Factors Relating to Seedling Emergence in Spring Wheat

Abstract

Spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is cultivated in the northern part of Japan. Although the vigorous early growth of spring wheat is desirable, the rapid and uniform emergence of seedlings is reduced by adverse environmental effects, such as excessive soil moisture and low temperature. Analyses of correlations between field emergence day and germination traits under low temperature, after treatment with polyethelene glycol (PEG) and after flooding treatment of 44 varieties from Japan and other countries indicated a general absence of interrelationships. Moreover, there was no significant correlation between field emergence days in trials in 1996 and 1997. Small and large seeds of Haruyutaka harvested in 1994 and 1996 were hand-sown at depths of 3 cm and 10 cm without fertilizer and with standard fertilizer in brown forest soil in a field of the Tokyo University of Agriculture in Hokkaido. The superiority of large seeds over small seeds was demonstrated by the production of more shoot dry matter with sowing at a depth of 3 cm and by the number of emerged plants with sowing at a depth of 10 cm. Although the coefficients of correlation between field emergence day and germination traits of the wheat varieties were low, a sowing method that optimized seedling growth in the field was demonstrated in this experiment.     

A Varietal Difference in Coleoptile Growth is Correlated with Seedling Establishment of Direct Seeded Rice in Submerged Field under Low-Temperature Conditions

Abstract

To elucidate the physiological characteristics relating to better seedling establishment in submerged field under low-temperature conditions, we compared the time required to reach various growth stages after seed imbibition among rice {Oryza sativa L.) varieties differing in the performance of seedling establishment. Two experiments were conducted. In the field experiment, the percentage of seedlings with expanded second leaf at 30 days after sowing (PSSL) was measured and regarded as the index of establishment rate for each variety. In agar-bed experiment, the number of germinated seeds, the seedlings with the coleoptile elongated to the medium surface, and the seedlings with the 1st leaf apparent were counted daily under a 16°G condition. A sigmoid model was applied to the above values to evaluate the time requirements. There was a significant correlation between the duration from 50% germination to 50% emergence in the agar-bed experiment and PSSL in the field experiments. However, the duration from imbibition to 50% germination, and that from 50% emergence to 50% appearance of the first leaf were not significantly correlated with PSSL. We found that fast growth of the coleoptile is an important characteristic for the varieties that can provide stable and excellent seedling establishment at low temperature.     

低温胁迫下外源CaCl2对玉米种子萌发及幼苗生长的影响

以杂C-546为试材,采用10、20、40、80、160 mmol/L外源CaCl_2浸种和叶面喷施不同浓度处理种子,比较分析低温胁迫下玉米种子发芽率、发芽势、发芽指数和幼苗叶片相对电导率、可溶性蛋白、Pn、Fv/Fm、POD和SOD活性等生理生化指标的变化。结果表明,在低温抑制玉米幼苗生长条件下,一定浓度CaCl_2(10~80 mmol/L)处理可降低玉米幼苗生长伤害程度。80 mmol/L CaCl_2浸种处理对玉米低温胁迫的缓解效果最佳,与对照比较,发芽率提高8%,发芽势提高24.6%,发芽指数提高33.2,相对电导率降低51.8%,可溶性蛋白含量增加76.3%,SOD活性增加35.7%。适宜浓度的CaCl_2在低温条件下可促进玉米种子的萌发,降低低温对玉米幼苗造成的伤害。     

Calculation of Population Parameters using Richards Function and Application of Indices of Growth and Seed Vigor to Rice Plants

Abstract

The Richards function, an asymmetric growth function, was fitted to germination data for several rice varieties, and functional parameters were transformed into stable population parameters that comprehensively characterize germination (viability Vi, time Me, dispersion Qu and skewness Sk). For practical purposes, the population parameters calculated using a symmetric logistic function were similar to those calculated using the asymmetric Richards function for the germination of rice plants. The reproducibility of the calculated population parameters was so high that germination data can be measured at one-day intervals without replication. Therefore, population parameters can be applied as indices of the germination properties of a seed lot. Me was especially highly correlated with the establishment percentage, which indicates that it can be applied as a useful index of seed vigor. Although the emergence data could also be fitted to a logistic function, those for establishment should be fitted to the Richards function because the skewness becomes so large that population parameters can not be calculated exactly using logistic functions. Population parameters that show the properties of seedling growth are also available. For example, Qu of emergence shows the effect of seed soaking on the uniformity of emergence. In fields with fluctuating temperatures, the measured data fit better with the cumulative temperature than with time.     

低温对花生种子发芽及幼苗生长的影响

在室内培养条件下,以青花7号花生品种为试验材料,系统研究了收获后低温对种子发芽及幼苗生长的影响。结果表明,随着处理温度的降低,种子的发芽势、发芽率、发芽指数和活力指数降低,幼苗主根长度、侧根长度和侧根数量减少,根系活力降低,出苗率降低。处理温度达到-1℃即对种子发芽和幼苗生长造成明显不良影响,可作为花生种子收获后受低温危害的阈值。     

Ludwigia hyssopifolia emergence and growth as affected by light, burial depth and water management

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of light, seed burial depth, and flooding on germination, emergence and growth of Ludwigia hyssopifolia. Germination was strongly stimulated by light, suggesting that seeds of this species are positively photoblastic. Seeds sown on the soil surface gave the greatest percentage of seedling emergence in plastic trays, and no seedlings emerged from seeds buried in soil at depths of ≥1 cm. Intermittent or shallow flooding suppressed emergence and growth of L. hyssopifolia. Flooding to a depth of 2 cm for 4 days out of 7 days reduced seedling emergence by more than 71% and seedling dry matter by 97% compared to where the soil had not been flooded. Flooding up to a depth of 10 cm however, when delayed to 21 days after sowing, did not significantly suppress growth of this species. This study illustrates the role of seed burial by tillage and flooding as two important tools for the management of L. hyssopifolia.     

Ecological studies on Echinochloa crus-galli and the implications for weed management in direct-seeded rice

Echinochloa crus-galli, a C₄ grass, is one of the world’s most serious weeds. Weed management decisions for this species can be derived from knowledge of its seed biology. Studies were conducted to determine the effects of light on germination; seed burial depth and rice residue on emergence and growth; and flooding time and depth on emergence, survival and growth of this species. Light stimulated seed germination but it was not an absolute requirement for germination. The proportion of seeds germinating was greatest for seeds placed on the soil surface (92%), and emergence declined with increasing burial depth in soil; no seedlings emerged from the depth of 8 cm. A burial depth of only 0.4 cm reduced seedling emergence by 50%. Seedling emergence and seedling biomass were reduced by the addition of high level (6 ton ha⁻¹) of rice residue to the soil surface. Early and deep flooding significantly suppressed growth of E. crus-galli seedlings. In flooded conditions, with increased water depth the weed allocated more biomass to shoots at the expense of roots. The information gained from this study could contribute to improve weed control approaches. Soil inversion by tillage to bury weed seeds below their maximum depth of emergence, use of crop residue as mulch and early flooding of the crop could serve as important tools for managing E. crus-galli and other weed species with similar germination requirements. These management options, however, would need to be compatible with other crop management requirements.     

水杨酸包衣对低温胁迫下玉米种子萌发及幼苗生长的影响

通过室内砂培试验,研究低温胁迫下水杨酸包衣玉米种子对其萌发及幼苗生长的影响。结果表明,低温胁迫下水杨酸包衣玉米种子的萌发指标和幼苗形态指标均优于对照,其中,发芽率比对照高8个百分点,差异极显著;低温胁迫下水杨酸包衣玉米幼苗的相对电导率和丙二醛含量均低于对照,叶绿素含量和可溶性糖含量均高于对照,有利于增强玉米幼苗抵御低温冷害的能力。     

提高超甜玉米耐冷性的研究

试验以2个南方超甜玉米品种和1个北方超甜玉米品种:甜8号、粤甜3号和华甜玉1号为试材,设计了7个种子处理方法,采用随机区组设计,在早春播种气温较低的条件下,进行增强超甜玉米耐冷性的研究。结果表明,在温度较低的早春播种,种子处理能显著地增强甜玉米种子的耐冷性。表现为提高田间出苗率、成苗率效果显著,最高可提高田间出苗率35.2%;以噻酮、丙酮、氮酮的处理效果最好。本研究首次报道了噻酮和氮酮用于增强作物耐冷性的研究。与以往的方法比较,本研究所提供的方法具有安全无毒、操作简便的优点,可以更好地应用于甜玉米生产实践。     

不同温度对辣木种子萌发、幼苗生长及其生理特性的影响

为了探索辣木(M.oleifera Lam.)种子和幼苗对不同环境温度的适应性,设置15、20、25、30、35、40℃等不同温度处理,研究不同温度条件对辣木种子萌发、幼苗生长及生理指标的影响。结果表明:辣木种子发芽的最适温度为25℃,幼苗生长的最适温度为30℃,温度过高或过低都会抑制辣木种子的萌发和幼苗的生长。一定程度的高温和低温胁迫会使辣木种子的发芽势、发芽率、发芽指数等发芽指标以及幼苗的苗高、茎粗、根长、鲜质量增量、壮苗指数等生长指标显著下降。高、低温胁迫还会使辣木幼苗叶片的MDA含量、相对电导率、可溶性糖、SOD活性、POD活性显著增加,使叶绿素相对含量、φ_(Po_、RC/ABS、P_(TR)、P_(ET)、PI_(ABS)显著下降。     

Comparison of seed germination and early seedling growth responses to salinity and temperature of the halophyte Chloris virgata and the glycophyte Digitaria sanguinalis

Salinization is an increasing land degradation issue in the Songnen Grassland of northern China. Effects of salinity and temperature on seed germination and seedling growth of Chloris virgata, a promising halophyte, and Digitaria sanguinalis, a widespread glycophyte were examined in six soil solutions (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mm NaCl) and four temperatures (15, 20, 25 and 30°C). Germination percentages and rates of both species decreased significantly at higher salinities, but ungerminated seeds can recover germination upon supply of distilled water. Radicle length, seedling height and the total dry weight of both species generally decreased in a concentration‐dependent manner at 20°C and above as the salinity increased. However, at 15°C, the salt‐treated seedlings showed decreases with a similar magnitude for different salinities. Low salinities seem to stimulate germination and seedling growth of C. virgata compared with the control treatment. Both species were more sensitive to salinity during the seedling stage than the germination stage. Digitaria sanguinalis from the saline Songnen Grassland region seems to develop a halophyte‐like adaptive strategy to some extent. However, C. virgata may still dominate most hyperhaline areas due to its higher salt tolerance.     

The effects of density, date of inflorescence emergence, date of harvesting and temperature upon seed quality in tetraploid hybrid ryegrasses

Thousand-seed weight, germination and seedling dry weight were measured in some tetraploid hybrid ryegrasses to study variations in seed quality. In cv. Sabrina, seed from spaced plants had a higher 1000-seed weight and seedling dry weight, and a slower germination rate than seed from narrow drills. Seed from later emerging groups of inflorescences had a low 1000-seed weight and seedling dry weight, but a high germination rate. Seeds of cv. Sabrina, Leri and Augusta harvested at between 10 and 25 d after peak anthesis had low 1000-seed weights, low germination rates and low seedling dry weights. Air temperatures between inflorescence emergence and seed maturity also affected seed quality; an increase in temperature from a 15°/10°C regime to a constant 25°C environment reduced 1000-seed weight and seedling dry weight, but increased germination rate. It is concluded that year-to-year variation in seed characters will occur because of temperature and other climatic changes, but seed quality can also be influenced by the time at which the seed is harvested. If combine harvesting is carried out at a moisture concentration of about 400 g kg^-1 (≡40%) then maximum yields of seed of a high quality should be obtained.     

Emergence of cuphea seeds treated with different fungicides

Cuphea (Cuphea viscosissima Jacq. × C. lanceolata f. silenoides W.T. Aiton, Lythraceae) is an oilseed crop, with medium-chain fatty acids, being developed for the North Central United States for industrial applications in the manufacture of soaps and detergents. Seed germination and seedling emergence of cuphea is often low when compared to the commercial crops. Identification of seed treatments to optimize seedling emergence and stand establishment for cuphea are important for commercial production. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of several fungicide treatments on pure live seed emergence (PLSE) of cuphea. Pure live seed emergence is defined as total seedling emergence adjusted by the germination of the seed planted. Field experiments were conducted at Prosper, ND and Glyndon, MN, in 2005 and 2006. Previous crop rotations were soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]/hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and soybean/hard red spring wheat/sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris var. saccharifera L.) at Prosper and Glyndon, respectively, for both years. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with six treatments and four replicates. Treatments were: no fungicide applied (check treatment), captan, mefenoxam, fludioxonil + mefenoxam, azoxystrobin, and azoxystrobin + mefenoxam. Plant stand was counted and PLSE was calculated 10 to 15 d after seeding at all locations by counting emerged seedlings in the center two-plot-rows and adjusting PLSE for germination. Greenhouse experiments were conducted with soil treatments (pasteurized and non-pasteurized) and the same fungicide seed treatments as the field experiment. Pure live seed emergence, vigor index, and percent of diseased seedlings were recorded. Plant stand and PLSE were significantly greater for the seed treatments that had mefenoxam at the Glyndon, MN, environments, in which the previous crop was sugarbeet. Soil treatment (pasteurization) increased PLSE and vigor index. All fungicide seed treatments improved PLSE and vigor index and reduced damping-off compared to the untreated check. Results suggest that seed treatments including mefenoxam would be beneficial for commercial cuphea production.     

Varietal Differences of Flood Tolerance during Germination and Selection of the Tolerant Lines in Common Buckwheat

Abstract

We evaluated the varietal difference in the flood tolerance of germinated seed in 17 Japanese varieties of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench), including both local varieties and bred varieties or lines of different agroecotypes. Germinated seeds were flooded for 1 day in a growth chamber in June, July and August. The mean rate of seedling emergence from the seeds sown on different dates varied with the variety ranging from 20.4 to 57.4%. The mean emergence rate of summer agroecotypes (29.9%) was significantly lower than that of intermediate and late-summer agroecotypes (42.8 and 40.1%, respectively), and that of local varieties (44.2%) was significantly higher than that of bred varieties or lines (31.2%). These results suggest that inherent variation in flood tolerance was decreased by breeding as a result of a bottleneck effect. The local variety ‘Kitou zairai’, which exhibited a high and stable seedling emergence rate, may be a suitable choice in breeding for flood tolerance during germination. We also attempted to select for flood tolerance under mild selection pressure. Mass selection after four generations increased seedling emergence rate in five of six selected lines (with the exception of ‘Kitawasesoba’) compared with those of unselected populations, although the results varied with the line. These results indicate the possibility of breeding for flood tolerance during the germination period.     

不同来源国内外玉米自交系耐低温评价利用研究

2016～2017年在黑龙江省哈尔滨、克山、黑河对160份美国玉米自交系和63份国内玉米自交系及15份欧洲玉米自交系进行不同播种期的耐低温试验。结果表明,不同地点、不同播种期的出苗指数均有显著性差异,238份材料当地正常播种期平均出苗率差异达极显著水平(P0.01);材料间早发性差异显著,其中,6份耐低温突出的材料在3个地点表现一致。3个地点当地正常播种期播种的平均抽丝期比当地正常播种期提前10 d播种的平均抽丝期晚0.72 d,但差异不显著(P0.05)。苗期耐低温试验筛选出耐低温强的玉米材料6份,包括IBB14、LH163、B144、MBPM、CO372和PHM49,这些材料表现为早发性好及低温环境下出苗率高。     

Osmotic priming of true potato seed: Effects of seed age

Summary The effects on germination and early seedling growth of presowing true potato seed in water or gibberellic acid (GA) at 1500 ppm and of priming in −1.0, −1.25 and −1.5 MPa solutions of KNO₃+K₃PO₄ were studied using 30, 18, 6 and 3/4 month-old seed. The influence of light during presowing on the effectiveness of treatments was also investigated. Overall, priming in the light at −1.0 MPa was the most, and GA the least successful treatment for enhancing emergence and subsequent seedling growth. Though GA increased final emergence from about 20 to 70% in the most recently harvested lot (3/4 mo), the rate and extent of final germination or emergence in this dormant seed was still much lower than that of the nondormant lots (6–30 mo), especially when the latter were primed. For all lots, dry weight per seedling was 40% lower in dormant than in nondormant seed, and 20% higher when seeds were primed at −1.0 MPa than when GA treated. In conclusion, the use of nondormant seed may be a requirement for both effective priming and sowing of potato crops via true seed.     

NADPH Oxidases Act as Key Enzyme on Germination and Seedling Growth in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in seed germination. Although hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), a type of ROS, enhances the germination rate of various plant seeds, little is known about the mechanism. NADPH oxidases catalyze the production of superoxide anion (O₂^-) that is one of the ROS and the enzymes regulate plant development. We, therefore, investigated the role of NADPH oxidases in seed germination and seedling growth in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). The production of O₂^- was observed both in embryo and aleurone layers in barley seeds treated with distilled water (DW). However, it was suppressed in seeds treated with diphenylene iodonium (DPI) chloride, NADPH oxidase inhibitor. Moreover, DPI markedly delayed germination and remarkably suppressed α-amylase activity in barley seeds, indicating the importance of NADPH oxidases in germination of barley seeds. The gene expression and the enzyme activity of NADPH oxidases gradually increased after imbibition, and the enzyme activities were closely correlated with seedling growth after imbibition. Besides, DPI markedly suppressed the seedling growth. These results indicated that NADPH oxidases perform a crucial function in germination and seedling growth in barley. These facts clearly reveal that O₂^- produced by NADPH oxidases after imbibition regulates seed germination and seedling growth in barley.     

A bioplastic-based seed coating improves seedling growth and reduces production of coated seed dust

Although recently introduced, film-coating of agronomic seeds is now widely accepted in modern agriculture as an effective technology for protecting germinating seeds and seedlings. These experiments explored the possibility of using a bioplastic-based formulation to film-coat corn (maize; Zea mays L.) and canola (Brassica napus L.) seeds, alone and in combination with synthetic pesticides and plant growth-promoting bacteria. The thin bioplastic coat did not affect percent germination or seedling growth. However, incorporating spores of the plant growth-promoting bacterium Bacillus subtilis QST 713 into the bioplastic matrix resulted in a greater elongation of corn and canola seedlings than that of seedlings from untreated seeds. Specifically, stems and roots of seedlings that germinated from corn seeds coated with bioplastic containing spores were 18.0% and 21.4% longer, respectively, than stems and roots from uncoated control seeds. In canola seeds, these values were 19.9% and 20.9% higher for stem and roots, respectively. Incorporating a neonicotinoid insecticide, imidacloprid, and a fungicide, pyraclostrobin, into bioplastic coatings, along with B. subtilis spores, provided results comparable to spores and bioplastic alone. Coated seeds were also evaluated for their potential to generate dust after abrasion testing, using a novel image-based method made possible because seed coatings are typically artificially colored. Abraded seed coat fragments are consequently easily detectable with conventional optical instruments. Corn and canola seeds coated with bioplastic released up to 86.1% and 97.6% less dust during abrasive handling than seeds coated with a commercial seed coating matrix measured by the optical approach described here.     

吸胀期低温与水分条件对油菜种子萌发的耦合效应

为了探讨晚播油菜适宜播种的田间温度和水分条件,以华杂62和华双5号品种为材料,在土壤和PEG溶液两种介质中研究了吸胀温度与水势对种子萌发的影响。结果表明,吸胀期温度和水分条件对油菜种子的萌发具有显著影响。在5~15℃范围内,种子萌发活力随吸胀期土壤温度的升高而提高。在10℃和15℃下吸胀,土壤相对含水量为58.6%、水势为-0.1MPa时较适宜于种子萌发;在5℃低温下吸胀,适当降低土壤水势有利于种子萌发。华杂62种子具有吸胀冷害现象,在低温和高水势下吸胀,种子萌发活性降低,吸水速度加快,种子浸泡液K+渗漏量升高,而Na+渗漏量和Na+/K+比值降低。华双5号种子则具有较强的抗吸胀冷害能力,表现为在低温下吸胀受水势的影响较小。