Seed size and genotype effects on maize (Zea mays L.) yield under different technology levels

Final plant population in maize crop was used as a basis to identify the technology level of a given farmer. Final population of 50,000 plants/hectare was considered as an indication of a high technology level farmer; 35,000 of a medium, and 20,000 of a low technology level farmer. These populations were artificially obtained for the hybrids HT-2X, BR-201, and BR-205 from small, medium and large seeds. The results showed the triple cross hybrid HT-2X to be the most indicated for low technology level regions, due to its lesser sensitivity to variations in seed size and also to its significant outyielding of the other two hybrids. The double cross hybrids BR-201 and BR-205 exhibited much higher sensitivity to variations in seed size so that if they have to be used in a low technology region, the most recommended procedure would be to make use of the largest possible seeds. In conclusion, genotype and seed size seem to be factors capable of compensating for plant population reductions in maize crops. The more prolific hybrids and the largess seeds are more indicated for low technology level regions.

Peanut seed tegument is affected by liming and drying method

Calcium plays a fundamental role in cell division and growth, and is an important constituent of the cell wall. An increase in Ca concentration in the tegument of peanut (Arachis hypogea L.) seeds in response to lime application can affect its structure. The tegument structure can also be affected by the drying method of the seeds. The effects of lime application and drying methods as affecting the peanut seed tegument structure were studied in seeds from a field experiment conducted in Sao Manuel, São Paulo, Brazil. Peanut (cv. Botutatu, Valencia Type) was grown in presence or absence of 2.1 Mg ha(-1) of lime and dried in an oven, in shade and in the field. The tegument anatomical features were described and its structure was analysed. Pectic substances, lipidic reserves and starch accumulation were studied. The peanut tegument exhibited well differentiated exotesta, mesotesta and endotesta rich in pectates and covered by a cuticle. Tannin was not observed but there was lipid accumulation in mature teguments. Lignin was observed in the vascular bundles. Lime increased the tegument thickness and decreased the central cavity mainly in the exotesta cells when the period of seed drying was shortened. The effect of drying method upon the tegument was more noticeable in seeds grown without lime. It can be inferred that liming increased the resistance of the tegument.

Effect of fruit maturation stage and light on seed germination of Aiphanes aculeata

Despite their spiny nature, Aiphanes palms are popular as ornamentals. They can be grown in various soil conditions, but achieve fast, luxuriant growth in sheltered positions with plenty of water. Shaded conditions are the best when plants are young. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of fruit maturation stage and light on the germination of seeds of A. aculeata. Fruits were collected at three different maturation stages: (1) yellow, (2) red, (3) collected on the ground without the fleshy mesocarp (removed by birds and insects). The fleshy mesocarp was also removed in treatments (1) and (2). All fruits were then treated with thiram and 25 seeds per plot were seeded in trays full of sand. The treatments (2) and (3) were subdivided in two other treatments: (a) 12 h photoperiod, (b) continuous darkness. The temperature was maintained at 30 degrees C. Seed germination began 34 days after sowing. After 160 days, the final germination percentage was (1) 54,67%, (2a) 61,33%, (2b) 65,33%, (3a) 38,00% and (3b) 45,33%. The best treatment was (2) independently of the light conditions.

Embryology and seed development of Paepalanthus sect. Actinocephalus (Koern.) Ruhland (Eriocaulaceae)

The embryology and seed structure of Paepalanthus sect. Actinocephalus species were studied. The embryological and structural seed characters fit well with those of the other commelinaceous families. Within the Commelinales sensu Dahlgren, Eriocaulaceae and Xyridaceae represent two embryologically close families. In Paepalanthus sect. Actinocephalus the ovule is orthotropus, bitegmic, and tenuicellate with a micropyle formed by the inner integument. The seeds are endotestal. The outer cell layer of the testa and the outer periclinal wall of the endotesta disintegrate during development. The endotegmen is tanniniferous. The outer layer of the tegmen becomes compressed and is no longer recognizable in the mature seed. The seeds are operculate.

Determination of pore size distribution in soybean seed coats by mercury porosimetry

In this work we applied mercury porosimetry for the investigation of soybean seed coats. By using this method it was possible to determine the pore size distribution and also the pore size dispersion that is present in seed coats. The results showed that for the studied soybean genotype the seed coats had a characteristic pore diameter, but deviation of this size was not negligible. Finally, the results were confirmed by electron microscopy.

Determination of soybean seed respiration rate by the titulation method

This trial was carried out under laboratory conditions, with three lots of Iguacu soybean seeds, to determine the respiration rate by the titulation method. A randomized complete block design was used, with four repetitions, each one of them with 50 seeds and a control without seeds for each lot. The seeds were placed in gerbox with 40 mi of KOH 0.1N, on distilled water wet blotting paper for fixing the CO2 produced by seeds respiration. The material was placed in germinator at constant 25 degrees C for 16, 24 and 48 hours. After these periods, the titulation of the fixative solution was performed with HCl 0.1N to check the respiration rate. The most deteriorated seeds were those that presented the highest respiration rates, which were measured in mg of CO2/g of dry matter, when compared with the most vigorous lots. The titulation method was suitable for the evaluation of soybean seed respiration rate because the final results separated the lots in three different quality levels that were compatible with the results obtained from the accelerated aging and emergence.

Weed seed-germination .3. bidens-pilosa L

The germination of seeds of Bidens pilosa L. colected at different places was analyzed by dose-response curves for induction and reversion of germination in seeds pre-incubated at 25 degrees C or 36 degrees C during 24 hours. Our results indicate that phytochrome is responsible for the control of seed germination id Bidens pilosa and the level of pre-existing active form of phytochrome (Pfr) above the threshold switch the seed to germinate in darkness.

Analysis of seed-germination in Piptadenia-Gonoacantha (Mart) MACBR (Leguminosae Mimosoideae)

Preliminary tests indicated 20-degrees-25-degrees-C as optimum temperature range to the germination of the seeds of P. gonoacantha. Seeds germinate both under light and dark conditions, although final percentage is always higher in latest condition. The transmission spectrum of the tegument was investigated and showed an enrichment of the light in far-red region which reaches the embryo. Consequently the white light inhibits partially germination. Another factor controlling germination was the water availability. Our results indicated that the excessive water available during imbibition inhibits the germination process. According to our results we propose that this species do not have a pioneer behavior and even though P. gonoacantha had been described as a riparian vegetation species, the germination process is strongly inhibited with excessive water during imbiibition process.

Influence of seed particle frequency on the phase formation and on the microstructure of 0.88 PZN-0.07 BT-0.05 PT ceramic

The Pechini method as well as the simultaneous addition of seeds particles and dopant solutions of BaTiO3 (BT) and PbTiO3 (PT) were used to prepare the perovskite phase 0.88 PZN-0.07 BT-0.05 PT. To study the influence of seed particle frequency on the synthesis of the PZN ceramic, two ranges of seed particle size were used: the range from 30 to 100 nm, termed small seed particles (frequency of 10(15) particles/cm(3)); and the range from 100 to 900 nm, termed large seed particles (frequency of 10(13) particles/cm(3)). The crystalline nuclei size influenced the calcining process, the sintering process and the microstructure. Samples prepared with lower seed frequency displayed more amount of pyroclore phase, need higher temperatures for sintering and showed a more heterogeneous microstructure with poor dielectric properties. (C) 2000 Elsevier B.V. Ltd and Techna S.r.l. All rights reserved.

Effect of age on seed digestion in parrots (Amazona aestiva)

The objective of this study was to compare the capacity of adult (more than 3 yr old) and young (less than 1 yr old) true parrots to digest seeds that are normally included in their diet in captivity, particularly soybean, sunflower, and corn. All the seeds were offered for 5 d with an interval of 15 d between different diets. The seeds of soybean and corn were boiled for 15 min and soaked in water at ambient temperature for 12 h before being fed to the birds. There were no differences in the digestibilities of crude protein and fats (ether extract) among animals, but the digestibilities of dry matter and crude fiber by the adult animals were higher than those of the young ones. The digestibility of carbohydrate (nitrogen-free extract) by adult birds was higher only for sunflower seeds. It is concluded that the capacity of parrots to digest fiber may change according to the age of the animal. Since the digestion of fiber depends on the action of microorganisms, these results suggest that the colonization of the gastrointestinal tract is delayed or very slow in young parrots.