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Showing 8 results for Antioxidant
Farzaneh Fakhari, Hossein Sadeghi,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (8-2016)
Volume 3, Issue 1 (8-2016)
Abstract
There have been a few studies on removing the seed pods in annual medics, despite its importance. To investigate the role of pod removal on seed germination, seedling growth and antioxidant enzyme activities in annual medic (Medicago scutellata L.) Under salt stress, a factorial experiment was conducted based on a completely randomized design with four replications in 2014. Salinity at 5 levels: 0.62 (tap water as a control), 3, 6, 9 and 12 dS m-1 was applied using sodium chloride. The results showed that salt stress caused changes in the characteristics of germination, seedling growth and antioxidant enzyme activities. With increasing in salinity levels, rate and percentage of germination as well as root length, shoot length and seedling weight was significantly decreased. However, increasing salinity levels increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Germination and growth in seed without pod was greater than those in seeds with pod; however, there were no significant differences between antioxidant enzyme activity; except about ascorbic peroxide that was significantly higher in seed without a pod. In general, salinity reduced germination and growth and increased antioxidant enzyme activity of annual medics. The results showed that planting seeds without pod had advantages for better germination and growth, especially under saline conditions.
Maryam Mokhtari, Sina Fallah,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (9-2019)
Volume 6, Issue 1 (9-2019)
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: In order to take more advantage of the spring growing season, the mechanisms of germination of spring plants are of great importance at temperatures lower than the optimum temperature. Since one of the ways to reduce damage due to low temperature is enhancing the seedling antioxidant system, in this study the effects of salicylic acid and gibberellin on germination and antioxidant system of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) seeds were investigated under low temperatures.
Materials and Methods: A factorial experiment including four concentrations of gibberellin (0, 250, 350 and 450 mg/L), four concentrations of salicylic acid (0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 mM) and three temperature levels (8, 11 and 14 °C) was performed with a completely randomized design within controlled conditions and six replications at Shahrekord University in 2017. The seeds were immersed in containers containing solutions of 0, 250, 350 and 450 mg/L of gibberellin and solutions with 0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mM salicylic acid, were placed in a growth chamber for 24 h under dark conditions at 15 °C. Then the seeds were washed at the desired temperatures, and the germination was recorded every 24 hours based on the 2 mm of radicle length. At the end of the eighth day, after the separation of normal and abnormal seedlings, 20 normal seedlings were selected from each petri dish. Following that, the germination rate, germination percentage, soluble protein, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, guiacol peroxide enzyme, and catalase enzyme were measured. Comparison of means was conducted by the least significant difference test at the 0.05 probability level.
Results: The results showed that none of the treatments used at 8 °C helped germination of the plant and, therefore, 8 °C treatment was removed from the experiment. At the temperature of 11 ° C, the use of salicylic acid 1 mM and at 14 °C, the use of gibberellin 350 mg/L showed the maximum germination rate and germination percentage, compared with the control. At 11 °C, the activity of antioxidant enzymes was more affected by gibberellin hormone so that the highest activity of superoxide dismutase enzyme was observed in 350 mg/L and the highest activity of catalase and guaiacol peroxidase enzymes and the lowest amount of soluble protein were observed in gibberellin 250 mg/L. The salicylic acid hormone was more successful at 14 ° C. The salicylic acid 1.5 mM increased the activity of superoxide dismutase enzyme; and salicylic acid 0.5 mM increased the activity of catalase and salicylic acid 1 mM improved the activity of guiacol peroxidase. This hormone also succeeded in reducing the amount of soluble protein.
Conclusion: In this experiment, seedling tolerance at low temperatures was confirmed by gibberellin and salicylic acid treatments. It is generally concluded that the use of gibberellin and salicylic acid increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes and, as a result, makes pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) seedlings tolerant to low-temperature stress, and thus, can ameliorate the effect of possible chilling on growth of this crop at the beginning of the season.
Highlights:
- Gibberellin and salicylic acid treatments make pumpkin seedling tolerant to low temperatures.
- Application of gibberellin and salicylic acid increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes.
- By using gibberellin and salicylic acid, the effect of possible chilling can be reduced at the beginning of the growing season.
Khadijeh Sourazar, Mohammad Sedghi, Raouf Seyed Sharifi,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (9-2022)
Volume 9, Issue 1 (9-2022)
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: The germination stage ensures the durability, establishment, and final yield of plants. The final density of plants per unit area is resulted when the planted seeds germinate fully and with adequate rate. Plants mainly undergo abiotic stresses that are a considerable constraint for agricultural production worldwide. Seed priming is one of the simplest and cheap methods to improve seed germination, acceleration of seedling growth and establishment, uniformity, reduction of flowering time, vigorous seedling production, etc which leads to improved quality and yield of crop under stressful and non-stressful conditions. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different types of priming on enzymatic and physiological changes of French bean seed under cobalt chloride stress conditions.
Materials and Methods: To examine the effect of priming on germination indices, the activity of antioxidant enzymes and proteins in French bean under cobalt chloride stress, a factorial experiment was performed in a completely randomized design with three replications. These factors included four levels: seed priming with 100 mg / l salicylic acid and mannitol, control and distilled water (no priming), and three levels of cobalt chloride stress (0, 100, and 200 mg / l).
Results: The results showed that with increasing cobalt chloride concentration, germination indices (germination rate, root length, root fresh weight, stem fresh weight and stem dry weight) decreased. However, in the pretreatment of distilled water, salicylic acid, and mannitol there was a significant increase in germination indices (mean germination time, radicle length, plumule length, fresh radicle weight, and weight plumule) was observed. The interaction effect of priming and cobalt chloride caused an increase in radicle dry weight compared to control × stress treatment. The highest values of fresh radicle weight (14.4 g), dry weight of plumule (0.27 g), and plumule length (0.17 cm) were obtained in hydro priming pretreatment. The results also showed that hormone priming under stress conditions of 200 and 100 mg / l cobalt chloride increased protein content and polyphenol oxidase activity of French bean seedlings compared with the control treatment, respectively. Osmo priming increased the activity of catalase and peroxidase enzymes under stress and non-stress conditions resulted by 200 mg / l cobalt chloride.
Conclusion: according to the results of the present study, cobalt chloride reduced some physiological and biochemical traits of French bean seeds. However, the French bean has a relatively high cobalt chloride tolerance capacity, so that it showed good tolerance to different concentrations of cobalt chloride for up to 9 days.
Highlights:
1- The effect of different concentrations of cobalt chloride and different types of priming on the germination of French bean seeds was investigated.
2- French bean seedling protein content increased under the influence of hormone priming.
Introduction: The germination stage ensures the durability, establishment, and final yield of plants. The final density of plants per unit area is resulted when the planted seeds germinate fully and with adequate rate. Plants mainly undergo abiotic stresses that are a considerable constraint for agricultural production worldwide. Seed priming is one of the simplest and cheap methods to improve seed germination, acceleration of seedling growth and establishment, uniformity, reduction of flowering time, vigorous seedling production, etc which leads to improved quality and yield of crop under stressful and non-stressful conditions. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different types of priming on enzymatic and physiological changes of French bean seed under cobalt chloride stress conditions.
Materials and Methods: To examine the effect of priming on germination indices, the activity of antioxidant enzymes and proteins in French bean under cobalt chloride stress, a factorial experiment was performed in a completely randomized design with three replications. These factors included four levels: seed priming with 100 mg / l salicylic acid and mannitol, control and distilled water (no priming), and three levels of cobalt chloride stress (0, 100, and 200 mg / l).
Results: The results showed that with increasing cobalt chloride concentration, germination indices (germination rate, root length, root fresh weight, stem fresh weight and stem dry weight) decreased. However, in the pretreatment of distilled water, salicylic acid, and mannitol there was a significant increase in germination indices (mean germination time, radicle length, plumule length, fresh radicle weight, and weight plumule) was observed. The interaction effect of priming and cobalt chloride caused an increase in radicle dry weight compared to control × stress treatment. The highest values of fresh radicle weight (14.4 g), dry weight of plumule (0.27 g), and plumule length (0.17 cm) were obtained in hydro priming pretreatment. The results also showed that hormone priming under stress conditions of 200 and 100 mg / l cobalt chloride increased protein content and polyphenol oxidase activity of French bean seedlings compared with the control treatment, respectively. Osmo priming increased the activity of catalase and peroxidase enzymes under stress and non-stress conditions resulted by 200 mg / l cobalt chloride.
Conclusion: according to the results of the present study, cobalt chloride reduced some physiological and biochemical traits of French bean seeds. However, the French bean has a relatively high cobalt chloride tolerance capacity, so that it showed good tolerance to different concentrations of cobalt chloride for up to 9 days.
Highlights:
1- The effect of different concentrations of cobalt chloride and different types of priming on the germination of French bean seeds was investigated.
2- French bean seedling protein content increased under the influence of hormone priming.
Mansoor Barahouei, Seyyed Gholamreza Moosavi, Mohamad Javad Seghatoleslami, Reza Baradaran, Seyyed Mahdi Javadzadeh,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (3-2023)
Volume 9, Issue 2 (3-2023)
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: Safflower is a plant that has been considered due to its high medicinal and nutritional value, especially in the extraction of edible oils in developed countries. Drought is one of the most important harmful factors in arid and semi-arid regions of the world that affects plant production. Modifiers play an important role in plant adaptation to stress conditions. Among these compounds are the hormone gibberellic acid and the antioxidant ascorbic acid, which increase plant tolerance to adverse environmental conditions. The present study investigated the effect of gibberellic acid and ascorbic acid on seed germination parameters and some enzymatic indices of safflower under drought stress.
Materials and Methods: The experiment was conducted as a factorial based on a completely randomized design with three replications in the Agricultural Science Laboratory of Iranshahr University in 2020. Experimental treatments included three levels of control (pretreatment with distilled water), pretreatment with gibberellic acid and ascorbic acid, and four levels of drought stress (0, -3, -6, and -9 bar). Drought stress was applied using polyethylene glycol 6000. Seed germination was carried out inside a germinator at 25 ° C for 14 days in darkness. Germination traits and enzymatic indices were measured using standard methods.
Results: The results of variance showed that most germination and growth indices of safflower seedlings decreased with increasing drought stress. Also, drought stress led to changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Seed priming with gibberellic acid and ascorbic acid increased germination indices and seedling growth and improved enzymatic activity, including catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase in comparison with untreated seeds. Priming with gibberellic acid had a significant advantage. Seed priming in drought stress conditions has increased germination rate, protein content, and catalase, peroxidase, and ascorbic dismutase activity, respectively, compared to the control.
Conclusion: In general, seed priming of safflower using gibberellic acid changed the activity of antioxidant enzymes. These activities ultimately moderated the negative effects of drought stress and increased germination parameters.
Highlights:
Introduction: Safflower is a plant that has been considered due to its high medicinal and nutritional value, especially in the extraction of edible oils in developed countries. Drought is one of the most important harmful factors in arid and semi-arid regions of the world that affects plant production. Modifiers play an important role in plant adaptation to stress conditions. Among these compounds are the hormone gibberellic acid and the antioxidant ascorbic acid, which increase plant tolerance to adverse environmental conditions. The present study investigated the effect of gibberellic acid and ascorbic acid on seed germination parameters and some enzymatic indices of safflower under drought stress.
Materials and Methods: The experiment was conducted as a factorial based on a completely randomized design with three replications in the Agricultural Science Laboratory of Iranshahr University in 2020. Experimental treatments included three levels of control (pretreatment with distilled water), pretreatment with gibberellic acid and ascorbic acid, and four levels of drought stress (0, -3, -6, and -9 bar). Drought stress was applied using polyethylene glycol 6000. Seed germination was carried out inside a germinator at 25 ° C for 14 days in darkness. Germination traits and enzymatic indices were measured using standard methods.
Results: The results of variance showed that most germination and growth indices of safflower seedlings decreased with increasing drought stress. Also, drought stress led to changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Seed priming with gibberellic acid and ascorbic acid increased germination indices and seedling growth and improved enzymatic activity, including catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase in comparison with untreated seeds. Priming with gibberellic acid had a significant advantage. Seed priming in drought stress conditions has increased germination rate, protein content, and catalase, peroxidase, and ascorbic dismutase activity, respectively, compared to the control.
Conclusion: In general, seed priming of safflower using gibberellic acid changed the activity of antioxidant enzymes. These activities ultimately moderated the negative effects of drought stress and increased germination parameters.
Highlights:
- The role of gibberellic acid and ascorbic acid on safflower seed germination traits was investigated.
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.
Ebrahim Gholamalipour Alamdari, Meisam Habibi, Mohammad Hadi Masoumi, Maral Babayani, Ali Asghar Saravani,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (2-2024)
Volume 10, Issue 2 (2-2024)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: In agricultural systems, several environmental stresses can remarkably alter the growth, physiological, and biochemical responses of plants under stress. One of these factors is the biochemical reactions between plants along with the production of secondary compounds. Allelochemicals mainly have defence and cell wall ligninization roles in plants and do not directly play a role in the growth processes of plants. Thus, an experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of allelopathic stress of Hypericum perforatum on the germination, physiological, biochemical, and antioxidant activity characteristics of green pea, the benchmark plant sensitive to allelochemicals.
Materials and methods: The treatments included different concentrations of H. perforatum at 11 levels (i.e., 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100% of the aqueous extract). This research was carried out as a completely randomized design with three replications at the weed science laboratory of Gonbad Kavous University in 2023.
Results: The results of this study showed that one of the factors influencing the physiological, and biochemical characteristics of green pea is the concentration of the H. perforatum extract. In most cases, the percentage and rate of green pea germination, radicle and plumule length, and dry weight of radicle and plumule decreased with increased concentration of aqueous extract compared to the control, so that the greatest reduction in these characteristics was observed in 100% of H. perforatum extract. In contrast, the content of compatible osmolytes such as proline and soluble sugars, phenolic and flavonoid compounds, and antioxidant activity of green pea roots and plumules increased significantly in all studied treatments, with the highest increase in these characteristics observed at the concentration of 100% of H. perforatum aqueous extract. In general, the decrease in the dry weight of green pea seedlings due to the increase in the concentration of the aqueous extract of H. perforatum, despite the relative increase in the content of physiological and biochemical traits, indicates the high intensity of allelopathic stress of H. perforatum extract and their insufficiency, which leads to cytotoxicity against oxidative stress.
Conclusion: Considering the heterotoxicity effect of H. perforatum on green pea sensitive to allelochemicals and its distribution in gardens, barren lands, and wheat and corn fields, the possible effect of their residues in the next planting and even in case of presence in mixed cultivation should be considered.
Highlights:
Introduction: In agricultural systems, several environmental stresses can remarkably alter the growth, physiological, and biochemical responses of plants under stress. One of these factors is the biochemical reactions between plants along with the production of secondary compounds. Allelochemicals mainly have defence and cell wall ligninization roles in plants and do not directly play a role in the growth processes of plants. Thus, an experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of allelopathic stress of Hypericum perforatum on the germination, physiological, biochemical, and antioxidant activity characteristics of green pea, the benchmark plant sensitive to allelochemicals.
Materials and methods: The treatments included different concentrations of H. perforatum at 11 levels (i.e., 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100% of the aqueous extract). This research was carried out as a completely randomized design with three replications at the weed science laboratory of Gonbad Kavous University in 2023.
Results: The results of this study showed that one of the factors influencing the physiological, and biochemical characteristics of green pea is the concentration of the H. perforatum extract. In most cases, the percentage and rate of green pea germination, radicle and plumule length, and dry weight of radicle and plumule decreased with increased concentration of aqueous extract compared to the control, so that the greatest reduction in these characteristics was observed in 100% of H. perforatum extract. In contrast, the content of compatible osmolytes such as proline and soluble sugars, phenolic and flavonoid compounds, and antioxidant activity of green pea roots and plumules increased significantly in all studied treatments, with the highest increase in these characteristics observed at the concentration of 100% of H. perforatum aqueous extract. In general, the decrease in the dry weight of green pea seedlings due to the increase in the concentration of the aqueous extract of H. perforatum, despite the relative increase in the content of physiological and biochemical traits, indicates the high intensity of allelopathic stress of H. perforatum extract and their insufficiency, which leads to cytotoxicity against oxidative stress.
Conclusion: Considering the heterotoxicity effect of H. perforatum on green pea sensitive to allelochemicals and its distribution in gardens, barren lands, and wheat and corn fields, the possible effect of their residues in the next planting and even in case of presence in mixed cultivation should be considered.
Highlights:
- Aqueous extract obtained from the H. perforatum drastically reduces the germination and seedling growth of green peas.
- The difference in the effect of the aqueous extract of H. perforatum on green pea, the benchmark plant sensitive to allelochemicals, depends on their concentration threshold.
- The high intensity of allelopathic stress of H. perforatum extract and insufficient non-enzymatic antioxidants lead to oxidative stress.
Haniyeh Saadat, Mohammad Sedghi,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (9-2024)
Volume 11, Issue 1 (9-2024)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: Environmental stresses, including salinity, result in the overproduction of reactive oxygen species, which, at high levels, can cause oxidative damage, impair membrane lipid functions, inactivate enzymes, and impede the metabolic activities of the plant. Salinity affects seedling growth through osmotic stress, ionic toxicity, lack of absorption of essential elements and water, production of free radicals, cell membrane destruction, and reduction of cell division. Seed priming is a quick, easy, low-cost, and effective strategy for improving germination. It is a seed treatment before planting in which seeds are fully immersed in special solutions and dried until further use. Seed priming assists the germinating seed in mitigating saline stress by neutralizing ionic toxicity or by promoting defense mechanisms. This study aimed to assess the effect of seed priming with vitamin U (S-Methylmethionine) on germination and the physiological and biochemical characteristics of sunflower seedlings under salinity stress.
Materials and Methods: This experiment was conducted in 2023 as a factorial based on a completely randomized design with three replications at the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili. Experimental treatments included four salinity levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM) and three levels of vitamin U (0, 2, and 4 mM).
Results: The results showed that salinity reduced the germination and growth indicators, including Germination Rate (GR), Germination Percentage (GP), Mean Daily Germination (MDG), Seedling Length (SL), Seedling Dry Weight (SDW), Seedling Length Vigor Index (SLVI), and Seedling Weight Vigor Index (SWVI); but seed pretreatment with different levels of vitamin U, especially the level of 4 mM, improved these traits. Daily Germination Speed (DGS) was higher by about 25% compared with the control treatment without salinity and, in priming with vitamin U compared with the control (distilled water), it showed a decrease of about 32%. Compared with the control (distilled water), the catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase activities, and proline content of seedlings obtained from primed seeds increased respectively by 9%, 8%, 32%, and 47% after vitamin U treatment. With increasing salinity levels, there was a reduction trend in total seed protein content (0.384 mg g-1 FW), and the lowest total seed protein content was observed at salinity 150 mM. Mean Germination Time (MGT) and malondialdehyde content of seedlings in the priming with a concentration of 4 mM vitamin U and without salinity showed a decrease of about 73% and 21%, respectively, compared with the control (distilled water) and salinity 150 mM.
Conclusions: The results of this research showed that sunflower seed priming with vitamin U at a concentration of 4 mM is the most effective method to improve the germination and biochemical characteristics of seedlings, and stimulating antioxidant enzymes can reduce the harmful effects of salinity on some traits in sunflower seedlings and improve seedling growth.
Highlights:
Introduction: Environmental stresses, including salinity, result in the overproduction of reactive oxygen species, which, at high levels, can cause oxidative damage, impair membrane lipid functions, inactivate enzymes, and impede the metabolic activities of the plant. Salinity affects seedling growth through osmotic stress, ionic toxicity, lack of absorption of essential elements and water, production of free radicals, cell membrane destruction, and reduction of cell division. Seed priming is a quick, easy, low-cost, and effective strategy for improving germination. It is a seed treatment before planting in which seeds are fully immersed in special solutions and dried until further use. Seed priming assists the germinating seed in mitigating saline stress by neutralizing ionic toxicity or by promoting defense mechanisms. This study aimed to assess the effect of seed priming with vitamin U (S-Methylmethionine) on germination and the physiological and biochemical characteristics of sunflower seedlings under salinity stress.
Materials and Methods: This experiment was conducted in 2023 as a factorial based on a completely randomized design with three replications at the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili. Experimental treatments included four salinity levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM) and three levels of vitamin U (0, 2, and 4 mM).
Results: The results showed that salinity reduced the germination and growth indicators, including Germination Rate (GR), Germination Percentage (GP), Mean Daily Germination (MDG), Seedling Length (SL), Seedling Dry Weight (SDW), Seedling Length Vigor Index (SLVI), and Seedling Weight Vigor Index (SWVI); but seed pretreatment with different levels of vitamin U, especially the level of 4 mM, improved these traits. Daily Germination Speed (DGS) was higher by about 25% compared with the control treatment without salinity and, in priming with vitamin U compared with the control (distilled water), it showed a decrease of about 32%. Compared with the control (distilled water), the catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase activities, and proline content of seedlings obtained from primed seeds increased respectively by 9%, 8%, 32%, and 47% after vitamin U treatment. With increasing salinity levels, there was a reduction trend in total seed protein content (0.384 mg g-1 FW), and the lowest total seed protein content was observed at salinity 150 mM. Mean Germination Time (MGT) and malondialdehyde content of seedlings in the priming with a concentration of 4 mM vitamin U and without salinity showed a decrease of about 73% and 21%, respectively, compared with the control (distilled water) and salinity 150 mM.
Conclusions: The results of this research showed that sunflower seed priming with vitamin U at a concentration of 4 mM is the most effective method to improve the germination and biochemical characteristics of seedlings, and stimulating antioxidant enzymes can reduce the harmful effects of salinity on some traits in sunflower seedlings and improve seedling growth.
Highlights:
- Seed priming using vitamin U improved germination indices of sunflower seed under salinity.
- Priming with vitamin U decreased the content of malondialdehyde and increased the amount of proline and protein.
- The concentration of 4 mM vitamin U revealed a better effect on germination indices and biochemical characteristics.
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.
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