Germination of Cochlospermum regium Seeds: Influence of Seed Size, Vials, Vial Sealing In vitro, and Substrate In vivo

Aims: This work aimed to assess how seed size, vials, vial sealing (in vitro), and substrate (in vivo) affect C. regium germination and emergence. This study shall contribute to the viable production of C. regium seedlings. Study Design: The experimental design used in these experiments was randomized. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plant Biotechnology, Universidade de RibeirãoPreto, between March 2010 and December 2010. Methodology: This work has evaluated how seed size, vials, vial sealing (in vitro), and substrate (in vivo) influence the germination and emergence of C. regium. Results: The results showed that cultivation of C. regium seedlings from seeds is viable, irrespective of seed size. Vial oxygenation is an important parameter to consider in vitro, to obtain a larger number of normal seedlings. As for in vivo conditions, germination should be conducted in sand, to ensure a greater amount of young seedlings. Conclusion: The results presented here attested that it is possible to produce C. regium seedlings from seeds of any size both in vivo and in vitro conditions. In vitro, it is important to consider vial oxygenation, in order to obtain a greater amount of normal seedlings. In vivo, germination should be conducted in sand, to ensure production of a large quantity of seedlings.

Uso de estimulantes de crescimento radicular associado a doses de fósforo na cultura do feijoeiro

O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da aplicação do Stimulate e Forth Seed associados a cinco doses de fósforo(P) no desenvolvimento do sistema radicular e parte aérea de plantas de feijão. O experimento foi desenvolvido em condições de casa de vegetação nas dependências do Departamento de Recursos Naturais – Ciência do Solo, da Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas (FCA), UNESP, Campus de Botucatu, SP. O solo usado foi um Latossolo Vermelho Escuro de textura média. As unidades experimentais foram vasos contendo 8 dm3 de solo mantendo-se a umidade correspondente a 60% do Volume Total de Poros (VTP) ocupados por água. Utilizou-se a cultivar de feijão IAC-Carioca, em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, sendo os tratamentos constituídos de dois produtos (Stimulate e Forth Seed) nas respectivas doses 5 e 3 mL Kg-1 de sementes e uma testemunha sem biofertilizante, e 5 doses de P (0, 16, 32, 64 e 128 mg dm-3), com três repetições. Foi avaliada, também, a qualidade fisiológica das sementes usadas no experimento por meio de: a) primeira contagem do teste padrão de germinação; b) emergência; c) vigor, mediante a contagem de emergência; d) velocidade de emergência e determinação do crescimento das plântulas. O uso de Stimulate e Forth Seed agregados a doses de P causou redução no peso seco final das plantas.

RB25-207 The Spindle-Tuber Disease: One Cause of "Run-Out" Seed Potatoes

The spindle-tuber disease is one of the most prevalent potato diseases occurring in all parts of Nebraska. It has been found in all varieties tested. It does much damage to the potato crop, in that it reduces the yield and injures the market quality of the potatoes. This 1925 publication discusses the spindler-tuber disease also known as "running-out" or degeneracy of seed potatoes; the distribution of the disease; effect upon yield and quality; symptoms of the different potato varieties; transmission of the disease and experiments; rate of increase of the disease; dry land versus irrigation in western Nebraska; straw mulching versus cultivation in eastern Nebraska; planting times; harvesting; and control.

Xenia Effects on Quality of Maize Female Inbred in Production of Hybrid Seeds

In Maize (Zea maize L.), cost of hybrid seed production is directly related to the yield and quality of seed obtained per hectare of female parent. It is also important to consider the effects that a male parent can exert on the development of hybrid seed in the female parent. This effect is known as xenia. The objectives of this study were to evaluate xenia effects on 1) yield as 80K units, 2) germination of the hybrid seed and 3) susceptibility of the hybrid seed to mechanical damage. One female inbred and four male inbred lines were selected from a parent list of hybrids. The experiment was designed to allow individual cross pollination between each male inbred and the female inbred line. For use as a control, the female inbred was allowed to self pollinate. Experiments were conducted in Illinois and Iowa during 2008 and 2009 and in Nebraska during 2009. A significant inbred effect was detected on yield as 80k (α=0.001). The selfed female and pollination with male inbred B resulted in lower yields of hybrid seed. For germination, a significant inbred effect was detected (α=0.001), but was due to lower germination percentage of seed produced on the selfed female. All hybrid combinations resulted in higher germination percentages with no significant differences among hybrids. The inbred x mechanical damage interaction was significant (P=0.04) for effects on cold saturated soil germination tests. Use of inbred B resulted in a two-percentage-point reduction in cold germination when treated with the impact simulator. In a maize seed company, the production research group provides yield estimates for production of new hybrid combinations. Results from this study indicate that using only the female inbred yield may provide inaccurate estimates. Therefore to improve yield estimation, experiments should be designed to include male inbreds. Male inbreds can also impart a negative effect to the hybrid seed on tolerance to mechanical damage, thus lowering quality and increasing seed discard. When testing for hybrid seed germination, there is no need to consider distinct hybrid combinations. Female inbreds can be grown in open-pollinated fields to avoid loss of vigor observed with selfing. Advisor: George Graef

Pollen and seed flow patterns of Carapa guianensis Aublet. (Meliaceae) in two types of Amazonian forest

Various factors affect spatial genetic structure in plant populations, including adult density and primary and secondary seed dispersal mechanisms. We evaluated pollen and seed dispersal distances and spatial genetic structure of Carapa guianensis Aublet. (Meliaceae) in occasionally inundated and terra firme forest environments that differed in tree densities and secondary seed dispersal agents. We used parentage analysis to obtain contemporary gene flow estimates and assessed the spatial genetic structure of adults and juveniles. Despite the higher density of adults (diameter at breast height >= 25 cm) and spatial aggregation in occasionally inundated forest, the average pollen dispersal distance was similar in both types of forest (195 +/- 106 m in terra firme and 175 +/- 87 m in occasionally inundated plots). Higher seed flow rates (36.7% of juveniles were from outside the plot) and distances (155 +/- 84 m) were found in terra firme compared to the occasionally inundated plot (25.4% and 114 +/- 69 m). There was a weak spatial genetic structure in juveniles and in terra firme adults. These results indicate that inundation may not have had a significant role in seed dispersal in the occasionally inundated plot, probably because of the higher levels of seedling mortality.

Isothermal seed germination of Adenanthera pavonina

(Isothermal seed germination of Adenanthera pavonina). This work reports aspects of seed germination at different temperatures of Adenanthera pavonina L., a woody Southeast Asian Leguminosae. Germination was studied by measuring the final percentages, the rate, the rate variance and the synchronisation of the individual seeds calculated by the minimal informational entropy of frequencies distribution of seed germination. Overlapping the germinability range with the range for the highest values of germination rates and the minimal informational entropy of frequencies distribution of seed germination, we found that the best temperature for the germination of A. pavonina seeds is 35 degrees C. The slope mu of the Arrhenius plot of the germination rates is positive for T < 35 degrees C and negative for T > 35 degrees C. The activation enthalpies, estimated from closely-spaced points, shows that vertical bar Delta H-vertical bar < 12 Cal mol(-1) occur for temperatures in the range between 25 degrees C and 40 degrees C. The ecological implication of these results are that this species may germinate very fast in tropical areas during the summer season. This may be an advantage to the establishment of this species under the climatic conditions in those areas.

GENETIC VARIABILITY FOR JUVENILE CHARACTERS OF Cedrela fissilis VELL. PROGENIES: A SUBSIDY FOR DEFINITION OF SEED COLLECTION ZONE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic differences among three matrix groups of Cedrela fissilis based on quantitative juvenile variables on a progeny test to define seed collecting zones and use of seeds of this species in the study region as well as to evaluate genetic variability of the sampled material. A progeny test was established in a nursery with seeds from 48 seed trees collected in the municipalities of Rio Negrinho, Mafra and Sao Bento do Sul, state of Santa Catarina, and in the municipalities of Lapa, Rio Negro, Campo do Tenente and Antonio Olinto, state of Parana. Of the collected seed trees, 33 sampled trees were distributed in three sites and 15 trees were dispersed in the studied region. It was used a complete random block design, with 8 replicates and 20 plants per plot. Evaluated data included: emergency rate; seedling base diameter and height (61, 102 and 145 days after the seeds were sowed); seedling survival; number of leaves per seedling; aerial section dry mass and root dry mass; and the foliar area of the third fully expanded leaf measured from the apical meristem. The Maximum Restricted Likelihood Method (REML) was used, using the software SELEGEN for analysis. It was found that the juvenile characters are strongly genetically controlled and they can be used to estimate genetic variability of population samples of Cedrela fissilis. The three groups of trees spatially limited did not significantly differ among each other, allowing to conclude that the three areas are part of the same tree seed transfer zone.

Biochemical Aspects of a Serine Protease from Caesalpinia echinata Lam. (Brazilwood) Seeds: A Potential Tool to Access the Mobilization of Seed Storage Proteins

Several proteins have been isolated from seeds of leguminous, but this is the first report that a protease was obtained from seeds of Caesalpinia echinata Lam., a tree belonging to the Fabaceae family. This enzyme was purified to homogeneity by hydrophobic interaction and anion exchange chromatographies and gel filtration. This 61-kDa serine protease (CeSP) hydrolyses H-D-prolyl-L-phenylalanyl-L-arginine-p-nitroanilide (K-m 55.7 mu M) in an optimum pH of 7.1, and this activity is effectively retained until 50 degrees C. CeSP remained stable in the presence of kosmotropic anions (PO43-, SO42-, and CH3COO-) or chaotropic cations (K+ and Na+). It is strongly inhibited by TLCK, a serine protease inhibitor, but not by E-64, EDTA or pepstatin A. The characteristics of the purified enzyme allowed us to classify it as a serine protease. The role of CeSP in the seeds cannot be assigned yet but is possible to infer that it is involved in the mobilization of seed storage proteins.

Improving Planting Stocks for the Brazilian Atlantic Forest Restoration through Community-Based Seed Harvesting Strategies

High-diversity reforestation can help jumpstart tropical forest restoration, but obtaining viable seedlings is a major constraint: if nurseries do not offer them, it is hard to plant all the species one would like. From 2007 to 2009, we investigated five different seed acquisition strategies employed by a well-established tree nursery in southeastern Brazil, namely (1) in-house seed harvesters; (2) hiring a professional harvester; (3) amateur seed harvesters; or (4) a seed production cooperative, as well as (5) participating in a seed exchange program. In addition, we evaluated two strategies not dependent on seeds: harvesting seedlings from native tree species found regenerating under Eucalyptus plantations, and in a native forest remnant. A total of 344 native tree and shrub species were collected as seeds or seedlings, including 2,465 seed lots. Among these, a subset of 120 species was obtained through seed harvesting in each year. Overall, combining several strategies for obtaining planting stocks was an effective way to increase species richness, representation of some functional groups (dispersal syndromes, planting group, and shade tolerance), and genetic diversity of seedlings produced in forest tree nurseries. Such outcomes are greatly desirable to support high-diversity reforestation as part of tropical forest restoration. In addition, community-based seed harvesting strategies fostered greater socioeconomic integration of traditional communities in restoration projects and programs, which is an important bottleneck for the advance of ecological restoration, especially in developing countries. Finally, we discuss some of the limitations of the various strategies for obtaining planting stocks and the way forward for their improvement.

X-ray densitometry to assess internal seed morphology and quality

Non-destructive procedures are desirable for a precise internal seed morphology assessment. In this research the efficiency of X-ray densitometry for internal seed morphology analysis and physical quality of squash, melon and watermelon was evaluated. Seeds were submitted to X-ray densitometry and a typical density profile for each seed was generated. Based on the detailed densitometry profiles it was possible indicate density values for specific seed regions of the seeds and identify causes of poor germination. X-ray densitometry was considered as a promising non-destructive procedure to evaluate internal seed morphology of squash, melon and watermelon and demonstrated a strong potential for further research in seed testing.

Evaluation of the Adenanthera pavonina seed proteinase inhibitor (ApTI) as a bioinsecticidal tool with potential for the control of Diatraea saccharalis

Diatraea saccharalis, is a major sugarcane pest, causing damage to the stalks of sugarcane plants. In this study, a trypsin inhibitor (ApTI) was purified from Adenanthera pavonina seeds and was tested for its insect growth regulatory effect. ApTI showed a dose-dependent effect on average larval weight and survival. 0.1% ApTI produced approximately 67% and 50% decreases in weight and survival larval, respectively. The results from dietary utilization experiments with D. saccharalis larvae showed a reduction in the efficiency of conversion of ingested food and digested food, and an increase in approximate digestibility and metabolic cost. The level of trypsin was significantly decreased (ca. 55%) in the midgut of larvae reared on a diet containing 0.05% ApTI and the trypsin activity in ApTI-fed larvae demonstrated sensitivity to ApTI. The action of ApTI on the development of D. saccharalis larvae shows that this protein may have great toxic potential. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

OPTIMUM RATIO OF CALCIUM AND BORON IN THE NUTRIENT SOLUTION OR IN CASTOR BEAN SHOOT FOR FRUIT YIELD AND SEED OIL CONTENT

Calcium (Ca) and boron (B) have been reported as the major macro-and micronutrient required for castor bean plant yield. The objective of this study was to determine the Ca: B ratios (in the growth media and plant tissue) for fruit yield and shoot dry weight of the castor bean (Ricinus communis L.), grown in a nutrient solution, and to evaluate Ca and B supply on concentration and total uptake of Ca, potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and B, as well on the seed oil content. The treatments were arranged in a 3 x 3 factorial fashion, consisting of three rates of Ca (40, 80, and 160 mg L-1) and three of B (0.32, 0.96, and 1.60 mg L-1). Calcium and B rates increased the shoot and root dry weight and fruit yield at a Ca: B ratio in the nutrient solution of 166 and 100, respectively. Symptoms of B deficiency were observed in plants supplied with 0.32 mg B L-1, regardless of the Ca concentration in the nutrient solution. Plants which showed visual symptoms of Ca deficiency cultivated with 40 mg Ca L-1 presented concentration of Ca in plant tissue up to 10 g kg(-1). The concentration and total Ca and B uptake increased with the rates of them. Notwithstanding, the shoot Ca accumulation was improved by B rates. In addition, there were no decreases in K and Mg uptake due to Ca rates. Furthermore, addition of 80 mg L-1 of Ca and 1.60 mg L-1 of B in the growth media increased the seed oil content. The Ca: B ratio in the diagnostic leaf associated with the highest plant dry weight (shoot and root) and fruit yield, was 500 (16 to 20 g kg(-1) of Ca, and for 30 to 40 mg kg(-1) of B).

The importance of landscape structure for seed dispersal in rain forest fragments

Questions What are the main features of the seed rain in a fragmented Atlantic forest landscape? Can seed rain species attributes (life form, dispersal mode, successional status) relate to the spatial arrangement (size and number of fragments, edge density and presence of corridor) of forest fragments in the landscape? How does the rain forest landscape structure affect the seed rain? Location Atlantic rainforest, Sao Paulo State, Southeastern Brazil. Methods Seed rain samples were collected monthly throughout 1yr, counted, identified and classified according to species dispersal mode, successional status and life form. Seed rain composition was compared with woody species near the seed traps. Relationships between seed rain composition and landscape spatial arrangement (fragment area, presence of corridor, number of fragments in the surroundings, proximity of fragments, and edge density) were tested using canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). Results We collected 20142 seeds belonging to 115 taxa, most of them early successional and anemochorous trees. In general, the seed rain had a species composition distinct from that of the nearby forest tree community. Small isolated fragments contained more seeds, mainly of anemochorous, epiphytic and early-successional species; large fragments showed higher association with zoochorous and late-successional species compared to small fragments. The CCA significantly distinguished the species dispersal mode according to fragment size and isolation, anemochorous species being associated to small and isolated fragments, and zoochorous species to larger areas and fragment aggregation. Nevertheless, a gradient driven by proximity (PROX) and edge density (ED) segregated lianas (in the positive extremity), early successional and epiphyte species (in the negative end); large fragments were positively associated to PROX and ED. Conclusions The results highlight the importance of the size and spatial arrangement of forest patches to promote habitat connectivity and improve the flux of animal-dispersed seeds. Landscape structure controls seed fluxes and affects plant dispersal capacity, potentially influencing the composition and structure of forest fragments. The seed rain composition may be used to assess the effects of landscape spatial structure on plant assemblages, and provide relevant information for biodiversity conservation.

Cholesterol-lowering effect of whole lupin (Lupinus albus) seed and its protein isolate

This study describes the hypocholesterolaemic effect of whole lupin and its protein in hamsters. The diets were: casein (control group HC), lupin protein isolate (group HPI) and whole lupin seed (group HWS). Diets from HPI and HWS promoted a significant reduction of total cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol in the hamsters' plasma as compared with HC. The true digestibility of HPI and HC groups were similar and differed significantly from the HWS one, which in turn showed a significant difference in total sterol excretion as compared to the former groups. Histological analysis of the liver revealed that animals fed on HPI and HWS diets presented a low level of steatosis (level 1) as compared to the ones fed on HC diet (level 4). Our findings demonstrate that protein isolate from Lupinus albus from Brazil has a metabolic effect on endogenous cholesterol metabolism and a protector effect on development of hepatic steatosis. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Differential seed germination of a keystone palm (Euterpe edulis) dispersed by avian frugivores

FAPESP (BIOTA Program) [2007/03392-6, 2010/04927-3]