Complement of integrated fertilizer management and integrated pest management concepts to ameliorate faba bean growth and yield

Twenty-one microbial preparations recommended for controlling pathogenic fungal strains causing root rot and wilt diseases of faba bean were investigated for antibiosis against several symbiotic and associative diazotrophs adopting a modified agar-plate-inhibition-zone assay. Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium exhibited a somewhat similar susceptibility to biocontrol agents while associative diazotrophs showed variable responses. Azotobacter, compared to others, was severely inhibited by such bio-candidates. The members of the biofertilizer formulation ‘Biofertan’ did bear mixed cultivation with the majority of biocontrol agents. Among those, Bacillus subtilis was deemed the pioneer. In pot experiments, almost all the antagonists significantly restricted the severity of root rot and wilt diseases besides modifying faba bean seedling stand and improving plant development. This was very obvious with shoot biomass increases of >?50%. Moreover, the bioagents successfully recovered the legume establishment, seriously injured due to pathogenic fungal infection. Simultaneous inoculation with Rhizobium and biocontrol agents provided more growth stimulation compared to either when introduced individually. Field-grown faba beans were inoculated with the diazotroph and representatives of biocontrol strains by two different methods, seed coating and over-head soil. Growth parameters determined were the highest when the legume plant was seed-coated by Rhizobium simultaneously over-head soil inoculated with the bacterial bioagents; this was reported with Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aerugenosa. The significance of combined application of biofertilizer and bioagent to ensure cheap, clean and safe farm products is discussed.     

Influence of phosphorus application on growth,yield and oil quality of linola

Influence of different phosphorus (P) sources on growth, yield and oil quality of linola was evaluated when randomized in complete block design using three replications. Treatments were control (No P), hydropriming, soil phosphorus (50 kg ha^?1), seed inoculation with phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB, Bacillus spp.) and seed priming with single super phosphate (2%) alone and combined with reduced soil phosphorus (25 kg P ha^?1). Among treatments, hydropriming and seed inoculation reduced seedling 50% and mean emergence time with highest emergence index, seedling fresh and dry weights and chlorophyll contents. Seed inoculation with soil P (25 kg ha^?1) produced highest seeds per capsule, 100-seed weight, seed and biological yield, harvest index. Maximum oil percentage, low protein contents and high cost benefit ratio with net economic returns were also found for seed inoculation combined with soil phosphorus. Nonetheless, soil phosphorus application can be reduced when seed inoculation with PSB is employed.     

Effect of different foliar zinc application at different growth stages on seed zinc concentration and its impact on seedling vigor in rice

This study evaluated how zinc (Zn) concentration of rice (Oryza sativa L.) seed may be increased and subsequent seedling growth improved by foliar Zn application. Eight foliar Zn treatments of 0.5% zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄?·?7H₂O) were applied to the rice plant at different growth stages. The resulting seeds were germinated to evaluate effects of seed Zn on seedling growth. Foliar Zn increased paddy Zn concentration only when applied after flowering, with larger increases when applications were repeated. The largest increases of up to ten-fold were in the husk, and smaller increases in brown rice Zn. In the first few days of germination, seedlings from seeds with 42 to 67?mg Zn?kg^?1 had longer roots and coleoptiles than those from seeds with 18?mg Zn?kg^?1, but this effect disappeared later. The benefit of high seed Zn in seedling growth is also indicated by a positive correlation between Zn concentration in germinating seeds and the combined roots and shoot dry weight (r?=?0.55, p?相似文献   

The effect of soil fertility and harvesting stage on maize seed quality under rain-fed conditions

Abstract

Management practices during seed development are crucial for boosting seed quality and establishment. This study determined the interactive effect of soil fertility and maturity stage on maize seed quality. The cultivar SC701 were harvested at milk, dent, and physiological maturity stages and dried to <12% moisture content. Field trials were split plots replicated four times. Seed quality was evaluated using standard germination test, vigor indices and electrical conductivity test. Highly significant interactions (p?相似文献   

Effects of Single and Dual Applications of Selected Trichoderma and Bacillus Isolates on Performance of Dry Bean Seedlings Grown in Composted Pine Bark Growth Medium under Shadehouse Conditions

A shadehouse pot trial was conducted to study the efficiency of single and dual inoculations with selected Trichoderma and Bacillus isolates on performance of dry bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grown in composted pine bark (CPB) potting medium. All the plant treatments inoculated with Trichoderma spp. and/or Bacillus spp. had higher photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm values). Of the treatments, only B. subtilis B69 showed a significant increase (P = 0.02) in Fv/Fm values over the growth period. The Trichoderma and Bacillus treated plants showed increase in dry shoot biomass. The greatest degree of nodulation was observed in Trichoderma and/or Bacillus treated plants. Increase in nitrogen concentrations were observed in leaves of plants inoculated with Trichoderma and Bacillus isolates. Only T. atroviride SY3A significantly increased phosphorus concentrations in leaves. These results depict and highlight the role these organisms can play in plant root-plant growth promoting rhizobacteria or plant growth promoting fungi (PGPR/PGPF) interaction in a nutrient-poor growth medium.     

Grain legumes differ in nitrogen accumulation and remobilisation during seed filling

In grain legumes, the N requirements of growing seeds are generally greater than biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) and soil N uptake during seed filling, so that the N previously accumulated in the vegetative tissues needs to be redistributed in order to provide N to the seeds. Chickpea, field bean, pea, and white lupin were harvested at flowering and maturity to compare the relative contribution of BNF, soil N uptake, and N remobilisation to seed N. From flowering to maturity, shoot dry weight increased in all crops by approximately 50%, root did not appreciably change, and nodule decreased by 18%. The amount of plant N increased in all crops, however in field bean (17?g?m^?2) it was about twice that in chickpea, pea, and lupin. The increase was entirely due to seeds, whose N content at maturity was 26?g?m^?2 in field bean and 16?g?m^?2 in chickpea, pea, and lupin. The seed N content at maturity was higher than total N accumulation during grain filling in all crops, and endogenous N previously accumulated in vegetative parts was remobilised to fulfil the N demand of filling seeds. Nitrogen remobilisation ranged from 7?g?m^?2 in chickpea to 9?g?m^?2 in field bean, and was crucial in providing N to the seeds of chickpea, pea, and lupin (half of seed N content) but it was less important in field bean (one-third). All the vegetative organs of the plants underwent N remobilisation: shoots contributed to the N supply of seeds from 58% to 85%, roots from 11% to 37%, and nodules less than 8%. Improving grain legume yield requires either reduced N remobilisation or enhanced N supply, thus, a useful strategy is to select cultivars with high post-anthesis N₂ fixation or add mineral N at flowering.     

Micronutrient composition of field‐grown dry bean and wheat inoculated with Azospirillum and Trichoderma

Micronutrient deficiency and malnutrition in humans are severe problems in many developing countries, particularly in areas with calcareous soils. There is almost no information on whether inoculation with plant growth–promoting Azospirillum and/or Trichoderma can help to reduce this problem by increasing the mineral concentration of the seeds. Field experiments were conducted in Tokat (Turkey) in 2001–2002 to determine whether inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense, Trichoderma harzianum, sole or in combination, and/or the application of P fertilizers can enhance micronutrient concentrations of field‐grown bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and wheat (Triticum aestivum). In beans, Azospirillum inoculation combined with P fertilization significantly (p < 0.05) increased seed concentrations of Mn, Zn, and Cu, from 8.8, 22.6, and 7.0 mg kg^–1 in the control to 10.3, 28.3, and 11.0 mg kg^–1, respectively. Trichoderma inoculation alone significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu and the cumulative plant uptake of Fe and Zn in 45‐day‐old bean plants. However, it significantly (p < 0.05) increased bean‐seed Cu content and accumulation. The double inoculation resulted in significantly (p < 0.05) higher micronutrient concentrations than Trichoderma inoculation alone in 45‐day‐old plants. In contrast to beans, the effects of microbial inoculations were less in wheat. However, dual inoculation significantly (p < 0.05) increased Zn content by 45% and Zn accumulation by 40% above the uninoculated control. Inoculation with plant growth–promoting microorganisms appears to be a promising strategy to combat micronutrient deficiencies.     

Effect of seed phosphorus concentration on nodulation and growth of three common bean cultivars

Abstract

An experiment was conducted in the greenhouse to evaluate the effects of seed phosphorus (P) concentration on growth, nodulation, and nitrogen (N) and P accumulation of three common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars. Seeds were produced under low or high soil P levels, and soaked, or not, in 200 mM KH₂PO₄ solution. The experiment had a 3×3×2×2 factorial block design: three cultivars (ICA Col 10103, Carioca and Honduras 35), three levels of applied P (15, 30 and 45 mg P kg^?1 soil), two native seed P concentrations, and two seed soaking treatments. Plants were harvested at flowering. Soaked seeds increased the number, dry mass and P content of nodules, but did not affect plant growth. Plants originated from seeds with high native P concentration presented higher shoot dry mass and nodule number and mass at every soil P level, and were less responsive to increased soil P supply, than plants from low seed P. In plants from seeds with high P, soil P levels did not alter significantly root dry mass, while in plants from seeds with low P bean cultivars expressed wider differences in root dry mass. The genotypic variability of nodulation was influenced by soil P levels and seed P concentration. Both higher soil or seed P supply enhanced N and P accumulation in shoots. These results indicate that a high seed P concentration produces plants less dependent on soil P supply, and can enhance nodulation and N₂ fixation of common bean. Seed P supply affected the cultivar performance, and should be considered in evaluation of bean genotypes.     

Tomato seedling development is improved by a substrate inoculated with a combination of rhizobacteria and fungi

Chile's seedling production industry has been growing for the last 10 years, and demand has actually reached 1250 million seedlings per year. This system has special relevance due to the high cost of seeds. In addition, there is an increasing demand for substituting synthetic agrochemicals. Therefore, the potential use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in tomato production has been investigated. Before sowing, the micro-organisms provided by Biogram S.A. were inoculated into the substrate diluted in 250 mL/L unchlorinated water. The experiment was laid out in a ‘split-plot’ design with the two plant substrates as main plots and the inoculants as subplots, including six replicates per treatment. Tomato seedlings were grown using two different plant substrates: a mixture of 70% peat and 30% perlite by volume, and a substrate with 20% peat, 20% perlite and 60% compost by volume, both inoculated with Bacillus subtilis or Pseudomonas fluorescens or Bioroot®, which is a commercial product containing B. subtilis, P. fluorescens, Trichoderma harzianum, yeast, algae and Nocardia. For control, uninoculated tomato seedlings were grown on the respective plant substrates. Variance analysis did not identify significant interactions between substrate type (main plots) and inoculation treatment (subplots), P ≤ 0.05. There were significant differences between inoculants (P ≤ 0.05). Means were compared by using the Tukey's multiple range test. Tomato growth in terms of leaf area (cm²/plant) and shoot and root dry weight (g/10 plants) was improved for the seedlings grown on the substrate with 70% peat and 30% perlite, compared to the compost containing an alternative that is valid for both uninoculated perlite peat and all inoculated treatments where perlite peat was outstanding. Inoculation with Bioroot® improved the leaf area, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, radical contact area, volume of roots and root forks compared with the control without inoculation, when both plant substrates were analysed together. Thus, inoculation with Bioroot® can be recommended as an alternative to tomato seedling growers' dependence on synthetic agrochemicals.     

Effect of starter fertilizer in seed-row on emergence,biomass and nutrient uptake by six pulse crops grown under controlled environment conditions

Abstract

Legumes have a unique ability to obtain a significant portion of atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) through a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobia spp of bacteria but it takes time, thus, an early supply of N to the plant may positively influence growth and development. However, too much fertilizer in close proximity to the seed can damage the seedling. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the maximum safe rates for starter seed-row fertilizer application under low seedbed utilization conditions (15%). Emergence, biomass yield and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S) uptake responses to starter fertilizer products and blends applied at 0, 10, 20 and 30?kg?N?ha^?1 in the seed-row were investigated for six different pulse crops: soybean, pea, faba bean, black bean, lentil and chickpea. The general sensitivity (injury potential) for starter N, P, S fertilizer was lentil?≥?pea?≥?chickpea?>?soybean?≥?black bean?>?faba bean. Lentil, pea and chickpea could generally only tolerate the 10?kg?N?ha^?1 rates while soybean and black bean could tolerate 10–20?kg?N?ha^?1. Faba bean emergence appeared relatively unaffected by all three rates of N and showed least sensitivity to seed row placed fertilizer. In terms of 30-day biomass response, soybean and black bean were most responsive to fertilization, while pea, faba bean, lentil and chickpea were least responsive to the starter fertilizer applications, with no benefit increasing above the 10?kg?N?ha^?1 rate.     

Effect of zinc‐biofortified seeds on grain yield of wheat,rice, and common bean grown in six countries

Seeds enriched with zinc (Zn) are ususally associated with better germination, more vigorous seedlings and higher yields. However, agronomic benefits of high‐Zn seeds were not studied under diverse agro‐climatic field conditions. This study investigated effects of low‐Zn and high‐Zn seeds (biofortified by foliar Zn fertilization of maternal plants under field conditions) of wheat (Tritcum aestivum L.), rice (Oryza sativa L.), and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) on seedling density, grain yield and grain Zn concentration in 31 field locations over two years in six countries. Experimental treatments were: (1) low‐Zn seeds and no soil Zn fertilization (control treatment), (2) low‐Zn seeds + soil Zn fertilization, and (3) Zn‐biofortified seeds and no soil Zn fertilization. The wheat experiments were established in China, India, Pakistan, and Zambia, the rice experiments in China, India and Thailand, and the common bean experiment in Brazil. When compared to the control treatment, soil Zn fertilization increased wheat grain yield in all six locations in India, two locations in Pakistan and one location in China. Zinc‐biofortified seeds also increased wheat grain yield in all four locations in Pakistan and four locations in India compared to the control treatment. Across all countries over 2 years, Zn‐biofortified wheat seeds increased plant population by 26.8% and grain yield by 5.37%. In rice, soil Zn fertilization increased paddy yield in all four locations in India and one location in Thailand. Across all countries, paddy yield increase was 8.2% by soil Zn fertilization and 5.3% by Zn‐biofortified seeds when compared to the control treatment. In common bean, soil Zn application as well as Zn‐biofortified seed increased grain yield in one location in Brazil. Effects of soil Zn fertilization and high‐Zn seed on grain Zn density were generally low. This study, at 31 field locations in six countries over two years, revealed that the seeds biofortfied with Zn enhanced crop productivity at many locations with different soil and environmental conditions. As high‐Zn grains are a by‐product of Zn biofortification, use of Zn‐enriched grains as seed in the next cropping season can contribute to enhance crop productivity in a cost‐effective manner.     

Plant microcosm studies demonstrating bioremediation of cyanide toxicity by Trichoderma and Fusarium spp.

The biodegradation of cyanide by Trichoderma and Fusarium spp. growing in association with plant roots in microcosms was investigated with CN^– at 50 or 100 mg/kg. Pea and wheat seeds germinated and plants grew only when seeds were inoculated with the fungi, probably because the plant/fungal association was capable of promoting cyanide catabolism. Inoculation by fungi also increased plant shoot lengths and the biomass of shoots and root compared with control plants without CN^– and fungi. Such plant/fungal association shows potential as a land remediation system.     

Potential of Trichoderma spp. as consistent plant growth stimulators

In a series of repeated trials, six Trichoderma spp. strains, applied as a dried powder from a liquid fermentation in molasses/yeast medium, proved to be consistent at promoting the growth of lettuce (Latuca sativa L.) seedlings grown in a peat-sand potting compost in the glasshouse. Strains WT, 92, 20, and 75 at 0.75% or 1% w:w concentrations increased shoot dry weight by up to 26%, although WT did inhibit germination. For example, after 4 days only 13% of seeds sown in WT 1% w:w treated compost had germinated, whereas in other treatments germination was consistently greater than 32%. WT increased shoot fresh and dry weights by 14.3 g and 0.6 g per pot, respectively, without affecting the root dry weights, to give concomitant increases in shoot: root ratios of fresh and dry weight. The potential use of these Trichoderma spp. strains for plant growth promotion is discussed.     

超干处理两种落叶松种子的生理生化特征研究

采用硅胶干燥法, 将两种落叶松种子含水量由自然含水量降至5%以下, 测定不同含水量种子老化前后的发芽势、发芽率、发芽指数、活力指数、相对电导率、脱氢酶和异柠檬酸裂解酶活性。结果表明: 长白落叶松种子含水量降至3.02%时, 种子各发芽指标在老化前后保持在较高水平, 且老化前的活力指数及老化后的发芽率、发芽指数、活力指数显著高于自然干燥种子; 在此含水量下, 老化后种子脱氢酶和异柠檬酸裂解酶活性显著高于自然干燥种子, 相对电导率比后者低, 说明长白落叶松种子以含水量为3.02%时储藏较为适宜。兴安落叶松种子含水量为2.63%时, 各发芽指标均高于自然干燥种子, 且老化前除发芽势外各发芽指标及老化后各发芽指标差异显著; 此含水量下, 老化后种子脱氢酶和异柠檬酸裂解酶活性显著高于自然干燥种子, 相对电导率比后者低, 比其他含水量种子表现出更强的抗老化能力, 说明兴安落叶松种子较适宜在2.63%含水量下储藏。     

Effect of salicylic acid and salt on wheat seed germination

Abstract

The effects of pretreatment with salicylic acid on wheat seed germination (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Roshan), lipid peroxidation, and superoxide dismutase, catalase, polyphenol oxidase, and peroxidase activity were studied under conditions of salt stress. Seeds treated with different concentrations of salicylic acid were used for measuring germination traits. Salt stress was induced by sodium chloride solution. Seeds were soaked in salicylic acid solution for 24 h, dried with sterile paper, transferred to sterile Petri dishes, and treated with 10 ml NaCl solution at different concentrations. After 1 week, the number of germinated seeds, root length, seedling length, and dry weight were recorded. Antioxidant enzyme activity and lipid peroxidation were also assayed. Salinity decreased seed germination. Thus, a high concentration of NaCl (200 mM) decreased germination by 17.6% compared with control treatment. Salicylic acid significantly increased germination in stressed and control seeds. Salicylic acid increased the level of cell division of seedlings and roots, which increased plant growth. Salt stress significantly increased the activity of the antioxidative enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase in wheat seedlings, and salicylic acid reduced the activity of antioxidant enzymes as stress signal molecules. Our results indicated that scavenging of reactive oxygen species was effective, especially by salicylic acid, and that membrane damage was limited. The aim of the present work was to study the character of changes in enzymatic systems induced by NaCl and salicylic acid in wheat seedlings under conditions of salt stress. In brief, salicylic acid treatment reduced the damaging action of salinity on embryo growth and accelerated a restoration of growth processes; thereupon it may be effective for the improvement of seed germination in arid and semi-arid regions.     

Use of Sieved Compost Plus Hydrogel for Solid Matrix Priming of Carrot Seeds

In this study we report the water release curve of a compost-based carrier for solid matrix priming and its effects on carrot seed germination. ‘Danvers Half Long’ and ‘Nantes Scarlet’ carrot (Daucus carota) seeds were primed for 7 d at 15°C in a carrier consisting of 5:1:5.7 sieved compost: hydrogel:distilled water (based on weight) equaling a water potential of ?1.0 MPa. Seeds were blended with carrier at 1:10, 1:20, 1:30, or 1:40 (based on weight) and compost priming was compared with a polyethylene glycol (PEG) priming procedure. Germination testing at 20-30°C (16-8 h) in darkness indicated that all compost priming treatments hastened seed germination more than PEG priming. Compost priming at 1:30 increased final germination percentage (FGP) for ‘Nantes Scarlet’ (FGP = 85%) compared to PEG primed (FGP = 72%) seeds but ‘Danvers Half Long’ FGP was similar for all treatments. For both cultivars, seeds that were compost primed had reduced G (days to 10% FGP) and G (days to 50% FGP) compared to PEG primed or nonprimed seed. For ‘Danvers Half Long’ carrot seeds, priming ratios of 1:30 reduced G values more effectively than all other treatments. For ‘Nantes Scarlet’ carrot seeds, G₁₀ and G₅₀ values were reduced similarly at all seed-to-carrier ratios. Compost primed seeds could be dried and stored for 35 d at 3 or 20-30°C (16-8 h) for ‘Danvers Half Long’ and for 35 d at 3°C for ‘Nantes Scarlet’ with no loss in priming benefit. We conclude that solid matrix priming with a compost based carrier is a satisfactory alternative to PEG priming to improve germination of carrot seed.     

Use of Trichoderma spp. and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to increase soil beneficial population of bacteria in a nectarine commercial orchard: Effect on root growth,nutrient acquisition and replanting disease

The aim of the present experiment was to evaluate the effect of commercial Trichoderma and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)-based bio-fertilizers on nectarine root growth, nutrient acquisition and replanting disease. The experiment was performed from 2008 to 2012 in an A. mellea-infected nectarine orchard subjected to the following treatments: 1) untreated control; 2) AMF-biofertilizer applied at planting (120 kg ha^?1) and every year in spring and autumn at the rate of 6 kg ha^?1; 3) Trichoderma spp applied at planting (5 g plant^?1) and every year (in April, May and September) at 2.5 kg ha^?1. AMF bio-fertilizers decreased root diameter and increased root survivorship. Leaf phosphorus concentration increased in AMF bio-fertilizers plots, while no significant treatments effects were observed on other leaf nutrient concentration. Although biofertilizer application did not affect soil microbial population, at the end of the trial (2012) the application of Trichoderma alone increased the population of the fungus.     

Effects of soil depth and aggregate size on weed seed distribution and viability in a silt loam soil

The position of weed seeds within the soil matrix plays an important role in seedling emergence and seed survival. The relationship of weed seeds with soil aggregates and soil depth was evaluated in a Waukegon silt loam soil that had been under a long-term, conventional tillage, annual crop management system. Soil aggregates were separated and classified into eight size classes from ≤5 to >12 mm and weed seeds were extracted from the aggregates. Amaranthus spp., Chenopodium album L. (common lambsquarters), Polygonum pensylvanicum L. (Pennsylvania smartweed), Setaria faberi Herrm. (giant foxtail), and Solanum ptycanthum Dun. (eastern black nightshade) accounted for the majority of seeds recovered. In general, seed viability declined from April to June, but increased in October following seed deposition. Seeds of individual species were most abundant in the aggregate size class most closely matching its seed size. However, seeds were commonly found associated with aggregates larger than 9 mm. Highest seed viability was found in the aggregate fraction closest to the seed size, however, S. faberi viability was also high in the >12 mm aggregate size class. Regardless of aggregate size, seed numbers were generally greatest in the upper 5 cm of soil. The results of this research were species-dependent and variable and demonstrated the complexity of weed seed/soil aggregate associations. However, they did show that seed placement within the soil matrix may play an important role in weed population dynamics.     

Effect of location on dwarf French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seed production and seedling vigour

ABSTRACT

This study examined if dwarf French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grown at northern latitudes develop seeds with superior yielding potential compared with plants grown at more southern latitudes. Two lines (BND3085 and BND3106) were grown at four sites across latitudes ranging from 52°N to 3°S. BND3085 and BND3106 seeds from Saskatoon grown plants (52°N) had the least damaged seed coats but the highest degree of electrolyte leakage from the seed and the lowest maximum germination rates. The Saskatoon (BND3085 and BND3106) and Nunhem (BND3106) seed lots had the lowest maximum germination rates when germinated at 28°C, 12°C, or when exposed to saline (100?mM NaCl) conditions. Saskatoon BND3085 seed produced plants with the lowest aboveground vegetative and total seed dry matter as well as the lowest pod number per plant. In contrast, plants grown from Saskatoon BND3106 seed produced 1.5-fold more total pods, 1.3-fold more total pods and 1.4-fold higher seed dry matter per plant as compared to plants grown from the Nunhem (51°N) or Arusha seed sources. This resulted in a 2.4–4.5% higher harvest index. These results suggest cultivar-specific dwarf French bean seed propagation at more northern sites may increase the productivity of the resulting crop.     

Zinc‐biofortified seeds improved seedling growth under zinc deficiency and drought stress in durum wheat

High zinc (Zn) concentration of seeds has beneficial effects both on seed vigor and human nutrition. This study investigated the effect of Zn biofortification on growth of young durum wheat (Triticum durum cv. Yelken) seedlings under varied Zn and water supply. The seeds differing in Zn concentrations were obtained by spraying ZnSO₄ to durum wheat plants at different rates under field conditions. Three groups of seeds were obtained with the following Zn concentrations: 9, 20, and 50 mg Zn kg^?1. The seeds differing in Zn were tested for germination rate, seedling height, shoot dry matter production, and shoot Zn concentration under limited and well irrigated conditions in a Zn‐deficient soil with and without Zn application. In an additional experiment carried out in solution culture, root and shoot growth and superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) of seedlings were studied under low and adequate Zn supply. Low seed Zn concentration resulted in significant decreases in seedling height both in Zn‐deficient and sufficient soil, but more clearly under water‐limited soil condition. Decrease in seed germination due to low seed Zn was also more evident under limited water supply. Increasing seed Zn concentration significantly restored impairments in seedling development. Drought‐induced decrease in seedling growth at a given seed Zn concentration was much higher when soil was Zn‐deficient. Increasing seed Zn concentration also significantly improved SOD activity in seedlings grown under low Zn supply, but not under adequate Zn supply. The results suggest that using Zn‐biofortified seeds assures better seed vigor and seedling growth, particularly when Zn and water are limited in the growth medium. The role of a higher antioxidative potential (i.e., higher SOD activity) is discussed as a possible major factor in better germination and development of seedlings resulting from Zn‐biofortified seeds.