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Showing 12 results for Amylase

Majid Ghanbari, Seyed Ali Mohammad Modarres-Sanavy, Ali Mokhtassi-Bidgoli,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (9-2018)
Abstract

Extended abstract
Introduction: Indian Cheese Maker, an herbage plant, belongs to potatoes family and grows in areas such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, India and Iran. Given its medicinal properties, Indian Cheese Maker plays an important role in traditional Iranian medicine. Lack of dormancy is one of the most desirable agronomic characteristics of its seeds, which is necessary to achieve the highest amount of germination, emergence and plant establishment. Seed germination capacity of medicinal herbs is typically low, which is due to the presence of seed dormancy in these plants.
Material and Methods: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of disinfection and pre-chilling on germination and enzymatic properties of different Indian cheese maker landraces. The experiment was conducted as a factorial based on a completely randomized design with three replications during 2015-16 at the Laboratory of the Department of Agronomy, Tarbiat Modares University. Two treatments consisting of seeds disinfected at two levels (no application and 30 min with hypochlorite solution 5%), two pre-chilling treatments (no application and 1 week pre-chilling) and four Indian cheese maker landraces (Fanuj, Khash, Saravan and Sarbaz) were the experimental factors. For the purpose of suitable pre-chilling to activate the germination enzymes, the seeds were placed in a coated container, on an aluminum foil with holes in it, without direct contact and close to distilled water at 4 °C. 25 seeds were placed in each sterile petri dish with Watten filter paper 42. Five ml of distilled water was added to each petri. After applying the treatments, the petri dishes were covered with parafilm and were placed in a germinator at 25 °C in the light for 14 days.
Results: The results showed that in the Fanuj, Khash and Saravan landraces, the highest values of final germination percentage, germination rate, mean daily germination and mean time germination were obtained during disinfection of 30 minutes and pre-chilling of one week. However, the Sarbaz landrace showed a reverse trend and indicated the highest values of these traits in non-application of seed disinfection and pre-chilling. In terms of the activity of germination enzymes, the highest values of α and β amylase (0.74 and 0.59 μmol/ml/min) were obtained in the Fanuj landrace with 30-minute disinfection with sodium hypochlorite and one-week pre-chilling.
Conclusion: According to the results, the Fenuj, Khash and Saravan landraces of Indian Cheese Maker showed positive reaction to disinfection with sodium hypochlorite for 30 minutes and pre-cooling for one week. The same treatments increased the properties and activity of germination enzymes. The Sarbaz landrace did not react positively to the treatments applied and reacted negatively in terms of the properties and activity of germination enzymes. The reason for this behavior in the Sarbaz landrace could be attributed to lower annual rainfall, as well as higher temperature, which causes the hardening of the seed’s cover and the increase in the values of germination inhibiting factors, creating seed dormancy, which allows it to survive hot and dry periods. Generally speaking, the use of sodium hypochlorite and pre-chilling can be recommended to break seed dormancy of most Indian Cheese Maker landraces.
 
 
Highlights:
  1. Investigating the effect of mucilage inside the capsule on the inhibition of Indian cheese maker’s germination
  2. Assessing the activation pattern of germination enzymes to break dormancy of Indian cheese maker’s seeds
  3. Investigating the reaction of different Indian cheese maker landraces to dormancy-breaking protocols applied

Mahsa Nazer, Seyed Mohammadreza Ehteshami, Masoumeh Salehi, Ali Kafighasemi,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (9-2019)
Abstract


Extended Abstract
Introduction: Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonolob) which belongs to fabaceae and leguminosae families is self-pollinating and is indigenous to India and Pakistan. This plant is suitable for growth in dry, damp and sandy soils, and can tolerate saline and relatively alkaline soils. Determining the best time for harvesting seeds and its timing with maximum quality is one of the important issues in the field of seed production management. The changes in the physiological quality of seeds occur during development until seed treatment. The use of high-quality seeds plays an important role in the final yield of crops. The purpose of this study was to determine the most suitable time for harvesting seeds because seed moisture content at harvest time is one of the most important factors affecting seed quality.
Materials and Methods: This research was carried out in July 2013 at Iraqi Research Station in Gorgan, Golestan, Iran in a split-plot design with four replications. The treatments consisted of the time of harvesting the seeds from the mother's base in six stages (with different moisture content) and harvesting places (upper, middle, and bottom pods) so that, starting from the podding, every 7 days, the seeds were removed from the base. The mother was harvested and such traits as germination rate, germination percentage, seedling vigor, seed moisture content, and alpha-amylase activity were calculated. In this research, a logistic model was used to study the changes in germination percentage, germination rate, seedling vigor index and straw index during seed dressing on Guar.
Results: The results of this study showed that the hypothesis that seed reaches its maximum quality at the end of the period of seed filling is confirmed, suggesting that with a moisture content of 30 and 14% in late seed filling period, Guar seeds have the highest quality. In general, the results of the present study confirm that the stages of development and management of Guar seeds on maternal basis have an impact on its quality. In the early stages of growth (humidity 85, 80 and 62 percent), due to prematurity and lack of essential seed structures, the qualitative traits of germination percentage, germination rate, seedling vigor, and strawberry index were low, and with the evolution of essential structures and reduced seed moisture content (58, 30 and 14%), the quality traits increased.
Conclusions: In general, it can be concluded that the best timing for harvesting Guar seeds with the highest quality in Golestan province is when seed moisture reaches 14% or 100 days after planting, and the pods formed at the bottom are the ones with the highest quality.
 
 
Highlights:
  1. To investigate the qualitative indices of Guar seed on the mother plant during seed filling period
  2. To determine the best harvest time and its adaptation with the highest quality of Guar seed

Akram Rostamipoor, Ali Mordai, Hamidreza Eisvand,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (3-2020)
Abstract



Extended Abstract
 Introduction: Seed dormancy, as a technique to avoid environmental stress, is important in preserving plant species and could be of various types including physiological, physical, morphological and morph-physiological dormancy. Seed testa hardness is one of the main causes of dormancy in leguminous family plants. A common method for breaking seed dormancy in leguminous plants is the use of scarification treatments. Given that oxygen deficiency is a factor that induces dormancy, scarification treatments through acceleration of gas exchanges, especially oxygen and carbon dioxide, can reduce seed dormancy and finally increase germination percentages. In addition, priming with gibberellic acid can help dormancy breaking in plant species that have physiological dormancy, finally leading to germination. Therefore, the present study investigated seed dormancy and germination to find the most appropriate treatment for the elimination of seed dormancy in three ecotypes of Astragalus cyclophyllus.
Materials and Methods: A factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replications was carried out at Agriculture Laboratory of Lorestan University in 2013. The first factor was three ecotypes of Astragalus Semirom, Damavand and Zanjan, and the second factor was seed dormancy breaking treatments. The applied treatments were: control, (mechanical scarification plus chilling time with 10, 20 and 30 days prechilling at 4°C, mechanical scarification + gibberellic acid at concentrations of 400 and 500 ppm for 48 hours, scarification with sulfuric acid 96% for 2 and 4 min, mechanical scarification and 2% potassium nitrate for 72 h, mechanical scarification and gibberellic acid 400 ppm for 48 h and 20 days prechilling. The measured indices included germination percentage, mean germination time, seedling length, seedling fresh weight, seedling dry weight and alpha-amylase activity.
Results: The results showed that the interactions between seed dormancy breaking treatments and ecotype were significant for all the traits. Based on the results of mean comparison, Damavand ecotype exhibited better performance in terms of most of the traits studied, as compared with Semirom and Zanjan ecotypes. Compared with the treatments applied, mechanical scarification plus gibberellic acid 400 ppm was more effective in germination parameters and seedling vigor index. Mechanical scarification and gibberellic acid 400 ppm for 48 h along with 20 days prechilling increased total germination percentage by an average of 67.68% in Semirom ecotype and was more effective in increasing the activity of α-amylase enzyme.
Conclusion: It seems that seed dormancy of Astragalus cyclophyllus is not of physiological type and increased germination can be due to mechanical scarification in physical dormancy breaking and priming effect of prechilling and gibberellic acid.
 
 
Highlights:

  1. The effect of different dormancy breaking treatments on seed germination was investigated.
  2. Alpha-amylase activity of Astragalus Seed increased under dormancy breaking treatments.

Majid Ghanbari, Ali Mokhtassi-Bidgoli, Kamran Mansour Ghanaei-Pashaki, Soheil Karamniya,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (9-2020)
Abstract



Extended abstract
Introduction: Legumes are the most important source of plant protein and Mung bean has a high nutritional value for humans, as it produces seeds containing high protein percentage. The major problem of salinity in seed germination of higher plants is due to excessive amounts of sodium chloride, osmotic pressure, disruption of nutrient uptake and transport, and direct effects of ionic toxicity on the membrane and enzymatic systems that in turn reduce germination. External use of methyl jasmonate can modulate the effects of various stresses, such as salinity and drought, by increasing the antioxidant activity of the seed. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of methyl jasmonate and salinity stress on germination and enzymatic properties of Mung bean.
Material and Method: This study was conducted as factorial based on a completely randomized design with three replications during 2015-16 at the laboratory of Department of Agronomy, Tarbiat Modares University. The experimental treatments included four methyl jasmonate solution (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM) and four salinity stress levels (0, 2, 4 and 6 dS/m salinity from NaCl). Petri dishes were placed in a germinator at 25 ° C and in full darkness for 14 days. In this experiment, germination rate and percentage, time to reach 50% germination, alpha and beta amylase, catalase and peroxidase were measured.
Results: The results of the experiment showed that the lowest rate of slope and final germination percentage were obtained in 50 and 100 mM solutions of methyl jasmonate. In terms of T50, an increase of 4.7 days was observed per one dS/m increase in salinity stress and the lowest T50 was estimated at a methyl jasmonate solution concentration of 78.68 mM. In terms of the activity of germination enzymes, reduction of 0.031 μmol/ml/min per 1 dS.m increase in salinity stress and the highest amount of α-amylase were estimated 72.6 μmol/ml/min at a methyl jasmonate solution concentration of 73.33 mM. Also, the lowest activity of β-amylase enzyme was 0.79 μmol/ml/min at a concentration of 5.6 dS/m salinity stress and the highest activity of β-amylase enzyme was estimated to be 1.7 μmol/ml/min at a methyl jasmonate solution concentration of 86.67 mM. The highest activity of catalase (25.7 ∆A/mg protein/min) was observed at 14.72 dS/m salinity stress and the lowest activity of catalase enzyme (8.9 ∆A/mg protein/min) was estimated at 5.88 mM methyl jasmonate solution. The highest activity of peroxidase enzyme (22.06 ∆A/mg protein/min) was at 24.3 dS/m salinity stress and the lowest activity of the enzyme peroxidase (2.5 ∆A/ mg protein/min) was determined at a methyl jasmonate solution concentration of 266.66 mM.
Conclusions: In general, pre-treatment of methyl jasmonate can reduce the germination time, increase the rate of germination and reduce the oxidative stress in salt stress conditions by improving the activity of germination enzymes, increasing the activity of enzymes, increasing the activity of hydrolyzing enzymes and increasing the easy availability of seedlings to nutrients during germination.

 
Highlights:
1- Germination rate and percentage and morpho-physiological changes of Mung bean seed as affected by methyl jasmonate were investigated.
2- The role of alpha and beta amylase germination enzymes in accelerating the production of Mungbean seedlings under saline conditions were estimated.
3- Methyl jasmonate- induced catalase and peroxidase enzymes activity in resistance to salinity stress were estimated.

Rahim Tarbali, Ali Asghar Aliloo, Manouchehr Farjami Nejad,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (3-2021)
Abstract

Extended Abstract
Introduction: The weed invasion is one of the main yield-reducing factors in crops. They are potent competitors on vital resources which limits the availability of the resources for crops. Allelopathy is one of the weeds' abilities that commonly with inhibitory influences, affects plant communities' behavior. Therefore, the evaluation of these compounds' effects is important on crop plants. Also, the identification of allelopathic plants and their bioactive compounds can be a suitable approach to weed management. Thus, the aim of this study was the evaluation of the allelopathic potential of C. falcate on germination indices of wheat seeds and the mode of action of the extract on some enzyme activities. Furthermore, secondary metabolites in methanolic root extract were identified and reported.
Materials and methods: Germination and seedling experiments of Triticum aestivum var. Sardary seeds were tested by 0, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% concentrations of C. falcata root extracts based on CRD with four replications at the research laboratory of Maragheh University during 2018-19. Also, the influence of the extract was studied on enzyme activities of alpha-amylase, catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and polyphenol oxidase. Furthermore, chemical compounds of the root methanolic extract identified by GC/MS instruments.
Results: Germination percentage and germination rate decreased significantly with the increase in the concentration of the extract, and germination stopped at concentrations above 15%. The results of seedling growth showed severe inhibitory effects of the extract on radicle and shoot organs of wheat seedlings that associated with reducing of the lengths and weights of the organs, and consequently, the vigor of seedling declined. The extract significantly reduced the activity of alpha-amylase, however, the activities of antioxidant enzymes first increased at low and medium concentrations but at high concentrations, the activities declined. The phytochemical analysis identified 62 compounds in the root of this plant that Octadecatrienal, Dihydro-4H-pyrazolo [3, 4-d] pyrimidin-4-one, Hexadecanoic acid, Hexadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1 (hydroxymethyl) ethyl ester, Isopropyl isothiocyanate, and Cyclohexanone could be effective compounds on seed germination.
Conclusion: C. falcata had a very strong inhibitory effect on the seed viability and seed vigor of the wheat seeds. According to the results, the mode of action of the allelopathic compounds is induced by induction of oxidative stress and inhibition of seed reserves remobilization during germination. The high sensitivity of alpha-amylase activity to allelochemicals was detected in this experiment. The decrease in the activity of all studied enzymes at high concentrations of C. falcata root extract was also significant. Stearic acid and palmitic acid derivatives accounted for about 30% of the compounds, which are very likely to interfere with the activity of the enzymes.

 Highlights:
  1. Allelopathy effects of C. falcata root extract on germination indices of wheat were studied.
  2. Chemical compounds identified were in methanol extract of the plant roots of C. falcate.
  3. Oxidative stress is induced by the allelochemicals of C. falcata.

Majid Ghanbari, Seyed Ali Mohammad Modarres-Sanavy, Ali Mokhtassi-Bidgoli,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (9-2021)
Abstract

Extended Abstract
Introduction: Medicinal herbs are of particular importance in the treatment and prevention of diseases. Indian Cheese Maker has strengthening, liver repair, anti-inflammatory properties and is useful in the treatment of bronchitis, asthma, wounds, neurological disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Evaluation of seed quality as a propagating organ and the most important input for crop production and medicinal products has a special place in seed production, control and certification. Studying germination and biological properties of seeds of medicinal plants and methods of breaking dormancy in them are among basic and primary studies of domestication of medicinal plants. In the meantime, scrubbing with abrasives changes the integrity of the seed shell and allows the seeds to be permeable to water and gases. The researchers stated that the dormancy of seeds containing inhibitory metabolic materials can be reduced by removing the seed shell through mechanical scarification and osmopriming. For this purpose, the effect of scarification and potassium nitrate on germination and enzymatic properties of Indian Cheese Maker was evaluated.
Material and Method: This study was conducted as factorial based on a completely randomized design with three replications during 2015-16 at the laboratory of Department of Agronomy, Tarbiat Modares University. Potassium nitrate solution (0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 mg.l-1 from KNO3), scarification (un-use and scarification with soft sanding) and osmopriming durations (8, 16, 24 and 32 hour) were experimental factors. The experiment was performed on Indian Cheese Maker seeds, landrace of Khash. Petri dishes were placed in a germinator at 25 ° C and in full lighting for 14 days. In this experiment, germination rate and percentage of germination, mean of germination time and daily germination, seed vigority, alpha and beta amylase were measured.
Results: The results of the experiment showed that in scarification, the highest germination percentage (69.47%) was obtained by seed priming at a concentration of 1.5 mg.l-1 potassium nitrate for 19 hours under abrasion. In scarification, germination rate increased at 16 and 32 hour, 0.62 and 1.17 No.day-1 for each mg.l-1 of potassium nitrate. The highest daily mean germination (0.15) was observed at 1.5 mg.l-1 potassium nitrate and 24 hour time and decreased to 8 hours mean germination time (7.39 days) by reducing pretreatment time. Also, the highest mean germination time (9.35 days) was observed in 32 hours pretreatment with potassium nitrate and the highest mean germination time in non-scarification condition (9.13 days) and in scarification condition decreased with mean of germination time (8.04 days). The activity of alpha and beta-amylase germination enzymes was affected by different concentrations of potassium nitrate and scarification and at high concentrations of potassium nitrate the activity of these enzymes decreased.
Conclusions: In general, application of potassium nitrate osmopriming, by improving the activity of germination enzymes and increasing seed germination properties of Indian Cheese Maker, increased the activity of hydrolyzing enzymes in the endosperm of germinated seeds, which reduced the mean germination time, increased germination rate and germination percentage. In general, seed scarification with low concentrations of potassium nitrate at 16 to 24 hours is recommended for breaking seed dormancy of Indian Cheese Maker.

 
Highlights:
  1. Germination rate and percentage of Indian Cheese Maker seed were monitored by osmopriming and scarification.
  2. The role of α and β amylase germination enzymes in accelerating dormancy breaking of Indian Cheese Maker was studied.
  3. Mean time and mean daily germination during the dormancy breaking process of Indian Cheese Maker were estimated.

Mohaddese Heydarzade, Seyed Mohammadreza Ehteshami, Mohammad Rabiee,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (9-2022)
Abstract

Extended Abstract
Introduction: Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) is an annual, dicotyledonous plant of the legume family, also known as cluster beans. This plant can tolerate salinity and drought stress well. Optimal planting date and plant density are factors affecting the quality and quantity of crops. The distribution of plants in the field influences the absorption and productivity of environmental factors affecting the growth and intra- and inter- competition and eventually is one of the factors determining the quantity and quality of yield. Different planting dates set off different conditions in terms of temperature day length, relative humidity, solar radiation, ripening and harvest time and thus, affect the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of seeds. The purpose of this experiment is to evaluate the quality and also to evaluate some of the germination characteristics of Guar seeds at different dates and planting densities under the climatic conditions of Guilan.
Materials and Methods: This experiment was conducted in the spring and summer of 2017 in the research farm of Rasht Rice Research Institute located in Gil Pardehsar village at Sangar as a factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. Experimental treatments included four planting dates (12 May, 26 May, 9 June and 23 June) and three plant densities (20, 40 and 60 plants. m-2). Seed harvesting was done as the pods in 75% of the plants in each plot turned brown and traits such as germination percentage, germination rate, root and shoot length and fresh and dry weight of roots and shoots, longitudinal index of seedling vigor, 1000- grain weight, electrical conductivity and alpha-amylase activity were investigated.
Results: The results of the present study showed that guar seeds had the highest quality on 26 May and a density of 40 plants.m-2. Due to favorable climatic conditions during the period of seed filling, germination rate, germination percentage, seedling vigor index, root length and 1000- grain weight was high on 26 May. The amount of these traits decreased with delay in planting. The amount of electrical conductivity in 23 June date of planting treatment showed the highest value. The highest level of alpha-amylase activity was observed on 9 June.
Conclusions: In general, it can be concluded that the best planting date and plant density of guar seeds in Guilan province with the highest quality of seeds and germination is on 26 May and 40 plants.m-2.

Highlights:
1- Guar seed germination traits were evaluated at physiological maturity.
2- In terms of germination traits of guar seeds, the best planting date was 26 May and the best plant density was obtained at 40 per square meter
Arezoo Paravar, En Saeideh Maleki Farahani, En Alireza Rezazadeh,
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:
  1. Seed aging led to an increase in biochemical indices such as lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide, and saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.
  2. The rate of deterioration in dry seeds of L. iberica was higher than those of L. royleana.
  3. The content of storage compounds and the activity of amylase enzymes were higher in L. royleana seeds compared with L. iberica.

Haniyeh Saadat, Mohammad Sedghi,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (9-2024)
Abstract

Extended abstract
Introduction: Salinity is the most significant environmental stress that limits plant productivity by affecting morphology, physiology, and biochemistry of plants, especially in semi-arid and arid regions. Salinity disrupts and eventually delays seedling growth by delaying seed germination and reducing the germination rate. Seed priming stands out as a quick, easy, low-cost, and effective strategy for improving germination, seedling growth parameters, and overall plant defense against abiotic stresses in many crops. It is defined as the pre-sowing seed treatment during which seeds are immersed in water or chemical solutions and are dry until further use. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of priming with sodium nitroprusside on germination indices and biochemical traits in rice seedlings under salinity stress.
Materials and Methods: This experiment was conducted as a factorial based on a completely randomized design with three replications at the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili in 2023. Experimental treatments included four salinity levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM) and three levels of sodium nitroprusside (0, 40, and 80 µM).
Results: The results showed that salinity reduced germination and growth indicators including mean daily germination (MDG), germination coefficient (GC), allometric coefficient (AC), radicle length (RL), pedicel length (PL) and seedling length (SL), as well as radicle and pedicel fresh and dry weight (RFW, PFW, RDW and PDW), but seed pretreatment with different levels of sodium nitroprusside, especially the level of 80 µM, improved these traits. Salinity reduced the seedling moisture percentage (SMP), so that the highest SMP (70.13%) was observed in the control treatment. The highest daily germination rate (DGR) and malondialdehyde content (MDA) were observed at a salinity of 150 mM. Priming decreased DGS and MDA, so that the lowest DGS (0.08) and MDA (0.159 mM g-1 FW) were obtained in priming with 80 μM sodium nitroprusside. Also, salinity decreased the activity of the α-amylase enzyme, so the lowest α-amylase activity (7.93 mg g-1 FW seed) was obtained in the control (distilled water) and at a salinity of 150 mM.
Conclusions: The results showed that seed treatment with sodium nitroprusside at 80 µM is the most effective method to improve rice germination and biochemical traits under salinity stress. It can reduce the harmful effects of salinity on some traits in rice seedlings and improve seedling growth.

Highlights:
  1. Seed priming using sodium nitroprusside improved the germination indices of rice seeds under salinity.
  2. Priming with sodium nitroprusside decreased MDA content and increased α-amylase activity.
  3. The concentration of 80 µM sodium nitroprusside showed a better effect on germination indices and biochemical characteristics.


Haniyeh Saadat, Mohammad Sedghi,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract

Extended abstract
Introduction: Salinity stress leads to the excessive production of reactive oxygen species, which at high levels can cause oxidative damage, disrupt membrane lipid functions, inactivate enzymes, and hinder metabolic activities in plants. Salinity affects seedling growth through osmotic stress, ionic toxicity, deficient absorption of essential nutrients and water, production of free radicals, destruction of the cell membrane, and reduced cell division. Utilizing pretreatment methods serves as a simple approach to mitigate the adverse effects of environmental stress. Seed pretreatment induces biochemical changes, such as the activation of enzymes involved in cellular metabolism, inhibition of metabolism, and improved water absorption, thereby aiding the germination process. This study aims to assess the impact of pretreatment on germination characteristics, activity of certain hydrolytic enzymes, and the glyoxylate cycle in marigold seedlings under salinity stress.
Materials and Methods: A factorial experiment was conducted based on a completely randomized design with three replications at the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili in 2023. Experimental treatments included four salinity levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM sodium chloride) and four pretreatment methods (control with distilled water, pretreatment with salicylic acid at 100 mg/L, gibberellin at 20 mg/L, and chitosan at 0.8% w/v, dissolved in 1% acetic acid).
Results: The findings indicated that salinity reduced germination percentage, mean daily germination, petiole length, and seedling dry weight. However, pretreatment with salicylic acid, gibberellin, and particularly chitosan significantly improved these parameters. The germination coefficient, radicle length, and seedling fresh weight in chitosan-pretreated groups without salinity were approximately 75%, 68%, and 34% higher compared to the control (distilled water) and 150 mM salinity treatments, respectively. Additionally, the activities of amylase, protease, and malate synthase in chitosan-pretreated groups without salinity increased by approximately 82%, 46%, and 70%, respectively, compared with the control and 150 mM salinity.
Conclusions: The results of this research demonstrate that seed pretreatment using salicylic acid, gibberellin, and especially chitosan is an effective strategy for enhancing germination indices and the activity of certain hydrolytic enzymes and the glyoxylate cycle, thereby alleviating the detrimental effects of salinity on marigold seedlings and promoting their growth.

Highlights:
  1. Seed pretreatment with salicylic acid, gibberellin, and especially chitosan significantly improved germination indices of marigold seeds under salinity conditions.
  2. This pretreatment enhanced the enzymatic activity of amylase, protease, and malate synthase.
  3. Chitosan pretreatment exhibited superior effects on germination indices and biochemical characteristics.

Haniyeh Saadat, Mohmmad Sedghi,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract

Extended abstract
Introduction: The world population is expected to increase rapidly until 2050. For this reason, it is thought that the existing lands will be insufficient for growing grains in order to meet the increasing food needs in thefuture. The decrease in agricultural lands as a result of the increase in biotic and abiotic stress factors are among the important obstacles to agriculture. Wheat, an annual herbaceous plant, is used as a basic and strategic nutrient both in Iran and in the world. Salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses that threaten global food security by impacting agricultural production, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Seed pretreatment is a technique for minimizing emergence time, ensuring consistent germination, and improving crop performance. It is a treatment at pre-sowing, leading to a physiological condition that improve the seed to germinate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of seed priming with salicylic acid on germination and biochemical traits of wheat under salinity stress.
Materials and Methods: The experiment was conducted as factorial arrangement based on a completely randomized design with four replications in a row (tube or sandwich culture) between filter paper at the laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture University of Mohaghegh Ardabili in 2024. Experimental treatments included four salinity levels (0, 50, 100, and 200 mM) and four levels of salicylic acid (0, 0.1, 0.5 and 1 mM).
Results: The results showed that salinity stress decreased germination percentage (GP) and and increased the amount of proline and soluble sugars content, but priming with hydro, salicylic acid 0.1 and 0.5 mM especially salicylic acid 1mM improved these traits. The activity of the amount of proline and soluble sugars content in priming with 1mM salicylic acid were the application 22 and 43% higher than the control (distilled water). The activity of catalase enzyme in 1 mM salicylic acid treatment and salinity of 200 mM compared to the control showed an increase about 61%. Also the highest amount of amylase enzyme activity (4.400 mg g-1 FW min-1) was obtained in the treatment with 1 mM salicylic acid and without salinity.
Conclusions: The results of this research showed that seed priming with hydro (distilled water), different levels of salicylic acid, especially 1mM salicylic acid by stimulating antioxidant enzymes and neutralizing free radicals can be considered as a growth enhancer and reduce the adverse effects of salinity in wheat plant reduce the harmful effects of salinity stress on some traits in wheat seedlings and improve seedling growth.

Highlights:
  1. Seed priming with using distilled water, salicylic acid 1mM improved GP of seed wheat under salinity.
  2. Priming with distilled water, salicylic acid 1mM increased the activity of catalase, amylase, proline and soluble sugars content.
  3. Priming with salicylic acid showed a better effect than other treatments on germination indices and biochemical characteristics.

Kamran Gharehbeygi Tavabea, Hamidreza Balouchi, Mohsen Movahhedi Dehnavi, Ali Moradi, Fatemeh Ebrahimi,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract

Extended abstract
Introduction: Poor seedling vigor is one of the major challenges in agriculture, as it reduces seed germination capacity and seedling establishment, directly impacting plant establishment and yield. The use of seed priming methods with chemicals and growth regulators can serve as an effective strategy to enhance seedling vigor and improve biochemical traits and seed germination. In this study, the enhancement of sweet corn seedling vigor through priming with ellagic acid, gibberellin, and potassium nitrate was investigated under accelerated aging conditions.
Materials and Methods: A factorial experiment was conducted in the Seed Technology Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture at Yasouj University in 2024, based on a completely randomized design with two factors. The first factor was accelerated seed aging at two levels (aged and non-aged), and the second factor was seed priming at eight levels (no prime, hydropriming, ellagic acid at two concentrations (25 and 100 mg/l), gibberellin at two concentrations (50 and 150 mg/l), and potassium nitrate at two concentrations (15 and 60 mg/l)). Biochemical traits and seed germination characteristics were measured ultimately.
Results: The findings of this study revealed that seed deterioration significantly reduced germination characteristics, including germination percentage and rate, shoot length, root length, and seedling vigor index (length and weight). Additionally, biochemical indices such as soluble sugar content and α-amylase enzyme activity were negatively affected by aging. On the other hand, seed deterioration increased proline content, malondialdehyde levels, and peroxidase enzyme activity, indicating heightened oxidative stress under aging conditions. Priming of deterioration seeds with ellagic acid, gibberellin, and potassium nitrate positively influenced germination characteristics and biochemical indices. Specifically, concentrations of 100 mg/l ellagic acid, 150 mg/l gibberellin, and 15 mg/l potassium nitrate were the most effective pretreatments.
Conclusion: The results of this research demonstrated that pretreatment of deteriorated Basin sweet corn seeds with ellagic acid, gibberellin, and potassium nitrate significantly improved germination and biochemical indices. These treatments mitigated the negative effects of seed aging, enhancing seedling vigor and establishment. Therefore, these priming can be recommended as effective methods to improve the quality of Basin sweet corn seeds under various agricultural conditions.

Highlights:
  1. Seed deterioration leads to an increase in biochemical indicators such as seed proline content, peroxidase enzyme activity, and seed malondialdehyde content.
  2. The vigor of Basin sweet corn seeds is improved through pretreatment with gibberellin and ellagic acid.
  3. The effect of priming before and after artificial deterioration on germination and seed vigor of sweet corn cultivar Basin was compared and investigated.


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