rate of rye seeds treated with nanoemulsion of essential oil and ordinary essential oil reached to 1.40 and 0.32, respectively which was a significant difference.
Conclusions: The inhibition percentage of the studied traits in both weed species showed that the essential oil nanoemulsion was more effective than the normal essential oil. Yarrow essential oil was more effective on purslane weed compared to rye. Essential oils do not have similar effects on weeds and their inhibitory effects will be different depending on the concentration and species of weeds, and the selectivity of these compounds should be investigated. The production of nano essential oil of yarrow as a natural herbicide is a solution. It offers to control weeds in organic farming systems.
Highlights:
1- Nanoemulsion particles were produced from Yarrow essential oil
2- Nanoemulsion particles had more inhibitory effects on the investigated weeds than the normal essential oil.
Introduction: Weeds are one of the most important problems in agriculture and cause a lot of damage to crops. Overconsumption of herbicides in recent decades has led to harmful impacts on the environment and living organisms, including humans. In order to deal with these problems today, efforts are being made to reduce reliance on artificial herbicides and change direction towards sustainable agriculture as a part of integrated weed management. Among natural compounds, essential oils, which are components of aromatic and medicinal plants, were investigated to discover new herbicides.
Material and Methods: In order to investigate the effects of yarrow essential oil (Achillea wilhelmsii C. Koch) on the germination and growth of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) and rye (Secale cereale L.) seedlings, two factorial experiments were conducted in the form of a completely randomized design in three replicates at Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch. The first factor was the type of essential oil in two levels (normal and nanoemulsion) and the second factor was the concentration of essential oil in six levels (0, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1000 µl L-1).
Results and Discussion: Scanning electron microscopy images showed the particles were relatively sperhical and their size varied from 1 to 100 nm. The zeta potential of the nanoparticles was -13.8 mV, indicating particle stability. Both type of essential oils reduced germination percentage, germination rate, plumule length, radicel length and seedling dry weight of both weeds and germination percentage decreased significantly with increasing concentration. At a concentration of 200 µl L-1, purslane treated with essential oil germinated 55.25%, but at the same concentration, the germination percentage of seeds treated with nanoemulsion of essential oil was 30.50%. Nanoemulsion of essential oil at concentration of 800 µl L-1 was able to completely prevent the germination and growth of purslane seedlings. Nanoemulsion of essential oil at a concentration of 1000 µl L-1 completely prevented rye seed germination. Germination rate decreased under treatment of yarrow essential oil and there was no difference between two types of essential oils at concentration of 200 µl L-1, but at a concentration of 800 µl, the germination rate of rye seeds treated with nanoemulsion of essential oil and ordinary essential oil reached to 1.40 and 0.32, respectively which was a significant difference.
Conclusions: The inhibition percentage of the studied traits in both weed species showed that the essential oil nanoemulsion was more effective than the normal essential oil. Yarrow essential oil was more effective on purslane weed compared to rye. Essential oils do not have similar effects on weeds and their inhibitory effects will be different depending on the concentration and species of weeds, and the selectivity of these compounds should be investigated. The production of nano essential oil of yarrow as a natural herbicide is a solution. It offers to control weeds in organic farming systems.
Highlights:
1- Nanoemulsion particles were produced from Yarrow essential oil
2- Nanoemulsion particles had more inhibitory effects on the investigated weeds than the normal essential oil.
Hemmatollah Pirdashti, Yasser Yaghoubian, Zahra Nouri Akandi, Mehranoosh Emamian Tabarestani, Seyed Yaser Ashrafi, Faezeh Vadipour,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (9-2023)
Volume 10, Issue 1 (9-2023)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: Seed germination and emergence are the most sensitive stages of growth and development of rice plants. In this regard, the use of growth-promoting fungi in the form of seed biological pretreatment (bio-priming) for germination and optimal growth of seedlings can be feasible. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of isolated root symbiotic fungi on the improvement of germination and growth components of two traditional and bred rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars.
Materials and Methods: This experiment was done as a factorial-based completely randomized design with three replicates at Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University in the summer of 2021. Experimental treatments included 22 isolates of root symbiotic fungi (isolated and identified from previous experiments) and control (without inoculation) and two native (Hashemi) and bred (Roshan) rice cultivars. After the end of the germination period, the number of normal seedlings was counted and five normal seedlings were randomly selected to measure the length of the root, stem, and seedling as well as the fresh and dry weight of the root, stem, and seedling.
Results: Based on the results of cluster analysis the fungi were divided into four and three groups in Roshan and Hashemi cultivars, respectively. In both cultivars, group I was selected as the best group. In this group, the highest positive effect on vegetative traits varied from 5 to 59% compared to the control in fungal treatments was related to Bjerkandera adusta (ST1), Trichoderma atroviride (SF1), Monosporascus cannonballus (B3) and Trichoderma atroviride (SN1) in Roshan cultivar and Bjerkand adusta (ST1) in Hashemi cultivar. The best fungal treatments in germination traits of Roshan and Hashemi cultivars were Chaetomium globosum (SE2) and Bjerkandera adusta (ST1), respectively.
Conclusions: Overall, the results indicated the positive effect of most symbiotic fungi on the growth and germination characteristics of rice in both Roshan and Hashemi cultivars. These results show that symbiotic fungi use different mechanisms to increase growth and improve germination indicators in plants.
Highlights:
1- Growth-promoting fungi in the form of seed biological pretreatment were used (bio-priming) for optimal growth and germination and of rice seedlings.
2- The effect of native fungi isolated was investigated for the first time in two native (Hashemi) and bred (Roshan) rice cultivars.
Introduction: Seed germination and emergence are the most sensitive stages of growth and development of rice plants. In this regard, the use of growth-promoting fungi in the form of seed biological pretreatment (bio-priming) for germination and optimal growth of seedlings can be feasible. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of isolated root symbiotic fungi on the improvement of germination and growth components of two traditional and bred rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars.
Materials and Methods: This experiment was done as a factorial-based completely randomized design with three replicates at Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University in the summer of 2021. Experimental treatments included 22 isolates of root symbiotic fungi (isolated and identified from previous experiments) and control (without inoculation) and two native (Hashemi) and bred (Roshan) rice cultivars. After the end of the germination period, the number of normal seedlings was counted and five normal seedlings were randomly selected to measure the length of the root, stem, and seedling as well as the fresh and dry weight of the root, stem, and seedling.
Results: Based on the results of cluster analysis the fungi were divided into four and three groups in Roshan and Hashemi cultivars, respectively. In both cultivars, group I was selected as the best group. In this group, the highest positive effect on vegetative traits varied from 5 to 59% compared to the control in fungal treatments was related to Bjerkandera adusta (ST1), Trichoderma atroviride (SF1), Monosporascus cannonballus (B3) and Trichoderma atroviride (SN1) in Roshan cultivar and Bjerkand adusta (ST1) in Hashemi cultivar. The best fungal treatments in germination traits of Roshan and Hashemi cultivars were Chaetomium globosum (SE2) and Bjerkandera adusta (ST1), respectively.
Conclusions: Overall, the results indicated the positive effect of most symbiotic fungi on the growth and germination characteristics of rice in both Roshan and Hashemi cultivars. These results show that symbiotic fungi use different mechanisms to increase growth and improve germination indicators in plants.
Highlights:
1- Growth-promoting fungi in the form of seed biological pretreatment were used (bio-priming) for optimal growth and germination and of rice seedlings.
2- The effect of native fungi isolated was investigated for the first time in two native (Hashemi) and bred (Roshan) rice cultivars.
Bijan Shadkam, Mohammed Hussain Gharineh, Amin Lotfi Jalalabadi, Seyed Amir Mousavi,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (9-2023)
Volume 10, Issue 1 (9-2023)
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: Salinity stress is one of the important damaging factors for seed germination which interrupts the uptake of some nutrients by lowering soil water potential and causing ion toxicity due to salt accumulation inside the seeds. Since hyssop seeds are sensitive to salinity stress in the early stages of seed germination, it is necessary to investigate seed enhancement methods to improve seed germination in this species under saline conditions. In this research, the effects of seed priming using iron were studied on hyssop seed germination characteristics under salinity stress conditions.
Material and Methods: This research was conducted as two separate factorial experiments in complete random design with three replications. The treatments included five levels of iron nano-chelate and micro-chelate (zero, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg /l) and six levels of salinity (zero, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mM) and two priming durations. It included 12 and 24-hours.
Results: The results showed that with the increase in salinity, the germination characteristics declined so at 200 mM of salinity, seedling growth declined significantly and ceased completely at 250 mM level. Application of iron micro-chelate under non-stress conditions did not have any positive effect on hyssop germination, and the use of distilled water for 12 hours worked better than iron nano-chelate. No significant difference was observed among the different concentrations in micro-iron treatment. Application of nano and micro chelate at 100 and 150 mM salinity stress had a stronger effect so that nano iron chelate concentrations of 200 mg/L for 12 hours and 100 and 200 mg per liter concentrations of iron micro chelate had the highest germination, seedling growth, and seed germination in 24 hours. The amount of soluble protein and peroxidase and catalase activity increased at 50 mg/L salinity but decreased at higher salinities. Also, pretreatment of seeds with an iron micro-chelate and nano iron chelate concentration of 200 mg/liter intensified this process.
Conclusion: Conclusion: The results of this study showed that seed germination of hyssop is highly declined due to salinity stress, so the seedlings were unable to grow at a salinity concentration of 200 mg/L. Moreover, germination does not occur at 250 mg/liter salinity. Also, seed pretreatment of this plant is not justifiable under non-stress and mild stress conditions, and pretreatment with iron chelate had negative effects and was ineffective at best. However, iron chelate application at high salinity levels- especially in the nanoscale with a concentration of 200 mg/liter for 12 hours- is effective in reducing the effect of salinity.
Highlights:
1- The role of the iron element was investigated by seed pretreatment method to alleviate the negative effects of salinity stress on hyssop seed germination characteristics.
2- The nanotechnology used in the production of iron fertilizer and its effect on improving the germination characteristics of hyssop under salinity stress were investigated.
Introduction: Salinity stress is one of the important damaging factors for seed germination which interrupts the uptake of some nutrients by lowering soil water potential and causing ion toxicity due to salt accumulation inside the seeds. Since hyssop seeds are sensitive to salinity stress in the early stages of seed germination, it is necessary to investigate seed enhancement methods to improve seed germination in this species under saline conditions. In this research, the effects of seed priming using iron were studied on hyssop seed germination characteristics under salinity stress conditions.
Material and Methods: This research was conducted as two separate factorial experiments in complete random design with three replications. The treatments included five levels of iron nano-chelate and micro-chelate (zero, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg /l) and six levels of salinity (zero, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mM) and two priming durations. It included 12 and 24-hours.
Results: The results showed that with the increase in salinity, the germination characteristics declined so at 200 mM of salinity, seedling growth declined significantly and ceased completely at 250 mM level. Application of iron micro-chelate under non-stress conditions did not have any positive effect on hyssop germination, and the use of distilled water for 12 hours worked better than iron nano-chelate. No significant difference was observed among the different concentrations in micro-iron treatment. Application of nano and micro chelate at 100 and 150 mM salinity stress had a stronger effect so that nano iron chelate concentrations of 200 mg/L for 12 hours and 100 and 200 mg per liter concentrations of iron micro chelate had the highest germination, seedling growth, and seed germination in 24 hours. The amount of soluble protein and peroxidase and catalase activity increased at 50 mg/L salinity but decreased at higher salinities. Also, pretreatment of seeds with an iron micro-chelate and nano iron chelate concentration of 200 mg/liter intensified this process.
Conclusion: Conclusion: The results of this study showed that seed germination of hyssop is highly declined due to salinity stress, so the seedlings were unable to grow at a salinity concentration of 200 mg/L. Moreover, germination does not occur at 250 mg/liter salinity. Also, seed pretreatment of this plant is not justifiable under non-stress and mild stress conditions, and pretreatment with iron chelate had negative effects and was ineffective at best. However, iron chelate application at high salinity levels- especially in the nanoscale with a concentration of 200 mg/liter for 12 hours- is effective in reducing the effect of salinity.
Highlights:
1- The role of the iron element was investigated by seed pretreatment method to alleviate the negative effects of salinity stress on hyssop seed germination characteristics.
2- The nanotechnology used in the production of iron fertilizer and its effect on improving the germination characteristics of hyssop under salinity stress were investigated.
Ahmad Munir Amini, Farshid Ghaderi-Far, Dr Benjamin Torabi, Asieh Siahmargue, Hamid Reza Sadeghipour,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (2-2024)
Volume 10, Issue 2 (2-2024)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: With regard to the ever-growing water deficit in the world, the adoption of the direct-seeded rice cultivation system has been suggested as an alternative to the transplanting method. One of the disadvantages of the direct-seeded method is low and non-uniform germination and emergence due to low seed vigor in rice. Priming is a technique which improves the rate and uniformity of seed germination under these conditions. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of priming treatments on seed germination of different rice cultivars under different temperature conditions using the thermal time model.
Materials and methods: This study was conducted in 2019 at the seed research laboratory of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. In this experiment, germination of primed and non-primed seeds in three rice cultivars (Nada, Anam, and Tolo) was investigated under different temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30, and 35°C). The priming treatments which consisted of control, hydropriming, and osmopriming with different chemicals (potassium chloride 2%, potassium nitrate 1%, calcium chloride 4%, glycine betaine 10 ppm, salicylic acid 10 ppm, and ascorbic acid 10 ppm) were investigated under different temperatures.
Results: The results showed that priming treatments had no significant effect on the seed germination percentage of rice cultivars at different temperatures. The thermal time model based on binomial distribution fitted well to cumulative germination percentages in all priming treatments. Among the parameters of the thermal time model, the greatest priming effect was on the reduction of the thermal coefficient, followed by the reduction of the sigma coefficient, which resulted in the increased rate and uniformity of germination. Priming treatments had no significant effect on base temperature. Also, the responses of rice cultivars to seed priming treatments varied so that in Anam and Neda, priming with calcium chloride but in Tolo, hydropriming was more effective on the model parameters, especially thermal time to 50% of germination.
Conclusion: In general, priming treatments did not affect the base temperature of germination in rice cultivars, but they significantly affected the rate and uniformity of seed germination. As the latter issue is one of the main problems in the direct-seeded rice system, suitable priming treatments for each cultivar can be adopted to increase the rate and uniformity of seed germination and emergence in this system.
Highlights:
Introduction: With regard to the ever-growing water deficit in the world, the adoption of the direct-seeded rice cultivation system has been suggested as an alternative to the transplanting method. One of the disadvantages of the direct-seeded method is low and non-uniform germination and emergence due to low seed vigor in rice. Priming is a technique which improves the rate and uniformity of seed germination under these conditions. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of priming treatments on seed germination of different rice cultivars under different temperature conditions using the thermal time model.
Materials and methods: This study was conducted in 2019 at the seed research laboratory of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. In this experiment, germination of primed and non-primed seeds in three rice cultivars (Nada, Anam, and Tolo) was investigated under different temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30, and 35°C). The priming treatments which consisted of control, hydropriming, and osmopriming with different chemicals (potassium chloride 2%, potassium nitrate 1%, calcium chloride 4%, glycine betaine 10 ppm, salicylic acid 10 ppm, and ascorbic acid 10 ppm) were investigated under different temperatures.
Results: The results showed that priming treatments had no significant effect on the seed germination percentage of rice cultivars at different temperatures. The thermal time model based on binomial distribution fitted well to cumulative germination percentages in all priming treatments. Among the parameters of the thermal time model, the greatest priming effect was on the reduction of the thermal coefficient, followed by the reduction of the sigma coefficient, which resulted in the increased rate and uniformity of germination. Priming treatments had no significant effect on base temperature. Also, the responses of rice cultivars to seed priming treatments varied so that in Anam and Neda, priming with calcium chloride but in Tolo, hydropriming was more effective on the model parameters, especially thermal time to 50% of germination.
Conclusion: In general, priming treatments did not affect the base temperature of germination in rice cultivars, but they significantly affected the rate and uniformity of seed germination. As the latter issue is one of the main problems in the direct-seeded rice system, suitable priming treatments for each cultivar can be adopted to increase the rate and uniformity of seed germination and emergence in this system.
Highlights:
- The thermal time model can be used to select the appropriate priming treatment for improving seed germination components of rice cultivars.
- The responses of rice cultivars to different seed priming treatments were different.
- Priming treatments did not improve the base temperature of seed germination in rice cultivars, but they significantly affected seed germination rate and uniformity.
Hamideh Javadi, Parvin Salehi Shanjani, Mohammad Dadmand, Masoumeh Ramazani Yeghaneh,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (2-2024)
Volume 10, Issue 2 (2-2024)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: Festuca species are forage grasses that are very important in terms of fodder supply and soil protection. The seeds of these plants have internal dormancy (physiological) and are unable to germinate easily. Therefore, they must be subjected to various treatments to germinate. In nature, this dormancy is broken during the cold period of winter (chilling). The purpose of this research is to investigate different methods of dormancy breaking in Festuca species for large-scale production and accelerate the germination process.
Materials and methods: In this research, three species of Festuca (Festuca arundinacea, F. ovina, and F. rubra) were subjected to different treatments of chilling (4°C, 14 days), osmo-priming with potassium nitrate (KNO3) 1.5% and gibberellic acid 150 and 200 ppm. After 14 days of germination test, various germination indices including percentage and rate of germination, mean germination time, seed vigor index, length of radicle, shoot and seedling, and the ratio of radicle to shoot length were calculated.
Results: The results of the analysis of variance showed a significant difference between species (except for germination percentage and root length traits) and treatments (for all traits). The interactions between the species and treatment were also significant for all traits (except for the length of radicle and seedling). Among the three species, the percentage of germination varied from 26.67 to 30.67% and the value of the germination rate varied from 1.92 to 3.31 n/d. The average time required for germination varied from 3.75 to 4.36 days and the seed vigor index varied from 26.74 to 43.02. The radicle length was between 37.22 and 45 mm and the shoot length was between 37.34 and 81.33 mm. Based on principal components analysis (PCA), percentage and rate of germination, seed vigor index, and length of radicle and seedling were introduced as the most important factors in creating diversity in Festuca species. In determining the correlation between traits, a high correlation of 70% was observed between germination percentage, germination rate, and seed vigor index.
Conclusion: Among the three species, Festuca rubra was superior to the other two species by having the highest percentage and rate of germination, seed vigor, radical length, and the shortest time required for germination. Among the applied treatments, 1.5% potassium nitrate (KNO3) with chilling (4°C, for 14 days), had a positive effect on the percentage and rate of germination, radical length, and gibberellic acid (150 ppm) treatment had a positive effect on the length of shoot and seedling. The presence of high germination percentage and rate indicated higher seed vigor.
Highlights:
Introduction: Festuca species are forage grasses that are very important in terms of fodder supply and soil protection. The seeds of these plants have internal dormancy (physiological) and are unable to germinate easily. Therefore, they must be subjected to various treatments to germinate. In nature, this dormancy is broken during the cold period of winter (chilling). The purpose of this research is to investigate different methods of dormancy breaking in Festuca species for large-scale production and accelerate the germination process.
Materials and methods: In this research, three species of Festuca (Festuca arundinacea, F. ovina, and F. rubra) were subjected to different treatments of chilling (4°C, 14 days), osmo-priming with potassium nitrate (KNO3) 1.5% and gibberellic acid 150 and 200 ppm. After 14 days of germination test, various germination indices including percentage and rate of germination, mean germination time, seed vigor index, length of radicle, shoot and seedling, and the ratio of radicle to shoot length were calculated.
Results: The results of the analysis of variance showed a significant difference between species (except for germination percentage and root length traits) and treatments (for all traits). The interactions between the species and treatment were also significant for all traits (except for the length of radicle and seedling). Among the three species, the percentage of germination varied from 26.67 to 30.67% and the value of the germination rate varied from 1.92 to 3.31 n/d. The average time required for germination varied from 3.75 to 4.36 days and the seed vigor index varied from 26.74 to 43.02. The radicle length was between 37.22 and 45 mm and the shoot length was between 37.34 and 81.33 mm. Based on principal components analysis (PCA), percentage and rate of germination, seed vigor index, and length of radicle and seedling were introduced as the most important factors in creating diversity in Festuca species. In determining the correlation between traits, a high correlation of 70% was observed between germination percentage, germination rate, and seed vigor index.
Conclusion: Among the three species, Festuca rubra was superior to the other two species by having the highest percentage and rate of germination, seed vigor, radical length, and the shortest time required for germination. Among the applied treatments, 1.5% potassium nitrate (KNO3) with chilling (4°C, for 14 days), had a positive effect on the percentage and rate of germination, radical length, and gibberellic acid (150 ppm) treatment had a positive effect on the length of shoot and seedling. The presence of high germination percentage and rate indicated higher seed vigor.
Highlights:
- Using potassium nitrate as a pre-treatment of seeds is better than watering seeds with potassium nitrate.
- The effect of osmo-priming (potassium nitrate 1.5%) on the germination characteristics of Festuca seeds is better than hormone priming (Gibberellic acid).
- Pre-treatment with 1.5% potassium nitrate increases the number of germinated seeds, while treatment with 150 ppm gibberellic acid increases seedling length in Festuca seeds.
Mahboubeh Shahbazi, Jafar Asghari, Behnam Kamkar, Edris Taghvaie Salimi,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (2-2024)
Volume 10, Issue 2 (2-2024)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: The germination process is one of the most critical stages of a plant's growth and determines the success of the emergence of a weed in an agroecosystem because it is the first stage in which the weed competes for a niche. Various environmental factors, including temperature and moisture, affect the germination of weed seeds. Modeling techniques are capable of predicting germination, seedling emergence, and establishment of weed species. The ability to predict weed germination in response to environmental conditions is very effective for the development of control programs. The experiment was conducted to determine the cardinal temperature and evaluate the best model for quantifying the response of the germination rate of Western ragweed weed seeds under different water stress conditions.
Materials and Methods: A factorial experiment was conducted in the form of a completely randomized design in three replications. The investigated factors include temperature with eight levels (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 C˚) and water potential with six levels (0, -0.3, -0.6, -0.9, -1.2, and -1.5 MPa) on the germination of Western ragweed. In order to quantify the response of Western ragweed germination rate to temperature, three non-linear Dent-like, Beta, and Segmented regression models were used.
Results: The results showed that the effect of temperature, water potential, and their interactions on maximum germination, germination rate, and time required to reach 10, 50, and 90 percent germination were significant. Also, the results showed that by increasing the temperature from 10 to 25 C˚, the percentage and rate of germination increased whereas by increasing water potential, the percentage and rate of germination decreased. In comparing the models, based on RMSE, R2, CV, and coefficients a and b parameters, the Beta model was the most suitable for estimating the temperatures of cardinal Western ragweed. The base, optimum, and ceiling temperatures using the Beta model were 3.88, 25, and 40 C˚, respectively.
Conclusions: The use of the Beta model to quantify the germination response of Western ragweed seeds to different levels of water potential at different temperatures had acceptable results. Therefore, by using the output of these models at different temperatures, it is possible to predict the germination rate at different potentials.
Highlights:
1- Germination cardinal temperatures and the effect of water potential on western ragweed weed were investigated.
2- Estimation of different models to quantify the response of germination rate to temperature and different water potentials.
Introduction: The germination process is one of the most critical stages of a plant's growth and determines the success of the emergence of a weed in an agroecosystem because it is the first stage in which the weed competes for a niche. Various environmental factors, including temperature and moisture, affect the germination of weed seeds. Modeling techniques are capable of predicting germination, seedling emergence, and establishment of weed species. The ability to predict weed germination in response to environmental conditions is very effective for the development of control programs. The experiment was conducted to determine the cardinal temperature and evaluate the best model for quantifying the response of the germination rate of Western ragweed weed seeds under different water stress conditions.
Materials and Methods: A factorial experiment was conducted in the form of a completely randomized design in three replications. The investigated factors include temperature with eight levels (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 C˚) and water potential with six levels (0, -0.3, -0.6, -0.9, -1.2, and -1.5 MPa) on the germination of Western ragweed. In order to quantify the response of Western ragweed germination rate to temperature, three non-linear Dent-like, Beta, and Segmented regression models were used.
Results: The results showed that the effect of temperature, water potential, and their interactions on maximum germination, germination rate, and time required to reach 10, 50, and 90 percent germination were significant. Also, the results showed that by increasing the temperature from 10 to 25 C˚, the percentage and rate of germination increased whereas by increasing water potential, the percentage and rate of germination decreased. In comparing the models, based on RMSE, R2, CV, and coefficients a and b parameters, the Beta model was the most suitable for estimating the temperatures of cardinal Western ragweed. The base, optimum, and ceiling temperatures using the Beta model were 3.88, 25, and 40 C˚, respectively.
Conclusions: The use of the Beta model to quantify the germination response of Western ragweed seeds to different levels of water potential at different temperatures had acceptable results. Therefore, by using the output of these models at different temperatures, it is possible to predict the germination rate at different potentials.
Highlights:
1- Germination cardinal temperatures and the effect of water potential on western ragweed weed were investigated.
2- Estimation of different models to quantify the response of germination rate to temperature and different water potentials.
Zeynab Savaedy, Abdol Mehdi Bakhshandeh, Seyed Ataollah Siadat, Amin Lotfi Jalal Abadi, Seyed Amir Moosavi,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (2-2024)
Volume 10, Issue 2 (2-2024)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: Deterioration reduces the quality of seeds. Oilseeds like Nigella are highly susceptible to seed aging. Seed priming enhances the quality of deteriorated seeds by improving germination indices and increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. This research aimed to investigate the extent of damage caused by accelerated aging treatment on the germination characteristics and antioxidant enzyme activity of Nigella seeds and the possibility of mitigating the adverse effects of aging through hormonal priming with cytokinin.
Materials and methods: This research was carried out in the form of a completely random basic design with four replications in the seed technology laboratory of Khuzestan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources in 2017. The treatments included hormonal priming with cytokinin at five levels (0 (control), 10, 20, 40, and 80 m/l) for two durations (12 and 24 hours), and aging under 100% relative humidity and a temperature of 45 °C at five levels (no aging, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h).
Results: The analysis of variance results indicated that germination indices were only influenced by main and two-way effects at the 5% and 1% probability levels, while the three-way interactions, including aging, hormone concentration, and priming duration, were significant for plant growth and longitudinal and weight indices at the 1% probability level. Furthermore, it was evident that the priming treatment mitigated the negative effects of aging, with the concentration of 10 milligrams per liter of cytokinin for a duration of 12 h having the most significant impact among the hormone concentrations used on the measured traits. The highest germination percentage (88%) and the lowest germination percentage (63.33%) were observed at concentrations of 10 and 80 mg/l, respectively. The use of cytokinin at optimal concentration improved catalase activity and protein levels. The results showed that in the control conditions, the activity of the catalase enzyme was 0.76 units per mg of protein and the amount of protein was 0.51 mg/g, which reached 0.97 units per mg of protein and 0.79 mg/g with seed priming.
Conclusion: Based on the results obtained from this research, aging led to a reduction in germination indices, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and seed protein content. The best treatment applied was cytokinin hormone priming for aged Nigella seeds at a concentration of 10 mg/l for 12 h. According to the results, the application of cytokinin at its optimal concentration (10 mg/l) improved the catalase enzyme activity and protein content. Therefore, it can be suggested that hormonal priming with cytokinin helps mitigate the adverse effects of aging in Nigella plants.
Highlights:
Introduction: Deterioration reduces the quality of seeds. Oilseeds like Nigella are highly susceptible to seed aging. Seed priming enhances the quality of deteriorated seeds by improving germination indices and increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. This research aimed to investigate the extent of damage caused by accelerated aging treatment on the germination characteristics and antioxidant enzyme activity of Nigella seeds and the possibility of mitigating the adverse effects of aging through hormonal priming with cytokinin.
Materials and methods: This research was carried out in the form of a completely random basic design with four replications in the seed technology laboratory of Khuzestan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources in 2017. The treatments included hormonal priming with cytokinin at five levels (0 (control), 10, 20, 40, and 80 m/l) for two durations (12 and 24 hours), and aging under 100% relative humidity and a temperature of 45 °C at five levels (no aging, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h).
Results: The analysis of variance results indicated that germination indices were only influenced by main and two-way effects at the 5% and 1% probability levels, while the three-way interactions, including aging, hormone concentration, and priming duration, were significant for plant growth and longitudinal and weight indices at the 1% probability level. Furthermore, it was evident that the priming treatment mitigated the negative effects of aging, with the concentration of 10 milligrams per liter of cytokinin for a duration of 12 h having the most significant impact among the hormone concentrations used on the measured traits. The highest germination percentage (88%) and the lowest germination percentage (63.33%) were observed at concentrations of 10 and 80 mg/l, respectively. The use of cytokinin at optimal concentration improved catalase activity and protein levels. The results showed that in the control conditions, the activity of the catalase enzyme was 0.76 units per mg of protein and the amount of protein was 0.51 mg/g, which reached 0.97 units per mg of protein and 0.79 mg/g with seed priming.
Conclusion: Based on the results obtained from this research, aging led to a reduction in germination indices, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and seed protein content. The best treatment applied was cytokinin hormone priming for aged Nigella seeds at a concentration of 10 mg/l for 12 h. According to the results, the application of cytokinin at its optimal concentration (10 mg/l) improved the catalase enzyme activity and protein content. Therefore, it can be suggested that hormonal priming with cytokinin helps mitigate the adverse effects of aging in Nigella plants.
Highlights:
- The impact of hormonal priming with cytokinin at concentrations of 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/L on aged Nigella seeds was investigated.
- The use of a concentration of 10 mg/l of cytokinin hormone for 12 hours was introduced as the best treatment.
- Cytokinin was introduced as a significant hormone that enhances the activity of antioxidant enzymes and physiological traits in aged Nigella seeds.
Ronak Talebi Qormik, Hadi Alipour, Reza Darvishzadeh,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (9-2024)
Volume 11, Issue 1 (9-2024)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: The germination stage in plants, including wheat, is an extremely susceptible stage to biotic and abiotic stresses. Plant establishment the in the early stages of growth, especially in the germination stage, is always notably important. Salinity stress is one of the abiotic stresses that cause much damage annually, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Therefore, identification and use of cultivars tolerant to salinity stress is one of the effective ways to reduce the negative effects of salinity stress.
Materials and Methods: In the present study, response of 64 spring wheat cultivars during the germination stage at two levels of salinity stress (zero as a control and 12 dS/m of sodium chloride) was investigated in the form of a simple lattice design with two replications at the Genetics Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, Urmia University. During seven days, germination percentage, germination index, germination rate, germination energy, seedling vigor, mean germination time, and mean germination rate, and after the seventh day, seedling length, shoot length, root length, ratio of shoot length to root length, seedling fresh weight, and seedling dry weight were measured.
Results: Among the studied cultivars, a statistically significant difference was observed at the probability level of 1% in terms of all traits including radicle length, shoot length, seedling length, fresh weight, dry weight, radicle to shoot length ratio, germination index, germination rate, germination energy, germination percentage, seedling vigor, mean germination time, and mean germination rate. Based on the results of factor analysis, under both normal conditions and salinity stress, the studied traits were grouped into four main factors, and these four factors explained 92.74% of the changes under normal and 93.85% under salinity stress conditions. Using cluster analysis, cultivars were grouped into three and two clusters under normal and salinity stress conditions, respectively.
Conclusions: Based on the results of bi-plot obtained from factor and cluster analyses, the cultivars Moghan 2, Bistun, Akbari, Moghan 3, Dastjardi, Marvdasht, Gahar, and Mahdavi are the preferred cultivars and the cultivars Darya, Bam, Tajan, Sistan, Frontana, Kavir, and Afogh were introduced as undesirable cultivars in terms of the traits measured in this experiment, which can be used in breeding projects.
Keywords: Bread wheat, Germination, Multivariate analysis, Salinity stress
Highlights:
Introduction: The germination stage in plants, including wheat, is an extremely susceptible stage to biotic and abiotic stresses. Plant establishment the in the early stages of growth, especially in the germination stage, is always notably important. Salinity stress is one of the abiotic stresses that cause much damage annually, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Therefore, identification and use of cultivars tolerant to salinity stress is one of the effective ways to reduce the negative effects of salinity stress.
Materials and Methods: In the present study, response of 64 spring wheat cultivars during the germination stage at two levels of salinity stress (zero as a control and 12 dS/m of sodium chloride) was investigated in the form of a simple lattice design with two replications at the Genetics Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, Urmia University. During seven days, germination percentage, germination index, germination rate, germination energy, seedling vigor, mean germination time, and mean germination rate, and after the seventh day, seedling length, shoot length, root length, ratio of shoot length to root length, seedling fresh weight, and seedling dry weight were measured.
Results: Among the studied cultivars, a statistically significant difference was observed at the probability level of 1% in terms of all traits including radicle length, shoot length, seedling length, fresh weight, dry weight, radicle to shoot length ratio, germination index, germination rate, germination energy, germination percentage, seedling vigor, mean germination time, and mean germination rate. Based on the results of factor analysis, under both normal conditions and salinity stress, the studied traits were grouped into four main factors, and these four factors explained 92.74% of the changes under normal and 93.85% under salinity stress conditions. Using cluster analysis, cultivars were grouped into three and two clusters under normal and salinity stress conditions, respectively.
Conclusions: Based on the results of bi-plot obtained from factor and cluster analyses, the cultivars Moghan 2, Bistun, Akbari, Moghan 3, Dastjardi, Marvdasht, Gahar, and Mahdavi are the preferred cultivars and the cultivars Darya, Bam, Tajan, Sistan, Frontana, Kavir, and Afogh were introduced as undesirable cultivars in terms of the traits measured in this experiment, which can be used in breeding projects.
Keywords: Bread wheat, Germination, Multivariate analysis, Salinity stress
Highlights:
- A great diversity was observed among Iranian spring wheat cultivars in terms of salt tolerance during germination.
- Mahdavi, Dastjardi, Bistun, Akbari, Moghan 2, Moghan 3, Gahar, and Marvdasht were identified as salt-tolerant cultivars during germination.
Fatemeh Mousavi Nadar, Hamzeh Amiri,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (9-2024)
Volume 11, Issue 1 (9-2024)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: Allelopathy is the same as chemical warfare among plants. Today, global human efforts in agriculture are allocated towards reducing chemical pesticides and introducing new biological methods to control weeds. One of the proposed solutions for weed management is isolating allelochemical compounds from plants and using them as natural herbicides.
Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted to investigate some germination and biochemical properties of the weeds Taraxacum officinale, Achillea millefolium, Rumex acetosa, Althaea officinalis, and Amaranthus retroflexus As affectedby aqueous extract concentrations from the leaves of Thuja orientalis. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with three replications. Aqueous leaf extracts of Thuja orientalis were used at concentrations of 0, 5%, 10%, 20% and 30%.
Results: The results showed that the aqueous leaf extract of Thuja orientalis had a significant effect on all the studied traits, and the highest inhibitory effect was observed at a concentration of 30% of the extract. In Taraxacum officinale, Achillea millefolium, Rumex acetosa, Althaea officinalis, and Amaranthus retroflexus, the germination percentage (93.33%, 88.55%, 48.3.%, 27.36%, and 40.5%), germination rate (100%, 76.36%, 39.28%, 71.72%, and 57.47%), germination coefficient (100%, 77.5%, 39.56%, 70.9%, and 51.47 %), germination index (57.2%, 72.6%, 84.61%, 72.5%, and 85.6%), peak value (67.9%, 48.7%, 61.4%, 70.9%, and 57%), germination value (43.2%, 39%, 46.9%, 53%, and 59.8%), daily germination speed (100%, 77.5%, 39.56%, 70.9% and 56.02%), seed vigor index (69.9%, 92.7%, 97.5%, 93.2%, and 92.1%), and relative water content (53.1%, 38.35%, 35.37%, 37.65%, and 47.1%) decreased compared with the control, while the mean germination time (51.6%, 71.6%, 50.7%, 60.3%, and 60.5%) and ion leakage (24.23%, 15%, 18.33%, 17.3% and 20.23%) increased compared with the control. The results of this study showed that the seeds of Taraxacum officinale were more sensitive to the inhibitory effects of the aqueous leaf extract of Thuja orientalis compared with the seeds of other studied weeds.
Conclusions: Considering the presence of monoterpene compounds such as alpha-pinene, sabinene, beta-phellandrene, and delta-carene, as well as phenolic compounds in Thuja orientalis, it seems that the allelopathic effects of this plant are mainly due to the presence of these secondary metabolites. The significant allelopathic effects of the aqueous leaf extract of Thuja orientalis at high concentrations can make it a potentially effective and environmentally friendly tool in controlling the studied weed species (Taraxacum officinale, Achillea millefolium, Rumex acetosa, Althaea officinalis, Amaranthus retroflexus) in this research.
Highlights:
Introduction: Allelopathy is the same as chemical warfare among plants. Today, global human efforts in agriculture are allocated towards reducing chemical pesticides and introducing new biological methods to control weeds. One of the proposed solutions for weed management is isolating allelochemical compounds from plants and using them as natural herbicides.
Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted to investigate some germination and biochemical properties of the weeds Taraxacum officinale, Achillea millefolium, Rumex acetosa, Althaea officinalis, and Amaranthus retroflexus As affectedby aqueous extract concentrations from the leaves of Thuja orientalis. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with three replications. Aqueous leaf extracts of Thuja orientalis were used at concentrations of 0, 5%, 10%, 20% and 30%.
Results: The results showed that the aqueous leaf extract of Thuja orientalis had a significant effect on all the studied traits, and the highest inhibitory effect was observed at a concentration of 30% of the extract. In Taraxacum officinale, Achillea millefolium, Rumex acetosa, Althaea officinalis, and Amaranthus retroflexus, the germination percentage (93.33%, 88.55%, 48.3.%, 27.36%, and 40.5%), germination rate (100%, 76.36%, 39.28%, 71.72%, and 57.47%), germination coefficient (100%, 77.5%, 39.56%, 70.9%, and 51.47 %), germination index (57.2%, 72.6%, 84.61%, 72.5%, and 85.6%), peak value (67.9%, 48.7%, 61.4%, 70.9%, and 57%), germination value (43.2%, 39%, 46.9%, 53%, and 59.8%), daily germination speed (100%, 77.5%, 39.56%, 70.9% and 56.02%), seed vigor index (69.9%, 92.7%, 97.5%, 93.2%, and 92.1%), and relative water content (53.1%, 38.35%, 35.37%, 37.65%, and 47.1%) decreased compared with the control, while the mean germination time (51.6%, 71.6%, 50.7%, 60.3%, and 60.5%) and ion leakage (24.23%, 15%, 18.33%, 17.3% and 20.23%) increased compared with the control. The results of this study showed that the seeds of Taraxacum officinale were more sensitive to the inhibitory effects of the aqueous leaf extract of Thuja orientalis compared with the seeds of other studied weeds.
Conclusions: Considering the presence of monoterpene compounds such as alpha-pinene, sabinene, beta-phellandrene, and delta-carene, as well as phenolic compounds in Thuja orientalis, it seems that the allelopathic effects of this plant are mainly due to the presence of these secondary metabolites. The significant allelopathic effects of the aqueous leaf extract of Thuja orientalis at high concentrations can make it a potentially effective and environmentally friendly tool in controlling the studied weed species (Taraxacum officinale, Achillea millefolium, Rumex acetosa, Althaea officinalis, Amaranthus retroflexus) in this research.
Highlights:
- Leaf extract of Thuja orientalis has significant allelopathic effects on seed germination of the studied plants.
- Among the studied seeds, the seeds of the Taraxacum officinale plant are more sensitive to the aqueous extract of Thuja orientalis compared with others.
- The aqueous extract of Thuja orientalis leaves led to undesirable effects on the growth and seed germination of the studied plants by damaging cellular membranes.
Ramin Piri, Farzad Sharifzadeh, Naser Majnounhosseini,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (9-2024)
Volume 11, Issue 1 (9-2024)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: Currently, temperature and salinity stresses are spreading globally, which have a detrimental impact on the performance of various plants, particularly during seed germination and seedling growth stages. Therefore, the objective of this laboratory study was to examine the influence of temperature treatments and salinity levels on germination characteristics and initial seedling growth of kochia.
Materials and Methods: In the first experiment, temperature at nine levels (1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40°C), and in the second experiment, salinity (osmotic potential at six levels (no stress, -0.4, -0.8, -1.2, -1.6, and -1.8 MPa) were considered as experimental treatments. In order to determine the cardinal temperatures (base, optimal, and ceiling) of germination in kochia seeds, non-linear regression models including the segmented, dent-like, and modified beta models were used.
Results: In the first experiment, the response of kochia germination rate was predicted by a segmented function with R2, RMSE, and AIC (Akaike) values of 0.92, 1.32, and 65.69, respectively, which indicates the high accuracy and precision of this model in predicting the cardinal temperatures of kochia seed germination compared with the other two models. In this model, the estimated base temperature for germination was 0.7°C, the optimal temperature was 20°C, and the ceiling temperature was 44.3°C. In the second experiment, salinity stress negatively affected the characteristics of seed germination in kochia, including germination percentage, germination rate, percentage of normal seedlings, seedling length, and seedling vigor index. The highest germination percentage of kochia seeds was observed under salt-free conditions with 88.66%, which decreased to 13% under -1.8 MPa salinity conditions.
Conclusions: In general, the results showed that the segmented model is more efficient and accurate than the other two models in predicting germination of kochia seeds under different temperature treatments. Also, increasing levels of salinity stress significantly reduced germination potential and seedling growth of kochia seeds, so that at a stress level of -1.8 MPa, germination rate decreased by 75% compared with stress-free condition.
Highlights:
Introduction: Currently, temperature and salinity stresses are spreading globally, which have a detrimental impact on the performance of various plants, particularly during seed germination and seedling growth stages. Therefore, the objective of this laboratory study was to examine the influence of temperature treatments and salinity levels on germination characteristics and initial seedling growth of kochia.
Materials and Methods: In the first experiment, temperature at nine levels (1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40°C), and in the second experiment, salinity (osmotic potential at six levels (no stress, -0.4, -0.8, -1.2, -1.6, and -1.8 MPa) were considered as experimental treatments. In order to determine the cardinal temperatures (base, optimal, and ceiling) of germination in kochia seeds, non-linear regression models including the segmented, dent-like, and modified beta models were used.
Results: In the first experiment, the response of kochia germination rate was predicted by a segmented function with R2, RMSE, and AIC (Akaike) values of 0.92, 1.32, and 65.69, respectively, which indicates the high accuracy and precision of this model in predicting the cardinal temperatures of kochia seed germination compared with the other two models. In this model, the estimated base temperature for germination was 0.7°C, the optimal temperature was 20°C, and the ceiling temperature was 44.3°C. In the second experiment, salinity stress negatively affected the characteristics of seed germination in kochia, including germination percentage, germination rate, percentage of normal seedlings, seedling length, and seedling vigor index. The highest germination percentage of kochia seeds was observed under salt-free conditions with 88.66%, which decreased to 13% under -1.8 MPa salinity conditions.
Conclusions: In general, the results showed that the segmented model is more efficient and accurate than the other two models in predicting germination of kochia seeds under different temperature treatments. Also, increasing levels of salinity stress significantly reduced germination potential and seedling growth of kochia seeds, so that at a stress level of -1.8 MPa, germination rate decreased by 75% compared with stress-free condition.
Highlights:
- The cardinal temperatures (base, optimum, and ceiling temperatures) of kochia seed germination were determined.
- This research introduced 1°C temperature and -1.8 MPa of salinity level as low temperature stress and critical salinity, respectively.
Reza Imam Dost , Davar Molazem, Reza Taghizadeh,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Volume 11, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: Rice (Oryza sativa L.), as one of the world's most important cereals, serves as a staple food for more than one-third of the global population. This strategic crop plays a key role in the economies of many countries. Seed priming is a biotechnological tool and a simple, practical, effective, eco-friendly, and cost-efficient approach to enhancing a plant's tolerance to various environmental stresses and improving seed germination. This study was designed and conducted to investigate the germination and physiological responses of two rice cultivars under varying intensities and durations of electromagnetic field exposures.
Materials and Methods: In 2023, an experiment was conducted as a factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design at Islamic Azad University, Astara Branch, investigating the effects of electromagnetic field intensity (at four levels: 0, 50, 100, and 150 mT), exposure time (at three levels: 10, 50, and 100 minutes), and two rice cultivars (Tarom and Hashemi) with three replications. Rice seeds were treated inside a plastic bag under magnetic fields of varying intensities and durations. For the second phase of the experiment, plastic trays were used for seedling establishment, and healthy seedlings were then transferred to plastic pots filled with sand. After 25 days, the plants were evaluated for the desired traits.
Results: The analysis of variance results indicated that the effects of the magnetic field, time, cultivar, and their interactions were significant for most traits. The electromagnetic field at 100 mT for 50 minutes led to an increase in germination percentage compared to the control. In contrast, the treatment of 150 mT for 100 minutes caused a significant reduction in all germination-related traits. The highest values were observed under the 100 mT for 50-minute treatment, including germination percentage (98.80%), germination rate (12.533 seeds per day), radicle length (68.133 mm), plumule length (47.467 mm), seedling length (115.6 mm), radicle dry weight (0.715 mg), plumule dry weight (2.023 mg), seedling dry weight (2.738 mg), seedling length vigor index (11,422.96), seedling weight vigor index (270.6), chlorophyll-a (0.846 mg per gram fresh weight), chlorophyll-b (0.96 mg per gram fresh weight), and carotenoids (0.44 mg per gram fresh weight).
Conclusion: The electromagnetic field had a significant effect on germination-related traits and physiological characteristics, including germination percentage, germination rate, and chlorophyll content, leading to an increase in these indices. In the present study, the 100 mT treatment for 50 minutes improved seedling vigor in terms of both length and weight. Based on these findings, magnetopriming within the studied treatment range enhances germination and improves rice plant establishment by increasing chlorophyll levels.
Highlights:
Introduction: Rice (Oryza sativa L.), as one of the world's most important cereals, serves as a staple food for more than one-third of the global population. This strategic crop plays a key role in the economies of many countries. Seed priming is a biotechnological tool and a simple, practical, effective, eco-friendly, and cost-efficient approach to enhancing a plant's tolerance to various environmental stresses and improving seed germination. This study was designed and conducted to investigate the germination and physiological responses of two rice cultivars under varying intensities and durations of electromagnetic field exposures.
Materials and Methods: In 2023, an experiment was conducted as a factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design at Islamic Azad University, Astara Branch, investigating the effects of electromagnetic field intensity (at four levels: 0, 50, 100, and 150 mT), exposure time (at three levels: 10, 50, and 100 minutes), and two rice cultivars (Tarom and Hashemi) with three replications. Rice seeds were treated inside a plastic bag under magnetic fields of varying intensities and durations. For the second phase of the experiment, plastic trays were used for seedling establishment, and healthy seedlings were then transferred to plastic pots filled with sand. After 25 days, the plants were evaluated for the desired traits.
Results: The analysis of variance results indicated that the effects of the magnetic field, time, cultivar, and their interactions were significant for most traits. The electromagnetic field at 100 mT for 50 minutes led to an increase in germination percentage compared to the control. In contrast, the treatment of 150 mT for 100 minutes caused a significant reduction in all germination-related traits. The highest values were observed under the 100 mT for 50-minute treatment, including germination percentage (98.80%), germination rate (12.533 seeds per day), radicle length (68.133 mm), plumule length (47.467 mm), seedling length (115.6 mm), radicle dry weight (0.715 mg), plumule dry weight (2.023 mg), seedling dry weight (2.738 mg), seedling length vigor index (11,422.96), seedling weight vigor index (270.6), chlorophyll-a (0.846 mg per gram fresh weight), chlorophyll-b (0.96 mg per gram fresh weight), and carotenoids (0.44 mg per gram fresh weight).
Conclusion: The electromagnetic field had a significant effect on germination-related traits and physiological characteristics, including germination percentage, germination rate, and chlorophyll content, leading to an increase in these indices. In the present study, the 100 mT treatment for 50 minutes improved seedling vigor in terms of both length and weight. Based on these findings, magnetopriming within the studied treatment range enhances germination and improves rice plant establishment by increasing chlorophyll levels.
Highlights:
- The effect of the magnetic field on the germination and physiological characteristics of rice seeds was investigated.
- Seed priming at 100 mT for 50 minutes increased chlorophyll and carotenoid content.
Aidin Hamidi, Bita Oskuoei, Ali Shayanfar,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Volume 11, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: Seed germination has always been of interest to plant ecologists due to its key role in plant population establishment. Also, due to the importance of this process in seed certification, this phenomenon is of interest to control and seed certification experts. Temperature, access to sufficient humidity, and the presence of light in light-sensitive species for seed germination are considered to be the most important natural factors for seed germination. Additionally, the time required for germination and sufficient early seedling growth are important to determine the potential seed germination. Therefore, determining the temperature, the need or lack of light, as well as the time required for germination and the suitable substrate for planting seeds, are of great importance in the process of seed certification laboratory tests.
Materials and Methods: In order to determine the optimal conditions for seed germination of three species of Salicornia persica, S. persepolitana, and S. bigelovi, the seeds were grown under three constant temperatures of 20, 25, and alternating temperatures of 20-25 °C (8-16 hours light-dark), two culture beds (top-of-paper (TP) and between-paper (BP)), and two germination periods of 7 and 12 days.
Results: The results showed that the seeds of S. bigelovi species had the highest percentage of normal seedlings at 25 °C constant temperature for 7 days in the top-of-paper (TP) substrate. Also, the seeds of S. persica had the highest percentage of normal seedlings at 20-25 °C alternating temperature for 7 days in the top-of-paper (TP) substrate. S. persepolitana seeds at 25 °C constant temperature for 7 days on the top-of-paper (TP) substrate had the highest percentage of normal seedlings. S. persica, S. bigelovi, and S. persepolitana seeds had a higher percentage of normal seedlings in both germination durations and temperatures, respectively.
Conclusions: The results of this research showed that the seeds of the studied Salicornia species did not require light for germination. Also, in terms of temperature requirements, the time required for germination, and the substrate, they differed from each other. The seeds of S. persica reached the maximum percentage of normal seedlings at 20-25 °C alternating temperatures. The seeds of S. bigelovi and S. persica species needed a shorter time to reach the maximum percentage of normal seedlings, while the seeds of S. persepolitana needed a longer time to germinate and reach the maximum percentage of normal seedlings. Therefore, it was determined that the best temperature, duration, and substrate to achieve the maximum percentage of normal seedlings in the standard seed germination test were 25 °C for 7 days and top-of-paper (TP) substrate for S. bigelovi, 20-25 °C alternating temperature for 7 days and top-of-paper (TP) substrate for S. persica, and 20 °C constant temperature for 7 days and top-of-paper (TP) substrate for S. persepolitana species.
Highlights:
Introduction: Seed germination has always been of interest to plant ecologists due to its key role in plant population establishment. Also, due to the importance of this process in seed certification, this phenomenon is of interest to control and seed certification experts. Temperature, access to sufficient humidity, and the presence of light in light-sensitive species for seed germination are considered to be the most important natural factors for seed germination. Additionally, the time required for germination and sufficient early seedling growth are important to determine the potential seed germination. Therefore, determining the temperature, the need or lack of light, as well as the time required for germination and the suitable substrate for planting seeds, are of great importance in the process of seed certification laboratory tests.
Materials and Methods: In order to determine the optimal conditions for seed germination of three species of Salicornia persica, S. persepolitana, and S. bigelovi, the seeds were grown under three constant temperatures of 20, 25, and alternating temperatures of 20-25 °C (8-16 hours light-dark), two culture beds (top-of-paper (TP) and between-paper (BP)), and two germination periods of 7 and 12 days.
Results: The results showed that the seeds of S. bigelovi species had the highest percentage of normal seedlings at 25 °C constant temperature for 7 days in the top-of-paper (TP) substrate. Also, the seeds of S. persica had the highest percentage of normal seedlings at 20-25 °C alternating temperature for 7 days in the top-of-paper (TP) substrate. S. persepolitana seeds at 25 °C constant temperature for 7 days on the top-of-paper (TP) substrate had the highest percentage of normal seedlings. S. persica, S. bigelovi, and S. persepolitana seeds had a higher percentage of normal seedlings in both germination durations and temperatures, respectively.
Conclusions: The results of this research showed that the seeds of the studied Salicornia species did not require light for germination. Also, in terms of temperature requirements, the time required for germination, and the substrate, they differed from each other. The seeds of S. persica reached the maximum percentage of normal seedlings at 20-25 °C alternating temperatures. The seeds of S. bigelovi and S. persica species needed a shorter time to reach the maximum percentage of normal seedlings, while the seeds of S. persepolitana needed a longer time to germinate and reach the maximum percentage of normal seedlings. Therefore, it was determined that the best temperature, duration, and substrate to achieve the maximum percentage of normal seedlings in the standard seed germination test were 25 °C for 7 days and top-of-paper (TP) substrate for S. bigelovi, 20-25 °C alternating temperature for 7 days and top-of-paper (TP) substrate for S. persica, and 20 °C constant temperature for 7 days and top-of-paper (TP) substrate for S. persepolitana species.
Highlights:
- Light was not necessary for the studied Salicornia species seeds' germination.
- The studied Salicornia species seeds' germination response to optimum temperature was different.
- The studied Salicornia species seeds' optimum germination duration was different.
Kairm Dosieni, Ebrahim Gholamalipour Alamdari, Ziba Avarseji, Ali Nakhzari Moghaddam, Masoumeh Naeemi,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Volume 11, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: Borage plant (Caccinia macranthera) belongs to the family of Boraginaceae. Botanically, it is an annual, herbaceous, and wild plant. Secondary metabolites are often limited to a small group of plants within a species whose bioactive compounds, unlike primary metabolites, are found in specific organs or phenological stages of plants. Borage plant shows potent antioxidant, antibacterial and medicinal properties and it has high biomass in the arid and semi-arid regions of the eastern areas of the Golestan province. Usually, the release of allelopathic compounds from some wild plants and weeds into the environment, poses a serious challenge to the germination, morphological, and physiological characteristics of crops and even weeds. This study was conducted to evaluate the allelopathic potential of C. macranthera on germination, seedling growth, physiological, biochemical characteristics, and antioxidant activity of Pisum sativum as a plant sensitive to allelochemicals.
Materials and Methods: The experiment was carried out based on a completely randomized design with three replications in 2024. For extracting, 5 g of the whole powdered C. macranthera (by weight) was mixed with 100 mL of distilled water (by volume). Then different concentrations (i.e., 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%) were prepared from the extract obtained from the base solution. Distilled water was also used as a control sample.
Results: The results showed that germination characteristics such as percentage and rate of germination, length of radicle, plumule and seedling, allometric coefficient, seedling length vigor index, dry weight of radicle, plumule and seedling, seedling weight vigor index in addition to the total chlorophyll pigment content of P. sativum were significantly reduced under different concentrations of C. macranthera. In contrast, the mean time to 50% germination of P. sativum increased with increasing the concentration of aqueous extract of C. macranthera. So that the difference in the effect of different concentrations of C. macranthera was dependent on their concentration threshold. This may be due to the accumulation of more harmful compounds present in the aqueous extract with increasing concentration, especially alkaloids and phenol. The physiological characteristics such as adaptive osmolytes (proline content and soluble sugars), total phenol, and antioxidant activity in P. sativum radicle and plumule had an increasing trend under allelopathic stress of C. macranthera aqueous extract. Therefore, the decrease in germination characteristics and seedling growth of pea can be related to the insufficiency of these protectors against high oxidative stress of C. macranthera.
Conclusions: Considering the demonstrated harmful effects of wild plant of C. macranthera and its high biomass in arid and semi-arid regions, especially in the east of Golestan province. It may be possible to use the bioactive compounds in this plant as an environmentally friendly herbicide. Further studies are needed to confirm its positive effects on other species before its application as a bioherbicide.
Highlights:
Introduction: Borage plant (Caccinia macranthera) belongs to the family of Boraginaceae. Botanically, it is an annual, herbaceous, and wild plant. Secondary metabolites are often limited to a small group of plants within a species whose bioactive compounds, unlike primary metabolites, are found in specific organs or phenological stages of plants. Borage plant shows potent antioxidant, antibacterial and medicinal properties and it has high biomass in the arid and semi-arid regions of the eastern areas of the Golestan province. Usually, the release of allelopathic compounds from some wild plants and weeds into the environment, poses a serious challenge to the germination, morphological, and physiological characteristics of crops and even weeds. This study was conducted to evaluate the allelopathic potential of C. macranthera on germination, seedling growth, physiological, biochemical characteristics, and antioxidant activity of Pisum sativum as a plant sensitive to allelochemicals.
Materials and Methods: The experiment was carried out based on a completely randomized design with three replications in 2024. For extracting, 5 g of the whole powdered C. macranthera (by weight) was mixed with 100 mL of distilled water (by volume). Then different concentrations (i.e., 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%) were prepared from the extract obtained from the base solution. Distilled water was also used as a control sample.
Results: The results showed that germination characteristics such as percentage and rate of germination, length of radicle, plumule and seedling, allometric coefficient, seedling length vigor index, dry weight of radicle, plumule and seedling, seedling weight vigor index in addition to the total chlorophyll pigment content of P. sativum were significantly reduced under different concentrations of C. macranthera. In contrast, the mean time to 50% germination of P. sativum increased with increasing the concentration of aqueous extract of C. macranthera. So that the difference in the effect of different concentrations of C. macranthera was dependent on their concentration threshold. This may be due to the accumulation of more harmful compounds present in the aqueous extract with increasing concentration, especially alkaloids and phenol. The physiological characteristics such as adaptive osmolytes (proline content and soluble sugars), total phenol, and antioxidant activity in P. sativum radicle and plumule had an increasing trend under allelopathic stress of C. macranthera aqueous extract. Therefore, the decrease in germination characteristics and seedling growth of pea can be related to the insufficiency of these protectors against high oxidative stress of C. macranthera.
Conclusions: Considering the demonstrated harmful effects of wild plant of C. macranthera and its high biomass in arid and semi-arid regions, especially in the east of Golestan province. It may be possible to use the bioactive compounds in this plant as an environmentally friendly herbicide. Further studies are needed to confirm its positive effects on other species before its application as a bioherbicide.
Highlights:
- The difference in the accumulation of allelopathic compounds of the aqueous extract from C. macranthera causes a different reduction effect in morphophysiological traits Pisum sativum.
- The bioactive compounds in C. macranthera can be a suitable option for the production of environmentally friendly herbicide.
Marzieh Hasani, Dr Mahmoud Reza Tadayon, Dr Majid Olia,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Volume 11, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: Germination and seedling emergence are among the most critical developmental stages in crop plants, significantly influencing subsequent growth stages in the field. These traits are directly linked to seed vigor and potential. The application of organic and biofertilizers can enhance seed and seedling vigor, enabling them to withstand environmental stresses such as drought and aridity. To investigate this, the effects of drought stress and fertilizer treatments on germination indices of two plant species—red bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus (L.) Urban)—were examined.
Materials and methods: The seeds of jicama and red bean (Goli variety) were subjected to four levels of drought stress (0, -6, -9, and -12 bar) and four fertilizer treatments: control (no fertilizer), optimal biological fertilizer (EM), optimal organic vinasse fertilizer, and a combination of biological and organic fertilizers (at optimal levels). The experiment was conducted as a factorial design in a completely randomized arrangement with three replications at the University of Shahrekord during the 2022-2023 growing season.
Results: The results revealed that the triple interaction of plant species, fertilizer treatments, and drought stress had a significant effect (p < 0.01) on germination percentage, germination rate, seed vigor index, shoot and radicle length, as well as fresh and dry weights of shoots and radicles. Under non-stressed conditions, the jicama species treated with combined fertilizers exhibited the highest mean values for germination percentage (100%), germination rate (42.48 seeds/day), seed vigor index (8.55), shoot length (5.66 cm), shoot fresh weight (0.694 g), shoot dry weight (0.125 g), radicle fresh weight (0.772 g), and radicle dry weight (0.109 g). Under moderate drought stress (−9 bar), the mean radicle length of jicama treated with combined fertilizers was 6.333 cm.
Conclusion: In this study, the application of fertilizer treatments enhanced greater tolerance to water stress conditions and reduced water potential, while drought stress treatments led to a decline in the examined traits in both bean species. However, the jicama species demonstrated superior drought stress tolerance compared to the red bean, making it a more suitable option for cultivation under drought stress conditions
Highlights:
Introduction: Germination and seedling emergence are among the most critical developmental stages in crop plants, significantly influencing subsequent growth stages in the field. These traits are directly linked to seed vigor and potential. The application of organic and biofertilizers can enhance seed and seedling vigor, enabling them to withstand environmental stresses such as drought and aridity. To investigate this, the effects of drought stress and fertilizer treatments on germination indices of two plant species—red bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus (L.) Urban)—were examined.
Materials and methods: The seeds of jicama and red bean (Goli variety) were subjected to four levels of drought stress (0, -6, -9, and -12 bar) and four fertilizer treatments: control (no fertilizer), optimal biological fertilizer (EM), optimal organic vinasse fertilizer, and a combination of biological and organic fertilizers (at optimal levels). The experiment was conducted as a factorial design in a completely randomized arrangement with three replications at the University of Shahrekord during the 2022-2023 growing season.
Results: The results revealed that the triple interaction of plant species, fertilizer treatments, and drought stress had a significant effect (p < 0.01) on germination percentage, germination rate, seed vigor index, shoot and radicle length, as well as fresh and dry weights of shoots and radicles. Under non-stressed conditions, the jicama species treated with combined fertilizers exhibited the highest mean values for germination percentage (100%), germination rate (42.48 seeds/day), seed vigor index (8.55), shoot length (5.66 cm), shoot fresh weight (0.694 g), shoot dry weight (0.125 g), radicle fresh weight (0.772 g), and radicle dry weight (0.109 g). Under moderate drought stress (−9 bar), the mean radicle length of jicama treated with combined fertilizers was 6.333 cm.
Conclusion: In this study, the application of fertilizer treatments enhanced greater tolerance to water stress conditions and reduced water potential, while drought stress treatments led to a decline in the examined traits in both bean species. However, the jicama species demonstrated superior drought stress tolerance compared to the red bean, making it a more suitable option for cultivation under drought stress conditions
Highlights:
- The novelty of jicama in Iran and the lack of information on the germination and growth characteristics of this plant.
- Due to the presence of rotenone in jicama seeds, there was no information on how this compound interacts with fertilizer treatments to affect seed germination traits—an aspect investigated in this study.
- Since jicama is a multipurpose plant with both seed and tuber uses, there was no available data on how its germination traits compare to those of a similar plant, such as beans.
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Seed Science and Technology, Seed Physiology, Seed Ecology, Modeling, Seed Health, Germination Characteristics, Seed Dormancy, Seed Ageing, Seed Storage, Seed PrimingVote
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