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Vahid Mohasseli, Mahmood Izadi, Mohammad Hadi Roohian,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (3-2023)
Volume 9, Issue 2 (3-2023)
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: Lentil is a dicot, annual, and cross-pollinating plant that is found mainly in Fars, Khuzestan and East Azerbaijan provinces. The seeds of the plant are used in the treatment of cholesterol and blood sugar. Abiotic stresses such as salinity are important factors in reducing plant growth and yield. Although salinity can remarkably affect plant growth, its intensity depends on duration, type, plant species and growth stage. The greatest effect of salinity during the germination process is on germination rate and percentage and radicle and plumule length, as the increased concentration of ions in Therefore, studying of plant germination under salt stress and application of compounds such as salicylic acid to improve plant tolerance to salinity in saline areas can serve as a guideline for the cultivation of plants under such conditions. Therefore, this research aimed to study the effect of salicylic acid on the germination and growth parameters of Securigera securidaca L. under salinity conditions.
Materials and Methods: The experiment was conducted as a factorial in a completely randomized design with three replications under the germinator conditions in the laboratory of Fars Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center. Experimental treatments consisted of 5 levels of salinity stress (0, -0.3, -0.6, -0.9 and -1.2 MPa) and 3 levels of salicylic acid (0, 1 and 2 mM). The seeds were soaked in the treatments for 24h. At the end of the experiment (8 days), germination percentage and rate, seed vigor index, and fresh and dry weight of radicle and plumule were measured and calculated.
Results: The results showed that all plant responses were affected by different osmotic potentials at p<0.01 compared with the control. The highest germination percentage was 91.11 under stress-free conditions and the application of salicylic acid at 1 mM. During the comparison of means for salicylic acid, the highest mean plumule length (10.88 mm) was related to 1 mM salicylic acid solution and the lowest (6.35 mm) was for control treatment, which showed an increase of 71.34%. Also, soaking seeds with salicylic acid caused an 84.98% increase in root fresh weight. An increase in salinity led to 96.30 and 94.62% decrease in radicle and plumule dry weights, respectively.
Conclusions: The study showed that soaking seeds with salicylic acid improved germination under salt stress conditions. Therefore, seed placement in salicylic acid solution (1 Mm) prior to cultivation can be used to improve the germination of Securigera securidaca L. under salinity conditions.
Highlights:
1- The most suitable concentration of salicylic acid for seeds soaking to increase plant tolerance to salinity stress is 1 mM.
2- Soaking of Securigera securidaca L. seeds in salicylic acid increases germination, seed vigor index and radicle and plumule length and weight under saline and non-saline conditions.
Safiye Arab, Mehdi Baradaran Firouzabadi, Ahmad Gholami, Mostafa Haydari,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (3-2023)
Volume 9, Issue 2 (3-2023)
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: Seed aging is a phenomenon that occurs during the life of any seed. Changes that occur during aging affect seed quality. Through the process of aging, seed vigor is the first trait of the seed quality that decreases, followed by a decrease in germination capacity, seedling growth and establishment. Hence, one way to stimulate germination and increase the establishment of seedlings from aging seeds is seed pre-treatment using different materials such as brown seaweed extract. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of seaweed extract pretreatment on germination traits and heterotrophic growth of un-aged and aged soybean seeds.
Materials and Methods: The experiment was designed and implemented at a laboratory in the faculty of agriculture of Shahrood University of Technology in 2019. Treatments included seed aging at two levels (un-aged seeds and aged seeds) and pretreatment with seaweed extract at seven levels (zero, distilled water, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 %). The experiment was carried out as a factorial in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications in the germinator environment. The seeds were aged by being placed at 41°C and 95% relative humidity for 72 hours. Seed pretreatment seaweed extract was done for 6 hours in accordance with the principles of seed aeration.
Results: Aging reduced germination percentage and germination rate, allometric growth ratio, seedling length vigor index, seed reserves use efficiency and seed vigor index. Malondialdehyde content and electrical conductivity of aged seeds were 37.68% and 38.32% higher than un-aged seeds respectively. Seed pretreatment with 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% of seaweed extract significantly increased germination rate, germination index and seed reserves use efficiency. Slicing interactions of aging and seaweed extract showed that seed pretreatment with 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% of seaweed extract significantly increased germination rate and germination index in un-age seeds. Pretreatment of aged seeds with 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% seaweed extract increased germination percentage by 8.73%, 8% and 15% compared to the control (aged seeds without pretreatment), respectively. The use of distilled water and all levels of seaweed extract in this study increased the seed vigor index and decreased the electrical conductivity. The amount of malondialdehyde in aged seeds was reduced by using all levels of seaweed extract. The use of 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5% of the extract increased the amount of seed reserves use rate and fraction of seed reserves mobilization in aged seeds.
Conclusions: Finally, in the scope of this research between the concentrations used, the concentration of 0.3% seaweed extract was better than the others. It can also be suggested that the use of seaweed extract as a seed pretreatment improves the effects of seed aging on soybeans.
Highlights:
1-The effect of pretreatment with seaweed extract with concentrations of 0.1 to 0.5% on un-aged and aged soybean seeds was investigated for the first time.
2-Using a concentration of 0.3% seaweed extract for the pretreatment of soybean seeds was introduced as the best concentration.
3- Seaweed extract was introduced as an important antioxidant to improve physiological traits in soybean seeds.
Introduction: Seed aging is a phenomenon that occurs during the life of any seed. Changes that occur during aging affect seed quality. Through the process of aging, seed vigor is the first trait of the seed quality that decreases, followed by a decrease in germination capacity, seedling growth and establishment. Hence, one way to stimulate germination and increase the establishment of seedlings from aging seeds is seed pre-treatment using different materials such as brown seaweed extract. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of seaweed extract pretreatment on germination traits and heterotrophic growth of un-aged and aged soybean seeds.
Materials and Methods: The experiment was designed and implemented at a laboratory in the faculty of agriculture of Shahrood University of Technology in 2019. Treatments included seed aging at two levels (un-aged seeds and aged seeds) and pretreatment with seaweed extract at seven levels (zero, distilled water, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 %). The experiment was carried out as a factorial in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications in the germinator environment. The seeds were aged by being placed at 41°C and 95% relative humidity for 72 hours. Seed pretreatment seaweed extract was done for 6 hours in accordance with the principles of seed aeration.
Results: Aging reduced germination percentage and germination rate, allometric growth ratio, seedling length vigor index, seed reserves use efficiency and seed vigor index. Malondialdehyde content and electrical conductivity of aged seeds were 37.68% and 38.32% higher than un-aged seeds respectively. Seed pretreatment with 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% of seaweed extract significantly increased germination rate, germination index and seed reserves use efficiency. Slicing interactions of aging and seaweed extract showed that seed pretreatment with 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% of seaweed extract significantly increased germination rate and germination index in un-age seeds. Pretreatment of aged seeds with 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% seaweed extract increased germination percentage by 8.73%, 8% and 15% compared to the control (aged seeds without pretreatment), respectively. The use of distilled water and all levels of seaweed extract in this study increased the seed vigor index and decreased the electrical conductivity. The amount of malondialdehyde in aged seeds was reduced by using all levels of seaweed extract. The use of 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5% of the extract increased the amount of seed reserves use rate and fraction of seed reserves mobilization in aged seeds.
Conclusions: Finally, in the scope of this research between the concentrations used, the concentration of 0.3% seaweed extract was better than the others. It can also be suggested that the use of seaweed extract as a seed pretreatment improves the effects of seed aging on soybeans.
Highlights:
1-The effect of pretreatment with seaweed extract with concentrations of 0.1 to 0.5% on un-aged and aged soybean seeds was investigated for the first time.
2-Using a concentration of 0.3% seaweed extract for the pretreatment of soybean seeds was introduced as the best concentration.
3- Seaweed extract was introduced as an important antioxidant to improve physiological traits in soybean seeds.
Arezoo Paravar, Saeideh Maleki Farahani, Alireza Rezazadeh,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (3-2023)
Volume 9, Issue 2 (3-2023)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: Lallemnatia ibercia (Dragon’s head) is an annual herb, which belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Nowadays, its seed is widely used in food and pharmaceutical industries due to its high mucilage and oil content. Soil moisture, nutrition, light, and temperature of the maternal environment play an important role in plant growth. However, the effect of soil moisture on yield and seed quality indices is greater during seed development. The positive effects of maternal plant nutrition with mycorrhizal inoculation can influence the quality improvement of the seeds developed under water deficit conditions. The reason for the quality improvement of the seeds developed under mycorrhizal inoculation condition is reported to be their water balance under water deficit conditions and as a result, more absorption of water and nutrients. Nutrient uptake by the maternal plant can play an important role in improving the germination and quality characteristics of the seeds developed under drought stress.
Materials and Methods: A field experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications at the Seed Science and Technology Laboratory of the College of Agriculture, Shahed University during f 2018-19 and 2019-20 years. Experimental treatments included irrigation regime (30, 60 and 90% of depletion of available soil water (ASW)) and mycorrhizal inoculation (non-inoculation and inoculation).
Results: The results showed that a reduction in soil moisture in the maternal environment decreased germination percentage and seed quality. Germination percentage (51.20%) germination rate (7%), seed vigor index (27.70%), seedling length (28.3%), seedling dry weight (34.80%), seed mucilage (75.40%), as well as seed nutrients (27.30%), seed oil (14.60%) and catalase (35.25%) and ascorbate peroxidase (25.70%) enzymes activities enhanced in the seeds developed under 60% depletion of available soil water and application of mycorrhizal compared to control (30% depletion of available soil water and without mycorrhizal). Compared with the 30% depletion of available soil water and without mycorrhizal, mean germination time (17%) and lipid peroxidation (41.10%) increased under the 90% depletion of available soil water and without fertilizer mycorrhizal.
Conclusions: According to the results of this study, the irrigation regime of 60% available soil water depletion of maternal plants leads to the reduction of seed quality. However, the nutrition of maternal plants by mycorrhizal inoculation effectively improved the quality of seeds developed under water deficit due to the absorption of water and nutrients.
Highlights:
Introduction: Lallemnatia ibercia (Dragon’s head) is an annual herb, which belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Nowadays, its seed is widely used in food and pharmaceutical industries due to its high mucilage and oil content. Soil moisture, nutrition, light, and temperature of the maternal environment play an important role in plant growth. However, the effect of soil moisture on yield and seed quality indices is greater during seed development. The positive effects of maternal plant nutrition with mycorrhizal inoculation can influence the quality improvement of the seeds developed under water deficit conditions. The reason for the quality improvement of the seeds developed under mycorrhizal inoculation condition is reported to be their water balance under water deficit conditions and as a result, more absorption of water and nutrients. Nutrient uptake by the maternal plant can play an important role in improving the germination and quality characteristics of the seeds developed under drought stress.
Materials and Methods: A field experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications at the Seed Science and Technology Laboratory of the College of Agriculture, Shahed University during f 2018-19 and 2019-20 years. Experimental treatments included irrigation regime (30, 60 and 90% of depletion of available soil water (ASW)) and mycorrhizal inoculation (non-inoculation and inoculation).
Results: The results showed that a reduction in soil moisture in the maternal environment decreased germination percentage and seed quality. Germination percentage (51.20%) germination rate (7%), seed vigor index (27.70%), seedling length (28.3%), seedling dry weight (34.80%), seed mucilage (75.40%), as well as seed nutrients (27.30%), seed oil (14.60%) and catalase (35.25%) and ascorbate peroxidase (25.70%) enzymes activities enhanced in the seeds developed under 60% depletion of available soil water and application of mycorrhizal compared to control (30% depletion of available soil water and without mycorrhizal). Compared with the 30% depletion of available soil water and without mycorrhizal, mean germination time (17%) and lipid peroxidation (41.10%) increased under the 90% depletion of available soil water and without fertilizer mycorrhizal.
Conclusions: According to the results of this study, the irrigation regime of 60% available soil water depletion of maternal plants leads to the reduction of seed quality. However, the nutrition of maternal plants by mycorrhizal inoculation effectively improved the quality of seeds developed under water deficit due to the absorption of water and nutrients.
Highlights:
- Germination and seedling growth indices, quality and biochemical characteristics of the Lallemantia iberica seeds developed under different conditions of irrigation regime were investigated.
- The effect of mycorrhiza on nutrient uptake, oil content, and antioxidant enzyme activity of the seeds developed under different irrigation regimes was investigated.
- The extent of damage to the lipid structures of cells in the seeds developed under different irrigation regimes and mycorrhiza fertilizer was investigated.
Hamideh Khalaj,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (9-2023)
Volume 10, Issue 1 (9-2023)
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: Althaea officinalis L. is one of the most important plants of the Malvaceae family which is used in traditional medicine and as a drug to treat the disorders of digestive and respiratory systems. The fresh seeds of Althaea do not have a good growth potential. This experiment was performed to evaluate the different methods of seed dormancy breaking on the improvement of A. officinalis L. seed germination.
Materials and Methods: An experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications at the agricultural laboratory of Payame Noor University Tehran, Shahriar Center in 2017. The experimental treatments included 10 treatments (control, seed coat removal, seed coat removal + gibberellic acid (500 and 1000 ppm), seed coat removal + potassium nitrate (0.1 and 0.2%), seed coat removal + sulfuric acid (30 and 60 minutes), sulfuric acid (30 and 60 minutes).
Results: The results showed that the highest germination index with averages of 433.3 was observed in seed coat removal + 30- minutes of sulfuric acid treatment. The highest germination rate (44.7 seed/day) was observed in seed coat removal + 60-minute sulfuric acid treatment. The highest germination percentage (86.6%) was observed in seed coat removal+ 0.2% potassium nitrate treatment. Also, the highest mean germination time (20.2 day) was observed in both control and seeds coat removal treatments. The highest plumule and seedling length and fresh and dry weight were observed in seed coat removal + 30 and 60- minute sulfuric acid, and seed coat removal +0.2% potassium nitrate treatment, without significant difference. The highest radicle length was obtained in seed coat removal +30- minutes sulfuric acid treatment and seed coat removal + 0.2% potassium nitrate treatments.
Conclusion: Since all three sulfuric acid, potassium nitrate and gibberellic acid treatment along with seed coat removal treatment significantly affect the measured traits compared with control. It may be suggested that A. officinalis L. seed has a type of physical and physiological dormancy and seed dormancy breaking treatments (especially 30- minutes sulfuric acid) can be used to increase germination the fresh seeds of this plant.
Highlights:
Introduction: Althaea officinalis L. is one of the most important plants of the Malvaceae family which is used in traditional medicine and as a drug to treat the disorders of digestive and respiratory systems. The fresh seeds of Althaea do not have a good growth potential. This experiment was performed to evaluate the different methods of seed dormancy breaking on the improvement of A. officinalis L. seed germination.
Materials and Methods: An experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications at the agricultural laboratory of Payame Noor University Tehran, Shahriar Center in 2017. The experimental treatments included 10 treatments (control, seed coat removal, seed coat removal + gibberellic acid (500 and 1000 ppm), seed coat removal + potassium nitrate (0.1 and 0.2%), seed coat removal + sulfuric acid (30 and 60 minutes), sulfuric acid (30 and 60 minutes).
Results: The results showed that the highest germination index with averages of 433.3 was observed in seed coat removal + 30- minutes of sulfuric acid treatment. The highest germination rate (44.7 seed/day) was observed in seed coat removal + 60-minute sulfuric acid treatment. The highest germination percentage (86.6%) was observed in seed coat removal+ 0.2% potassium nitrate treatment. Also, the highest mean germination time (20.2 day) was observed in both control and seeds coat removal treatments. The highest plumule and seedling length and fresh and dry weight were observed in seed coat removal + 30 and 60- minute sulfuric acid, and seed coat removal +0.2% potassium nitrate treatment, without significant difference. The highest radicle length was obtained in seed coat removal +30- minutes sulfuric acid treatment and seed coat removal + 0.2% potassium nitrate treatments.
Conclusion: Since all three sulfuric acid, potassium nitrate and gibberellic acid treatment along with seed coat removal treatment significantly affect the measured traits compared with control. It may be suggested that A. officinalis L. seed has a type of physical and physiological dormancy and seed dormancy breaking treatments (especially 30- minutes sulfuric acid) can be used to increase germination the fresh seeds of this plant.
Highlights:
- In A. officinalis plant, removal of seed coat using chemical treatments is very effective in applying seed dormancy treatments.
Khadijeh Momeni, Ali Moradi, Sohrab Mahmoudi, Hojatollah Latif Manesh,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (9-2023)
Volume 10, Issue 1 (9-2023)
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: Due to the fineness of parsley seeds, several problems may arise, such as the impossibility of using planting machines and the displacement of seeds by water, reduced germination and growth due to increased planting depth or lack of seed establishment in the soil, and consequently, increased seeding rate. Therefore, it is necessary to use methods to increase germination ability and improve the establishment of parsley seeds and seedlings in the soil. This experiment aimed to determine the most effective biopriming and gibberellin treatments for better germination and establishment of parsley seeds.
Materials and Methods: In order to determine the best biopriming and gibberellin priming treatments on germination characteristics and establishment of parsley seed, three experiments with four replications were conducted in the seed science and technology laboratory of Yasouj University in 2015 and 2016. The first biopriming experiment was carried out using growth-stimulating bacteria in a completely randomized design with eight treatments including bacterial isolates Pseudomonas fluorescens strain 21, Bacillus biosobetyl strain, Enterobactercus cloac strain 5, also two and three compounds of these bacteria along with control treatment. The second experiment was carried out with five treatments of Trichoderma harziarum (T36, T39, T42, and T43) isolates with control treatment. Finally, the third experiment was performed as a factorial in a completely randomized design with concentrations of gibberellin hormone (0, 50, 100, and 200 ppm) and prime times (6 and 12 hours). The measured traits were seedling length, seedling dry weight, germination percentage, and seedling length vigor index.
Results: The results showed that the best treatments for the first experiment were biopriming with Enterobacter + pseudomonas, for the second experiment biopriming with T36 fungus strain, and for the third experiment 50 ppm of gibberellin prime for 6 and 12 hours. The results showed that the majority of biopriming and hormone prime treatments improved the quality of parsley seeds so that the germination percentage in control seeds was 70%. This value increased by 31% compared to control treatment following priming with growth-stimulating bacteria (Pseudomonas+ Enterobacter), which showed the highest rate among all treatments applied in this study. The use of 50 ppm of gibberellin priming for 6 and 12 hours increased germination by 19% and 14% compared to the control treatment, respectively.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that biopriming with Pseudomonas + enterobacter had the greatest effect on improving the quality and germination characteristics of parsley seed. In general, biopriming except for T42 fungi, and also gibberellin priming showed improvement in the quality and germination properties of parsley seed.
Highlights:
1. The effects of using biopriming and hormone prime are common, while it is not clear for parsley.
2. Biopriming with Pseudomonas+ enterobacter had the greatest effect on improving the quality and germination characteristics of parsley seeds.
3. Priming with T42 fungus reduced the quality and germination characteristics of parsley seeds.
Introduction: Due to the fineness of parsley seeds, several problems may arise, such as the impossibility of using planting machines and the displacement of seeds by water, reduced germination and growth due to increased planting depth or lack of seed establishment in the soil, and consequently, increased seeding rate. Therefore, it is necessary to use methods to increase germination ability and improve the establishment of parsley seeds and seedlings in the soil. This experiment aimed to determine the most effective biopriming and gibberellin treatments for better germination and establishment of parsley seeds.
Materials and Methods: In order to determine the best biopriming and gibberellin priming treatments on germination characteristics and establishment of parsley seed, three experiments with four replications were conducted in the seed science and technology laboratory of Yasouj University in 2015 and 2016. The first biopriming experiment was carried out using growth-stimulating bacteria in a completely randomized design with eight treatments including bacterial isolates Pseudomonas fluorescens strain 21, Bacillus biosobetyl strain, Enterobactercus cloac strain 5, also two and three compounds of these bacteria along with control treatment. The second experiment was carried out with five treatments of Trichoderma harziarum (T36, T39, T42, and T43) isolates with control treatment. Finally, the third experiment was performed as a factorial in a completely randomized design with concentrations of gibberellin hormone (0, 50, 100, and 200 ppm) and prime times (6 and 12 hours). The measured traits were seedling length, seedling dry weight, germination percentage, and seedling length vigor index.
Results: The results showed that the best treatments for the first experiment were biopriming with Enterobacter + pseudomonas, for the second experiment biopriming with T36 fungus strain, and for the third experiment 50 ppm of gibberellin prime for 6 and 12 hours. The results showed that the majority of biopriming and hormone prime treatments improved the quality of parsley seeds so that the germination percentage in control seeds was 70%. This value increased by 31% compared to control treatment following priming with growth-stimulating bacteria (Pseudomonas+ Enterobacter), which showed the highest rate among all treatments applied in this study. The use of 50 ppm of gibberellin priming for 6 and 12 hours increased germination by 19% and 14% compared to the control treatment, respectively.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that biopriming with Pseudomonas + enterobacter had the greatest effect on improving the quality and germination characteristics of parsley seed. In general, biopriming except for T42 fungi, and also gibberellin priming showed improvement in the quality and germination properties of parsley seed.
Highlights:
1. The effects of using biopriming and hormone prime are common, while it is not clear for parsley.
2. Biopriming with Pseudomonas+ enterobacter had the greatest effect on improving the quality and germination characteristics of parsley seeds.
3. Priming with T42 fungus reduced the quality and germination characteristics of parsley seeds.
Enayat Rezvani Khorshidi, Mohammad Reza Jazayeri, Leila Sadeghi, Mohammad Rahmani, Farshid Hasani, Bita Oskoee, Seied Hosein Jamali, Amirali Karimi,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (9-2023)
Volume 10, Issue 1 (9-2023)
Abstract
Extended Abstract:
Introduction: Production of high-quality seeds to stabilize crop yield is an important challenge for breeders. One of the most important answers to this challenge is to clarify the molecular mechanisms associated with seed vigor characteristics. Functional proteins of Cupin superfamily are among the molecules in signaling pathway. Previous research has shown that in maize, a storage protein similar to the functional Cupin superfamily protein called ZmGLP is effective in seed germination. However, in the previous experiments, suitable indicators were not used to assess seed vigor and its relationship with field establishment. So, it is needed to study the performance of ZmGLP in predicting field emergence to complete the previous research.
Materials and Methods: An experiment was performed on 14 samples of commercial inbred maize lines. In this experiment, in addition to the laboratory evaluation of seed germination, field indices of physiological seed quality including the percentage of seedling emergence in the field, time to 50% seedling emergence, time to 90% seedling emergence, seedling dry weight, seedling height and coefficient of variation of seedling height was also assessed. In the polymerase chain reaction, two pairs of primers (CF / CR primers and IDF / IDR primers) were used to identify the DNA sequence of the Cupin.
Results: The results show that the seeds were different in terms of physiological quality. The lowest percentage of germination in laboratory was related to K1264/1, while the lowest physiological quality of seeds in field indices was observed in K1263/17. The molecular test confirmed the presence of the desired allele at the InDel9 site of vigor-related genes in the three samples of B73, K1264/1, and K1264/5-1, but no amplification band of the InDel9 site was observed in all K1263/17 seed samples. Due to the fact that line K1264/1, which had the lowest germination percentage in the laboratory, had an amplification band at this related site to vigor, it is not enough to rely on the results of the laboratory germination test to investigate the relationship between this gene and seed vigor. The field emergence test and seed vigor test that have a good prediction of field emergence must be used in these studies.
Conclusions: According to the results of this experiment, molecular tests with functional markers based on Indel9 can be used to accelerate the evaluation of vigor, especially when the breeder is breeding a new line or hybrid. It is a useful, rapid, and effective molecular method to predict seed emergence in the field and screen the lines to ensure the genetic strength of the germination of the lines, especially in the temperate germplasms of corn. Finally, it is necessary to determine the threshold of low vigor during seed quality investigation in different cultivars, and relationship between the presence or absence InDel9 site should be considered in future research.
Highlights:
1- The feasibility of using molecular markers to determine the seed vigor of corn lines in the field was studied and optimized for the first time.
2- The results of physiological quality assessment of seeds in the field for the studies related to the relationship between molecular markers and seed vigor were exploited for the first time.
3- The Indel9 site and molecular markers related to seed vigor in the field were introduced.
Introduction: Production of high-quality seeds to stabilize crop yield is an important challenge for breeders. One of the most important answers to this challenge is to clarify the molecular mechanisms associated with seed vigor characteristics. Functional proteins of Cupin superfamily are among the molecules in signaling pathway. Previous research has shown that in maize, a storage protein similar to the functional Cupin superfamily protein called ZmGLP is effective in seed germination. However, in the previous experiments, suitable indicators were not used to assess seed vigor and its relationship with field establishment. So, it is needed to study the performance of ZmGLP in predicting field emergence to complete the previous research.
Materials and Methods: An experiment was performed on 14 samples of commercial inbred maize lines. In this experiment, in addition to the laboratory evaluation of seed germination, field indices of physiological seed quality including the percentage of seedling emergence in the field, time to 50% seedling emergence, time to 90% seedling emergence, seedling dry weight, seedling height and coefficient of variation of seedling height was also assessed. In the polymerase chain reaction, two pairs of primers (CF / CR primers and IDF / IDR primers) were used to identify the DNA sequence of the Cupin.
Results: The results show that the seeds were different in terms of physiological quality. The lowest percentage of germination in laboratory was related to K1264/1, while the lowest physiological quality of seeds in field indices was observed in K1263/17. The molecular test confirmed the presence of the desired allele at the InDel9 site of vigor-related genes in the three samples of B73, K1264/1, and K1264/5-1, but no amplification band of the InDel9 site was observed in all K1263/17 seed samples. Due to the fact that line K1264/1, which had the lowest germination percentage in the laboratory, had an amplification band at this related site to vigor, it is not enough to rely on the results of the laboratory germination test to investigate the relationship between this gene and seed vigor. The field emergence test and seed vigor test that have a good prediction of field emergence must be used in these studies.
Conclusions: According to the results of this experiment, molecular tests with functional markers based on Indel9 can be used to accelerate the evaluation of vigor, especially when the breeder is breeding a new line or hybrid. It is a useful, rapid, and effective molecular method to predict seed emergence in the field and screen the lines to ensure the genetic strength of the germination of the lines, especially in the temperate germplasms of corn. Finally, it is necessary to determine the threshold of low vigor during seed quality investigation in different cultivars, and relationship between the presence or absence InDel9 site should be considered in future research.
Highlights:
1- The feasibility of using molecular markers to determine the seed vigor of corn lines in the field was studied and optimized for the first time.
2- The results of physiological quality assessment of seeds in the field for the studies related to the relationship between molecular markers and seed vigor were exploited for the first time.
3- The Indel9 site and molecular markers related to seed vigor in the field were introduced.
Bijan Shadkam, Mohammed Hussain Gharineh, Amin Lotfi Jalalabadi, Seyed Amir Mousavi,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (9-2023)
Volume 10, Issue 1 (9-2023)
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: Salinity stress is one of the important damaging factors for seed germination which interrupts the uptake of some nutrients by lowering soil water potential and causing ion toxicity due to salt accumulation inside the seeds. Since hyssop seeds are sensitive to salinity stress in the early stages of seed germination, it is necessary to investigate seed enhancement methods to improve seed germination in this species under saline conditions. In this research, the effects of seed priming using iron were studied on hyssop seed germination characteristics under salinity stress conditions.
Material and Methods: This research was conducted as two separate factorial experiments in complete random design with three replications. The treatments included five levels of iron nano-chelate and micro-chelate (zero, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg /l) and six levels of salinity (zero, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mM) and two priming durations. It included 12 and 24-hours.
Results: The results showed that with the increase in salinity, the germination characteristics declined so at 200 mM of salinity, seedling growth declined significantly and ceased completely at 250 mM level. Application of iron micro-chelate under non-stress conditions did not have any positive effect on hyssop germination, and the use of distilled water for 12 hours worked better than iron nano-chelate. No significant difference was observed among the different concentrations in micro-iron treatment. Application of nano and micro chelate at 100 and 150 mM salinity stress had a stronger effect so that nano iron chelate concentrations of 200 mg/L for 12 hours and 100 and 200 mg per liter concentrations of iron micro chelate had the highest germination, seedling growth, and seed germination in 24 hours. The amount of soluble protein and peroxidase and catalase activity increased at 50 mg/L salinity but decreased at higher salinities. Also, pretreatment of seeds with an iron micro-chelate and nano iron chelate concentration of 200 mg/liter intensified this process.
Conclusion: Conclusion: The results of this study showed that seed germination of hyssop is highly declined due to salinity stress, so the seedlings were unable to grow at a salinity concentration of 200 mg/L. Moreover, germination does not occur at 250 mg/liter salinity. Also, seed pretreatment of this plant is not justifiable under non-stress and mild stress conditions, and pretreatment with iron chelate had negative effects and was ineffective at best. However, iron chelate application at high salinity levels- especially in the nanoscale with a concentration of 200 mg/liter for 12 hours- is effective in reducing the effect of salinity.
Highlights:
1- The role of the iron element was investigated by seed pretreatment method to alleviate the negative effects of salinity stress on hyssop seed germination characteristics.
2- The nanotechnology used in the production of iron fertilizer and its effect on improving the germination characteristics of hyssop under salinity stress were investigated.
Introduction: Salinity stress is one of the important damaging factors for seed germination which interrupts the uptake of some nutrients by lowering soil water potential and causing ion toxicity due to salt accumulation inside the seeds. Since hyssop seeds are sensitive to salinity stress in the early stages of seed germination, it is necessary to investigate seed enhancement methods to improve seed germination in this species under saline conditions. In this research, the effects of seed priming using iron were studied on hyssop seed germination characteristics under salinity stress conditions.
Material and Methods: This research was conducted as two separate factorial experiments in complete random design with three replications. The treatments included five levels of iron nano-chelate and micro-chelate (zero, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg /l) and six levels of salinity (zero, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mM) and two priming durations. It included 12 and 24-hours.
Results: The results showed that with the increase in salinity, the germination characteristics declined so at 200 mM of salinity, seedling growth declined significantly and ceased completely at 250 mM level. Application of iron micro-chelate under non-stress conditions did not have any positive effect on hyssop germination, and the use of distilled water for 12 hours worked better than iron nano-chelate. No significant difference was observed among the different concentrations in micro-iron treatment. Application of nano and micro chelate at 100 and 150 mM salinity stress had a stronger effect so that nano iron chelate concentrations of 200 mg/L for 12 hours and 100 and 200 mg per liter concentrations of iron micro chelate had the highest germination, seedling growth, and seed germination in 24 hours. The amount of soluble protein and peroxidase and catalase activity increased at 50 mg/L salinity but decreased at higher salinities. Also, pretreatment of seeds with an iron micro-chelate and nano iron chelate concentration of 200 mg/liter intensified this process.
Conclusion: Conclusion: The results of this study showed that seed germination of hyssop is highly declined due to salinity stress, so the seedlings were unable to grow at a salinity concentration of 200 mg/L. Moreover, germination does not occur at 250 mg/liter salinity. Also, seed pretreatment of this plant is not justifiable under non-stress and mild stress conditions, and pretreatment with iron chelate had negative effects and was ineffective at best. However, iron chelate application at high salinity levels- especially in the nanoscale with a concentration of 200 mg/liter for 12 hours- is effective in reducing the effect of salinity.
Highlights:
1- The role of the iron element was investigated by seed pretreatment method to alleviate the negative effects of salinity stress on hyssop seed germination characteristics.
2- The nanotechnology used in the production of iron fertilizer and its effect on improving the germination characteristics of hyssop under salinity stress were investigated.
Marziyeh Ababaf, Heshmat Omidi, Abdolmehdi Bakhshandeh,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (9-2023)
Volume 10, Issue 1 (9-2023)
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: Various strategies have been used to improve growth and productivity of crops through genetic approach, genetic engineering, and breeding. However, economic feasibility and ease of use can pave the way for the application of priming techniques as "stress relievers" in agricultural production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of priming Catharanthus roseus seed with phytohormones of salicylic acid and Jasmonic acid under drought stress to reduce the effect of water limitation during the germination.
Materials and Methods: Two separate studies were conducted as a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replications at the Laboratory of Seed Science and Technology of Shahed University, Tehran. In the first experiment, treatments included priming in two levels of SA (0.5 and 1mM) and priming duration in two levels (24 and 48 hours), and drought stress with polyethylene glycol 6000 in 6 levels (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 Mpa). In the second experiment, treatments included JA (10 µM), priming duration in two levels (12, and 24 hours) and drought stress in levels six (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 Mpa). Dry seeds (without pretreatment) were considered as control.
Results: In this study, drought stress treatments -1.5 and -2 Mpa in the first experiment and -1, -1.5 and -2 Mpa in the second one had no germination. Seed priming with SA and JA improved the percentage of seed germination so that in the first experiment, the highest percentage of germination (97.33) was observed under stress-free conditions with the application of 0.5 mM salicylic acid for 48 hours, which was 12.2% higher than the control treatment. 0.5 Mm of SA treatment with 24 hours of priming showed the highest percentage of germination under drought stresses of -0.1 and -0.5 Mpa. However, under drought stress conditions of -1 Mpa, 0.5 mM SA+48 hours treatment was superior compared to other treatments of salicylic acid and time. In the second experiment, the highest percentage of germination (98.3) was in the concentration of 10 μM jasmonic acid during 24 hours of priming under stress-free conditions, which showed an increase of 40.4% compared to the control treatment.
Conclusion: The results of the present study showed the importance of salicylic acid and jasmonic acid during seed germination stage under drought stress. Seed priming with salicylic acid alleviated the damages caused by drought stress on germination and growth. The process of adaptation to stress started by jasmonic acid can be attributed to pretreatment with jasmonic acid before applying drought stress.
Highlights:
Introduction: Various strategies have been used to improve growth and productivity of crops through genetic approach, genetic engineering, and breeding. However, economic feasibility and ease of use can pave the way for the application of priming techniques as "stress relievers" in agricultural production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of priming Catharanthus roseus seed with phytohormones of salicylic acid and Jasmonic acid under drought stress to reduce the effect of water limitation during the germination.
Materials and Methods: Two separate studies were conducted as a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replications at the Laboratory of Seed Science and Technology of Shahed University, Tehran. In the first experiment, treatments included priming in two levels of SA (0.5 and 1mM) and priming duration in two levels (24 and 48 hours), and drought stress with polyethylene glycol 6000 in 6 levels (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 Mpa). In the second experiment, treatments included JA (10 µM), priming duration in two levels (12, and 24 hours) and drought stress in levels six (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 Mpa). Dry seeds (without pretreatment) were considered as control.
Results: In this study, drought stress treatments -1.5 and -2 Mpa in the first experiment and -1, -1.5 and -2 Mpa in the second one had no germination. Seed priming with SA and JA improved the percentage of seed germination so that in the first experiment, the highest percentage of germination (97.33) was observed under stress-free conditions with the application of 0.5 mM salicylic acid for 48 hours, which was 12.2% higher than the control treatment. 0.5 Mm of SA treatment with 24 hours of priming showed the highest percentage of germination under drought stresses of -0.1 and -0.5 Mpa. However, under drought stress conditions of -1 Mpa, 0.5 mM SA+48 hours treatment was superior compared to other treatments of salicylic acid and time. In the second experiment, the highest percentage of germination (98.3) was in the concentration of 10 μM jasmonic acid during 24 hours of priming under stress-free conditions, which showed an increase of 40.4% compared to the control treatment.
Conclusion: The results of the present study showed the importance of salicylic acid and jasmonic acid during seed germination stage under drought stress. Seed priming with salicylic acid alleviated the damages caused by drought stress on germination and growth. The process of adaptation to stress started by jasmonic acid can be attributed to pretreatment with jasmonic acid before applying drought stress.
Highlights:
- The effect of priming Catharanthus roseus seeds with salicylic acid and jasmonic acid phytohormones on the germination characteristics of seeds under drought stress was investigated.
- Priming Catharanthus roseus seeds with salicylic acid improved the germination percentage and characteristics of seeds under drought stress.
Haniyeh Saadat, Mohammad Sedghi, Raouf Seyed Sharifi, Salim Farzaneh,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (2-2024)
Volume 10, Issue 2 (2-2024)
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: At present, the drastic increase in population has created an additional burden on the world's agricultural resources. As a result, meeting global food demand and increasing farmers' incomes has become a challenging task. Salinity is one of the abiotic stresses that strongly affect the germination, growth, and yield of crops. Seed priming is a simple technology that hydrates seeds to the point where the metabolic activity for germination is initiated without radicle emergence. In fact, the seeds are physiologically and biochemically prepared to germinate before being placed in their bed and exposed to environmental conditions. This research was conducted to investigate the effect of seed priming with chitosan on germination indices and biochemical traits of beans under salt stress.
Materials and Methods: This experiment was conducted at the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili in 2021 as a factorial in the form of a completely randomized design with four repetitions. The treatments included four levels of salinity (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM) and four levels of chitosan (0, 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75% w/v), all of which were dissolved in 1% acetic acid.
Results: The results showed that salinity stress decreased germination percentage (GP), peak value (PV), and germination value (GV). However, seed priming with different levels of chitosan, especially 0.75% chitosan, improved GP, PV, and GV by 7, 21, and 17%, respectively, compared to the control. Proline content and polyphenol oxidase enzyme activity went up with increasing salinity. However, the application of chitosan 0.75% increased these traits by 34% and 43%, respectively, compared to the control (priming with distilled water). Electrolyte leakage in priming with 0.75% chitosan decreased by 31% compared to the control, which indicates the maintenance of the cell membrane stability. The content of soluble sugars in the treatment with 0.75% chitosan and 150 mM salinity showed an increase of about 78% compared to the control. The highest correlation among traits was observed between peak value and germination coefficient (r2=0.99) and between proline and polyphenol oxidase enzyme (r2=0.92).
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 germination indices and biochemical characteristics of beans and it can be used as a treatment to deal with salinity conditions in bean seedlings and improve their seedling growth.
Highlights:
Introduction: At present, the drastic increase in population has created an additional burden on the world's agricultural resources. As a result, meeting global food demand and increasing farmers' incomes has become a challenging task. Salinity is one of the abiotic stresses that strongly affect the germination, growth, and yield of crops. Seed priming is a simple technology that hydrates seeds to the point where the metabolic activity for germination is initiated without radicle emergence. In fact, the seeds are physiologically and biochemically prepared to germinate before being placed in their bed and exposed to environmental conditions. This research was conducted to investigate the effect of seed priming with chitosan on germination indices and biochemical traits of beans under salt stress.
Materials and Methods: This experiment was conducted at the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili in 2021 as a factorial in the form of a completely randomized design with four repetitions. The treatments included four levels of salinity (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM) and four levels of chitosan (0, 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75% w/v), all of which were dissolved in 1% acetic acid.
Results: The results showed that salinity stress decreased germination percentage (GP), peak value (PV), and germination value (GV). However, seed priming with different levels of chitosan, especially 0.75% chitosan, improved GP, PV, and GV by 7, 21, and 17%, respectively, compared to the control. Proline content and polyphenol oxidase enzyme activity went up with increasing salinity. However, the application of chitosan 0.75% increased these traits by 34% and 43%, respectively, compared to the control (priming with distilled water). Electrolyte leakage in priming with 0.75% chitosan decreased by 31% compared to the control, which indicates the maintenance of the cell membrane stability. The content of soluble sugars in the treatment with 0.75% chitosan and 150 mM salinity showed an increase of about 78% compared to the control. The highest correlation among traits was observed between peak value and germination coefficient (r2=0.99) and between proline and polyphenol oxidase enzyme (r2=0.92).
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 germination indices and biochemical characteristics of beans and it can be used as a treatment to deal with salinity conditions in bean seedlings and improve their seedling growth.
Highlights:
- Seed priming using chitosan improved germination indices of common bean seeds under salt stress.
- Priming with chitosan increased proline and polyphenol oxidase enzyme.
- A chitosan concentration of 0.75 V/W showed a better effect on germination indices and biochemical characteristics.
- Priming with chitosan can be a suitable method to mitigate the negative effects of salinity, increase germination indices, and improve the biochemical characteristics of beans.
Ahmad Munir Amini, Farshid Ghaderi-Far, Dr Benjamin Torabi, Asieh Siahmargue, Hamid Reza Sadeghipour,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (2-2024)
Volume 10, Issue 2 (2-2024)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: With regard to the ever-growing water deficit in the world, the adoption of the direct-seeded rice cultivation system has been suggested as an alternative to the transplanting method. One of the disadvantages of the direct-seeded method is low and non-uniform germination and emergence due to low seed vigor in rice. Priming is a technique which improves the rate and uniformity of seed germination under these conditions. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of priming treatments on seed germination of different rice cultivars under different temperature conditions using the thermal time model.
Materials and methods: This study was conducted in 2019 at the seed research laboratory of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. In this experiment, germination of primed and non-primed seeds in three rice cultivars (Nada, Anam, and Tolo) was investigated under different temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30, and 35°C). The priming treatments which consisted of control, hydropriming, and osmopriming with different chemicals (potassium chloride 2%, potassium nitrate 1%, calcium chloride 4%, glycine betaine 10 ppm, salicylic acid 10 ppm, and ascorbic acid 10 ppm) were investigated under different temperatures.
Results: The results showed that priming treatments had no significant effect on the seed germination percentage of rice cultivars at different temperatures. The thermal time model based on binomial distribution fitted well to cumulative germination percentages in all priming treatments. Among the parameters of the thermal time model, the greatest priming effect was on the reduction of the thermal coefficient, followed by the reduction of the sigma coefficient, which resulted in the increased rate and uniformity of germination. Priming treatments had no significant effect on base temperature. Also, the responses of rice cultivars to seed priming treatments varied so that in Anam and Neda, priming with calcium chloride but in Tolo, hydropriming was more effective on the model parameters, especially thermal time to 50% of germination.
Conclusion: In general, priming treatments did not affect the base temperature of germination in rice cultivars, but they significantly affected the rate and uniformity of seed germination. As the latter issue is one of the main problems in the direct-seeded rice system, suitable priming treatments for each cultivar can be adopted to increase the rate and uniformity of seed germination and emergence in this system.
Highlights:
Introduction: With regard to the ever-growing water deficit in the world, the adoption of the direct-seeded rice cultivation system has been suggested as an alternative to the transplanting method. One of the disadvantages of the direct-seeded method is low and non-uniform germination and emergence due to low seed vigor in rice. Priming is a technique which improves the rate and uniformity of seed germination under these conditions. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of priming treatments on seed germination of different rice cultivars under different temperature conditions using the thermal time model.
Materials and methods: This study was conducted in 2019 at the seed research laboratory of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. In this experiment, germination of primed and non-primed seeds in three rice cultivars (Nada, Anam, and Tolo) was investigated under different temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30, and 35°C). The priming treatments which consisted of control, hydropriming, and osmopriming with different chemicals (potassium chloride 2%, potassium nitrate 1%, calcium chloride 4%, glycine betaine 10 ppm, salicylic acid 10 ppm, and ascorbic acid 10 ppm) were investigated under different temperatures.
Results: The results showed that priming treatments had no significant effect on the seed germination percentage of rice cultivars at different temperatures. The thermal time model based on binomial distribution fitted well to cumulative germination percentages in all priming treatments. Among the parameters of the thermal time model, the greatest priming effect was on the reduction of the thermal coefficient, followed by the reduction of the sigma coefficient, which resulted in the increased rate and uniformity of germination. Priming treatments had no significant effect on base temperature. Also, the responses of rice cultivars to seed priming treatments varied so that in Anam and Neda, priming with calcium chloride but in Tolo, hydropriming was more effective on the model parameters, especially thermal time to 50% of germination.
Conclusion: In general, priming treatments did not affect the base temperature of germination in rice cultivars, but they significantly affected the rate and uniformity of seed germination. As the latter issue is one of the main problems in the direct-seeded rice system, suitable priming treatments for each cultivar can be adopted to increase the rate and uniformity of seed germination and emergence in this system.
Highlights:
- The thermal time model can be used to select the appropriate priming treatment for improving seed germination components of rice cultivars.
- The responses of rice cultivars to different seed priming treatments were different.
- Priming treatments did not improve the base temperature of seed germination in rice cultivars, but they significantly affected seed germination rate and uniformity.
Abdolhosein Rezaei, Farshid Ghaderi-Far, Hamid Reza Sadeghipour,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (2-2024)
Volume 10, Issue 2 (2-2024)
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: Safflower seeds are rich in unsaturated fatty acids with a high capacity for peroxidation, which have a high potential to reduce germination and seed vigor during the storage period. Therefore, Introducing appropriate methods to preserve or improve their germplasm during storage would be advantageous. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of seed priming on germination and vigor of safflower seeds (Sofeh and Sina cultivars).
Materials and Methods: A three-factor experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications before and after artificial deterioration. The experimental factors included controlled deterioration of seeds at 45°C in six levels (no deterioration, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 days) and priming in four levels (no prime, hydropriming, salicylic acid 50 mg/l and sodium chloride 5 percent).
Results: Artificial aging strongly and linearly reduced the germination ability of safflower seeds, and germinability and seed vigor reach zero in a time interval which lasts between 2.5 to 4.5 days (depending on the treatment and the investigated trait). The use of priming prior to artificial aging was more advantageous than priming after artificial aging. In addition, priming with salicylic acid was more useful compared to other priming treatments.
Conclusion: Priming of safflower seeds before storage would result in the extended shelf-life of the stored seeds while also preserving the seed germination potential.
Highlights:
Introduction: Safflower seeds are rich in unsaturated fatty acids with a high capacity for peroxidation, which have a high potential to reduce germination and seed vigor during the storage period. Therefore, Introducing appropriate methods to preserve or improve their germplasm during storage would be advantageous. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of seed priming on germination and vigor of safflower seeds (Sofeh and Sina cultivars).
Materials and Methods: A three-factor experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications before and after artificial deterioration. The experimental factors included controlled deterioration of seeds at 45°C in six levels (no deterioration, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 days) and priming in four levels (no prime, hydropriming, salicylic acid 50 mg/l and sodium chloride 5 percent).
Results: Artificial aging strongly and linearly reduced the germination ability of safflower seeds, and germinability and seed vigor reach zero in a time interval which lasts between 2.5 to 4.5 days (depending on the treatment and the investigated trait). The use of priming prior to artificial aging was more advantageous than priming after artificial aging. In addition, priming with salicylic acid was more useful compared to other priming treatments.
Conclusion: Priming of safflower seeds before storage would result in the extended shelf-life of the stored seeds while also preserving the seed germination potential.
Highlights:
- The effect of priming on germination and vigor of safflower seeds before and after artificial deterioration was compared and investigated.
- The effect of priming before and after artificial deterioration on the improvement of safflower seed quality varied in different cultivars.
Hamideh Javadi, Parvin Salehi Shanjani, Mohammad Dadmand, Masoumeh Ramazani Yeghaneh,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (2-2024)
Volume 10, Issue 2 (2-2024)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: Festuca species are forage grasses that are very important in terms of fodder supply and soil protection. The seeds of these plants have internal dormancy (physiological) and are unable to germinate easily. Therefore, they must be subjected to various treatments to germinate. In nature, this dormancy is broken during the cold period of winter (chilling). The purpose of this research is to investigate different methods of dormancy breaking in Festuca species for large-scale production and accelerate the germination process.
Materials and methods: In this research, three species of Festuca (Festuca arundinacea, F. ovina, and F. rubra) were subjected to different treatments of chilling (4°C, 14 days), osmo-priming with potassium nitrate (KNO3) 1.5% and gibberellic acid 150 and 200 ppm. After 14 days of germination test, various germination indices including percentage and rate of germination, mean germination time, seed vigor index, length of radicle, shoot and seedling, and the ratio of radicle to shoot length were calculated.
Results: The results of the analysis of variance showed a significant difference between species (except for germination percentage and root length traits) and treatments (for all traits). The interactions between the species and treatment were also significant for all traits (except for the length of radicle and seedling). Among the three species, the percentage of germination varied from 26.67 to 30.67% and the value of the germination rate varied from 1.92 to 3.31 n/d. The average time required for germination varied from 3.75 to 4.36 days and the seed vigor index varied from 26.74 to 43.02. The radicle length was between 37.22 and 45 mm and the shoot length was between 37.34 and 81.33 mm. Based on principal components analysis (PCA), percentage and rate of germination, seed vigor index, and length of radicle and seedling were introduced as the most important factors in creating diversity in Festuca species. In determining the correlation between traits, a high correlation of 70% was observed between germination percentage, germination rate, and seed vigor index.
Conclusion: Among the three species, Festuca rubra was superior to the other two species by having the highest percentage and rate of germination, seed vigor, radical length, and the shortest time required for germination. Among the applied treatments, 1.5% potassium nitrate (KNO3) with chilling (4°C, for 14 days), had a positive effect on the percentage and rate of germination, radical length, and gibberellic acid (150 ppm) treatment had a positive effect on the length of shoot and seedling. The presence of high germination percentage and rate indicated higher seed vigor.
Highlights:
Introduction: Festuca species are forage grasses that are very important in terms of fodder supply and soil protection. The seeds of these plants have internal dormancy (physiological) and are unable to germinate easily. Therefore, they must be subjected to various treatments to germinate. In nature, this dormancy is broken during the cold period of winter (chilling). The purpose of this research is to investigate different methods of dormancy breaking in Festuca species for large-scale production and accelerate the germination process.
Materials and methods: In this research, three species of Festuca (Festuca arundinacea, F. ovina, and F. rubra) were subjected to different treatments of chilling (4°C, 14 days), osmo-priming with potassium nitrate (KNO3) 1.5% and gibberellic acid 150 and 200 ppm. After 14 days of germination test, various germination indices including percentage and rate of germination, mean germination time, seed vigor index, length of radicle, shoot and seedling, and the ratio of radicle to shoot length were calculated.
Results: The results of the analysis of variance showed a significant difference between species (except for germination percentage and root length traits) and treatments (for all traits). The interactions between the species and treatment were also significant for all traits (except for the length of radicle and seedling). Among the three species, the percentage of germination varied from 26.67 to 30.67% and the value of the germination rate varied from 1.92 to 3.31 n/d. The average time required for germination varied from 3.75 to 4.36 days and the seed vigor index varied from 26.74 to 43.02. The radicle length was between 37.22 and 45 mm and the shoot length was between 37.34 and 81.33 mm. Based on principal components analysis (PCA), percentage and rate of germination, seed vigor index, and length of radicle and seedling were introduced as the most important factors in creating diversity in Festuca species. In determining the correlation between traits, a high correlation of 70% was observed between germination percentage, germination rate, and seed vigor index.
Conclusion: Among the three species, Festuca rubra was superior to the other two species by having the highest percentage and rate of germination, seed vigor, radical length, and the shortest time required for germination. Among the applied treatments, 1.5% potassium nitrate (KNO3) with chilling (4°C, for 14 days), had a positive effect on the percentage and rate of germination, radical length, and gibberellic acid (150 ppm) treatment had a positive effect on the length of shoot and seedling. The presence of high germination percentage and rate indicated higher seed vigor.
Highlights:
- Using potassium nitrate as a pre-treatment of seeds is better than watering seeds with potassium nitrate.
- The effect of osmo-priming (potassium nitrate 1.5%) on the germination characteristics of Festuca seeds is better than hormone priming (Gibberellic acid).
- Pre-treatment with 1.5% potassium nitrate increases the number of germinated seeds, while treatment with 150 ppm gibberellic acid increases seedling length in Festuca seeds.
Shahram Nowrouzieh, Elham Faghani, Ghorbanali Roshani,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (2-2024)
Volume 10, Issue 2 (2-2024)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: Currently, in most countries around the world, cotton seeds are used in delinted form. The fuzzy cotton seed often lead to slower germination, increased susceptibility of seeds and seedlings to pests and diseases, and disrupts mechanized cotton planting. Delinted cotton seeds have numerous advantages, including the possibility of mechanized planting, reduced seed consumption per unit area, faster germination in the soil, and more rapid field emergence of seedlings. Furthermore, delinted seeds are usually free from pathogenic agents, and the seed quality is improved with the availability of gravity separation and removal of broken, lightweight, and hollow seeds. One of the challenges faced by cotton seed delinting factories in Iran that employ acid-based methods is the reduction in the seed germination of the delinted seeds, which poses a challenge to the continued operation of these factories. This research was conducted to investigate the reasons behind the reduction in the viability cotton seeds in a delinting factory, to examine the physiological and mechanical characteristics of seeds at various stages of delinting in the factory.
Materials and methods: Seed sampling was carried out in a delinting factory in two replications. Traits such as seed vigor, germination percentage, ion leakage, seed density and volume, seed aging, level of abrasion and damage to the seed coat, and seed rupture force were studied. Finally, the data were analyzed using SAS, SPSS, and JMP software.
Results: The test results showed that seed sampling from both replications of the factory before centrifuge had the lowest germination percentage, leaf formation percentage, primary root length, primary stem length, dry weight of primary root, and dry weight of primary stem. These traits indicate that during the centrifugation stage, the seeds sustain significant mechanical damage, leading to a reduction in their vigor. The percentage of breakage, ion leakage, ageing, volume and density of seeds in the first repetition showed that these seeds had a lower quality compared to the seeds related to the second repetition. Therefore, different delinting stages in the factory have decreased the seed vigor. As the percentage of breakage and ion leakage increases, the seed rupture force declines non-linearly. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that acid contact with the cotton seed and the centrifugation process caused more mechanical damage to the seeds, leading to a significant reduction in seed rupture force.
Conclusion: The accuracy of operations at all stages of delinting significantly impacts seed quality. The centrifugation stage, the temperature of the dryer cylinders, and the acid neutralization process require greater attention and monitoring. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the duration or concentration of the acid used for delinting in the delinting factory to match the seed condition in order to minimize damage to the seeds.
Highlights:
Introduction: Currently, in most countries around the world, cotton seeds are used in delinted form. The fuzzy cotton seed often lead to slower germination, increased susceptibility of seeds and seedlings to pests and diseases, and disrupts mechanized cotton planting. Delinted cotton seeds have numerous advantages, including the possibility of mechanized planting, reduced seed consumption per unit area, faster germination in the soil, and more rapid field emergence of seedlings. Furthermore, delinted seeds are usually free from pathogenic agents, and the seed quality is improved with the availability of gravity separation and removal of broken, lightweight, and hollow seeds. One of the challenges faced by cotton seed delinting factories in Iran that employ acid-based methods is the reduction in the seed germination of the delinted seeds, which poses a challenge to the continued operation of these factories. This research was conducted to investigate the reasons behind the reduction in the viability cotton seeds in a delinting factory, to examine the physiological and mechanical characteristics of seeds at various stages of delinting in the factory.
Materials and methods: Seed sampling was carried out in a delinting factory in two replications. Traits such as seed vigor, germination percentage, ion leakage, seed density and volume, seed aging, level of abrasion and damage to the seed coat, and seed rupture force were studied. Finally, the data were analyzed using SAS, SPSS, and JMP software.
Results: The test results showed that seed sampling from both replications of the factory before centrifuge had the lowest germination percentage, leaf formation percentage, primary root length, primary stem length, dry weight of primary root, and dry weight of primary stem. These traits indicate that during the centrifugation stage, the seeds sustain significant mechanical damage, leading to a reduction in their vigor. The percentage of breakage, ion leakage, ageing, volume and density of seeds in the first repetition showed that these seeds had a lower quality compared to the seeds related to the second repetition. Therefore, different delinting stages in the factory have decreased the seed vigor. As the percentage of breakage and ion leakage increases, the seed rupture force declines non-linearly. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that acid contact with the cotton seed and the centrifugation process caused more mechanical damage to the seeds, leading to a significant reduction in seed rupture force.
Conclusion: The accuracy of operations at all stages of delinting significantly impacts seed quality. The centrifugation stage, the temperature of the dryer cylinders, and the acid neutralization process require greater attention and monitoring. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the duration or concentration of the acid used for delinting in the delinting factory to match the seed condition in order to minimize damage to the seeds.
Highlights:
- Delinting in the factory causes damage to the seeds, but proper management of temperature and acid concentration mitigates this damage.
- It is necessary to adjust the duration or concentration of the acid used for delinting in the factory to match the seed condition in order to minimize damage to the seeds.
- Managing the acid spray on the seeds and eliminating the centrifugation section in the delinting factory can prevent severe seed damage in this stage, and seed quality can be improved.
- Neutralizing the seeds at the end of the delinting process in the delinting factory results in an increase in the storage of delinted cottonseed.
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.
Mahvash Majdi, Reza Tavakkol Afshari, Hamid Reza Khazaee, Amin Mirshamsi Kakhki,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (2-2024)
Volume 10, Issue 2 (2-2024)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: The effects of temperature increases on the growth of tomato fields are among the obvious results of global warming and are considered an important issue that should be investigated. To maintain and develop the cultivation systems of this crop, a proper understanding of the heat tolerance mechanisms and physiological responses in tomatoes should be achieved. The primary objective of this research is to discover the impact of heat stress on the germination and growth of pollen grains in research tomato germplasms. The researchers' knowledge about the response of different tomato cultivars to abiotic stresses is limited and only the effects of enzymes involved in the response process, heat shock proteins and some hormones have been investigated. The process of detecting heat stress-sensitive stages and their enhancement is facilitated by having a correct understanding of physiological processes.
Materials and methods: The seeds of heat-resistant (LA2661 and LA2662) and -sensitive (LA3911) research cultivars of tomato were used to evaluate the effects of increasing day and night temperatures. The obtained seedlings were grown under optimal temperature conditions (24°C day/18°C night), and after observing the first flower primordium, were incubated in growth chambers to apply daytime heat stress treatments, including temperatures of 28°C, 32°C and 36°C day/18°C night and night stress treatments including temperatures of 28°C, 32°C, and 36°C at night/ 24°C day for 7 days. Pollen grains were then evaluated for their survival, germination, and growth.
Results: The findings of the daytime heat stress tests show that the percentage of survival and germination of pollen grains and growth of pollen tubes of cultivars LA2661, LA2662 and LA3911 decreased as daytime temperature rose from 24°C to 36°C. This reduction is more noticeable for the sensitive cultivar LA3911. Degraded pollen grains increased in the LA3911 cultivar due to heat stress. The survival percentage of pollen grains in all three studied cultivars decreased due to the application of heat stress at night. The resistant cultivars LA2661 and LA2662 had a higher germination percentage compared to the sensitive cultivar LA3911. Pollen grains germination decreased by 50% as a result of increasing the night temperature from 18°C to 36°C. Pollen tube length was reduced in both cultivars and night treatments.
Conclusion: The effects of heat stress in the early stages of flowering when flowers are visible are high, and reproductive stages are very sensitive to high temperatures and affect fertility and processes after insemination, and finally, they lead to yield loss. The daytime temperature increase relative to the natural temperature range (22°C to 24°C) during growth severely impacts the number of pollen grains released from tomato flowers. The number of non-living pollen grains is higher at 36°C day and 32°C and 36°C night temperatures compared to optimal temperature conditions. It appears that the increase in nighttime temperature results in more severe consequences than the increase in daytime temperature.
Highlights:
Introduction: The effects of temperature increases on the growth of tomato fields are among the obvious results of global warming and are considered an important issue that should be investigated. To maintain and develop the cultivation systems of this crop, a proper understanding of the heat tolerance mechanisms and physiological responses in tomatoes should be achieved. The primary objective of this research is to discover the impact of heat stress on the germination and growth of pollen grains in research tomato germplasms. The researchers' knowledge about the response of different tomato cultivars to abiotic stresses is limited and only the effects of enzymes involved in the response process, heat shock proteins and some hormones have been investigated. The process of detecting heat stress-sensitive stages and their enhancement is facilitated by having a correct understanding of physiological processes.
Materials and methods: The seeds of heat-resistant (LA2661 and LA2662) and -sensitive (LA3911) research cultivars of tomato were used to evaluate the effects of increasing day and night temperatures. The obtained seedlings were grown under optimal temperature conditions (24°C day/18°C night), and after observing the first flower primordium, were incubated in growth chambers to apply daytime heat stress treatments, including temperatures of 28°C, 32°C and 36°C day/18°C night and night stress treatments including temperatures of 28°C, 32°C, and 36°C at night/ 24°C day for 7 days. Pollen grains were then evaluated for their survival, germination, and growth.
Results: The findings of the daytime heat stress tests show that the percentage of survival and germination of pollen grains and growth of pollen tubes of cultivars LA2661, LA2662 and LA3911 decreased as daytime temperature rose from 24°C to 36°C. This reduction is more noticeable for the sensitive cultivar LA3911. Degraded pollen grains increased in the LA3911 cultivar due to heat stress. The survival percentage of pollen grains in all three studied cultivars decreased due to the application of heat stress at night. The resistant cultivars LA2661 and LA2662 had a higher germination percentage compared to the sensitive cultivar LA3911. Pollen grains germination decreased by 50% as a result of increasing the night temperature from 18°C to 36°C. Pollen tube length was reduced in both cultivars and night treatments.
Conclusion: The effects of heat stress in the early stages of flowering when flowers are visible are high, and reproductive stages are very sensitive to high temperatures and affect fertility and processes after insemination, and finally, they lead to yield loss. The daytime temperature increase relative to the natural temperature range (22°C to 24°C) during growth severely impacts the number of pollen grains released from tomato flowers. The number of non-living pollen grains is higher at 36°C day and 32°C and 36°C night temperatures compared to optimal temperature conditions. It appears that the increase in nighttime temperature results in more severe consequences than the increase in daytime temperature.
Highlights:
- Night heat stress was assessed as a factor that influences the germination and survival of tomato pollen grains.
- Image analysis was used to measure the length of the pollen tube.
- The effect of thermal stress on pollination was investigated during a specific period of reproductive growth.
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.
Fatemeh Mousavi Nadar, Hamzeh Amiri,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (9-2024)
Volume 11, Issue 1 (9-2024)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: Allelopathy is the same as chemical warfare among plants. Today, global human efforts in agriculture are allocated towards reducing chemical pesticides and introducing new biological methods to control weeds. One of the proposed solutions for weed management is isolating allelochemical compounds from plants and using them as natural herbicides.
Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted to investigate some germination and biochemical properties of the weeds Taraxacum officinale, Achillea millefolium, Rumex acetosa, Althaea officinalis, and Amaranthus retroflexus As affectedby aqueous extract concentrations from the leaves of Thuja orientalis. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with three replications. Aqueous leaf extracts of Thuja orientalis were used at concentrations of 0, 5%, 10%, 20% and 30%.
Results: The results showed that the aqueous leaf extract of Thuja orientalis had a significant effect on all the studied traits, and the highest inhibitory effect was observed at a concentration of 30% of the extract. In Taraxacum officinale, Achillea millefolium, Rumex acetosa, Althaea officinalis, and Amaranthus retroflexus, the germination percentage (93.33%, 88.55%, 48.3.%, 27.36%, and 40.5%), germination rate (100%, 76.36%, 39.28%, 71.72%, and 57.47%), germination coefficient (100%, 77.5%, 39.56%, 70.9%, and 51.47 %), germination index (57.2%, 72.6%, 84.61%, 72.5%, and 85.6%), peak value (67.9%, 48.7%, 61.4%, 70.9%, and 57%), germination value (43.2%, 39%, 46.9%, 53%, and 59.8%), daily germination speed (100%, 77.5%, 39.56%, 70.9% and 56.02%), seed vigor index (69.9%, 92.7%, 97.5%, 93.2%, and 92.1%), and relative water content (53.1%, 38.35%, 35.37%, 37.65%, and 47.1%) decreased compared with the control, while the mean germination time (51.6%, 71.6%, 50.7%, 60.3%, and 60.5%) and ion leakage (24.23%, 15%, 18.33%, 17.3% and 20.23%) increased compared with the control. The results of this study showed that the seeds of Taraxacum officinale were more sensitive to the inhibitory effects of the aqueous leaf extract of Thuja orientalis compared with the seeds of other studied weeds.
Conclusions: Considering the presence of monoterpene compounds such as alpha-pinene, sabinene, beta-phellandrene, and delta-carene, as well as phenolic compounds in Thuja orientalis, it seems that the allelopathic effects of this plant are mainly due to the presence of these secondary metabolites. The significant allelopathic effects of the aqueous leaf extract of Thuja orientalis at high concentrations can make it a potentially effective and environmentally friendly tool in controlling the studied weed species (Taraxacum officinale, Achillea millefolium, Rumex acetosa, Althaea officinalis, Amaranthus retroflexus) in this research.
Highlights:
Introduction: Allelopathy is the same as chemical warfare among plants. Today, global human efforts in agriculture are allocated towards reducing chemical pesticides and introducing new biological methods to control weeds. One of the proposed solutions for weed management is isolating allelochemical compounds from plants and using them as natural herbicides.
Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted to investigate some germination and biochemical properties of the weeds Taraxacum officinale, Achillea millefolium, Rumex acetosa, Althaea officinalis, and Amaranthus retroflexus As affectedby aqueous extract concentrations from the leaves of Thuja orientalis. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with three replications. Aqueous leaf extracts of Thuja orientalis were used at concentrations of 0, 5%, 10%, 20% and 30%.
Results: The results showed that the aqueous leaf extract of Thuja orientalis had a significant effect on all the studied traits, and the highest inhibitory effect was observed at a concentration of 30% of the extract. In Taraxacum officinale, Achillea millefolium, Rumex acetosa, Althaea officinalis, and Amaranthus retroflexus, the germination percentage (93.33%, 88.55%, 48.3.%, 27.36%, and 40.5%), germination rate (100%, 76.36%, 39.28%, 71.72%, and 57.47%), germination coefficient (100%, 77.5%, 39.56%, 70.9%, and 51.47 %), germination index (57.2%, 72.6%, 84.61%, 72.5%, and 85.6%), peak value (67.9%, 48.7%, 61.4%, 70.9%, and 57%), germination value (43.2%, 39%, 46.9%, 53%, and 59.8%), daily germination speed (100%, 77.5%, 39.56%, 70.9% and 56.02%), seed vigor index (69.9%, 92.7%, 97.5%, 93.2%, and 92.1%), and relative water content (53.1%, 38.35%, 35.37%, 37.65%, and 47.1%) decreased compared with the control, while the mean germination time (51.6%, 71.6%, 50.7%, 60.3%, and 60.5%) and ion leakage (24.23%, 15%, 18.33%, 17.3% and 20.23%) increased compared with the control. The results of this study showed that the seeds of Taraxacum officinale were more sensitive to the inhibitory effects of the aqueous leaf extract of Thuja orientalis compared with the seeds of other studied weeds.
Conclusions: Considering the presence of monoterpene compounds such as alpha-pinene, sabinene, beta-phellandrene, and delta-carene, as well as phenolic compounds in Thuja orientalis, it seems that the allelopathic effects of this plant are mainly due to the presence of these secondary metabolites. The significant allelopathic effects of the aqueous leaf extract of Thuja orientalis at high concentrations can make it a potentially effective and environmentally friendly tool in controlling the studied weed species (Taraxacum officinale, Achillea millefolium, Rumex acetosa, Althaea officinalis, Amaranthus retroflexus) in this research.
Highlights:
- Leaf extract of Thuja orientalis has significant allelopathic effects on seed germination of the studied plants.
- Among the studied seeds, the seeds of the Taraxacum officinale plant are more sensitive to the aqueous extract of Thuja orientalis compared with others.
- The aqueous extract of Thuja orientalis leaves led to undesirable effects on the growth and seed germination of the studied plants by damaging cellular membranes.
Arezoo Paravar, En Saeideh Maleki Farahani, En Alireza Rezazadeh,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (9-2024)
Volume 11, Issue 1 (9-2024)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: Production of high-quality seeds is a major concern in the agriculture industry. The lifespan of a seed, which can extend over several decades, is essential for safeguarding the plant's genetic resources. Storage conditions, including seed moisture level, relative humidity, gases (such as oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide), and temperature, are the primary factors that determine seed lifespan. Among these aging treatment, oxygen has the most detrimental effect on seed germination, storage metabolic activities, and enzyme activity of dried seeds. Lalemantia iberica and Lallemantia royleana seeds contain high levels of fatty acids, especially linolenic acid (56-67%), which have significant beneficial effects on health. However, a large number of L. iberica and L. royleana seeds deteriorate due to inadequate storage conditions by most farmers. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of different storage conditions, especially natural and controlled aging, aging with oxygen, and nitrogen on germination, chemical activities, metabolic reserves, and enzymatic activities of dry L. iberica and L. royleana seeds.
Materials and Methods: A factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with four replications was carried out in the seed science laboratory at the Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid University in 2021. The experimental treatments included storage environments (control, natural aging, controlled aging, and aging with oxygen and nitrogen pressure) and plant species (Lallemantia iberica and Lallemantia royleana).
Results: The results indicated that aging with oxygen had the most detrimental impact on the germination rate, seed germination, reservoirs content, and the activity of alpha and beta amylase enzymes, compared with controlled and natural aging in both species. Conversely, the highest levels of electrical conductivity, hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation, and saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were observed in dry seeds stored under oxygen aging conditions. In comparison to artificial aging (controlled aging and oxygen aging), seeds stored under natural aging conditions exhibited the highest germination rate, storage compound content, and α amylase enzyme activity. Throughout the storage process, it was observed that the deterioration rate was higher in the dry seeds of L. iberica compared with L. royleana.
Conclusions: Aging with oxygen can be regarded as a rapid artificial aging method for assessing the longevity of dry seeds. Conversely, the use of low temperature and humidity conditions in natural aging can be considered a practical method for preserving the quality and longevity of seeds. Due to their high content of storage compounds (sucrose, starch, and total sugar content), L. royleana seeds can be stored for extended periods.
Highlights:
Introduction: Production of high-quality seeds is a major concern in the agriculture industry. The lifespan of a seed, which can extend over several decades, is essential for safeguarding the plant's genetic resources. Storage conditions, including seed moisture level, relative humidity, gases (such as oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide), and temperature, are the primary factors that determine seed lifespan. Among these aging treatment, oxygen has the most detrimental effect on seed germination, storage metabolic activities, and enzyme activity of dried seeds. Lalemantia iberica and Lallemantia royleana seeds contain high levels of fatty acids, especially linolenic acid (56-67%), which have significant beneficial effects on health. However, a large number of L. iberica and L. royleana seeds deteriorate due to inadequate storage conditions by most farmers. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of different storage conditions, especially natural and controlled aging, aging with oxygen, and nitrogen on germination, chemical activities, metabolic reserves, and enzymatic activities of dry L. iberica and L. royleana seeds.
Materials and Methods: A factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with four replications was carried out in the seed science laboratory at the Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid University in 2021. The experimental treatments included storage environments (control, natural aging, controlled aging, and aging with oxygen and nitrogen pressure) and plant species (Lallemantia iberica and Lallemantia royleana).
Results: The results indicated that aging with oxygen had the most detrimental impact on the germination rate, seed germination, reservoirs content, and the activity of alpha and beta amylase enzymes, compared with controlled and natural aging in both species. Conversely, the highest levels of electrical conductivity, hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation, and saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were observed in dry seeds stored under oxygen aging conditions. In comparison to artificial aging (controlled aging and oxygen aging), seeds stored under natural aging conditions exhibited the highest germination rate, storage compound content, and α amylase enzyme activity. Throughout the storage process, it was observed that the deterioration rate was higher in the dry seeds of L. iberica compared with L. royleana.
Conclusions: Aging with oxygen can be regarded as a rapid artificial aging method for assessing the longevity of dry seeds. Conversely, the use of low temperature and humidity conditions in natural aging can be considered a practical method for preserving the quality and longevity of seeds. Due to their high content of storage compounds (sucrose, starch, and total sugar content), L. royleana seeds can be stored for extended periods.
Highlights:
- Seed aging led to an increase in biochemical indices such as lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide, and saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.
- The rate of deterioration in dry seeds of L. iberica was higher than those of L. royleana.
- The content of storage compounds and the activity of amylase enzymes were higher in L. royleana seeds compared with L. iberica.
Rozita Kabiri, Mohadeseh Shamsaddin Saied, Babak Hasanzadeh Tajarogh,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (9-2024)
Volume 11, Issue 1 (9-2024)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: Growth, development, and ultimately production of plants are affected by several environmental factors. Drought and salinity are major environmental stresses that have irreparable effects on all stages of germination, plant growth, and the structure and activity of organs. The germination stage and seedling establishment are more sensitive to osmotic and salinity stresses, so it is important to evaluate the germination indices under stress conditions for plant cultivation in dry and saline environments.
Materials and Methods: To investigate the effect of different levels of osmotic and salinity on germination and early growth of camelina (Camelina sativa L.), two experiments were conducted separately in a completely randomized design in the laboratory of Bardsir Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman in 2023. In the first experiment, polyethylene glycol solution (PEG 6000) at -0.2, -0.4, and -0.6 MPa levels was applied to generate the osmotic potential. In the second experiment, NaCl at 50, 100, and 150 mM concentrations was used. In both experiments, distilled water was used to create zero stress (control).
Results: The results showed that mild osmotic (-0.2 MPa) and salinity (50 mM) stresses had no significant adverse effect on seedling establishment. However, increased intensity of osmotic and salinity stresses significantly reduced germination percentage and rate, seedling vigor length index, seedling dry weight, radicle length and dry weight, and plumule length and dry weight, so that drought stress at -0.6 MPa reduced the length and dry weight of the root and the length and dry weight of the plumule by approximately 40.40%, 57.4%, 49.2%, and 53.3% compared with the control, respectively. The highest level of salinity stress (150 mM) caused a decrease of 37.8%, 56.8%, 45.3%, and 55.4% in the length and dry weight of the root and the length and dry weight of the plumule compared with the control, respectively. An increment of MDA content, soluble carbohydrates, and the amount of free amino acids was observed at moderate (-0.4 MPa) and severe (-0.6 MPa) osmotic stress and 100 and 150 mM salinity stress levels.
Conclusions: Since camelina is a new plant in Iran, evaluating the response of this plant to different levels of osmotic and salinity stress during germination and early growth stages of the seedling provides the possibility of its cultivation and development in the dry lands of different regions of the country. It seems that mild drought (-0.2 MPa) and salinity (50 mM) stresses did not have a significant adverse effect on camelina germination indicators, but if the stress level exceeds the plant's tolerance range, it leads to decreased germination traits. Recommending the cultivation of this species requires studying its stability, compatibility, and agroecological characteristics.
Highlights:
Introduction: Growth, development, and ultimately production of plants are affected by several environmental factors. Drought and salinity are major environmental stresses that have irreparable effects on all stages of germination, plant growth, and the structure and activity of organs. The germination stage and seedling establishment are more sensitive to osmotic and salinity stresses, so it is important to evaluate the germination indices under stress conditions for plant cultivation in dry and saline environments.
Materials and Methods: To investigate the effect of different levels of osmotic and salinity on germination and early growth of camelina (Camelina sativa L.), two experiments were conducted separately in a completely randomized design in the laboratory of Bardsir Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman in 2023. In the first experiment, polyethylene glycol solution (PEG 6000) at -0.2, -0.4, and -0.6 MPa levels was applied to generate the osmotic potential. In the second experiment, NaCl at 50, 100, and 150 mM concentrations was used. In both experiments, distilled water was used to create zero stress (control).
Results: The results showed that mild osmotic (-0.2 MPa) and salinity (50 mM) stresses had no significant adverse effect on seedling establishment. However, increased intensity of osmotic and salinity stresses significantly reduced germination percentage and rate, seedling vigor length index, seedling dry weight, radicle length and dry weight, and plumule length and dry weight, so that drought stress at -0.6 MPa reduced the length and dry weight of the root and the length and dry weight of the plumule by approximately 40.40%, 57.4%, 49.2%, and 53.3% compared with the control, respectively. The highest level of salinity stress (150 mM) caused a decrease of 37.8%, 56.8%, 45.3%, and 55.4% in the length and dry weight of the root and the length and dry weight of the plumule compared with the control, respectively. An increment of MDA content, soluble carbohydrates, and the amount of free amino acids was observed at moderate (-0.4 MPa) and severe (-0.6 MPa) osmotic stress and 100 and 150 mM salinity stress levels.
Conclusions: Since camelina is a new plant in Iran, evaluating the response of this plant to different levels of osmotic and salinity stress during germination and early growth stages of the seedling provides the possibility of its cultivation and development in the dry lands of different regions of the country. It seems that mild drought (-0.2 MPa) and salinity (50 mM) stresses did not have a significant adverse effect on camelina germination indicators, but if the stress level exceeds the plant's tolerance range, it leads to decreased germination traits. Recommending the cultivation of this species requires studying its stability, compatibility, and agroecological characteristics.
Highlights:
- Germination characteristics and initial growth of camelina seedlings were investigated under drought and salinity stress conditions.
- The tolerance threshold of camelina seedlings was evaluated to different water potentials and salinity stress.
- The sensitivity of germination components to salinity stress was higher than that of osmotic stress.
Gilla Nazari, Mohammad Sedghi, Raouf Seyed Sharifi,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (9-2024)
Volume 11, Issue 1 (9-2024)
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction: Germination and seedling growth are one of the most important stages of plant growth, which determine the degree of success of agricultural systems in production. Seed deterioration due to storage conditions is a challenge that results in diminished germinability poor seedling establishment, the loss of seed vigor, and finally seed mortality. Thus, it is necessary to use methods to increase seed germinability and enhance seedling establishment. The use of plant hormones is one of the methods that can increase seed germinability and optimal plant growth under seed deterioration conditions. Seed priming with plant hormones is among simple and cheap methods to improve seed germination, accelerate seedling growth and establishment, germination uniformity, and production of vigorous seedlings. The purpose of this experiment is to determine the most effective pretreatments of growth hormones to improve the germination and seedling establishment characteristics of deteriorated triticale seeds.
Materials and Methods: To examine the effect of priming on germination indices and some biochemical traits of deteriorated triticale seeds, a factorial experiment was performed in a completely randomized design with three replications at the Laboratory of Seed Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili in 2023. Treatments included seed deterioration (5%, 15%, and 25%) and priming (no prime, distilled water, cytokinin, spermidine, salicylic acid, and auxin).
Results: The results showed that seed deterioration reduced the germination percentage. Priming reduced the effect of seed deterioration and improved the germination percentage by 36.9%. As seed deterioration increased, radicle length, seedling length, vigor index, protein content, and protease activity decreased, whereas priming mitigated the effect of seed deterioration on these traits. At the lowest level of seed deterioration (25%), priming with auxin increased radicle length, plumule length, protease activity, and seedling length vigor index by 72.07, 62.06, 73.27, and 77.06, respectively, compared with no priming.
Conclusions: In general, it seems that triticale seed priming with auxin can invigorate deteriorated seeds and increase germination and seedling production uniformity.
Highlights:
Introduction: Germination and seedling growth are one of the most important stages of plant growth, which determine the degree of success of agricultural systems in production. Seed deterioration due to storage conditions is a challenge that results in diminished germinability poor seedling establishment, the loss of seed vigor, and finally seed mortality. Thus, it is necessary to use methods to increase seed germinability and enhance seedling establishment. The use of plant hormones is one of the methods that can increase seed germinability and optimal plant growth under seed deterioration conditions. Seed priming with plant hormones is among simple and cheap methods to improve seed germination, accelerate seedling growth and establishment, germination uniformity, and production of vigorous seedlings. The purpose of this experiment is to determine the most effective pretreatments of growth hormones to improve the germination and seedling establishment characteristics of deteriorated triticale seeds.
Materials and Methods: To examine the effect of priming on germination indices and some biochemical traits of deteriorated triticale seeds, a factorial experiment was performed in a completely randomized design with three replications at the Laboratory of Seed Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili in 2023. Treatments included seed deterioration (5%, 15%, and 25%) and priming (no prime, distilled water, cytokinin, spermidine, salicylic acid, and auxin).
Results: The results showed that seed deterioration reduced the germination percentage. Priming reduced the effect of seed deterioration and improved the germination percentage by 36.9%. As seed deterioration increased, radicle length, seedling length, vigor index, protein content, and protease activity decreased, whereas priming mitigated the effect of seed deterioration on these traits. At the lowest level of seed deterioration (25%), priming with auxin increased radicle length, plumule length, protease activity, and seedling length vigor index by 72.07, 62.06, 73.27, and 77.06, respectively, compared with no priming.
Conclusions: In general, it seems that triticale seed priming with auxin can invigorate deteriorated seeds and increase germination and seedling production uniformity.
Highlights:
- Auxin pretreatment had the greatest effect on improving the quality and germination characteristics of deteriorated triticale seeds.
- Effects of using growth regulators pretreatment were investigated in deteriorated triticale seeds.
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Site Keywords
Seed Science and Technology, Seed Physiology, Seed Ecology, Modeling, Seed Health, Germination Characteristics, Seed Dormancy, Seed Ageing, Seed Storage, Seed PrimingVote
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