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Elham Faghani, Mohammad Hossein Razzaghi, Ameneh Sadat Hashemi,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (9-2025)
Volume 12, Issue 1 (9-2025)
Abstract
bjective: Cotton seed quality (Gossypium hirsutum L.), as a fundamental input in crop production, is a determining factor in field establishment, final yield, and fiber production. The aim of this study investigates the crucial role of seed morphological characteristics, particularly seed coat thickness and integrity, as a key factor in determining the seed's physiological vigor and its resilience to seed processing.
Method: This study was conducted as a systematic review. To collect information, searches were performed on reputable scientific databases such as ScienceDirect, Scopus, as well as domestic databases such as SID and Magiran, using keywords such as "cottonseed coat," "seed coat thickness," "seed vigor," "cottonseed processing," and their English equivalents. The search was conducted on articles published between the years 2000 and 2024.
Results: The seed coat possesses dual characteristics; its optimal thickness is essential for creating a balance between protection and function. A thicker seed coat provides better protection for the embryo against mechanical damage, safeguards it during the acid delinting process, reduces ion leakage, and plays a fundamental role in greater resistance to pathogens. Furthermore, this type of coat provides a more suitable physical bed for the formation of higher fiber density. Conversely, an excessively thick seed coat can cause physical dormancy and, by creating a mechanical barrier to radicle emergence, lead to delayed and reduced germination rates. On the other hand, seeds with thinner coats, although exhibiting faster water absorption and germination, are highly vulnerable to chemical and mechanical damage, resulting in the production of seeds with low vigor and reduced storability. Harsh seed processing conditions can lead to the formation of micro-cracks in the seed coat, severely compromising its integrity, which directly causes a reduction in germination percentage and seed vigor.
Conclusions: In general, achieving high-quality cotton seeds requires an integrated management approach. This approach includes selecting cultivars with optimal seed coat morphological characteristics, managing environmental stresses during seed filling, and modifying the seed processing procedure to minimize seed damage. Future breeding programs should adopt a dual strategy that simultaneously selects based on beneficial morphological traits and strong physiological performance to develop resilient cultivars that ensure sustainable cotton production.
Highlights
Method: This study was conducted as a systematic review. To collect information, searches were performed on reputable scientific databases such as ScienceDirect, Scopus, as well as domestic databases such as SID and Magiran, using keywords such as "cottonseed coat," "seed coat thickness," "seed vigor," "cottonseed processing," and their English equivalents. The search was conducted on articles published between the years 2000 and 2024.
Results: The seed coat possesses dual characteristics; its optimal thickness is essential for creating a balance between protection and function. A thicker seed coat provides better protection for the embryo against mechanical damage, safeguards it during the acid delinting process, reduces ion leakage, and plays a fundamental role in greater resistance to pathogens. Furthermore, this type of coat provides a more suitable physical bed for the formation of higher fiber density. Conversely, an excessively thick seed coat can cause physical dormancy and, by creating a mechanical barrier to radicle emergence, lead to delayed and reduced germination rates. On the other hand, seeds with thinner coats, although exhibiting faster water absorption and germination, are highly vulnerable to chemical and mechanical damage, resulting in the production of seeds with low vigor and reduced storability. Harsh seed processing conditions can lead to the formation of micro-cracks in the seed coat, severely compromising its integrity, which directly causes a reduction in germination percentage and seed vigor.
Conclusions: In general, achieving high-quality cotton seeds requires an integrated management approach. This approach includes selecting cultivars with optimal seed coat morphological characteristics, managing environmental stresses during seed filling, and modifying the seed processing procedure to minimize seed damage. Future breeding programs should adopt a dual strategy that simultaneously selects based on beneficial morphological traits and strong physiological performance to develop resilient cultivars that ensure sustainable cotton production.
Highlights
- The cottonseed hull varies among different cultivars.
- The seed hull plays a significant role in achieving seeds with desired vigor.
- In seed processing, the characteristics of the cottonseed hull should be taken into consideration.
Simin Haghanifar, Marjan Diyanat, Aidin Hamidi, Fereidoon Ghasemkhan-Ghajar, Elias Soltani,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (3-2026)
Volume 12, Issue 2 (3-2026)
Abstract
Objective: Given the extent of saline lands worldwide, this study aimed to evaluate the tolerance of Persian Camelthorn (Alhagi camelorum) to salinity stress during germination and early growth stages following seed hardness removal, to promote its cultivation as a forage plant for livestock.
Method: A factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with four replications in 2023 at the Seed Analysis Laboratory of the Seed and Plant Certification and Registration Institute. Factors included: (1) seed population (Gorgan and Mashhad), (2) salinity levels (0, 100, and 200 mM NaCl), and (3) seed hardness removal treatments (immersion in 100°C water for 1 minute and concentrated sulfuric acid for 35 minutes). Germination percentage, mean daily germination time, seedling vigor index, stem length, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured.
Results: Salinity stress significantly reduced germination percentage, as well as stem length. Germination indices differed significantly between control and 200 mM treatments. Increasing salinity decreased mean daily germination in all treatments. The highest salinity level reduced stem length by 65% and 44% in the Mashhad population, and 71% and 64% in the Gorgan population, compared to control, respectively. Treatment with 100°C water and 200 mM salinity increased SOD activity by 56.9% in the Mashhad population and 45.4% in the Gorgan population. Sulfuric acid treatment with 200 mM salinity increased SOD activity by 25.4% and 13.0% in Mashhad and Gorgan populations, respectively.
Conclusions: Sulfuric acid treatment for 35 minutes significantly increased germination percentage in both populations compared to 100°C water treatment. The greater increase in SOD activity in the Mashhad population suggests higher salinity tolerance, making it a suitable candidate for cultivation in saline lands.
Highlights
- Sulfuric acid (35 min) and hot water (100°C, 1 min) effectively broke seed dormancy and improved germination.
- The Mashhad population was more salt-tolerant than the Gorgan population.
- Both populations countered salinity through enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity.
Abohassan Farhang Sardrodi, Malihe Sadeghizadeh, Ali Khatibi, Ghasemali Abdollahi Koshki, Alireza Jamali Kharanjani,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (3-2026)
Volume 12, Issue 2 (3-2026)
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to distinguish early stimulatory effects from inhibitory responses in basil seeds under alkaline stress (sodium carbonate).
Method: An experiment based on completely randomized design was conducted with four Na₂CO₃ levels (0, 5, 15, and 30 mM) and three replications. Germination dynamics were assessed via germination percentage (GP), germination rate (GR), and mean germination time (MGT). Post-germination growth was evaluated using seed vigor index (SVI), biomass allocation (fresh/dry weights), and total biomass index (TBI). Salt tolerance indices (STI) were calculated, and multivariate analyses (correlation heatmap and PCA) were performed.
Results: A clear hormetic response was observed. At 5 mM, TBI reached its maximum (STI.TBI = 2.28), indicating significant growth stimulation. Concentrations above 15 mM caused a sharp decline in all indices. At 30 mM, germination capacity and early growth were severely reduced, along with decreased germination rate and disrupted biomass allocation. PCA explained 97.75% of total variance and clearly differentiated treatments. The heatmap showed a strong correlation (r = 0.962) between germination rate and seedling establishment.
Conclusions: A stimulatory threshold exists at 5 mM Na₂CO₃. The transition from hormesis to toxicity occurs between 5 and 15 mM, reflecting a limited adaptability range for Damavand basil. TBI and PCA-based clustering are reliable indicators for evaluating salt tolerance. These findings emphasize the need for careful soil and water management in alkaline environments.
Highlights
Method: An experiment based on completely randomized design was conducted with four Na₂CO₃ levels (0, 5, 15, and 30 mM) and three replications. Germination dynamics were assessed via germination percentage (GP), germination rate (GR), and mean germination time (MGT). Post-germination growth was evaluated using seed vigor index (SVI), biomass allocation (fresh/dry weights), and total biomass index (TBI). Salt tolerance indices (STI) were calculated, and multivariate analyses (correlation heatmap and PCA) were performed.
Results: A clear hormetic response was observed. At 5 mM, TBI reached its maximum (STI.TBI = 2.28), indicating significant growth stimulation. Concentrations above 15 mM caused a sharp decline in all indices. At 30 mM, germination capacity and early growth were severely reduced, along with decreased germination rate and disrupted biomass allocation. PCA explained 97.75% of total variance and clearly differentiated treatments. The heatmap showed a strong correlation (r = 0.962) between germination rate and seedling establishment.
Conclusions: A stimulatory threshold exists at 5 mM Na₂CO₃. The transition from hormesis to toxicity occurs between 5 and 15 mM, reflecting a limited adaptability range for Damavand basil. TBI and PCA-based clustering are reliable indicators for evaluating salt tolerance. These findings emphasize the need for careful soil and water management in alkaline environments.
Highlights
- Mild sodium carbonate stress (5 mM) stimulated seedling growth in Damavand basil, confirming a hormetic response.
- PCA effectively discriminated stress levels, explaining 97.8% of total variance.
- Total Biomass Index (TBI) was identified as the most reliable indicator of alkaline stress tolerance.
- Severe stress (30 mM) impaired biomass allocation and germination kinetics, leading to poor seedling establishment.
Atefeh Rashidifard, Meisam Rezaei,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (3-2026)
Volume 12, Issue 2 (3-2026)
Abstract
Objective: Salinity is a major abiotic stress reducing crop yield and quality worldwide. This review systematically evaluates the effectiveness of seed priming and coating with humic acid (HA) as a strategy to improve germination, seedling establishment, and plant growth under salt stress.
Method: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in major scientific databases (Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar) using relevant keywords. Studies investigating physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms of HA-mediated salt tolerance through seed priming and coating were reviewed.
Results: Seed priming and coating with humic acid significantly improved germination percentage and rate, increased root and shoot growth, and enhanced chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency under salinity. HA reduced Na⁺accumulation, improved K⁺/Na⁺ ratio, and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, POX). It also promoted ATP production and facilitated uptake of essential nutrients (K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺).
Conclusions: Seed priming and coating with humic acid is an effective, low-cost, and environmentally friendly approach to enhance salt tolerance in crops. It accelerates seedling establishment, stimulates root growth, and reduces oxidative stress by boosting antioxidant enzyme activity. Future research should focus on synergistic effects with other biostimulants across different crops and salinity levels.
Highlights
Method: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in major scientific databases (Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar) using relevant keywords. Studies investigating physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms of HA-mediated salt tolerance through seed priming and coating were reviewed.
Results: Seed priming and coating with humic acid significantly improved germination percentage and rate, increased root and shoot growth, and enhanced chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency under salinity. HA reduced Na⁺accumulation, improved K⁺/Na⁺ ratio, and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, POX). It also promoted ATP production and facilitated uptake of essential nutrients (K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺).
Conclusions: Seed priming and coating with humic acid is an effective, low-cost, and environmentally friendly approach to enhance salt tolerance in crops. It accelerates seedling establishment, stimulates root growth, and reduces oxidative stress by boosting antioxidant enzyme activity. Future research should focus on synergistic effects with other biostimulants across different crops and salinity levels.
Highlights
- Priming and coating seeds with humic acid boosts plant tolerance to salinity stress.
- Humic acid improves soil health and nutrient efficiency sustainably.
- Priming and coating seeds with humic acid is a cost-effective method for boosting crop growth and yield in salt-affected soils.
Zahra Zare Mahmoudabad, Roghayeh Zolfaghari, Payam Fayyaz,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (3-2026)
Volume 12, Issue 2 (3-2026)
Abstract
Objective: The oak forests of the Zagros region, as a valuable ecosystem, have experienced extensive degradation in recent years due to various factors, including climate change and human activities. The rehabilitation of these forests requires the production of resilient, high-quality saplings. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the fungus Trichoderma harzianum as a biological growth-promoting agent on the seed emergence and early growth of Quercus brantii seedlings in order to evaluate its efficacy in improving the growth and physiological parameters of this species under both greenhouse and natural forest conditions.
Method: Seeds collected from mother trees in the Yasouj forest site were planted in pots (under greenhouse conditions) and pits (in the forest), and a biological treatment using a Trichoderma fungal solution was applied to the seeds. Subsequently, emergence, growth, and physiological traits of the seedlings were measured and compared throughout the growing season.
Results: The results showed that under greenhouse conditions, the Trichoderma treatment significantly increased the seed emergence percentage, photosystem performance index (PI), and chlorophyll index compared with the control group. However, no significant differences were observed in other growth traits, such as height, leaf number, and the dry and fresh weights of plant organs. In contrast, under natural forest conditions, the emergence percentage in the control group was significantly higher than in the Trichoderma treatment, and other growth traits showed no significant differences between the two groups. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was observed between physiological indices (such as performance index and chlorophyll) and some growth traits (such as root length and stem dry weight) under greenhouse conditions.
Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that the effect of Trichoderma fungus on Persian oak is complex and depends on environmental conditions (as evidenced by the significant difference between greenhouse and natural forest field conditions) and the host plant species (in comparison with previous studies on other plants). Therefore, conducting long-term field studies with different Trichoderma isolates and concentrations is recommended to achieve more practical results in Zagros restoration programs.
Highlights:
Method: Seeds collected from mother trees in the Yasouj forest site were planted in pots (under greenhouse conditions) and pits (in the forest), and a biological treatment using a Trichoderma fungal solution was applied to the seeds. Subsequently, emergence, growth, and physiological traits of the seedlings were measured and compared throughout the growing season.
Results: The results showed that under greenhouse conditions, the Trichoderma treatment significantly increased the seed emergence percentage, photosystem performance index (PI), and chlorophyll index compared with the control group. However, no significant differences were observed in other growth traits, such as height, leaf number, and the dry and fresh weights of plant organs. In contrast, under natural forest conditions, the emergence percentage in the control group was significantly higher than in the Trichoderma treatment, and other growth traits showed no significant differences between the two groups. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was observed between physiological indices (such as performance index and chlorophyll) and some growth traits (such as root length and stem dry weight) under greenhouse conditions.
Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that the effect of Trichoderma fungus on Persian oak is complex and depends on environmental conditions (as evidenced by the significant difference between greenhouse and natural forest field conditions) and the host plant species (in comparison with previous studies on other plants). Therefore, conducting long-term field studies with different Trichoderma isolates and concentrations is recommended to achieve more practical results in Zagros restoration programs.
Highlights:
- First study on the effect of Trichoderma harzianum on Persian oak (Quercus brantii), addressing a key knowledge gap in Zagros forest restoration.
- Simultaneous greenhouse and field trials revealed environment-dependent effects of Trichoderma, confirming the necessity of field experiments.
- Limited positive and negative effects challenge the belief that Trichoderma is always a growth promoter, emphasizing species-specific and native approaches.
Maryam Hashemvand, Mohammad Sedghi,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (3-2026)
Volume 12, Issue 2 (3-2026)
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of seed priming with silicon on germination and biochemical responses of maize (Zea mays L. SC 704) under different pH levels of the growth medium.
Method: The experiment was conducted as a factorial arrangement within a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Treatments consisted of four priming levels: control (distilled water) and silicon (as sodium silicate) at concentrations of 50, 100, and 150 mg L-1, and three pH levels of the growth medium (5, 6.5, and 8). The measured traits included germination indices (percentage and rate), seedling growth (fresh weight, vigor weight, and length), ion leakage (relative electrolyte leakage, REL), and biochemical indices (activities of α-amylase and protease, soluble sugar content, total protein, and silicon uptake)
Results: Deviation from the optimal pH (6.5) toward acidic (pH 5) or alkaline (pH 8) conditions significantly reduced germination and growth indices while increasing ion leakage. Seed priming with silicon, particularly at 150 mg L-1, markedly mitigated the adverse effects of pH changes. Under acidic conditions (pH 5), this treatment increased germination percentage by 63.19% compared to the non-silicon control at the same pH, reduced relative electrolyte leakage (REL), and significantly enhanced α-amylase and protease activities, soluble sugar content, total protein, and silicon uptake. The interaction between silicon and pH was significant only for germination rate, highlighting the specific role of silicon in accelerating germination under unfavorable pH conditions.
Conclusions: Seed priming with silicon at 150 mg L-1 effectively enhances germination capability and reinforces the physiological and biochemical status of maize seeds under non-optimal pH conditions, particularly acidic stress. This approach holds significant promise for improving field establishment in soils with suboptimal pH.
Highlights
Method: The experiment was conducted as a factorial arrangement within a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Treatments consisted of four priming levels: control (distilled water) and silicon (as sodium silicate) at concentrations of 50, 100, and 150 mg L-1, and three pH levels of the growth medium (5, 6.5, and 8). The measured traits included germination indices (percentage and rate), seedling growth (fresh weight, vigor weight, and length), ion leakage (relative electrolyte leakage, REL), and biochemical indices (activities of α-amylase and protease, soluble sugar content, total protein, and silicon uptake)
Results: Deviation from the optimal pH (6.5) toward acidic (pH 5) or alkaline (pH 8) conditions significantly reduced germination and growth indices while increasing ion leakage. Seed priming with silicon, particularly at 150 mg L-1, markedly mitigated the adverse effects of pH changes. Under acidic conditions (pH 5), this treatment increased germination percentage by 63.19% compared to the non-silicon control at the same pH, reduced relative electrolyte leakage (REL), and significantly enhanced α-amylase and protease activities, soluble sugar content, total protein, and silicon uptake. The interaction between silicon and pH was significant only for germination rate, highlighting the specific role of silicon in accelerating germination under unfavorable pH conditions.
Conclusions: Seed priming with silicon at 150 mg L-1 effectively enhances germination capability and reinforces the physiological and biochemical status of maize seeds under non-optimal pH conditions, particularly acidic stress. This approach holds significant promise for improving field establishment in soils with suboptimal pH.
Highlights
- Silicon priming improved germination, rate and vigor at all pH levels, especially pH 5.
- Silicon (150 mg L-1) reduced electrolyte leakage and membrane damage under pH stress.
- Silicon enhanced α-amylase, protease, soluble sugars and total protein in seedlings.
- Silicon benefits were pH-independent, ensuring robust stress alleviation during germination.
Ramin Zeilabpour, Ali Moradi, Hamidreza Balouchi, Alireza Yadavi, Hojatollah Latifmanesh,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (3-2026)
Volume 12, Issue 2 (3-2026)
Abstract
Objective: Seed aging in oilseeds such as sesame is a major storage challenge, reducing germination quality and seedling vigor. The high-oil cultivar Darab‑1 is highly sensitive to storage conditions (temperature, moisture, and time). In this study, the effects of different Pix concentrations in interaction with temperature, moisture, and storage duration were investigated on germination and biochemical traits of seeds to determine the possibility of improving seed quality stability during storage.
Methods: The experiment was conducted as a four‑factor factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design with three replications. The studied factors were storage temperature (15, 25, and 35°C), seed moisture content (9, 12, and 15%), Pix concentration (0, 3000, and 4500 mg L-1), and storage duration (30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 days). After the storage period, seed physiological traits including germination percentage and rate, root and shoot length, seedling dry weight, vigor index, α‑amylase activity, and electrolyte leakage were measured.
Results: Increasing temperature, moisture, and storage duration accelerated seed aging. After 180 days, electrolyte leakage in control seeds increased from 21.47 to 72.72% when storage temperature rose from 15 to 25°C (at 9% moisture), indicating a 54% increase in membrane leakage, while Pix at 3000 mg/L reduced it by 19–80%. α-amylase activity decreased with seed deterioration, but Pix at 3000 mg/L maintained the highest enzyme activity (15.5 vs. 16.3 nmol seed-1min-1 after 180 days). Germination percentage and rate, seedling length and dry weight, and vigor index also declined with aging; however, Pix treatment, especially at 3000 mg L-1, significantly moderated these reductions.
Conclusions: Storage at high temperature and moisture accelerated sesame seed deterioration, reducing germination and α‑amylase activity while increasing membrane damage. Pix at 3000 mg L-1 was the most effective treatment, maintaining seed vigor and enzyme activity and reducing electrolyte leakage. Therefore, seed treatment with 3000 mg L-1 Pix before storage, especially at 15°C and 9% moisture content, can be recommended as an effective strategy to extend seed longevity and maintain quality during medium term storage.
Highlights:
Methods: The experiment was conducted as a four‑factor factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design with three replications. The studied factors were storage temperature (15, 25, and 35°C), seed moisture content (9, 12, and 15%), Pix concentration (0, 3000, and 4500 mg L-1), and storage duration (30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 days). After the storage period, seed physiological traits including germination percentage and rate, root and shoot length, seedling dry weight, vigor index, α‑amylase activity, and electrolyte leakage were measured.
Results: Increasing temperature, moisture, and storage duration accelerated seed aging. After 180 days, electrolyte leakage in control seeds increased from 21.47 to 72.72% when storage temperature rose from 15 to 25°C (at 9% moisture), indicating a 54% increase in membrane leakage, while Pix at 3000 mg/L reduced it by 19–80%. α-amylase activity decreased with seed deterioration, but Pix at 3000 mg/L maintained the highest enzyme activity (15.5 vs. 16.3 nmol seed-1min-1 after 180 days). Germination percentage and rate, seedling length and dry weight, and vigor index also declined with aging; however, Pix treatment, especially at 3000 mg L-1, significantly moderated these reductions.
Conclusions: Storage at high temperature and moisture accelerated sesame seed deterioration, reducing germination and α‑amylase activity while increasing membrane damage. Pix at 3000 mg L-1 was the most effective treatment, maintaining seed vigor and enzyme activity and reducing electrolyte leakage. Therefore, seed treatment with 3000 mg L-1 Pix before storage, especially at 15°C and 9% moisture content, can be recommended as an effective strategy to extend seed longevity and maintain quality during medium term storage.
Highlights:
- Pix at 3000 mg/L effectively prevented the decline in physiological traits of sesame seeds during storage and maintained germination potential and seed vigor.
- Increased temperature, moisture, and storage duration reduced α‑amylase activity and increased electrolyte leakage, indicating accelerated physiological seed aging.
- Pix treatment improved seed quality under warm and humid storage conditions by reducing electrolyte leakage and enhancing membrane stability, suggesting its practical application for extending seed longevity.
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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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