Maryam Boroujerdnia, Hamed Hasanzade Khankahdani,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (3-2022)
Abstract
Extend abstract
Introduction: Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is one of the most important fruit crops of tropical and subtropical regions. Guava (Psidium guajava L.) can be propagated by seed, layering, grafting, cutting or tissue culture. Propagation by seed is used for the production of seedlings usable in breeding programs or rootstock production for grafting. Guava seeds germinate poorly and unevenly and require more time for seedling emergence. The dormancy in seeds might be due to hard seed coat and different methods are used for breaking dormancy in seeds to improve germination. The aim of this study was to evaluate efficiency of the different pretreatment on seed dormancy breaking and germination characteristics of guava.
Materials and Methods: The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with three replications on guava seeds in genetic and breeding laboratory of Date Palm and Tropical Fruit Research Center at the summer of 2018. Treatments consisted of distilled water (24 and 48 h), 0.5 and 1% potassium nitrate (KNO3) for 24 h, warm water (70 ° C) for 5 and 10 min, 25% and 50% sulphuric acid for 5 min, and control (non-treated). In this study, the traits of germination percentage, germination rate and mean of daily germination, seed vigour index and fresh weight and length of seedling were measured. Data analysis was done using the SAS 9.2 software and the Duncan's test at 5% probability level was used for mean comparison.
Results: Results showed that the effect of treatments on seed germination indices (germination percentage, germination rate and mean of daily germination, seed vigour index) of guava was significant at p<0.01. The greatest germination percentage (53.1%), germination rate (6.6 seed/day) and seed vigour (2636.7) were observed in treatment of 1% potassium nitrate (KNO3) for 24 h. The lowest Mean time to germination (14 days) was obtained in distilled water for 48h. Warm water treatments at 70 °C and 25% and 50% sulfuric acid were not effective in improving seed germination compared to control. The highest seed length and weight were observed in 1% potassium nitrate and 0.5% potassium nitrate pretreatments, respectively.
Conclusions: the results of this study show that among the different treatments, pre-treatment of seeds with 1%potassium nitrate may be considered as an effective way to improve seed germination of guava. Also, pretreatment with distilled water for 48 hours is an easy, low cost and effective way to increase guava seed germination indices.
Highlights:
1- The effect of different chemical treatments on germination characteristics of guava was investigated.
2- The suitable method for seed dormancy elimination and seed germination improvement of guava was introduced.
Kamran Alimardani, Amin Salehi, Mohsen Movahhedi Dehnavi, Ali Moradi,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (3-2022)
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: Schrophularia striata is one of the medicinal plants of the Scrophulariaceae family and contains phenolic compounds. Locals have traditionally used this herbal medicine to treat infections caused by wounds, gastrointestinal diseases, and eye diseases. Due to excessive consumption by indigenous people and climate change, especially increasing temperature, the cold required to eliminate seed dormancy is not presently available and its germination and growth has decreased. Therefore, this plant is at the risk of extinction. Since this plant is propagated in natural habitats through seed and due to deep seed dormancy, evaluation of different seed dormancy methods is necessary for conservation and domestication of this species. In this study, suitable methods to eliminate seed dormancy of this plant using chilling and gibberellic acid treatments were studied on the seeds collected from different habitats of Ilam province.
Materials and Methods: To investigate the effect of using chilling and gibberellic acid on Schrophularia striata dormancy, a split plot factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with four replications was conducted at the seed laboratory of Yasouj University in 2018. The first factor included the duration of moist chilling period (0, 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks), the second factor included gibberellic acid (0, 300 and 600 mg/L) and the third factor included five habitats (Ilam, Ivan, Mehran, Abadan and Dehloran).
Results: The results showed that the 16-week Chilling and zero gibberellic acid treatments had the highest germination percentage in all habitats, as the percentage of germination in Mehran, Ivan, Ilam, Abadan and Dehloran habitats was 66, 50, 36, 30 and 25%, respectively. Also, the highest germination rate was observed in all habitats at 16 weeks chilling and zero mg/L gibberellic acid concentration. The highest germination uniformity was obtained at 16 and 12 weeks of chilling.
Conclusions: Chilling period duration was effective on germination percentage and rate and with increasing chilling period, germination percentage and rate increased. This indicates that the seeds studied had some degree of physiological dormancy, and the seed of higher altitude habitats required longer chilling periods than those of the lower ones for germination. Also, according to the results of this experiment, chilling periods above 16 weeks should be used to increase germination percentage.
Highlights:
1- Chilling period duration in the presence of gibberellic acid was the most important factor for the elimination of Schrophularia striata seed Dormancy and increased germination.
2- With increasing altitude and in the same chilling period duration, habitats with lower altitude had higher germination percentage and rate
Behzad Nouri Feli, Hamid Reza Eisvand, Naser Akbari, Dariush Goodarzi,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (3-2022)
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: Providing important and effective elements such as zinc and boron- especially in areas where the soil for some reason cannot meet the needs of the plant- will be a good solution to improve seed and seedling quality and nutrition, and community health status. A considerable part of the wheat producing regions in the country are faced with late season haet during seed development stages. Thus, the present study will investigate the effect of heat stress and mother plant nutrition with zinc and boron micronutrients on seed deterioration and physiological quality of wheat seedlings.
Material and Methods: In a field experiment, wheat seeds were planted on two suitable planting dates (November 20) and late (January 5) to apply late-season heat stress during the seed development stage with three replications in Ramhormoz, Iran. The nutrition of mother plants with zinc and boron elements was done at three levels (nutrient-free and application of zinc and boron) as a foliar application. After harvest, the seeds were transferred to the laboratory and membrane integrity of seed cells was investigated using an electrical conductivity test as an indicator of deterioration. Another part of the seeds was planted in a factorial pot experiment based on RCBD with three replications to evaluate the quality of seeds and seedlings in the greenhouse.
Results: The results showed that exposure of seeds to heat stress during development reduced seed quality as well as seedlings so that the cell membrane in the seeds produced under heat stress conditions was damaged and their electrical conductivity increased by 19%. Also, these seeds showed more sensitivity to deterioration. The percentage of seedling emergence in the stressed seeds decreased by 21.66%. Heat stress also reduced seedling quality indices such as chlorophyll content, shoot dry weight, and root dry weight. Application of zinc and boron on the mother plant not only led to improved quality of seeds and seedlings under normal conditions but also the negative effects of heat stress on seed and seedling quality were reduced. There was a significant negative correlation between the seed electrical conductivity test and qualitative parameters. Therefore, the use of this test is recommended to determine the quality of seeds, especially seeds produced under late-season heat stress conditions.
Conclusion: Noting the negative effect of heat during seed development on seed quality, planting dates should be adjusted as much as possible so that the seed development stage does not coincide with the late-season heat stress. Due to the beneficial effects of using zinc and boron in the mother plant on many traits related to the quality of seeds and seedlings, their application- especially zinc- in soils with deficiency or the possibility of heat stress at the end of the season is recommended.
Highlights:
- Zinc and boron micronutrients were used to mitigate the harmful effects of heat stress on seed quality.
- Physiological characteristics of seedlings obtained from seeds produced in the field under late-season heat stress conditions were investigated.
Nader Shahbazi, Seyyed Kamal Kazemitabar, Ghaffar Kiani, Ali Pakdin Parizi, Pooyan Mehraban Joubani,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (3-2022)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: One of the ways to overcome the limitation of fresh water and lack of sufficient water reserves for agriculture is to use unconventional waters such as seawater. Salinity stress is the most important abiotic stress in seawater application. Identification and planting of salinity tolerant genotypes of a plant species is one of the effective and valuable strategies in reducing the effects of salinity stress. Germination, growth and seedling establishment are among the salinity-sensitive stages in most plants. Therefore, for improvement of abiotic stress tolerance in plants, it is necessary to study the traits and indicators related to tolerance in the germination stage.
Material and Methods: A factorial experiment was conducted based on a completely randomized design with three replications at the laboratory of Plant Breeding Department of Sari University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources in 2020. The first factor included the cultivars and the second included 5 salinity levels (control (no seawater), 3, 6, 9 and 11 dS (deciSiemens per meter) obtained from the incorporation of Caspian Sea and urban water. The number of germinated seeds was counted during eight days of salinity stress. Then, germination percentage, time required for 50% germination, seedling vigor index and germination rate were calculated. On the eighth day, radicle and plumule dry and fresg weights, radicle and plumule length and seedling dry weight were measured.
Results: The results of analysis of variance showed the significance of the effect of different salinity levels, genotype and the interaction of salinity and genotype for all calculated indices at p<0.01. Mean comparison of the interaction of different levels of salinity and cultivars and landraces showed that all the studied traits except for the time to reach fifty percent germination decreased with increasing salinity. Among the studied cultivars, Oltan cultivar had the highest value of germination percentage (100%), germination rate (24.17 seeds per day), seedling vigor index (5.03), plumule length (55.67 mm), radicle length (70 mm), plumule fresh weight (62 mg), radicle fresh weight (45 mg), plumule dry weight (4.77 mg), seedling dry weight (6/23 Mg) and the lowest amount of the time required for 50% germination (24.17 hours) in control treatment. In contrast, Pakistani cultivar had the lowest germination rate (3.06 seeds per day), seedling vigor index (1), plumule length (8.33 mm), radicle length (3 mm), plumule fresh weight (10 mg), radicle fresh weight (2 mg), plumule dry weight (0.57 mg), seedling dry weight (0.84 mg) and the highest time required for 50% germination (24.17 hours) in 11 dS / m salinity level. Using the results of this experiment, among the studied cultivars, Oltan cultivar was selected as the most tolerant and Pakistani cultivar as the most sensitive cultivars to salinity stress at the germination stage.
Conclusion: The studied cultivars and landraces showed different reactions in terms of germination indices when treated with salinity from seawater. The high significant difference in this experiment indicated the high genetic diversity among the studied genotypes. It is possible to choose from these genotypes for salinity tolerance breeding programs in sesame plant.
Highlights:
- Different sesame genotypes at different levels of sea salt salinity showed different response at germination stage.
- Among the cultivars studied, Oltan, Nazetakshakhe, Halil and Dashtashtan 2 showed a high degree of tolerance to salinity stress.
Hakimeh Rahimi, Mohsen Malek, Farshid Ghaderi-Far,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (3-2022)
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: Seeds need successful germination at the optimal time and conditions to survive. Sometimes, even in the best environmental and genetic conditions of the seed, they do not germinate or germinate with a delay, which are called dormant seeds. Seed dormancy can have positive effects on avoiding adverse conditions and ensuring survival in the environment. However, dormancy in crop plants reduces emergence and yield by preventing germination. A combination of environmental and seed genetic factors are involved in seed dormancy formation. In general, seed dormancy includes: physical dormancy, physiological dormancy, morphological dormancy, morphophysiological dormancy and combinational dormancy, and physical / chemical scarification treatments, hot and cold stratification, leaching, hormonal treatments, after-ripening, light and combination treatments can be used to eliminate dormancy depending on its type. Therefore, in this study, using domestic studies conducted in the field of seed dormancy in different plant species, identification of dormancy in different plant species and its types have been discussed, and general and practical information in this regard has been provided.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 168 reports published on 250 plant species in the last 20 years, which were published in the seed dormancy of medicinal plants, weeds, rangelands, ornamentals and crops were investigated. Then, the percentage of plants studied and their families, as well as the share of different types of seed dormancy and appropriate treatments to for its eliminate were determined.
Results: Among the plant species studied, the most freuqent type of dormancy was related to physiological dormancy (50%), followed by physical dormancy, combinational dormancy, morphophysiological dormancy and the lowest share of dormancy in the studied plant species was related to morphological dormancy (1.61%). The most effective treatments to eliminate physiological dormancy were the use of cold stratification, gibberellic acid, and potassium nitrate. Also, the most effective treatments for the removal of physical dormancy were the use of physical / mechanical scarification treatments, chemical scarification and potassium nitrate treatment. According to the results, temperature treatments and then gibberellic acid and potassium nitrate treatments are recommendedt eliminate morphological dormancy. To eliminate morphophysiological dormancy, it is recommended to use treatments to maturate differentiated small or undifferentiated seeds (removal of morphological dormancy) as well as treatments to counteract the germination inhibitory factors or to compensate the were applied the most to eliminate morphophysiological dormancy.
Conclusion: By identifying the type of dormancy and applying the appropriate treatments, the germination of economical and valuable plants can be improved.
Highlights:
1- Dormancy types in native plant species of Iran through the information of domestic studies was investigated and a comprehensive report on seed dormancy was presented for the first time.
2- General and practical information about seed dormancy, effective factors and methods of dormancy elimination was reviewed in a practical way.
Mohadeseh Latifzadeh Shahkhali, Seyed Mohmmad Reza Ehtehsami, Foad Moradi,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (3-2022)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: Seed deterioration is associated with oxidative stress and uncontrolled accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Seeds have a group of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants that protect them against reactive oxygen species and help maintain seed vigor and support seed germination processes. The response of different cultivars to seed deterioration is different. Knowledge about the sources and mechanisms of deterioration and how different cultivars respond can help to select the appropriate cultivar for the region and also provide useful information in selecting and applying appropriate management methods for storage and increasing the storage time of seeds.
Materials and Methods: The Experiment was conducted as factorial based on a completely randomized block design with three replications. Treatments included one and six months of natural storage (4˚C, 11 percent moisture content of seeds and 60% RH) and accelerated aging (96 hours at 45˚C and 100% RH) applied on four cultivars including Hashemi, Gilaneh, Khazar and Domsiyah. Germination percentage, germination rate, shoot length, radicle length, shoot dry weight, radicle dry weight, shoot vigor index (SVI), α-amylase activity, catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content were evaluated.
Results: The results showed that accelerated ageing and storage of seeds for six months led to reduced germination percentage, germination rate, shoot length, radicle length, shoot dry weight, radicle dry weight, shoot vigor index (SVI), α-amylase activity reduced in all four cultivars. This decrease was accompanied by an increase in the free radical content of MDA and H2O2 and a decrease in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes SOD and POX. Malondialdehyde content was lower in the seeds stored for six months. The activity of CAT increased after deterioration treatment, this increase was more intense in the seeds stored for six months. These seeds also showed lower H2O2 content compared to accelerated aging seeds. Khazar cultivar showed lower H2O2 content as a result of higher CAT enzyme activity. Moreover, this cultivar showed better germination percentage and germination rate after deterioration treatment compared to other cultivars. The decrease in germination percentage due to deterioration in Domsiyah was very severe. This cultivar showed the lowest germination percentage, germination rate, seed vigor and α-amylase activity in the accelerated aging treatment. Gilaneh and Hashemi cultivars showed higher germinability, α-amylase activity and SOD and POX at the beginning of the experiment, but after deterioration treatment, their germinability decreased along with the activity of antioxidant enzymes.
Conclusions: In all studied cultivars, the accelerated aging and storage of seeds for six months adversely affected germination rate. This decrease was accompanied by an increase in free radicals in the seeds and a decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes SOD and POX, which were less severe in Khazar cultivar and more severe in Domsiyah cultivar. These results indicate the greater importance of the storage conditions in Domsiyah cultivar.
Highlights:
1- The effect of storage and seed deterioration on the activity of antioxidant enzymes, reactive oxygen species and seed germination in rice was investigated.
2- The results of accelerated aging test and natural aging were compared for a better conclusion about the response of the cultivars.
3- The two improved cultivars were compared with two local cultivars (with high cultivation area).
Meysam Miri, Mohammdreza Amerian, Mohsen Edalat, Mehdi Baradaran Firouzabadi, Hasan Makarian,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (3-2022)
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: Germination is considered the first and most important stage of establishment and consequently, successful competition which is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Among the environmental factors influencing the germination, temperature and light are the most important ones. Using different models, the germination response of seeds to temperature can be quantified; therefore, this study was performed to investigate the effect of temperature on germination and to quantify the germination response of Buckwheat seed (Fagopyrum esculentum Moenc) to temperature using nonlinear regression models and thermal-time model.
Materials and methods: The seeds were germinated in 4 replications of 25 seeds under 8 constant temperature treatments (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 ° C). Using a three-parameter logistic model, Buckwheat seed germination was quantified at different temperature levels and the percentage and time to reach 50% germination were obtained. Four nonlinear regression models and a thermal-time model were used to quantify the response of Buckwheat seed germination rate to temperature. To compare the models and determine the most appropriate model, the root mean square error index (RMSE), coefficient of determination (R2), coefficient of variation (CV) and standard error (SE) were used for the observed germination rate versus the predicted germination rate.
Results: The results indicated that temperature affected the seedling length, normal seedling percentage, seed vigor and the germination rate as well as germination percentage. Also, the results showed that germination characteristics increased with increasing temperature up to 20 and 25 °C. Comparison of the three models based on the root mean square error (RMSE) of germination time, the coefficient of determination (R2), CV and SE, the best model to determine the cardinal temperatures of Fagopyrum esculentum was the dent-like model. The results of thermal-time model showed that the base temperature of Fagopyrum esculentum seeds was 4.01 ° C and the thermal-time coefficient was 1242.6 h° C.
Conclusion: Utilization of non-linear regression models (segmented, dent-like and beta) and thermal-time model to quantify the germination response of Fagopyrum esculentum response to different temperatures led to acceptable results. Therefore, germination rate and percentage may be predicted using the outputs of these models at different temperatures.
Highlights:
- The best temperature for Fagopyrum esculentum Moenc. seed germination is 20-25 Celsius.
- The dent-like model was determined the most appropriate model for estimating the cardinal temperatures of Buckwheat.
Mohaddese Heydarzade, Seyed Mohammadreza Ehteshami, Mohammad Rabiee,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (9-2022)
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) is an annual, dicotyledonous plant of the legume family, also known as cluster beans. This plant can tolerate salinity and drought stress well. Optimal planting date and plant density are factors affecting the quality and quantity of crops. The distribution of plants in the field influences the absorption and productivity of environmental factors affecting the growth and intra- and inter- competition and eventually is one of the factors determining the quantity and quality of yield. Different planting dates set off different conditions in terms of temperature day length, relative humidity, solar radiation, ripening and harvest time and thus, affect the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of seeds. The purpose of this experiment is to evaluate the quality and also to evaluate some of the germination characteristics of Guar seeds at different dates and planting densities under the climatic conditions of Guilan.
Materials and Methods: This experiment was conducted in the spring and summer of 2017 in the research farm of Rasht Rice Research Institute located in Gil Pardehsar village at Sangar as a factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. Experimental treatments included four planting dates (12 May, 26 May, 9 June and 23 June) and three plant densities (20, 40 and 60 plants. m-2). Seed harvesting was done as the pods in 75% of the plants in each plot turned brown and traits such as germination percentage, germination rate, root and shoot length and fresh and dry weight of roots and shoots, longitudinal index of seedling vigor, 1000- grain weight, electrical conductivity and alpha-amylase activity were investigated.
Results: The results of the present study showed that guar seeds had the highest quality on 26 May and a density of 40 plants.m-2. Due to favorable climatic conditions during the period of seed filling, germination rate, germination percentage, seedling vigor index, root length and 1000- grain weight was high on 26 May. The amount of these traits decreased with delay in planting. The amount of electrical conductivity in 23 June date of planting treatment showed the highest value. The highest level of alpha-amylase activity was observed on 9 June.
Conclusions: In general, it can be concluded that the best planting date and plant density of guar seeds in Guilan province with the highest quality of seeds and germination is on 26 May and 40 plants.m-2.
Highlights:
1- Guar seed germination traits were evaluated at physiological maturity.
2- In terms of germination traits of guar seeds, the best planting date was 26 May and the best plant density was obtained at 40 per square meter
Mohammadreza Labbafi, Hamideh Khalaj, Maryam Delfani, Nasrin Qavami,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (9-2022)
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: Lavandula angustifolia L. is one of the most important plants belonging to Lamiaceae which has abundant use in traditional and pharmacological medicine. Lavender seed dormancy is one of the problems in producing seedlings which increases seed consumption. In this regard, an experiment was carried out to investigate different treatments for seed dormancy elimination of Lavender and measuring germination and growth indices.
Materials and Methods: An experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications at the Ecophysiology Laboratory of Karaj Institute of Medicinal Plants in 2018. The experiment consisted of 14 treatments on seed dormancy elimination. The treatments included the control, hormonal treatments (Gibberellic acid with 250, 500, 750 and 1000 mg/l concentrations) and Prechilling treatments (7, 14 and 21 days of refrigeration). The integrated treatments were 7 days refrigeration + 500 mg/l gibberellic acid, 14 days refrigeration + 500 mg/l gibberellic acid, 7 days refrigeration + 1000 mg/l gibberellic acid, 14 days refrigeration + 1000 mg/l gibberellic acid, 30 minutes at 40 ° C water + 14 days refrigeration, and 30 minutes at water 40 degrees +14 days refrigeration + 500 mg/l gibberellic acid.
Results: The results showed that the highest germination percentage (70.67%), germination rate (24.26%) and germination index (246) were achieved in 750 mg/l Gibberellic acid, and the highest epicotyl length (5.09 cm), seedling length (6.23 cm) and seedling fresh weight (0.57 gr) were produced with 500 mg/l Gibberellic acid. Also, the lowest mean germination time (MGT) (4.12s day) was obtained in 1000 mg/l Gibberellic acid treatment. Also, 7 days of refrigeration + gibberellic acid at 500 mg/l treatment had no significant difference with the other concentrations of gibberellin treatments. Therefore, low gibberellin concentration with 7 days of prechilling had the same effect as higher gibberellic acid concentrations. In addition, 14 days of refrigeration + 1000 mg/l gibberellic acid treatment and treatment of 30 min in water at 40 ° C +14 days prechilling + 500 mg/l gibberellic acid produced the lowest shoot (0.78, 0.82 cm), seedling height (0.99, 1.04 cm) and fresh weight (0.013, 0.01 gr) that showed the negative effects of increased prechilling time and water at 40 ° C,
Conclusion: It was finally found that the lavender seed dormancy type is physiologically non-deep and moderate and Gibberellic acid is a suitable substitute for prechilling. The best treatment was gibberellic acid with a concentration of 750 mg/l to break the dormancy of lavender seeds.
Highlights:
- Gibberellic acid is a good substitute for prechilling in seed dormancy elimination of lavender.
- Breaking the dormancy of the lavender seeds is necessary for producing seedlings from the seeds of this plant.
Roya Ghorbani, Ali Movafeghi, Ali Ganjeali, Jafar Nabati,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (9-2022)
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: Drought stress, as abiotic and multidimensional stress, has severe effects on plant growth. One of the new approaches in the management of drought stress is the use of nanoparticles. Nanoparticles infilterate the seeds and increase nutrient and water uptake and ultimately, improve germination. The present research was conducted to evaluate the effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on chickpea plant germination factors to modify the negative effects of drought stress.
Materials and Methods: A factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with four replications on chickpea seeds of Arman cultivar in the Plant Sciences Research Institute of the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in 2019. Seeds were primed with concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg L-1 titanium dioxide for 24 hours. The seeds were cultured in sterilized Petri dishes. Drought stress was applied using polyethylene glycol 6000 with 0, -2, -4 and -8 bar osmotic potentials.
Results: The analysis of variance results showed that the interaction effect of drought stress and titanium dioxide nanoparticles was significant on germination rate, the number of normal seedlings, seed vigor index, germination index, length of seedling, radicle length, and radicle dry weight. All germination traits were inhibited as a result of drought stress. On the other hand, the presence of titanium dioxide nanoparticles partially decreased this inhibition in some traits. Germination percentage, germination rate, normal seedling percentage, seed vigor index, germination index, epicotyl length, radicle length and radicle dry weight decreased as a result of stress.
Conclusion: At all drought stress levels, the concentration of titanium dioxide nanoparticles up to 20 mg L-1 significantly improved traits such as germination percentage, seed vigor index, epicotyl length, and epicotyl dry weight. It seems that nanoparticles can stimulate cell activity and increase the transformation of reserves to translocatable material and consequently, improve germination characteristics. Thus, the application of titanium dioxide nanoparticles up to a concentration of 20 mg L-1 can partially reduce the negative effects of drought stress on the germination characteristics of chickpeas.
Highlights:
1- Germination percentage and seed vigor index of chickpea increased with the application of titanium dioxide nanoparticles up to 20 mg l-1 at all drought stress levels.
2- The radicle length and dry weight of chickpea increased by titanium dioxide nanoparticles.
3- The negative effects of drought stress on chickpea seed germination decreased by titanium dioxide nanoparticles.
Farhad Ghasemi Aghbash, Iman Pazhouhan, Zahra Rostami,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (9-2022)
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: Iranian oak has the largest forest habitat in the country and has a high position in terms of economy and protection. Recent studies have confirmed the positive effects of carbon nanotubes on the germination and organ growth of herbaceous and woody species. Nanotechnology is an evolving field in all periods of human life and various research is done to use nanomaterials in different fields. Nanotechnology can provide a good medium for the production of plants with suitable characteristics or provide better growth conditions for plants. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of carbon nanotube treatments, calcium chloride 1% and potassium nitrate 1% on the germination traits of Iranian oak seed (Quercus brantii Lindl).
Materials and Methods: Treatments included carbon nanotubes at five levels (concentrations of 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/l) for six hours, 1% calcium chloride for 48 hours, potassium nitrate for hours 24 hours and control treatment, which were primed without using any materials and germination traits were tested on them.
Results: According to the results, carbon nanotubes affected germination traits, so that Iranian oak seeds at a concentration of 75 mg/l had the highest germination percentage and rate, and primed seeds with a concentration of 100 mg/l had the highest mean germination time. The lowest germination percentage, speed and mean germination time were related to control seeds.
Conclusion: The results showed that carbon nanotubes with 75 mg/l had the most positive effect on germination traits. Therefore, from an economic point of view, the use of this concentration is recommended for priming oak seeds.
Highlights:
- The germination characteristics of Iranian oak seeds were investigated using carbon nanotubes.
- The effect of osmopriming and nanopriming on the germination of Iranian oak seeds was compared.
Mohammad Mehrabi Kooshki, Ali Moradi, Hamidreza Balouchi, Roya Behboud, Hojatollah Latifmanesh,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (9-2022)
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: Pulses are among the best sources of plant protein and important components of crop rotation, which in recent years, have been considered one of the major options for plant research. Seed storage is one of the important traits in legume breeding. Storage temperature, seed moisture content, and storage duration are the most important factors affecting seed quality during storage. Inappropriate storage conditions lead to deterioration and reduction of seed quality during storage, which is severely affected by the environmental conditions of storage.
Materials and Methods: This research was conducted at the Seed Technology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Yasouj University in 2014 as a three-way factorial based on the completely randomized design with 5 replications of 20 seeds. Seeds with moisture content at 5 levels (6, 10, 14, 18, and 22%) and storage temperature at 4 levels (15, 25, 35 and 45 °C) were stored for 9 months (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240 and 270 days). After sampling at the end of each month, a standard seed germination test was done using the pleated paper method in a germinator at 25 °C for 10 days. Also, an electrical conductivity test of the electrolytes leaked from the seeds incubated for 24h in water at 20 ˚C was done with 4 replicates. Some germination attributes and electrical conductivity of the electrolytes leaked from the seeds were measured according to standard methods.
Results: According to the results, interaction effects of storage temperature, seed moisture content, and storage duration on germination indices and electrical conductivity of bean seeds were significant (P<0.1). The germination trend during storage at 15 °C and seed moisture content of 6% decreased from 94% to 81% after 270 days of storage, so that germination decreased to 35% under similar moisture content after 270 days of storage as temperature increased from 15 to 45 °C. As the storage time passed, electrical conductivity increased and this increase was more pronounced at higher temperatures. Viability constants were calculated 9 months after storage using the seed viability equation, in which KE, CH, CW, and CQ were calculated -5.39697, 0.03201, 2.13041, and 0.000017, respectively.
Conclusions: The results showed that the electrical conductivity of the leaked material increased with increasing storage temperature and seed moisture content, which led to lower viability of seeds. At 15 °C and 6% seed moisture content provided better conditions for seed survival during the 9-month storage time compared with all other temperatures and moistures and had the lowest rate of deterioration. The results showed that with increasing seed temperature and moisture so that they had to lowest electrical conductivity of the leaked material from seeds and deterioration rate.
Highlights:
1- Over storage duration, the electrical conductivity of materials leaked from seeds increased.
2- With increasing moisture content up to 22% and storage temperature up to 45 °C, the electrical conductivity of the material leaked from seeds increased.
3- Bean seed viability coefficients were calculated to evaluate seed viability under controlled storage conditions.
Zahra Heidari Sureshjani, Ghasem Karimzadeh, Sajad Rashidi Monfared,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (9-2022)
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: St. John’s wort is one of the most amazing and medicinal plants of interest worldwide, which is nowadays known as a certain cure for depression. However, the presence of dormancy and low seed germination is a barrier to the progress of its breeding programs. Despite the richness of the plant’s genetic resources, there are only a few studies reported on its propagation and maintenance in Iran, most of which do not mention the geographical origin of the used seeds or explants. The current study was carried out aiming to evaluate in vitro plant propagation of eight Iranian endemic populations of St. John’s wort seeds which belonged to different geographical origins, emphasizing seed dormancy phenomena.
Materials and Methods: Following the collection of eight populations of St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) seeds from different geographical regions of Iran, the Murashige and Skoog culture media (common salt mixture as a control, MS improved with gibberellic acid and a modified combination of MS) was used in an effort to investigate the effect of culture medium as well as seed collection locations on the germination percentage of these populations.
Results: The results showed that the interaction between the seed collection locations and the culture medium on seed germination was significant at P<0.01. Besides, the effect of changing culture media on seed germination was significant in all populations at P<0.01, except for Meshkin-Shahr. In other words, the seeds collected from Meshkin-Shahr germinated easily as well as notably under in vitro conditions (97.3% on average), and there was no need either to modify the combination of MS medium or to use gibberellic acid for seed dormancy elimination. The seeds originated from Challus and Peresk had the lowest germination in the control medium (22.3%, on average). Seeds from Challus and Saqqez had better germination in the media enriched with gibberellic acid compared to the control and the modified MS media (88% and 65%, respectively). However, less than half of the Parvar seeds germinated in the MS medium improved with GA3, compared to the control. Cultivation of seeds obtained from Fereydunkenar in common MS medium also led to better germination than using GA3 and modifying the combination of medium with 95% and 99% confidence levels, respectively.
Conclusion: The results of the current study demonstrated that the observed difference in seed germination percentage is remarkable in the Iranian endemic St. John’s wort populations under in vitro conditions. Moreover, the variation among national populations was significant. Besides, the response of the seed populations originating from different locations varied with respect to the changes in the culture medium and in the different cases. This shows the considerable effect of the growth location of the maternal plant on the characteristics of the next generation seeds, especially the way they germinate. Hence, it is very important to pay attention to the seed’s origins in the studies and it is investigable.
Highlights:
- This is the first report on the in vitro seed dormancy elimination in the eight Iranian St. John’s wort populations.
- It was for the first time bringing up the geographical origins of seeds in the national germination studies on the St. John’s wort.
- It is a quite new method to use a modified combination of MS medium for seed dormancy elimination in the St. John’s wort.
Khadijeh Sourazar, Mohammad Sedghi, Raouf Seyed Sharifi,
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.
Elham Latifinia, Hamid Reza Eisvand,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (9-2022)
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: Structural and physiological delicacy of soybean seeds is known as an important quality indicator in the cultivation of this plant, but at the same time, the most chronic problems of soybean seed quality are the reduction of seed quality during storage and before sowing. The effect of some nutrients on the quality of soybean seeds under accelerated aging stress was investigated
Materials and Methods: Experiments were conducted for two consecutive years (2019-2020) in the research field of Lorestan University, Faculty of Agriculture in a randomized complete block design. Nutritional treatments included nitrogen and phosphorus application (as soil application) and iron and molybdenum as foliar application. Seeds were harvested at the maturity stage and 1000-grain weight and seed coat resistance to mechanical damage was investigated. Following the exposure of seeds to accelerated aging, leakage from seeds and germination were measured.
Results: The results showed that nutrition had a significant effect on all studied traits. However, the effect of year was only significant on 1000-seed weight and resistance to mechanical damage of seed coat. The highest number of traits related to seed quality was related to complete fertilizer treatment (N-P-Fe-Mo) and accelerated aging had a less negative effect on them.
Conclusion: Among the nutrients, nitrogen and phosphorus had the most effect on germination indices, and iron and molybdenum were in the next ranks. Seeds with strong vigor and treated with fertilizer were less affected by accelerated aging and had better germination. The lower the seed vigor, the more sensitive they were to this stress.
Highlights
- The effect of soybean nutrition on seed quality traits was investigated under the accelerated aging test.
- The effects of macro- and micro- nutrients on the germination and quality of soybean seeds were investigated.
Mohsen Malek, Farshid Hassani, Enayat Rezvani Khorshidi, Ali Shayanfar, Bita Oskoee, Abbas Dehshiri,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (9-2022)
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: Galbanum is one of the most important native medicinal plants in Iran, and nowadays the use of its products and derivatives has become widespread in various industries. Thus, the excessive harvest of this species within its natural habitats has increased. Therefore, the species is enlisted as prone to extinction. Due to the lack of information about germination behavior and dormancy alleviating or breaking methods of Galbanum seeds, less attention has been paid to this plant species by seed science researchers. Hence, this study was designed and performed to investigate the effects of different treatments on Galbanum seed dormancy-breaking.
Materials and Methods: In this study, two Galbanum seed populations were collected from Boyer-Ahmad pastures (Iran, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province) and Pakan Bazr Isfahan Company (Iran). Seeds were exposed to a cold stratification test for 120 days and germinability and dormancy breaking responses were studied. Also, seed drying effects on germinability after exposure to stratification treatment were investigated to evaluate the practical aspects of this treatment. The impacts of different hormonal pre-treatments including gibberellic acid (GA3) and cytokines (Kinetin, 6-Benzylaminopurine) at different concentrations on germination and dormancy behaviors were investigated so as to assess the effect of these treatments on seed dormancy breaking.
Results: Results showed that germination/dormancy behaviors of Galbanum populations were different and also the effect of different treatments on seeds germination and dormancy varied. An increase in germination was observed when stratification was applied for up to 60 days on two seed populations, thereafter germination decreased by prolonged stratification. Also, it was revealed that desiccation of the treated seeds after stratification reduced seed germination. Examining the cause of this issue revealed that the most important reason for the decrease in seed germination in long periods of stratification was the germination of seeds in the stratification bed and in other words, the difference in seed dormancy levels in different stratification periods. Seed germination behavior and dormancy breaking were improved significantly in both Galbanum populations when the different concentration of gibberellic acid and cytokinins was used.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicated the existence of different levels of seed dormancy in different Galbanum populations. It was also found that cold stratification and hormonal pre-treatment of seeds can be significantly effective in seed dormancy breaking. Eventually, it was concluded that Galbanum seed dormancy was classified as semi-deep and deep morphological dormancy due to the effects of different treatments.
Highlights:
- The effect of cold stratification treatments over long periods was investigated on Galbanum seed germination behaviors for the first time.
- The desiccation of treated seeds under different cold stratification periods was studied on the germinability of Galbanum seeds for the first time.
- AUC (Area under the curve) index was introduced as a practical index in seed dormancy breaking comparison for the first time in domestic research.
Amin Salehi, Yaghoub Behzadi, Raham Mohtashami, Nasrin Niknam,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (3-2023)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is an annual oilseed crop that is adapted to arid and semi-arid regions and is considered an indigenous plant of Iran. Germination and seedling stage in the soil is one of the most important stages in the life cycle of plants. High germination rate and percentage increase the number of seedlings and the rapid successful establishment of seedlings in the soil also contributes to the suitable vegetative growth of the seedlings in later stages of life. Therefore, evaluation of germination indices and seedling establishment in the soil and finding more suitable conditions to improve these indices can have a direct impact on more successful plant cultivation. One of the methods used in this regard is priming.
Materials and Methods: In order to study the effect of plant growth-promoting bacteria and temperature treatments on germination indices and seedling growth of the safflower, this investigation was conducted based on a completely randomized block design with three replications at the Agricultural Research Laboratory of Yasouj University in 2016. Experimental factors were seven levels of temperature treatments (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35°C) and seed priming with three strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens such as Pf 2, Pf 25 and CHA 0 and one strain of Bacillus subtilis and control (without inoculation).
Results: The results showed that 20°C temperature caused the highest germination percentage, germination rate and vigor length. Also, seeds inoculated with Pseudomonas fluorescens growth-promoting bacteria strain CHA0 had the highest germination percentage (68.74), germination rate (3.49 seeds per day) and vigor length vigor (6.22). Seedling length, dry weight and vigor weight were the other parameters that showed the best results at 20 and 25°C. Also, germination and seedling growth indices decreased by an increase or decrease in the optimum temperature. The use of plant growth-promoting bacteria causes increased activity of ascorbate and catalase enzymes, which leads to a decrease in injuries related to non-optimum temperature and improved germination indices.
Conclusion: According to our results, to accelerate the germination rate and other parameters, it is better to inoculate seeds with bacteria strains CHA0 and 25 in the temperature range of 20-25°C.
Highlights:
- The germination behaviour of safflower primed with bacteria varies at different temperatures.
- Seeds inoculated with Pseudomonas fluorescens growth-promoting bacteria of CHA0 strain had better germination conditions.
Using the 20-25°C temperature improves germination indices.
Haniyeh Saadat, Mohammad Sedghi, Raouf Seyed Sharifi, Salim Farzaneh,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (3-2023)
Abstract
Introduction: Today, population growth has placed a significant burden on global agricultural resources. As a result, meeting global food demand and increasing farmers' incomes has become a challenging task. Salinity is one of the most harmful factors in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world that influences crop production. Seed priming is a technology by which seeds are physiologically and biochemically prepared for germination before being placed in their bed and exposed to the ecological conditions of the environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the effect of chitosan on bean germination indices under salt stress.
Materials and Methods: The experiment was conducted as factorial based on a completely randomized design with four replications in a row (tube or sandwich culture) between filter paper at the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili in 2021. Treatments included four salinity levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 Mm) and four chitosan levels (0, 25, 50, and 75% by weight volume), all of which had been dissolved in 1% acetic acid. The studied traits included germination coefficient, allometric coefficient, daily germination rate, mean daily germination, seedling length and weight index, radicle length, plumule length, seedling length, radicle fresh and dry weight, plumule fresh and dry weight and residual dry weight. Data analysis was performed using the SAS 9.2 software and Duncan's test at p<0.05 probability level was used for mean comparison.
Results: The results showed that salinity stress decreased allometric coefficient (AC), seedling length vigor index (SLVI), radicle and seedling length (RL and SL), and radicle fresh and dry weight (RFW and RDW) and increased daily germination rate (DGS) and residual dry weight (RDW). Seed pretreatment with chitosan increased AC, SLVI, RL, SL, RFW, and RDW. The comparison of the means showed that there was a significant difference between the levels of chitosan so that the highest number of traits was obtained from the use of 75% chitosan and the lowest was obtained from the chitosan-free treatment. SLVI, SL, and RDW in 75% chitosan pre-treatment were higher at about 31, 26, and 27% compared to the control (priming with distilled water), respectively. The highest AC was observed in priming with 50% chitosan. Comparison of the mean for salinity stress also showed that the highest and lowest values of the measured traits respectively were obtained from the application of 0 and 150 Mm salinity levels. Also, with increasing salinity, chitosan increased germination coefficient (GC), seedling weight vigor index (SWVI), plumule length (PL), and plumule fresh and dry weight (PFW and PDW).
Conclusions: The results of this study show that among the different treatments, pre-treatment of seeds with 75 % Chitosan may be considered an effective way to improve seed germination of bean. It also can reduce the harmful effects of salinity stress on some traits in bean seedlings and improve seedling growth. Also, pretreatment with distilled water is an easy, low-cost and effective way to increase bean seedling germination and growth indices. Farmers can use this method for fast germination and better seedling growth under salt stress conditions.
Highlights:
- The effect of different concentrations of chitosan on the germination of bean seeds was investigated.
- Priming with chitosan increased the allometric coefficient, seedling length vigor index, radicle and seedling length, and radicle fresh and dry weight.
- A suitable method for reducing the harmful effects of salinity and increasing germination indicators of beans was introduced.
Bahman Fazeli-Nasab, Hamideh Khajeh, Ramin Piri, Zahra Moradian,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (3-2023)
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: Lallemantia royleana is an annual herbaceous plant of Lamiaceae family in different parts of Europe, the Middle East, and especially Iran. Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. is a plant of the legume family. A common feature between these two plants is hydrocolloid gums, which stabilize some food emulsions by absorbing water and increasing the viscosity or forming a gel in the aqueous phase. Due to its diverse and rich vegetation, Iran can produce countless types of plant gums, and many seeds such as Lallemantia royleana and Cyamopsis tetragonoloba contain valuable gums. Considering the important therapeutic and industrial applications of C. tetragonoloba and L. royleanaplants and the need for more information and reports on determining the best humic acid level and salt stress tolerance of these plants, the purpose of this research is to investigate the tolerance of two L. royleana and C. tetragonoloba plants to salinity stress in the germination stage and the initial stages of the growth of two plants under the humic acid application.
Materials and Methods: The experiment was carried out as factorial in a completely randomized design with three replications at the seed laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture of Zabol University in 1400. In this experiment, salinity stress was investigated using sodium chloride at control (no salinity), 70, 140, 210 mM levels and humic acid at (0, 40, 80, and 120 mg/L) levels. Humic acid solution at different salinity levels was added to each petri dish containing 25 seeds.
Results: The results showed that salinity stress decreased germination percentage, radicle length, plumule length, seedling length and seedling dry weight of C. tetragonoloba. In this plant, the germination percentage decreased by 35.34% compared to the control as the salinity stress level increased to 210 mM, and with the increase of the stress to more than 140 mM, a significant decrease in the germination percentage was observed. The maximum plumule length of L. royleanaplants was obtained in 70 mM salinity treatment and 40 mg/L fertilizer level. The maximum radicle length in the L. royleanaplants plant was obtained in the treatment of 40 mg/L of humic acid at a 70 mM salinity stress level. Also, the results showed that the maximum radicle length (1.46 cm) in the C. tetragonoloba plant was related to humic acid pretreatment at 70 and 140 mM salinity and fertilizer levels of 40 and 80 mg/L.
Conclusion: In general, it can be stated that the germination indices significantly decreased under stress conditions, and this indicates that humic acid is a suitable pretreatment that can improve the growth indices of C. tetragonoloba and L. royleanaplants under stressed and non-stressed conditions. With the application of humic acid at all salinity levels except 210 mM, the germination indices in the two mentioned plants were in a favorable condition.
Highlight:
1- The salinity stress tolerance threshold was studied in Cyamopsis tetragonoloba and Lallemantia plants.
2- Humic acid fertilizer in this study mitigated the destructive effects of salinity stress in Cyamopsis tetragonoloba and Lallemantia plants.
Marzieh Besharati-Far, Gholamrez Khajoei-Nejad, Enayatollah Tohidi-Nejad, Jalal Ghanbari,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (3-2023)
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: The application of different physical, chemical, and hormonal treatments mainly improves the germination of plants such as Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss that have a seed dormancy mechanism. However, the interaction effects of germination, temperature, pretreatment with sulfuric acid, treatment with gibberellic acid and mycorrhiza on D. kotschyi germination have not been studied. Therefore, this experiment was performed in vitro to study the effect of seed pretreatment on improvement of germination characteristics of D. kotschyi seed.
Materials and Methods: The treatments studied in this experiment included (1) pretreatment of seed coat with sulfuric acid (97-95 %, for 10 min) and non-pretreatment (distilled water); (2) different treatments including treatments with concentrations of 0, 250, and 500 mg L-1 gibberellic acid (GA) or inoculation with mycorrhiza suspension in two separate experiments; and (3) two temperature treatments; room and refrigerator (about 4 °C) temperatures. The experiment was performed as a factorial based on a completely randomized design with four replications and different germination and initial seedling growth indices were examined.
Results: Gibberellic acid application at room temperature resulted in a significant increase in germination percentage and rate, whereas there was no significant difference between different levels of gibberellic acid and control at 4 °C. Similarly, the application of 250 mg L-1 GA improved seedling length and seedling vigor index at room temperature. While pretreatment with sulfuric acid significantly reduced germination and seedling growth indices compared to non-pretreatment, inoculation with mycorrhiza suspension in both pretreatment conditions compensated the germination reduction caused by sulfuric acid pretreatment by improving germination. Similarly, while the highest seedling length and vigor were obtained from mycorrhizal treatment at room temperature in non-pretreatment with sulfuric acid, at 4 ° C, inoculation with mycorrhiza also significantly reduced the loss in seedling length and seedling vigor index caused by sulfuric acid application.
Conclusion: According to the findings, it seems that the application of 250 mg L-1 GA at room temperature can be considered to improve the germination trend of D. kotschyi. Also, according to the results, treatment with mycorrhiza in sulfuric acid-free treatment at room temperature can be recommended as optimal conditions to improve the germination of D. kotschyi.
Highlights:
1- The interaction effect of chemical pretreatment with biological and hormonal treatments on the germination of Dracocephalum kotschyi was investigated.
2- The application of gibberellic acid at room temperature improved germination compared to the control, whereas it had no effect on germination at 4 °C.
3- Application of mycorrhiza reduced germination loss caused by pretreatment with sulfuric acid and led to maximum germination and seedling growth.