Germination response in wheat grains to dihydroactinidiolide,a germination inhibitor in wheat husks,and related compounds

On the basis of our recent findings that the germination of intact wheat grains with glumes (husks) belonging to dormant varieties was restrained as compared with that of dehusked grains, we have explored the identities of germination inhibitors in the glumes, resulting in the characterization of dihydroactinidiolide (1) and some aromatic compounds. A related natural product, tetrahydroactinidiolide (2), showed similar activity. The present study has demonstrated that the sensitivity in inhibition response of germination of the grains to 1 and 2 declined during after-ripening, in parallel with changes in germinability; the sprouting of after-ripened seeds on a whole spike was preventable by exogenous application of 2 in laboratory conditions, and germination of after-ripened grains was delayed by more than two weeks by the action of 1 or 2. The term "pseudodormancy" is proposed for the phenomenon of delay of germination caused by the inhibitor. After accumulation of additional evidence on inhibition response of actinidiolide-type natural products, structurally related to inhibitor 1, a mechanism concerning germination inhibition by 1 or 2 is proposed on the basis of the concept of nonbonding interaction with the inhibitors at an active site of an acceptor.     

2-methylisoborneol and geosmin,the main sources of soil odor,inhibit the germination of brassicaceae seeds

The effects of 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) and geosmin, the main sources of soil odor produced by microorganisms, on plant seed germination were examined for 15 kinds of Brassicaceae seeds including radish (Raphanus sativus var. radicula). Authentic MIB or geosmin was used at the concentration of 100 mg L^-1 in the assay, the effects were quantitatively indexed based on four parameters of cumulative seed germination: the final germination percentage, germination onset, weighted mean rate, germination index. MIB and geosmin inhibited germination of all kinds of seeds tested for these parameters. Radish variety “Comet” was the most affected of all of the tested plant seeds. The estimated 50% inhibitory concentration values on germination of “Comet” were 70.5 and 7.5 mg L^-1 for MIB and geosmin, respectively. We also conducted the primary characterization of the inhibition by MIB and geosmin on “Comet” seeds. Our findings were as follows: (1) onset of seed imbibition was not affected; (2) germination of seeds pre-imbibed in the control solution until approx. 2 h before germination onset was inhibited by subsequent MIB or geosmin treatment; (3) growth of seedlings was not significantly affected; (4) the germination was restored by stratification, gibberellin A₃ treatment, or seed coat removal; and (5) light irradiation affected the degree of inhibition. These results suggest that inhibition by MIB and geosmin is restricted to the germination process, at least in the early stage of growth, that they act as growth -regulating substances.     

Metabolites inhibiting germination of Orobanche ramosa seeds produced by Myrothecium verrucaria and Fusarium compactum

Myrothecium verrucaria and Fusarium compactum were isolated from diseased Orobanche ramosa plants collected in southern Italy to find potential biocontrol agents of this parasitic weed. Both fungi grown in liquid culture produced metabolites that inhibited the germination of O. ramosa seeds at 1-10 muM. Eight metabolites were isolated from M. verrucaria culture extracts. The main metabolite was identified as verrucarin E, a disubstituted pyrrole not belonging to the trichothecene group. Seven compounds were identified by spectroscopic methods as macrocyclic trichothecenes, namely, verrucarins A, B, M, and L acetate, roridin A, isotrichoverrin B, and trichoverrol B. The main metabolite produced by F. compactum was neosoloaniol monoacetate, a trichothecene. All the trichothecenes proved to be potent inhibitors of O. ramosa seed germination and possess strong zootoxic activity when assayed on Artemia salina brine shrimps. Verrucarin E is inactive on both seed germination and zootoxic assay.     

Bioactive compounds in legumes and their germinated products

Nineteen domestic legume varieties, including 6 soybeans, 7 black soybeans, 4 azuki beans, and 2 mung beans, were evaluated for contents of dietary fiber, total phenolics, and flavonoids. Nine varieties of legumes (black soybean TN6, TN3, BM, and WY; soybean KS1, KS2, and KS8; azuki bean AKS5 and AKS6) were good sources of bioactive compounds and were selected for germination tests. After short- and long-term germinations, the bioactive compounds were determined and compared with compositions of isoflavones in soybeans. The reducing power of legumes correlated well with their total flavonoid contents (r (2) = 0.9414), whereas less correlation was found between reducing power and total phenolics contents (r (2) = 0.6885). The dark-coat seeds, such as azuki beans and black soybeans, contained high amounts of phenolic compounds and contributed to high antioxidative ability, whereas their phenolics content and antioxidative abilities significantly decreased after short-term germination due to losses of pigments in the seed coats. After long-term germination, the contents of bioactive compounds (total phenolics and flavonoids) increased again and the ratio of aglycones to total isoflavones significantly increased in black soybeans. TN3 and TN6 seeds and their long-term germinated seeds and AKS5 seeds were identified as the legume samples that might have the highest antioxidant ability according to the results of chemometric analysis. Selection of the right legume varieties combined with a suitable germination process could provide good sources of bioactive compounds from legumes and their germinated products for neutraceutical applications.     

2-fluoroabscisic acid analogues: their synthesis and biological activities

Fluorine was introduced into the 2-position of the side chain of abscisic acid (ABA) analogues by Wittig reaction of alpha-ionone derivatives with ethyl triethylphosphono-2-fluoroacetate. The effects of the fluorinated analogues were evaluated on inhibition of cress seed germination and inhibition of gibberellin-inducible alpha-amylase induction in embryoless barley half-seeds. (2E, 4E)-2-Fluoro-5-(1'-hydroxy-2',6', 6'-trimethyl-2'-cyclohexen-1'-yl)-3-methyl-2,4-pentadienoic acid (5b) showed potent inhibitory activity at the same level as ABA in the cress seed germination test, and 5b also inhibited gibberellin-inducible alpha-amylase induction at 4 x 10(-)(6), 3 times the concentration of ABA (1 x 10(-)(6)) for 50% inhibition of alpha-amylase production. 5b also showed dehydrin induction activity. These results indicate that fluorinated ABA analogues mimic ABA action and can be a lead for a plant growth regulator which regulates plant growth or protects plants from environmental stresses.     

Influence of seed nitrogen content and biofertilizer priming on wheat germination in salinity stress conditions

In order to study the effects of seed nitrogen content and biofertilizer priming on germination indices of wheat seeds under salinity stress, a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with four replications was conducted in 2009. Experimental factors consisted of: (1) the application of different nitrogen fertilizer rates (0, 55, 110 and 165 kg ha^?1 N) on parent plants; (2) priming of achieved seeds by biofertilizers (Nitragin, Biophosphorus and distilled water); and (3) different levels of salinity produced by NaCl (0, ?0.4, ?0.8 and ?1.2 MPa). Germination percentage, germination rate, mean germination time, germination index, radicle and plumule length, radicle and plumule dry weight and radicle number per seedling were measured. Nitrogen application increased seed nitrogen content in parent plants. All germination indices decreased with increasing in salinity levels. Biofertilizer priming, especially Nitragin, had a positive effect on germination percentage, radicle number and radicle and plumule length in most salinity levels. The highest values for germination factors were related to achieved seeds from parent plants that were treated with 110 kg ha^?1 N. Overall, application of middle levels of N fertilizer (55 and 110 kg ha^?1 N) on parent plants combined with seed priming with Nitragin biofertilizer improved the germination indices of wheat under salinity stress.     

Influence of a volatile inhibitor in natural or limed soil on fungal spore and seed germination

Seed germination on sterilized moist filter or blotting papers resting on natural soils in stacked “Nalgene” plastic specimen dishes was inhibited particularly in alkaline soils in comparison with controls under similar conditions but without soil. The same response was observed when seeds were suspended on filter or blotting papers above the soils, suggesting the influence of an inhibitory volatile factor. Seed germination was not affected in Good's buffers over the pH range of the soil samples tested indicating that inhibition on filter or blotting papers in contact with soils was not due to the direct effect of pH. The observed inhibition of seed germination is similar to that found in the germination of conidia of common soil fungi; a volatile fungistatic factor was also detected in these soils. Liming of moderately acid soils increased conidial inhibition on indirect soil contact or from volatiles: germination of seeds, however, was not affected by liming in five of six soils tested. These results indicate that seeds of higher plants as well as fungal conidia are affected by some natural soils and volatiles are at least partially responsible for inhibition.     

Effect of aluminium and calcium on growth of wheat seedlings and germination of seeds

Two separate experiments were conducted to investigate the aluminium (Al) and calcium (Ca) effects on wheat seedling growth and on seed germination. Wheat (Tritcum aestivum L, cs Yangmai No. 5) seedlings were grown for a 15‐day period and treated with 0.5 mM Al with low Ca (1 mM Ca) or high Ca (5 mM Ca). The growth of seedlings was signficantly inhibited by Al. Supplement of Ca improved the growth of Al‐treated plants, increased dry matter weight of plant and leaf area, and decreased shoot/root ratio. This showed that Ca ameliorated Al toxicity in wheat. In experiments on seed germination, Al concentrations less than 2 mM in the germinating medium had little or no visible effect on length of shoot and root of germinating seed. The germinating rate of seed was not affected significantly by Al, when Al concentrations lower than 5 mM Al. The addition of 3 mM Ca did not increase the length of shoot and root and germination rate of seeds. Both pretreatments with 6 mM Ca and 1 μM GA had no significant effect on the length of shoot and root and amylolytic activity of Al‐treated germinating seeds. No significant differences were found in the total amylolytic activity in Al‐treated and control seeds two days and five days after germination. The results of Al and Ca effects on seedlings and seed germination showed that Al‐toxicity on germinating seeds was different from on seedling growth. The high concentrations of Al inhibit growth of roots and shoots of germinating seeds by other toxicity mechanism rather than interaction of Al with Ca and mobilization of carbohydrate reserves.     

保水剂对4种典型荒漠植物种子萌发的影响

[目的]研究不同保水剂用量对4种典型荒漠植物种子萌发的影响,筛选种子包衣保水剂的适宜用量,为荒漠区植被恢复和荒漠化防治提供科学依据。[方法]以红砂(Reaumuria soongarica)、柠条(Caragana korshinskii)、泡果白刺(Nitraria sphaerocarpa)、花棒(Hedysarum scoparium)4种典型荒漠植物为研究对象,采用1%,4%,7%,10%,13%的保水剂对4种种子进行处理,测定4种种子的发芽率、发芽势、发芽指数。[结果]随保水剂用量的增加柠条种子发芽率呈现下降趋势,花棒、泡果白刺和红砂呈现先增加后降低的趋势,当保水剂用量为4%时发芽率最高;不同量保水剂处理对柠条和红砂种子发芽势影响显著(p0.05)。随着保水剂用量的增加发芽势均呈现先增加后减小趋势,当保水剂用量为1%时柠条种子发芽势最高,4%时花棒、泡果白刺和红砂种子的发芽势最高;不同量保水剂处理对柠条、泡果白刺和红砂种子平均发芽速率和发芽指数影响显著(p0.05),泡果白刺和红砂种子随着保水剂用量的增加呈现先增加后降低的趋势,当保水剂用量为4%时平均发芽速率和发芽指数最高,当保水剂用量为1%时,柠条种子发芽指数最大。[结论]保水剂用量对种子萌发的影响因物种而各异,适量的保水剂对典型荒漠植物种子的萌发具有促进作用。     

Seed nitrogen accelerates the rates of germination,emergence, and establishment of rice plants

We examined the effect of seed nitrogen content on the rates of germination, emergence, and establishment of rice plants. Several seed lots with various nitrogen contents were obtained from the parent plants grown under 3 planting densities and 4 rates of nitrogen application. There was a clear negative correlation between the seed nitrogen content and germination time (R =0.88), whereas the correlation between the seed dry weight and germination time was very low (R=0.23). The seed lot with a high nitrogen content absorbed water faster than the seed lot with a low nitrogen content, especially on the first day after soaking, and also showed a faster emergence, exsertion of the fourth leave, and a more uniform germination. Moreover, the increase of seed nitrogen content as well as the prolongation of soaking time resulted in a uniform emergence. Therefore, seed vigor is likely to be enhanced by the increase of seed nitrogen content, which may be achieved by an adequate application of a large amount of nitrogen to parent plants. Consequently, it may be possible to improve and stabilize the establishment of directly sown rice plants by the sowing of vigorous seeds with a high nitrogen content.     

采用植物化感作用与诱捕作物消除列当土壤种子库

研究证明化感作用需要满足如下4个方面:1)供体植物释放化感物质使得受体植物受到连续和定量的影响;2)能从供体植物中分离、鉴定得到化感物质,而且这些化感物质无论是在室内还是在田间,都能对在自然生态系统中邻近的伴生植物产生效应;3)供体植物产生和释放的化感物质在自然条件下能以足够的浓度到达邻近受体植物;4)以足够生物活性到达受体植物的化感物质能够被吸收并能够影响受体植物的生理生化过程,而且这种影响必须排除受体植物的生长发育不是由于竞争、动物侵害、病菌感染以及物理环境等非化感因素产生的影响。列当是列当科(Orobanchaceae)列当属(Orobanche)的根寄生植物,是一种寄生于其他植物根部的全寄生植物。全世界已发现100种列当属根寄生植物,在我国危害较为严重的是向日葵列当(O.cumana)和瓜列当(O.aegyptiace)。向日葵列当主要分布在陕西北部、河北、新疆、山西、内蒙古及东北三省,主要危害向日葵。瓜列当主要分布在新疆,危害瓜类、番茄、马铃薯。列当杂草的种子体积小、重量轻(3~6μg),而且每株植物可以生产大量种子。这些种子数量巨大且在土壤中可以保持生存力长达15~20年以上。成熟后的列当种子需要经过一段时间的后熟过程,完成后熟的列当种子在发芽之前需要1~2周时间在一定的温度和湿度条件下进行预培养,预培养后的列当种子还必须从寄主那里获得一个化学物质才能发芽,在自然条件下这种发芽刺激物质是由寄主或非寄主植物的幼根分泌提供的。获得该物质后,列当种子的"发芽管"可在数日内长出种皮,之后在吸器诱导物质的作用下很快形成吸器,与寄主根吸附并穿入根内后与寄主根的木质部形成联结,从寄主植物那里竞争性地夺取水分、养分及生长激素。由于列当属植物是根寄生杂草,在没有长出地面之前,它已经给作物造成严重的伤害,所以不易控制,有效的途径是尽量减少土壤中的列当种子含量。诱捕作物是指该作物的根系能够分泌列当属植物种子发芽的刺激物质,但是又不会被列当正常寄生,诱捕作物本身可以进行正常收获。由于列当属植物种子的生命只有一次,发芽后不能寄生就会死亡,这种发芽又称之为"自杀发芽",如此可以在列当找不到寄主之前死亡,从而大大降低土壤中列当的种子库。本文介绍了作者项目组从事采用化感作用与诱捕作物(小麦、玉米、棉花、大豆等)消除列当土壤种子库最新研究进展。     

玉米发芽过程中Cd和硫醇化合物相互作用的研究

随着现代工业的发展,重金属镉（Cd）对农作物的污染情况日趋严重,作为广泛传播的污染物,Cd易于通过土壤被农作物吸收。为了研究玉米对毒性金属积累、暴露响应和耐受机制,以探讨玉米发芽过程中Cd与硫醇化合物相互作用机理为目的,利用毛细管电泳等分析技术,研究了Cd对玉米发芽势、发芽率的影响,培养液中Cd2＋对玉米种子中Cd含量的影响,Cd-硫醇化合物吸收光谱和玉米种子中硫醇化合物含量水平。结果表明,发芽率和发芽势呈无规律性变化;当玉米经过含Cd2＋培养液浸泡时,存在着Cd2＋在二者间的相互迁移作用,且迁移作用呈线性关系（5 d除外）;当Cd与硫醇化合物共存时,Cd-硫醇化合物吸收光谱暗示形成金属硫蛋白;硫醇化合物含量随Cd的存在呈现先增加后减少的变化规律,Cd2＋浓度为50μmol.L-1时含量达最大值,更高浓度时,其含量降至低于空白对照样品值。研究结果表明,不同种类的硫醇化合物含量可间接指示金属Cd对植物种子发芽毒害影响程度。     

Bowman-Brik胰蛋白酶抑制剂在水稻叶片生长和种子萌发过程中的表达

Bowman-Birk胰蛋白酶抑制剂(BBTI)是一类富含半胱氨酸的丝氨酸蛋白酶抑制剂,广泛分布于豆科、禾本科和菊科植物中,在蛋白质存储和植物防御中具有重要作用。水稻(Oryza sativa L.ssp.indica)BBTI家族具有13个成员,其中BBTI-9和BBTI-10都为假基因。其余BBTI成员都存在数量不同的保守Bowman-Birk结构域。为了解BBTI的表达信息,本研究主要通过设计多肽序列的方法,制备了11个BBTI的多克隆抗体,利用Western blot技术检测其在叶片生长发育和种子萌发过程中的表达。结果表明BBTI在叶片生长过程中呈现不同的时空特异性表达,BBTI-1、-2、-11、-12和-13伴随叶片生长含量增加,BBTI-5、-6和-8在苗期表达含量高,而BBTI-3、-4、-7在苗早期1cm时表达量达到峰值,以修饰或多聚体的形式在叶片生长过程中表达。在种子萌发过程中发现BBTI-8在种子中表达量较高,萌发后2h降到最低,24h后一条分子量略小的降解带开始表达,其余抗体在种子萌发阶段未发现有明显的变化。本研究还统计了苗期叶片、分蘖期叶片和萌发期的种子的MPSStags数据,试图比较转录与蛋白质水平对应关系。本研究结果证明,BBTI蛋白质在水稻生长发育过程中存在差异表达,为深入了解其功能提供了重要线索。     

子午岭天然柴松林土壤种子库

采取子午岭天然柴松林地3个坡位与1个对照区共4个大样地54个小样方的土壤样品,通过室内种子萌发和地上植被调查相结合的方法对其种子库进行研究,以揭示其土壤种子库特征及与地上植被的关系。结果显示：1）土壤种子密度平均为1 496.7粒/m^2,最小为1 240.0粒/m^2,最大为1 785.0粒/m^2,荒山对照区为510.0粒/m^2;2）种子库的垂直分布格局显示,近90%的种子储存于枯枝落叶层和0-7.5 cm土层中;3）研究中共统计到植物种32种,分属于20科,其中多年生草本和常绿灌木种子比例最高,分别占种子库种子总数的48.3%和41.9%;4）不同坡位的物种丰富度指数介于2.523-3.082之间,而物种多样性指数介于1.458-1.781之间,其中中坡物种丰富度指数最大而多样性指数最小,上坡多样性指数和均匀度指数都最大;5）各坡位地上植被主要建群植物种中,除白颖苔草、大披针苔草、胡枝子、唐松草在对应坡位的土壤种子库中出现且分别占该坡位种子库的19.7%、2.1%和0.8%、1.7%和3.1%0、.4%外,其他建群种如榛子、子、地榆等在种子库中均未出现,种子库不能很好地反映地上植被组成,部分未出现物种与其自身萌发性质有关;6）土壤种子库中柴松种子所占比例约为0.6%（地上植被调查发现）,柴松林下有更新幼苗,约5-7粒/m^2,说明种子库具有潜在萌发能力,森林具备一定的自我更新能力。     

大豆低植酸突变体籽粒的抗氧化性分析

植酸具有较强的抗氧化能力,对作物籽粒的耐储性和活力均具有重要作用,但其作用机制尚不明确。为揭示大豆低植酸突变体和野生型亲本中抗氧化代谢产物的差异,本研究以低植酸突变体Gm-lpa-ZC-2、Gm-lpa-TW-1、Gm-lpa-TW-1-M,以及野生型亲本浙春3号、台湾75为材料,分析大豆籽粒发育过程中植酸含量对抗氧化能力的影响。结果表明,大豆籽粒发育过程中的总抗氧化能力受过氧化物酶和过氧化氢酶活力的影响较大,而非酶类氧化剂谷胱甘肽对总抗氧化能力影响较小。随着籽粒的成熟,脂质氧化物、丙二醛与蛋白羰基化产物的含量逐渐增加。低植酸突变体Gm-lpa-ZC-2、Gm-lpa-TW-1-M和亲本浙春3号、台湾75的总抗氧化能力较强,且籽粒活力也较高;而低植酸突变体Gm-lpa-TW-1的总抗氧化能力最弱,且籽粒活力也最弱,说明大豆籽粒抗氧化水平与籽粒活力呈正相关,但与植酸含量无相关关系。由此推测植酸并非影响大豆籽粒抗氧化能力和活力的直接因素。本研究结果为进一步探索低植酸作物的籽粒活力下降机制,培育高籽粒活力低植酸大豆品种提供了参考。     

甘肃贝母种子水提取液对小白菜的化感效应

为进一步探明甘肃贝母种子后熟脱休眠机理,本研究对其种子不同后熟阶段水提取液不同质量浓度下小白菜种子的生物活性进行测定。结果表明,甘肃贝母种子水提取液对小白菜种子萌发及生长具有明显影响,影响程度随其所处后熟阶段的不同而异。在形态后熟阶段,与对照相比,水提取液浓度为2.5 mg·mL^-1时,对小白菜种子发芽率和发芽势均有促进作用,但随着水提取液浓度的提高,小白菜种子萌发和幼苗生长均表现明显的化感抑制效应,化感效应指数RI值逐渐降低,当水提取液浓度为40 mg·mL^-1时,化感抑制效应达到显著水平(P<0.05)。在生理后熟阶段表现出不同的化感效应,各处理组小白菜种子的发芽率均低于对照,但随着水提取液浓度的提高,化感效应呈现先增大后减小的趋势,当水提取液浓度为5 mg·mL^-1时,小白菜苗高、根直径与单苗鲜重均较对照显著提高(P<0.05)。综上表明,甘肃贝母种子内源化感抑制物质在后熟不同阶段具有明显差异,从形态后熟转入生理后熟后,种子内源化感抑制物明显减少。本研究结果为进一步探究甘肃贝母种子中内源抑制物质的种类特性及生产实践中打破其种子休眠提供了科学依据和理论支撑。     

低场核磁共振分析聚乙二醇对萌发期水稻种子水分吸收的影响

为研究聚乙二醇(PEG,polyethylene glycol)处理下水稻种子萌发过程中内部水分分布和变化规律,进而揭示水稻耐旱性在水分吸收规律上的重要特征。应用低场核磁共振的T2弛豫谱和质子密度加权成像分析了PEG处理下水稻种子萌发过程中的水分变化,研究了利用蒸馏水(对照)和质量分数分别为10%、20%PEG6000处理对两个水稻品种旱9710、辽星1发芽指标的影响,以及对两个水稻品种萌发0、6、22、48、72 h吸水量的影响,确定单位质量核磁信号幅值与水稻种子湿基含水率的回归函数关系。发芽指标检测结果显示:旱9710耐旱性高于辽星1。质子密度加权成像结果显示:在水分吸收初期,水分子直接通过种子表面裂缝进入种子体内,胚乳中的淀粉粒等物质开始吸水膨胀,种子体积增大。24 h后,种子内营养物质向种胚流动。PEG处理下,水稻种子吸水量明显减少,发芽速度明显降低,且PEG质量分数越高,发芽速度越慢。基于核磁共振理论及T2弛豫谱的多组分特征,当反演频率为10 000时,水稻种子萌发过程中的水分分为束缚水与自由水两部分。T2弛豫谱结果表明:在蒸馏水和质量分数分别为10%、20%PEG处理下,种子湿基含水率和核磁信号幅值均逐渐增长。PEG处理下,核磁信号幅值增长相比对照处理显著降低(P0.05)。PEG处理抑制了两个水稻品种种子对水分的吸收,PEG质量分数越高,抑制作用越强。PEG处理24 h后,耐旱性强的水稻品种吸水率相比对照处理的降低幅度小于耐旱性弱的品种。回归分析表明,3种处理下,核磁信号幅值和湿基含水率具有一致的线性关系(R2=0.983),由回归方程可以求得水稻种子萌发过程中各状态水分的含量。试验为研究水稻种子萌发过程对干旱胁迫的反应机制,开发种子水分微观活体无损检测技术等方面的研究提供理论支持和数据参考。     

Effects of nitrification inhibitors on germination of various seeds in soil

Summary The effects of 19 nitrificiation inhibitors on germination of seeds in soil were investigated. The nitrification inhibitors tested were sodium azide, potassium azide, potassium ethyl xanthate, nitrapyrin (N-Serve), etridiazole (Dwell), 3-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole (MT), 2-amino-4-chloro-6-methylpyrimidine (AM), 2,4-diamino-6-trichloromethyl-s-triazine, 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT), 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole (ATC), sodium thiocarbonate (STC), guanylthiourea (ASU), thiourea (TU), dicyandiamide (DCD), sulfathiazole (STC), phenylacetylene, 2-ethynyl-pyridine, 3-methylpyrazole-l-carboxamide (MPC), and ammonium thiosulfate (ATS). Germination tests were performed with seeds of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), rye (Secale cereale L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], oats (Avena sativa L.), and corn (Zea mays). Only 2 of the 19 nitrification inhibitors studied (potassium azide and sodium azide) reduced germination of the seeds tested when applied at the rate of 12.5 g g^–1. The other inhibitors studied had no effect on the germination of wheat, alfalfa, barley, corn, oat, rye, or sorghum seeds when they were applied at the rate of 125 g g^–1 soil, and most of them had no effect on seed germination when applied at the rate of 625 g g^–1 soil.     

Antioxidant activity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation in germinating seeds of transgenic soybean expressing OsHGGT

Tocochromanols are potent lipid-soluble antioxidants and essential nutrients for human health. Genetic engineering techniques were used to develop soybeans with enhanced vitamin E levels, including tocotrienols, which are not found in soybean. The gene encoding rice homogentisate geranylgeranyl transferase (HGGT) was overexpressed in soybeans using seed-specific and constitutive promoters. The association between abundance of vitamin E isomers and antioxidant activity was investigated during seed germination. With the exception of β-tocotrienol, all vitamin E isomers were detected in germinating seeds expressing OsHGGT. The antioxidant properties of germinating seed extracts were determined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals and lipid peroxidation (TBARS). Compared with intact wild-type seeds, transgenic seeds showed increases in radical scavenging of 5.4-17 and 23.2-35.3% in the DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively. Furthermore, the lipid peroxidation levels were 2.0-4.5-fold lower in germinating seeds from transgenic lines than in wild-type seeds. Therefore, it appears that the antioxidant potential of transgenic oil-producing plants such as soybean, sunflower, and corn may be enhanced by overexpressing OsHGGT during seed germination.     

Sugar beet yield as affected by seed priming and weed control

Laboratory and field experiments were conducted to determine the influence of different priming techniques on the germination characteristics and competition of weeds in sugar beet in 2008–2009. Three priming times and four priming methods were used in a laboratory study, and four priming treatments and four redroot pigweed densities (0, 4, 8 and 12 plants m^?2) were used in a field study. Sugar beet seeds were treated with polyethylene glycol (PEG 8000), NaCl (1.5 N) and HCl (0.1 N) for 2, 4 and 6 h. Seed characteristics were significantly affected by HCl (0.1 N) treatment for 6 h. In this treatment, the germination percentage was 25 and 9% higher than control and NaCl (1.5 N) treatments after a similar time. An intermediate and low effect has been shown with NaCl (1.5 N) and PEG 8000 seed priming, respectively. Sugar beet root yield was reduced by 13, 54 and 89% compared with control treatment (without weed) at redroot pigweed densities of 4, 8 and 12 plants m^?2, respectively. Sugar beet seeds primed with HCl (0.1 N) for 6 h gave a higher root yield than unprimed seeeds and the other primed seeds treatments. Overall, the results showed that weed control can significantly increase sugar beet yield and the seed priming technique can be used for weed control.