Effect of Seed Sizes on the Growth and Establishment of Seedlings of Sheanut Tree （Vitellaria paradoxa）

Seed size can influence germination, emergence and further development of plants to produce high yield. Therefore, pot trial was conducted to assess the effects of seed sizes on growth and establishment of sheanut tree seedlings （Vitellaria paradoxa） in tlae southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria. Seedlings produced from large sized seed had higher germination （80%） than those from medium （70%） and small （65%） sized seeds. Number of days to emergence of seedling from large-sized seed planting was 30 days, 49 days for small- and medium-sized seeds. Large sized seeds had higher N, P, K, Ca and Mg contents compared with small and medium sized seeds. Generally, seedlings from large sized seeds had about 1.5 times more leaves than medium sized seeds and about 2 times more leaves than small sized seeds at 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 weeks after planting （WAP）. Seedlings from large sized seeds were taller and had larger stem girth （at 16WAP） than those from medium sized seeds. Variations in seedling growth from seed sizes could be of operational importance in nursery management as seeds can be sown according to size to improve uniformity. However, further studies to ascertain if the superior growth of seedlings from large sized seeds will lead to higher yield is recommended.     

Pre-seed Treatment Effects on Avocado （Persea americana L.） Seedlings Health and Growth before Side-Grafting in Ghana

Studies were conducted to detennine the effects of hot water （50 ℃） and fungicide （contizeb ‘5＇） treatments on avocado seeds in terms of seed health, germination and seedling growth before side-grafting. The leathery coverings or seed coat were removed and either 1 cm or 1.5 cm of the narrow top of the seeds was removed before sowing. There were six treatments arranged in a randomized complete block and rephcated three times. In a six week period after germination when side grafting could be done, it was found out that the earliest germination came from the ＇no hot water or fungicide-treated＂ seeds cut at 1 cm but most seeds germinated from the fungicide-treated seeds at 1 cm cut. Most fungi including Fusarium andAspergillus spp found to either delay germination or reduce seedling vigour were minimized in number through the fungicide treatment compared to the hot water-treated seeds. Seedlings performance in terms of shoot extension and canopy development was significantly better in the fungicide-treated seeds than from either the hot water or the non-treated seeds. The study concluded that avocado seed treatment prior to sowing enhanced germination.     

Effects of Convolvulus arvensis Water Extract on Germination of Okra Under Different Seed Sizes

Convolvulus arvensis is a toxic allelopathic weed that suppresses germination and growth of crops.The prime object of present study was to investigate effect of Convolvulus arvensis water extract on germination and performance of okra with different seed sizes.The seeds of okra variety pusa green were separated into three different sizes,viz large size(4.00-5.00 mm),medium size(3.00-3.50 mm)and small size(2.00-3.50 mm),and then soaked in allelopathic plant bindweed water extract and kept in patrisdishes for germination into the germinator at 15℃.The experiment was laid out using Complete Randomized Design(CRD)with three replications.The results showed that after sowing of 12 days the highest germination was observed in non-treated seeds as compared to seeds treated in Convolvulus arvensis water extract for 1 h,further non-treated large seeds produced maximum plants as compared to treated small seeds after sowing of 24 days.Meanwhile,root length,shoot length,root fresh and dry weight,shoot fresh and dry weight were recorded higher in non-treated large seeds as compared to small seeds soaked for 1 h in Convolvulus arvensis allelopthic water extract.It could be found that Convolvulus arvensis affected germination,seed growth and overall performance of okra,further presence Convolvulus arvensis in crops could cause negative impact on germination and integrity of okra crops.     

Influences of Seed Source,Pre-chilling,Light and Temperature on the Germination of South African Pelargonium sidoides

Pelargonium sidoides DC is used in herbal medicine for the treatment of various infections. The roots are being indiscriminately harvested for local and export trade and the collection rate is becoming unsustainable. Seed germination dynamics of this species was studied with the aim to reveal factors that influence its survival in the wild in order to adopt the appropriate germination conditions for use in ex-situ propagation and conservation program. Germination was affected by age of seeds, temperature and pre-chilling conditions. Temperature higher than 25 oC reduced germination by 60%. When seeds of P. sidoides were subjected to pre-chilling treatment for seven days, there was a significant drop in final germination by 29% compared to the other treatments. Although, final germination was not affected by different light treatments, continuous light significantly promoted germination velocity Seeds harvested from the plants grown in the green house performed better in germination than those collected from the field. The ecological implications of these observations on the propagation and conservation ofP. sidoides are discussed.     

Organic Substance Metabolism in Seeds of Sophora japonica during Germination

The metabolism of fats,proteins and carbohydrates and the change of enzyme activity in seeds of Sophora japonica during germination were studied by methods of Soxhlet‘s extraction,flow injection and colorimetric analysis of spectrophotometer for provding theoretical basis for germination and storage of seeds of forest trees.The results are as follows:(1) The activity of enzymes in the seeds does not always coincide with the increase or decrease of their corresponding substances during germination of the seeds of Sophora japonica.(2) Proteins were first utilized during germination of the seeds;(3)The fatty acids reducing sugar and amino acids in the radiele plumular axis were used psecedently over all others when the embryos grew.(4) excessive small-molecular substances produced by hydrolysis would accumulate in tissres and sometimes they were stored temporarily in the form of storage substances and finally uscd for embryo growth.     

Conditions and Stimulation for Germination in Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch Seeds

Evaluation of seed quality is the key to seed distributing and seeding of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch, as an important species for pharmacy and soil conservation. Here, we study the effects of light and temperature on seed germination and mechanical and chemical scarification on breaking the seed coat. Seeds were collected in 2004, 2005, and 2006, placed in Petri dishes, and incubated at constant temperature 20, 25, and 30℃, and alternating temperature 15-25, 20-30, 15-30, and 20-35℃ under either an 8h photoperiod or total darkness for 28 consecutive days. Different methods were used to break the dormancy owing to hard seededness in this species such as chemical scarification by immersing in concentrated sulphuric acid for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45, and 60 min, in 0.2% KNO3 solution to saturate the seedbed, and prechilling for 7 d at 7℃ and mechanical scarification by cutting. The results showed that alternating temperature at 20-30℃ with 8 h photoperiod and 16 h darkness was optimum for G. uralensis seed germinating in the laboratory. Hard seeds were broken by concentrated sulphuric acid soaking or mechanical scarification by cutting. Germination of seeds harvested in two different years was both promoted by immersing for 30-45 min in concentrated sulphuric acid. KNO3 solution was ineffective for reducing hard seeds. During seed germinating, the first count was on the 7th day and the last count was on the 14th day.     

Allelopathic Potentials of Some Crop Residues on the Germination and Growth of Bidens pilosa. L.

The allelopathic potentials of the aqueous extracts of rice husk and sorghum stem were examined on the germination and growth ofBidens pilosa. L. The extracts inhibited the germination ofB. pilosa seeds and the growth lengths of its radicle and plumule. In both extracts, the severity of the inhibition increased with the increase in the concentrations of the extracts, indicating that the effects of the extracts were concentration dependent. The results obtained also showed that the degree of retardation appeared to be more pronounced in the rice husks extract-treated seeds than those of sorghum extract-treated seeds. However there were no significant differences （at 5% level） in the comparison of the degree of inhibitions of radicle and plumule growths at the varying extract concentrations as well as those of the control in both extracts treated seeds.     

Cardinal temperatures and required biological days from sowing to emergence of three millet species （common,foxtail, pearl millet）

The modeling of germination and seedling emergence is required for the construction of a simulation model of three species of millet （panicum miliaceum, pennisetum galucum and setaria italica）. This study provides the necessary temperature parameters to model these processes. For this purpose, different non-linear regression models including fiat, logistic, quadratic, sigmoidal, dent-like, segmented, beta and curvilinear were used. Root Mean Square of Errors, coefficient of determination and regression coefficients of predicted values versus observed were used to find the appropriate model. Investigating regression coefficients indicated that dent-like model has the least RMSE and a coefficient （RMSE=0.000009, a=0.0006） and the biggest R2 and b coefficient （R2=0.96, b=0.98） in common millet. These coefficients were （RMSE=0.01, a=0.005） and （R2=0.94, b=0.97）, and （RMSE=0.004, a=0.05） and （R2=0.99, b=0.99）, for beta in foxtail and pearl millet, respectively. According to these coefficients, dent-like, was chosen as the best model to describe the response of common millet germination to temperature （Tb=7~C and Tc=49.50℃）. Also beta, was chosen for foxtail millet （Tb=7℃, Tc=49.50℃）. Beta, was chosen as the best model for pearl millet （Tb=6.5 ℃ and To=4 ℃ ）. These parameters can be used in millet simulation models to predict sowing to emergence duration based on a thermal time concept. Also, required biological days from sowing to emergence using these models varied from 3.57, 4.29 and 5.54, for common millet, foxtail millet and pearl millet, respectively.     

Mechanical Properties of Sunflower Seed and Its Kernel,Azargol Variety as a Case Study,under Compressive Loading

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of moisture content, size and loading orientation on mechanical properties such as force, deformation and energy absorbed per unit volume for fracturing Iranian sunflower seed and its kernel （Azargol as a case study） under quasi-static loading. Sunflower seeds and their kernels were quasi-statically loaded in horizontal and vertical orientations with moisture content in three levels： 3%, 7% and 14%, and size category in three levels： small, medium and large. The obtained results showed that rupture force for both sunflower seed and its kernel decreased with increasing moisture content while the absorbed energy and deformation at rupture point increased for all size categories in both horizontal and vertical loading orientations. Also, seeds in the vertical orientation developed hull cracks at a higher level of force than those loaded in the horizontal orientation. However, for the kernels it was the opposite. In addition, the average forces required to cause kernel rupture were lower （11.64-39.9 N） than those required to rupture the seed （30.06-117.46 N） in both orientations. Seeds loaded in a vertical orientation absorbed more energy （87.67 mJ） prior to rupture than those loaded in the horizontal （46.60 mJ） orientation. However, for the kernels it was the opposite.     

苜蓿种子空间诱变生物学效应研究初报(英文)

[Objective] The study aimed to understand the mutagenic effects of space flight on alfalfa seeds.[Method] Seeds of three lines of alfalfa were carried into orbit by the satellite ’Shijian-8’ for space fight,the indices including seed germination rate,plant height and growth rate,were measured after the seeds been retrieved.[Result] Remarkable mutagenic effects occurred on the flight seeds,which were mainly presented by abnormal cotyledon,extended variation range of plant height and growth rate.Nineteen plants with increased plant height were preliminarily screened from the T0 progenies,but whether the mutated trait could inherit should be confirmed in further study.Three flight lines of alfalfa are different in the percentages of abnormal cotyledon(10%-18%),variation range of plant height(increased 30%-150% compared to control),selected plant number with increased plant height(5-7 plants),suggesting that differences exits between the three lines in mutation efficiency.[Conclusion] Valuable mutated materials could be obtained by space flight and applied in modern agriculture.     

苜蓿种子空间诱变生物学效应研究初报(英文)

[Objective] The study aimed to understand the mutagenic effects of space flight on alfalfa seeds.[Method] Seeds of three lines of alfalfa were carried into orbit by the satellite 'Shijian-8' for space fight,the indices including seed germination rate,plant height and growth rate,were measured after the seeds been retrieved.[Result] Remarkable mutagenic effects occurred on the flight seeds,which were mainly presented by abnormal cotyledon,extended variation range of plant height and growth rate.Nineteen plants with increased plant height were preliminarily screened from the T0 progenies,but whether the mutated trait could inherit should be confirmed in further study.Three flight lines of alfalfa are different in the percentages of abnormal cotyledon(10%-18%),variation range of plant height(increased 30%-150% compared to control),selected plant number with increased plant height(5-7 plants),suggesting that differences exits between the three lines in mutation efficiency.[Conclusion] Valuable mutated materials could be obtained by space flight and applied in modern agriculture.     

Studies on Factors Affecting the in vitro Germination and Growth of Taxus cuspidata Embryos

Factors affecting the in vitro germination and growth of Taxus cuspidata embryos were exam-ined.DCR medium was the best among 6 basal media tested;embryos from stage Ⅱ seeds were the optimal developmantal stage for in vitro germination; as the seeds approached maturity,germinability of embryos decease ,Embryos ,cultured in darkness tended to from callus and de-crease the frequency of germination;inoculation method obviously affected frequency of embryo germination,Embryos cultured in optimal conditions developed into seedilings in 2 months.     

Salt Stress Effects on Germination,Plant Growth and Accumulation of Metabolites in Five Leguminous Plants

The investigation was conducted to determine physiological criteria of early selection for salt tolerant leguminous plants. Plants were subjected to 5 levels of salt stress at the roots （0, 50, 100,150 and 200 mM NaCI）. Results showed that sodium chloride had an underrating effect on growth of stems and seed germination of the species studied. The germination rates of seeds of Glycine max and Phaseolus vulgaris （sensitive glyeophytes） were affected from 3 g/L of NaCl, with critical thresholds at 9 and 12 g/L respectively. In contrast, critical thresholds with Mucunapoggei （facultative halophyte）, Vigna unguiculata （moderately tolerant glycophyte） and P. adenanthus （natural halophyte） was found to be above 21 g/L. The reduction of stems growth rate were not significant in P. adenanthus whereas in M. poggei and V. unguiculata this inhibition was observed just when nutritive solutions were enriched with 200 mM. The lipid contents were reduced in all the species under salt stress, whereas proteins and proline contents in the leaves were substantially increased in tolerant species （M. poggei, P. adenanthus and V. unguiculata）. In contrast, proteins and leaf proline contents were negatively affected by salt concentration to G. max and P. vulgaris. Seed germination, proteins and proline could be used as physiological criteria of early selection for salt tolerant leguminous plants.     

Single-seed sowing increased pod yield at a reduced seeding rate by improving root physiological state of Arachis hypogaea

Double-seed sowing(two seeds per hole) is the dominant pattern of peanut sowing in China, but within-hole plant competition usually limits their growth and yield formation. Besides, the traditional double-seed sowing method does not facilitate mechanization during sowing. The objective of this study was to determine if single-seed sowing at a proper seeding rate yielded better than traditional double-seed sowing pattern and the differences of physiological metabolism of roots. A field experiment was conducted in two consecutive years to compare pod yields of single-seed sowing at 180 000(S180), 225 000(S225), and 270 000 seeds ha~(–1)(S270) with that of double-seed sowing at 270 000 seeds ha~(–1)(D270) using a completely randomized block design with four replications. And the root bleeding sap rate, nutrient content, and the main hormone contents in root bleeding sap were also comparatively investigated. Although the pod yields of single-seed sowing at the three densities were higher than that of traditional double-seed sowing(D270), S225 yielded better than the other two single-seed sowing treatments(S180 and S270). The increased pod yield in single-seed sowing at 225 000 seeds ha~(–1) was mainly due to the higher pod dry weight per plant and harvest index. The improved pod dry weight and shoot growth had closely relationship with the enhanced root physiological traits such as the increased root bleeding sap rate, content of free amino acids, soluble sugars, K~+, Mg~(2+), Zn~(2+), and Ca~(2+) of the individual plant root. The improved activity of root reductive, nitrate reductase(NR) and ATPase and higher zeatin and zeatin riboside(Z+ZR) content of root bleeding sap were alsocrucial to the pod and shoot growth of peanut. Single-seed sowing at a moderate seeding rate(S225) is a potential practice to increase pod yield and to save seed cost.     

Preliminary Study on the Mutagenic Effects of Space Flight on Alfalfa Seeds

[Objective] The study aimed to understand the mutagenic effects of space flight on alfalfa seeds.[Method] Seeds of three lines of alfalfa were carried into orbit by the satellite 'Shijian-8' for space fight,the indices including seed germination rate,plant height and growth rate,were measured after the seeds been retrieved.[Result] Remarkable mutagenic effects occurred on the flight seeds,which were mainly presented by abnormal cotyledon,extended variation range of plant height and growth rate.Nineteen plants with increased plant height were preliminarily screened from the T0 progenies,but whether the mutated trait could inherit should be confirmed in further study.Three flight lines of alfalfa are different in the percentages of abnormal cotyledon(10%-18%),variation range of plant height(increased 30%-150% compared to control),selected plant number with increased plant height(5-7 plants),suggesting that differences exits between the three lines in mutation efficiency.[Conclusion] Valuable mutated materials could be obtained by space flight and applied in modern agriculture.     

Changes in Nutrient-Homeostasis and Reserves Metabolism During Rice Seed Priming： Consequences for Seedling Emergence and Growth

In this study influence of different seed priming treatments on the nutrient-homeostasis and reserve metabolism during seedling emergence and growth of rice were determined. Seed priming treatments included pre-germination, hydropriming for 48 h, osmohardening with KCl and CaCl2, ascorbate priming and hardening. All treatments shortened the emergence time and enhanced the energy and index of seedling emergence. Seedlings from primed seeds had greater length, number of roots and fresh and dry mass than control. Among the treatments, CaCl2, ascorbate and KCl proved better in enhancing emergence and seedling growth. Seed priming changed the pattern of N and Ca^2＋ homeostasis both of the seeds and seedlings, which were associated to enhancing s-amylase activity and reducing sugars content. Positive correlations of seedling attributes with nutrient content suggested that as a result of seed priming, most of N and Ca^2＋ were partitioned to embryo, which enhanced seedling emergence and subsequent growth of rice seedlings.     

Genotypic Difference in the Responses of Seedling Growth and Cd Toxicity in Rice （Oryza sativa L.）

The experiment was carried out to study the genotypic difference in the responses of seed germination, growth and physiological characters of rice seedlings to Cd toxicity. The result showed that the germination was slightly stimulated under low Cd concentration （0.01-1.5 mM Cd）, while severely depressed under higher Cd concentration （2.0 mM）. Rice seedlings exposed to 0.01 mM Cd showed slight increases in plant height, root volume, biomass and chlorophyll concentration. These parameters were significantly reduced when Cd level in the medium was increased to 0.5 mM, and meanwhile corresponding increase in superoxide dismutase （SOD） and peroxidase （POD） activities, and MDA （malondialdehyde） content was observed. However, SOD and POD activities declined when plants were exposed to 1 mM Cd when compared with those under 0.5 mM Cd. Cadmium addition lowered Fe, Cu and Mn concentrations in roots and shoots. There was significant genotypic difference in the response of these parameters to Cd stress. Under Cd stress, Xiushui 110 had the least inhibition of growth and increase in MDA content, higher shoot Cd concentration, and greatest increase in POD and SOD activities, indicating its higher tolerance to Cd toxicity, while Bing 9914 had the greatest reduction of growth, and Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn contents, but greatest increase in MDA content, and least increase in activities of antioxidative enzymes, indicating its sensitivity to Cd toxicity.     

Seed Priming Influence on Early Crop Growth,Phenological Development and Yield Performance of Linola (Linum usitatissimum L.)

Reduced early crop growth and limited branching are amongst yield limiting factors of linola. Field response of seed priming treatments viz. 50 mmol L^-1 salicylic acid （SA）, 2.2% CaCl2 and 3.3% moringa leaf extract （MLE） including untreated dry and hydropriming controls was evaluated on early crop growth and yield performance of linola. Osmopriming with CaCl2 reduced emergence time and produced the highest seedling fresh and dry weights including Chl. a contents. Osmopriming with CaCl2 reduced crop branching and flowering and maturity times and had the maximum plant height, number of branches, tillers, pods and seeds per pod followed by MLE. Increase in seed weight, biological and seed yields was 9.30, 34.16 and 39.49%, harvest index （4.12%） and oil contents （13.39%） for CaCl2 osmopriming. Positive relationship between emergence and seedling vigor traits, 100-seed weight, seed yield with maturity time, 100-seed weight and seed yield were found. The study concludes that seed osmopriming with CaC12 or MLE can play significant role to improve early crop growth and seed yields of linola.     

Studies on Tomato Seedling Quality Indices Under Simulated Shipping and Storage Conditions

Indices of the tomato seedling quality maintenance level after production before field planting were studied through simulated experiments, small-scale operation, indoor analyses and measurements, and field observation. The results showed that under simulated shipping and storage conditions, seedling quality change following different durations (days) of shipping and storage was correlated significantly or even very significantly with certain physiological and morphological indices. With various measured indices following different periods of shipping and storage treatment subjected to multinomial successive regressive correlation analysis, the principal factors influencing seedling quality maintenance level are identified to be chlorophyll content→dry short weight→leaf freshness index in order of their importance. Significance analysis with multinomial fitted equation indicated that correlations between any one of above three factors and the growth index after field planting reached very significant difference level.     

Herbicidal Activities of Seven Native Plants on the Germination and Growth of Phalaris minor,Echinochloa crusgalli,Portulaca oleracea and Lactuca sativa

Plant extracts could turn out to be herbicides used in weed control. We evaluated the herbicidal effect of seven plants from the Al-Qassim Region of Saudi Arabia on germination and growth of Phalaris minor, Echinochloa crusgalli, Portulaca oleracea and Lactuca sativa. In the laboratory, plant extracts at 5, 10, 20 and 40 g/L inhibited the germination and seedling growth of test seeds. P. minor and P. oleracea were more sensitive to the extracts than L. sativa and E. crusgalli. The germination of either P. minor or P. oleracea were completely inhibited by Prosopisjuliflora at 10 g/L and by Rumex vesicarius and Teucrium baccatus at 20 g/L. Extract of Pulicaria undulate completely inhibited germination of target seeds at concentrations ranged from l 0 g/L to 40 g/L. The rank order of bioactivity was Prosopis jul（17ora 〉 Pulicaria undulata 〉 Rumex vesicarius 〉 Withania somnifera 〉 Teucrium baccatus 〉 Artemisia monosperma 〉 Anvillea garcinii. In the greenhouse trial, the extracts of seven plant species at 30, 60 and 90 g/L reduced growth of six-weeks-old target plants. Anvillea garcinii and Prosopisjuliflora showed the greatest effects. At 90 g/L, the reduction in the growth of target species reached between 20% and 30% for Anvillea garcinii and between I 1% and 25% for Prosopis juliflora. Overall, Prosopis juliflora, Pulicaria undulata, Anvillea garcinii and Rumex vesicarius had potential for use as natural herbicides or for development as novel plant-derived herbicides.