Showing papers in "Seed Science and Technology in 2009"
57 citations
TL;DR: It was concluded that high vigour seeds of faba bean cultivars can be produced under both well and limited irrigation conditions, providing that the seeds are harvested at about 20% moisture content.
Abstract: A split plot experiment (using RCB design) with 3 replications was conducted in 2007, in order to determine the best developmental stage of three faba bean (Vicia faba L.) cultivars (Aquodolce, Barakat and Zohreh) at which maximum seed vigour is attained under different irrigation regimes (I1, I2 and I3: irrigation after 70, 100 and 130 mm evaporation from class A pan, respectively). Seeds were harvested at five day intervals in eight stages. Seed quality of all cultivars under different irrigation regimes was enhanced with improving seed development on mother plants. Maximum seed vigour as measured by germination rate and electrical conductivity of seed leachates, was obtained at about mass maturity or slightly after this stage. At earlier harvests, because of immaturity, and at later harvests, due to ageing, seed vigour was low. Maximum seed weight under the well-irrigation treatment was significantly higher than that under limited irrigations, but maximum percentage and rate of germination and minimum electrical conductivity were not significantly affected by water supply. Significant differences in maximum seed weight and quality among cultivars were attributed to the differences in genetic constitution. In general, it was concluded that high vigour seeds of faba bean cultivars can be produced under both well and limited irrigation conditions, providing that the seeds are harvested at about 20% moisture content.
49 citations
TL;DR: The results showed that the X-ray image analysis technique was effective in detecting mechanical and stink bug damage in soybean seed.
Abstract: The X-ray image analysis technique is a precise method that enables examination of regions that are damaged and/or altered in seed and their location and extension. It is a non-destructive method allowing the X-ray treated seed to be submitted to quality physiological tests. The objective of this study was to use X-ray image analysis technique to identify mechanical and stink bug damages in soybean seed. Seeds from different batches of the BRS184 cultivar were sorted by X-ray test and then were tested for germination with the aim to relate the damage with possible seed viability loss. Alternatively, the tetrazolium test was carried out to be compared with the X-ray test. Damage severity and location were considered for the interpretive analysis of X-ray images. The results showed that the X-ray image analysis technique was effective in detecting mechanical and stink bug damage in soybean seed.
46 citations
44 citations
44 citations
TL;DR: Comparison of seeds from 1966 stored for 40 years with those collected anew in 2006 from the original sampling sites showed few differences, other than a tendency (7 of 9 accessions) for the latter to show greater dormancy.
Abstract: Seed of 15 species of Brassicaceae were stored hermetically in a genebank (at -5 degrees C to -10 degrees C with c. 3% moisture content) for 40 years. Samples were withdrawn at intervals for germination tests. Many accessions showed an increase in ability to germinate over this period. due to loss in dormancy. Nevertheless, some dormancy remained after 40 years' storage and was broken by pre-applied gibberellic acid. The poorest seed survival occurred in Hormatophylla spinosa. Even in this accession the ability to germinate declined by only 7% between 1966 and 2006. Comparison of seeds from 1966 stored for 40 years with those collected anew in 2006 from the original sampling sites, where possible, showed few differences, other than a tendency (7 of 9 accessions) for the latter to show greater dormancy. These results for hermetic storage at sub-zero temperatures and low moisture contents confirm that long-term seed storage can provide a successful technology for ex situ plant biodiversity conservation.
34 citations
30 citations
TL;DR: It was verifi ed that precocious harvest (40 DAA) was not benefi cial to physiological quality of pepper seeds even when associated to 15 days post-harvest storage, and LEA proteins synthesis occurred at 60 DAA, being directly related to physiologicalquality of Pepper seeds.
Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the infl uence of fruit maturity and post-harvest storage on physiological quality and LEA proteins activity of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seeds. Fruits were harvested at 40, 50, 60 and 70 days after anthesis (DAA) and stored for 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 days before seed extraction. Seeds were evaluated by germination, fi rst count, seedling length, accelerated aging, speed emergence index, electrical conductivity and eletrophoretical analysis for proteins LEA. It was verifi ed that precocious harvest (40 DAA) was not benefi cial to physiological quality of pepper seeds even when associated to 15 days post-harvest storage. For fruits harvested at 50 DAA, 12 days post-harvest storage was indispensable to assure the physiological quality of seeds. Pepper seeds harvested from 60 DAA presented high quality, not being necessary the postharvest storage of fruits. LEA proteins synthesis occurred at 60 DAA, being directly related to physiological quality of pepper seeds.
29 citations
27 citations
TL;DR: Measurements of electrical conductivity of seed soak water were negatively and significantly correlated with total germination after CD, and seedling emergence in transplant modules for 13 seed lots of the cabbage cultivar Yalova 1, and predictions of absolute germination and emergence were not close.
Abstract: Measurements of electrical conductivity (EC) of seed soak water (4×100 seeds, each in 40 ml deionised water for 17 and 24 h), both initially and for seeds after controlled deterioration (CD) of 24 h at 20% mc, were negatively and significantly correlated with total germination after CD, and seedling emergence in transplant modules for 13 seed lots of the cabbage cultivar Yalova 1. Regression equations of 12 of the lots were calculated for EC with CD total germination (initial EC: R 2 =0.72, P<0.001; EC after CD: R 2 =0.83 P<0.001) and seedling emergence (initial EC: R 2 =0.61 P<0.001; EC after CD: R 2 =0.68 P<0.001). These equations were used to predict actual data. Predictions of absolute germination and emergence were not close but the four lowest performing lots, two of which had initial standard germination greater than 80%, were identified. Two new vigour tests are proposed, based on work on the cabbage cultivar Yalova 1: (1) initial EC after either 24 or 17 h of soaking and (2) EC after CD which could be completed in 2 to 3 days using a shortened moisture equilibration period and a 17 h EC. The regression equations are highlighted as a basis for comparison in future work on other cultivars of cabbage and Brassica species.
27 citations
TL;DR: This paper aims to demonstrate the importance of knowing the carrier and removal status of canine coronavirus, as a source of infection for other animals, not necessarily belonging to the same breeds.
Abstract: 1 Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Science, Beijing, 100094, China 2 Department of Plant Pathology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China 3 Current address: Technical Centre of PAIQ, Shenzhen Entry-Exit Inspection & Quarantine Bureau, Guangdong 518001, P.R. China 4 USDA/ARS, Foreign Disease-Weed Science Research Unit, Ft. Detrick, MD, 21702, USA 5 California Seed and Plant Laboratory, Elverta, CA 95626 USA (E-mail: Norman.schaad@ars.usda.gov)
TL;DR: It is indicated that seeds of S. elisabethae exhibit non-deep physiological dormancy and that light plays an important role as a germination cue, suggesting adaptation of seed germination behaviour to the local microclimate.
Abstract: Summary Silene elisabethae Jan (Caryophyllaceae) is a narrow endemic plant species that occurs in calcareous grasslands of the Southern Italian Alps, and is protected by National and Regional Red Lists (IUCN) Seed germination requirements of this species were studied for the fi rst time with the aim of producing appropriate germination protocols for use in ex situ conservation Seeds were collected from three populations and sown on agar in the laboratory Increasing durations of cold stratifi cation resulted in an increase in germination from 20 to 90% In addition, GA3 could substitute for a cold stratifi cation requirement resulting in 90 to 100% germination in the absence of chilling All populations germinated to higher levels in the light than dark, and populations from the coldest collection site germinated better at low temperatures, suggesting adaptation of seed germination behaviour to the local microclimate Our results indicate that seeds of S elisabethae exhibit non-deep physiological dormancy and that light plays an important role as a germination cue
TL;DR: Electron microscopic observation revealed densely cuticulated seed surface in G. assamicus and Mechanical scarification and hot water treatment showed significant improvement in germination percentage and was found most suitable for breaking seed coat imposed dormancy of the species.
Abstract: Gymnocladus assamicus Kanj. ex P.C. Kanjilal (Caesalpinoideae) is a critically endangered tree species and endemic to northeast India. Several extrinsic and intrinsic regeneration constraints have been identified in the species of which seed-coat imposed dormancy was found crucial. Seeds have an extremely hard and water impermeable testa. Electron microscopic observation revealed densely cuticulated seed surface in G. assamicus. Freshly collected mature seeds showed very high viability percentage (90%) through TTZ test. Orthodox type of seeds retains 11.35% moisture at the end of one year under normal storage condition. Mechanical scarification and hot water treatment showed significant improvement in germination percentage and was found most suitable for breaking seed coat imposed dormancy of the species.
TL;DR: Photographs courtesy of Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria and Centro de Investigacion de Recursos Naturales.
Abstract: Fil: Galindez, Guadalupe. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigacion de Recursos Naturales. Instituto de Recursos Biologicos; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas; Argentina
TL;DR: The high optimal germination temperatures demonstrate that this species is well adapted to a temperate climate and the lack of a persistent soil seed bank represents a rarity trait that likely exacerbates the threats to the survival of this species.
Abstract: Lamyropsis microcephala only occurs in a very restricted area in the Gennargentu massif (CE-Sardinia, Italy) at 1450-1700 m a.s.l. This rare species has been inserted in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red Lists under Critically Endangered. In this study, the effect of a pre-chilling period (90 days at 5°C) on germination was investigated as well as the ability of this species to form a soil seed bank. L. microcephala seeds exhibited type 2 non-deep physiological dormancy. Pre-chilling increased the final germination percentages, the germination speed and the temperature range at which high levels of germination were observed. The high optimal germination temperatures (ca. 70% germination at 30°C) demonstrate that this species is well adapted to a temperate climate and the lack of a persistent soil seed bank represents a rarity trait that likely exacerbates the threats to the survival of this species.
TL;DR: Various seed storage techniques were applied to the recalcitrant seeds of the Chinese fan palm and it was found that L. chinensis seeds can not survive sub-zero temperature storage for even one week, but short-term storage at above- zero temperature is feasible.
Abstract: Various seed storage techniques were applied to the recalcitrant seeds of the Chinese fan palm (Livistona chinensis [Jacq] R Br) Fully hydrated seeds were stored in perlite at 5 moisture levels at 15°C, and partially dried seeds were stored at 6 moisture levels at 4 temperatures Cryopreservation was attempted with both intact seeds and isolated embryos It was found that L chinensis seeds can not survive sub-zero temperature storage for even one week, but short-term storage at above-zero temperature is feasible Moist storage of fully hydrated seeds did not impair seed viability, but led inevitably to germination and fungal growth after one month Partially dried seeds began to lose viability after 3 months storage Intact seeds can not survive cryo-exposure at any moisture content By contrast, embryos were successfully stored at liquid nitrogen temperature after desiccation to below 20% moisture content, and no signifi cant viability loss was found after 2-year cryostorage The advantages and disadvantages of these storage methods are evaluated
TL;DR: It was observed that heat stimulated germination of T. major seeds and cryopreservation could provide a method for long-term storage of germplasm of this endangered species.
Abstract: Summary The germination requirements and the cryopreservation tolerance of Tuberaria major (Cistaceae) seeds, an endangered plant species endemic from the Algarve region (South of Portugal) were studied. The final germination percentage of untreated seeds was very low (less than 2%) and was significantly improved by heat treatments (maximum of 54%). No significant differences were observed among the germination percentages reached by seeds submitted to boiling water or dry heat (100°C for different periods: 15, 30 and 60 min). Moreover, the temperature regime did not affect the final germination percentage. Cryopreservation did not affect the germination rate in comparison with the control, although the heat treatment was still necessary after cryopreservation. In conclusion, it was observed that heat stimulated germination of T. major seeds and cryopreservation could provide a method for long-term storage of germplasm of this endangered species. Experimental and discussion
TL;DR: These parameters such as 100-seed weight, efficient utilisation of reserve food material, development of secondary roots and lower SLA are desirable agronomic traits in groundnut cultivation, especially in raindependent systems.
Abstract: Experiments were conducted with groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L) germplasm accessions and cultivars to identify agronomic desirable traits associated with seed and seedling vigour Seed vigour was assessed under optimum conditions in dormant (ICGS 11) and non-dormant (GG 2) seeded cultivars Wide genetic variations were recorded in the parameters such as germination rate, germination speed, co-efficient of germination, vigour index, respiration rate and number of secondary roots Genetic variations were observed in germinability, and root, hypocotyl and epicotyl lengths, opening of cotyledons, and growth of secondary roots in germplasm accessions and cultivars evaluated for tolerance to drought and high temperature stresses, under simulated conditions Promising cultivars viz TAG 24, Girnar 1, J 11 and KRG 1, all belonging to the Spanish market type, suitable for sowing in drought prone areas were identified Germplasm accessions viz NRCG 12752 (SHANTUNG) and 12642 (57-C-3-4-4-1-1-1) tolerant to high temperature during germination and early seedling growth were also identified Utilisation of reserve food material, evaluated in 10 cultivars, belonging to three different seed-weight groups and Virginia and Spanish market types, indicated that both medium and higher seed-weight groups are efficient in utilisation of reserve food material The lower seed-weight group was found inefficient in supply of reserve food material stored in the cotyledons to establish vigorous seedlings A significant inverse relationship (r = -071, n = 15) between specific leaf area (SLA) and total seedling biomass was established, ie, the lower the SLA (thicker leaf) the higher the biomass, and the higher the SLA (thinner leaf) the lower the biomass Thus the parameters such as 100-seed weight, efficient utilisation of reserve food material, development of secondary roots and lower SLA are desirable agronomic traits in groundnut cultivation, especially in raindependent systems In addition, the tolerant lines/cultivars could be utilised as donor parents in improving groundnut cultivars for higher seed vigour through breeding
TL;DR: This dissertation aims to provide a history of agricultural engineering in Argentina from the perspective of the 19th Century up to and including the year in which Garibaldi arrived in the country.
Abstract: 1 Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Catolica Argentina. Cap. Gral. Ramon Freire 183. Buenos Aires, Argentina. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Lomas de Zamora, Ruta 4 Km. 2, 1836 Llavallol, Buenos Aires, Argentina (E-mail robertohuarte@uca.edu.ar) 2 Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Lomas de Zamora, Ruta 4 Km. 2, 1836 Llavallol, Buenos Aires, Argentina and Instituto Fitotecnico de Santa Catalina, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Garibaldi 3400, C.C. 4, 1836 Llavallol, Buenos Aires, Republica Argentina
TL;DR: Seed soaking for 30 or 45 days, followed or not by the addition of a gibberellic acid solution to the substrate, is an efficient method to enhance caper seed germination.
Abstract: In order to improve caper seed germination, this two-year study (2005-2006) was designed to determine the effects of seed soaking treatments and soaking times, individually or in combination with the addition of gibberellic acid to the germination substrate. Besides testing the control seeds, 7 soaking periods were assayed, soaking seeds in tap water at room temperature for 24 h, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days. Germination tests were performed in closed Petri dishes in a growth chamber. Germination data were fitted to the logistic function and calculations were made for the maximum germination percentage, the time to reach 50% of final germination and the mean relative cumulative rate. A soaking period of 30 days or longer enhanced seed germination; final germination values ranged from 95 to 99%, reducing the time to reach 50% of final germination and consequently the duration of germination tests. Addition of gibberellic acid to the substrate after soaking improved germination only for control seeds and those soaked for 24 h or 15 days. Seed soaking for 30 or 45 days, followed or not by the addition of a gibberellic acid solution to the substrate, is an efficient method to enhance caper seed germination.