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The Role of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) Seed Morphological Characteristics in Enhancing Seed Vigor Quality
Elham Faghani, Mohammad Hossein Razzaghi, Ameneh Sadat Hashemi,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (9-2025)
Abstract
bjective: Cotton seed quality (Gossypium hirsutum L.), as a fundamental input in crop production, is a determining factor in field establishment, final yield, and fiber production. The aim of this study investigates the crucial role of seed morphological characteristics, particularly seed coat thickness and integrity, as a key factor in determining the seed's physiological vigor and its resilience to seed processing.
Method: This study was conducted as a systematic review. To collect information, searches were performed on reputable scientific databases such as ScienceDirect, Scopus, as well as domestic databases such as SID and Magiran, using keywords such as "cottonseed coat," "seed coat thickness," "seed vigor," "cottonseed processing," and their English equivalents. The search was conducted on articles published between the years 2000 and 2024.
Results: The seed coat possesses dual characteristics; its optimal thickness is essential for creating a balance between protection and function. A thicker seed coat provides better protection for the embryo against mechanical damage, safeguards it during the acid delinting process, reduces ion leakage, and plays a fundamental role in greater resistance to pathogens. Furthermore, this type of coat provides a more suitable physical bed for the formation of higher fiber density. Conversely, an excessively thick seed coat can cause physical dormancy and, by creating a mechanical barrier to radicle emergence, lead to delayed and reduced germination rates. On the other hand, seeds with thinner coats, although exhibiting faster water absorption and germination, are highly vulnerable to chemical and mechanical damage, resulting in the production of seeds with low vigor and reduced storability. Harsh seed processing conditions can lead to the formation of micro-cracks in the seed coat, severely compromising its integrity, which directly causes a reduction in germination percentage and seed vigor.
Conclusions: In general, achieving high-quality cotton seeds requires an integrated management approach. This approach includes selecting cultivars with optimal seed coat morphological characteristics, managing environmental stresses during seed filling, and modifying the seed processing procedure to minimize seed damage. Future breeding programs should adopt a dual strategy that simultaneously selects based on beneficial morphological traits and strong physiological performance to develop resilient cultivars that ensure sustainable cotton production.
Highlights
  • The cottonseed hull varies among different cultivars.
  • The seed hull plays a significant role in achieving seeds with desired vigor.
  • In seed processing, the characteristics of the cottonseed hull should be taken into consideration.

Germination Response and SOD Activity of Two Persian Camelthorn (Alhagi camelorum) Populations to Salinity after Seed Scarification
Simin Haghanifar, Marjan Diyanat, Aidin Hamidi, Fereidoon Ghasemkhan-Ghajar, Elias Soltani,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (3-2026)
Abstract

Objective: Given the extent of saline lands worldwide, this study aimed to evaluate the tolerance of Persian Camelthorn (Alhagi camelorum) to salinity stress during germination and early growth stages following seed hardness removal, to promote its cultivation as a forage plant for livestock.
Method: A factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with four replications in 2023 at the Seed Analysis Laboratory of the Seed and Plant Certification and Registration Institute. Factors included: (1) seed population (Gorgan and Mashhad), (2) salinity levels (0, 100, and 200 mM NaCl), and (3) seed hardness removal treatments (immersion in 100°C water for 1 minute and concentrated sulfuric acid for 35 minutes). Germination percentage, mean daily germination time, seedling vigor index, stem length, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured.
Results: Salinity stress significantly reduced germination percentage, as well as stem length. Germination indices differed significantly between control and 200 mM treatments. Increasing salinity decreased mean daily germination in all treatments. The highest salinity level reduced stem length by 65% and 44% in the Mashhad population, and 71% and 64% in the Gorgan population, compared to control, respectively. Treatment with 100°C water and 200 mM salinity increased SOD activity by 56.9% in the Mashhad population and 45.4% in the Gorgan population. Sulfuric acid treatment with 200 mM salinity increased SOD activity by 25.4% and 13.0% in Mashhad and Gorgan populations, respectively.
Conclusions: Sulfuric acid treatment for 35 minutes significantly increased germination percentage in both populations compared to 100°C water treatment. The greater increase in SOD activity in the Mashhad population suggests higher salinity tolerance, making it a suitable candidate for cultivation in saline lands.

Highlights

  • Sulfuric acid (35 min) and hot water (100°C, 1 min) effectively broke seed dormancy and improved germination.
  • The Mashhad population was more salt-tolerant than the Gorgan population.
  • Both populations countered salinity through enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity.

Multivariate Analysis of Germination and Early Growth in Damavand Basil (Ocimum basilicum) under Sodium Carbonate Stress
Abohassan Farhang Sardrodi, Malihe Sadeghizadeh, Ali Khatibi, Ghasemali Abdollahi Koshki, Alireza Jamali Kharanjani,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (3-2026)
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to distinguish early stimulatory effects from inhibitory responses in basil seeds under alkaline stress (sodium carbonate).
Method: An experiment based on completely randomized design was conducted with four Na₂CO₃ levels (0, 5, 15, and 30 mM) and three replications. Germination dynamics were assessed via germination percentage (GP), germination rate (GR), and mean germination time (MGT). Post-germination growth was evaluated using seed vigor index (SVI), biomass allocation (fresh/dry weights), and total biomass index (TBI). Salt tolerance indices (STI) were calculated, and multivariate analyses (correlation heatmap and PCA) were performed.
Results: A clear hormetic response was observed. At 5 mM, TBI reached its maximum (STI.TBI = 2.28), indicating significant growth stimulation. Concentrations above 15 mM caused a sharp decline in all indices. At 30 mM, germination capacity and early growth were severely reduced, along with decreased germination rate and disrupted biomass allocation. PCA explained 97.75% of total variance and clearly differentiated treatments. The heatmap showed a strong correlation (r = 0.962) between germination rate and seedling establishment.
Conclusions: A stimulatory threshold exists at 5 mM Na₂CO₃. The transition from hormesis to toxicity occurs between 5 and 15 mM, reflecting a limited adaptability range for Damavand basil. TBI and PCA-based clustering are reliable indicators for evaluating salt tolerance. These findings emphasize the need for careful soil and water management in alkaline environments.

Highlights
  • Mild sodium carbonate stress (5 mM) stimulated seedling growth in Damavand basil, confirming a hormetic response.
  • PCA effectively discriminated stress levels, explaining 97.8% of total variance.
  • Total Biomass Index (TBI) was identified as the most reliable indicator of alkaline stress tolerance.
  • Severe stress (30 mM) impaired biomass allocation and germination kinetics, leading to poor seedling establishment.

Priming and Coating Seeds with Humic Acid as an Effective Strategy in the Integrated Management of Salt-Affected Soils
Atefeh Rashidifard, Meisam Rezaei,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (3-2026)
Abstract
Objective: Salinity is a major abiotic stress reducing crop yield and quality worldwide. This review systematically evaluates the effectiveness of seed priming and coating with humic acid (HA) as a strategy to improve germination, seedling establishment, and plant growth under salt stress.
Method: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in major scientific databases (Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar) using relevant keywords. Studies investigating physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms of HA-mediated salt tolerance through seed priming and coating were reviewed.
Results: Seed priming and coating with humic acid significantly improved germination percentage and rate, increased root and shoot growth, and enhanced chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency under salinity. HA reduced Na⁺accumulation, improved K⁺/Na⁺ ratio, and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, POX). It also promoted ATP production and facilitated uptake of essential nutrients (K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺).
Conclusions: Seed priming and coating with humic acid is an effective, low-cost, and environmentally friendly approach to enhance salt tolerance in crops. It accelerates seedling establishment, stimulates root growth, and reduces oxidative stress by boosting antioxidant enzyme activity. Future research should focus on synergistic effects with other biostimulants across different crops and salinity levels.

Highlights
  • Priming and coating seeds with humic acid boosts plant tolerance to salinity stress.
  • Humic acid improves soil health and nutrient efficiency sustainably.
  • Priming and coating seeds with humic acid is a cost-effective method for boosting crop growth and yield in salt-affected soils.

The Effect of Silicon Seed Priming on Germination and Biochemical Indices of Maize (SC 704) Across Different pH Ranges
Maryam Hashemvand, Mohammad Sedghi,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (3-2026)
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of seed priming with silicon on germination and biochemical responses of maize (Zea mays L. SC 704) under different pH levels of the growth medium.
Method: The experiment was conducted as a factorial arrangement within a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Treatments consisted of four priming levels: control (distilled water) and silicon (as sodium silicate) at concentrations of 50, 100, and 150 mg L-1, and three pH levels of the growth medium (5, 6.5, and 8). The measured traits included germination indices (percentage and rate), seedling growth (fresh weight, vigor weight, and length), ion leakage (relative electrolyte leakage, REL), and biochemical indices (activities of α-amylase and protease, soluble sugar content, total protein, and silicon uptake)
Results: Deviation from the optimal pH (6.5) toward acidic (pH 5) or alkaline (pH 8) conditions significantly reduced germination and growth indices while increasing ion leakage. Seed priming with silicon, particularly at 150 mg L-1, markedly mitigated the adverse effects of pH changes. Under acidic conditions (pH 5), this treatment increased germination percentage by 63.19% compared to the non-silicon control at the same pH, reduced relative electrolyte leakage (REL), and significantly enhanced α-amylase and protease activities, soluble sugar content, total protein, and silicon uptake. The interaction between silicon and pH was significant only for germination rate, highlighting the specific role of silicon in accelerating germination under unfavorable pH conditions.
Conclusions: Seed priming with silicon at 150 mg L-1 effectively enhances germination capability and reinforces the physiological and biochemical status of maize seeds under non-optimal pH conditions, particularly acidic stress. This approach holds significant promise for improving field establishment in soils with suboptimal pH.

Highlights
  • Silicon priming improved germination, rate and vigor at all pH levels, especially pH 5.
  • Silicon (150 mg L-1) reduced electrolyte leakage and membrane damage under pH stress.
  • Silicon enhanced α-amylase, protease, soluble sugars and total protein in seedlings.
  • Silicon benefits were pH-independent, ensuring robust stress alleviation during germination.

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