Effects of temperature and pre-germinative treatments on seed germination of Talinum triangulare (Jacq. ) willd (Portulacaceae)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of temperature, substrate and pre-germinative treatments on T. triangulare seeds. Four temperatures (constant 20, 25, 30 °C and alternate 20-30 °C) and two types of seeding (on paper and between paper), with light, were evaluated. The pre-germinative treatments evaluated included: immersion in water (24 hours), immersion in 6% hypochlorite solution (1 hour), immersion in 0.2% potassium nitrate solution (24 hours), immersion in 0.05% gibberellin solution (24 hours) and the control (untreated seeds). The highest germination percentage was observed at the alternate temperatures of 20-30 ºC, but with no significant difference between the substrates at this temperature. Soaking seeds in KNO3 gave the highest percentage germination and germination speed index (GSI), which differed from the other treatments except for soaking in water. Pre-soaking of T. triangulare seeds favors germination and may be done only in pure water, resulting in a more rapid and uniform germination.

Improved germination of the Australian natives: Hibbertia commutata, Hibbertia amplexicaulis (Dilleniaceae), Chameascilla corymbosa (Liliaceae) and Leucopogon nutans (Epacridaceae)

Hibbertia commutata (Steudel), H. amplexicaulis (Steudel), Chameascilla corymbosa [(R.Br.) F.Muell. Ex Benth.] and Leucopogon nutans (E. Pritzel) are four Australian species that are difficult to germinate during mine-site rehabilitation. Laboratory germination trails were conducted to identify dormancy mechanisms and to improve germination response. Treatments applied to all species included scarification and scarification followed by soaking seeds in smoke water (1, 5 or 10%) or gibberellic-acid solution (50, 200 or 1000 muM). Additional treatments with kinetin solution (50, 200 or 1000 muM) and smoke water (50 or 100%) were applied to scarified or unscarified seeds of C. corymbosa. Thermal-shock treatment was applied to L. nutans fruit, some of which were subsequently scarified and subjected to both smoke water (10%) and gibberellic-acid solution (1000 muM). Significant germination increases were obtained by using dormancy-breaking treatments on H. commutata ( from 12.8 to 76.0%), H. amplexicaulis (from 6.8 to 55.1%) and C. corymbosa (from 48.5 to 86.4%). Scarification alone increased germination of both Hibbertia species, suggesting that these species display a physical seed coat-imposed dormancy mechanism. Germination of H. amplexicaulis was further increased by the application of gibberellic-acid solution, indicating a possible embryo-imposed dormancy mechanism. Scarification followed by the application of smoke water produced the highest germination response for C. corymbosa seeds. Scarification alone did not significantly increase germination, inferring the existence of a smoke-responsive embryo dormancy mechanism. Seeds of L. nutans, although viable, failed to germinate and are thought to display complex seed coat- and embryo-imposed dormancy mechanisms.

Desempenho de sementes de soja revestidas com biopolímeros

The use of biopolymers that help to fix pesticides efficiently and degrade easily without harming the environment, and still improve the physiological performance of field soybean seed may bring contributions to the soybean yield. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cassava starch polymers (AM), sodium alginate (ALG) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), in the concentrations 2, 4 and 6 g / 100 ml of solution, in the physiological attributes of seeds soy, seed speed soaking and performance of soybean seeds after three months of storage. The soybean variety used was the NK 7059 RR. The experimental design used for the three studies was a factorial with 48 experimental units: 3 polymers (AM, ALG and PVOH), 4 different concentrations (0%, 2%, 4% and 6%), with four replications, in a completely randomized design. It was observed the level of significance of the factors and their interactions, applying the test F. The polymers were evaluated by the Tukey test at 5% probability, and the concentrations were evaluated by polynomial regression. The witness obtained better results for most variables studied. Among the polymers, the best coating was observed PVOH because it was the less viscous polymer and visually not served as a substrate for microorganisms. However, also, satisfactory results were obtained for the AM and ALG polymers at a concentration of 2%. There was not interference of the polymers studied with regard to reduction of imbibition rate of soybean seeds. The hydrophilicity of polymers, mainly the AM and ALG accelerated soaking seeds harming germination at concentrations 4% and 6%. In general, the higher the concentration of polymers tended to worse results.

Assessing nut germination protocols for macadamia cultivar 'Beaumont'

A rapid rate and high percentage of macadamia nut germination, together with production of vigorous seedlings, are required by nurseries and breeding programs. Germination of nuts is typically protracted, however, and rarely reaches 100%. Many studies have been conducted into macadamia germination, but most have assessed percent germination only. This study investigated the effects of various treatments on percent germination, germination rate, and plant, shoot and root dry weights. The treatments tested were combinations of: (i) soaking or not soaking seeds in a dilute fungicide solution prior to planting; (ii) four different planting media; and (iii) leaving seed trays open or placing them inside clear plastic bags. For freshly harvested nuts, sowing in potting mix under clear plastic and without soaking produced the highest percent germination and germination rate, the largest shoots, and longest lateral roots.

Electrical conductivity testing of corn seeds as influenced by temperature and period of storage

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of temperature (10, 20, 30, 20/10 and 30/10ºC) and period of storage on electrical conductivity (EC) in four seed lots of corn (Zea mays L.), as well as the mineral composition of the soaking solution. EC test determines indirectly the integrity of seed membrane systems, and is used for the assessment of seed vigor, because this test detects the seed deterioration process since its early phase. The research comprised determinations of water content, germination, accelerated aging (AA), cold (CT) and EC vigor tests, and determinations of Ca2+, Mg2+ and K+ release to the solution, after seed soaking of four corn seed lots. The evaluations were performed each four months during a period of 16 months. For statistical analysis, a completely randomized split plot design was used with eight replications. Except for seed lots stored at 10ºC, all vigor evaluations revealed a decline in vigor, but AA and CT showed more sensitiveness to declines of seed physiological quality than EC. Potassium was the main leached ion regardless of the storage temperature.

Action of gibberellic acid (GA3) on dormancy and activity of alpha-amylase in rice seeds

To evaluate the effectiveness of gibberellic acid (GA3) in breaking rice seed dormancy and the use of alpha-amylase enzyme activity as an indicator of the dormancy level, seed from the intensively dormant irrigated cultivar Urucuia were used. The seeds were submitted to a pre-drying process in a forced air circulation chamber under 40ºC during 7 days and submersed in 30 mL of GA3 solution under 0, 10, 30 and 60 mg/L H2O concentrations, during 2, 24 and 36 hours. After the treatments, the alpha-amylase activity was determined by using the polyacrilamide electrophoresis and spectrophotometry. At the same time, the germination test was made. The results indicated a gain in germination and in alpha-amylase activity in higher concentrations and soaking time of seeds in GA3. These observations support the conclusion that soaking seed in 60 mg GA3/L during 36 hours can be used as a quick and efficient treatment in breaking rice seed dormancy and is equivalent to the forced air circulation chamber at 40ºC during 7 days. The alpha-amylase enzyme activity proved to be as an efficient marker of the seeds dormancy level.

Methods for overcoming dormancy in Dinizia excelsa Ducke seeds

The impermeability of seed coat to water is common mechanism in Fabaceae seeds. Treatments to overcome hardseededness include scarification with sulphuric acid, scarification on abrasive surface and soaking in water among others. The objective of this study was to identify an effective method to overcome dormancy in Dinizia excelsa seeds. A pre-test (untreated seed) and three experiments were carried out: immersion of seeds in acid sulphuric for 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60min (experiment 1); scarification on abrasive surface at the positions distal end, near of the mycrophyle and on the lateral tissue and tegument clipping at 1mm of the distal end, near of the mycrophyle and on the lateral tissue (experiment 2); scarification on abrasive surface and immersion in water for 0, 12, 24 and 48h (experiment 3). The experimental design was completely with four replications of 50 seeds for each treatment. The statistical analysis was carried out by ANOVA and regression analysis. Seedlings emergence on untreated seeds started on the 8th day after sowing and reached 52.5% on the 1,709th day. In general, the treatments to overcome dormancy increase emergence. Emergence was higher for seeds treated with sulphuric acid for 20 and 30min with emergence of 93.6% and 86.6%, respectively. For seeds scarified on abrasive surface higher emergences were recorded for scarification on distal end, near of the mycrophyle and on the lateral, 82.7%, 74.3% and 75.7%, respectively. Seeds scarified manually showed higher emergence when not immersed in water (75%), or when immersed for 12 and 24h (75%, 73.6% and 65.6%, respectively). Immersion seeds in sulphuric acid for 20 and 30min and scarification on abrasive surface of distal end are effective to overcome dormancy in D. excelsa.

The identification, distribution and persistence of oxamyl and its degradation products in planted corn seed, seedling root and soil from oxamyl-treated corn seeds

A simple method was developed for treating corn seeds with oxamyl. It involved soaking the seeds to ensure oxamyl uptake, centrifugation to draw off excess solution, and drying under a stream of air to prevent the formation of fungus. The seeds were found to have an even distribution of oxamyl. Seeds remained fungus-free even 12 months after treatment. The highest nonphytotoxic treatment level was obtained by using a 4.00 mg/mL oxamyl solution. Extraction methods for the determination of oxamyl (methyl-N'N'-dimethyl-N-[(methylcarbamoyl)oxy]-l-thiooxamimidate), its oxime (methyl-N',N'-dimethyl-N-hydroxy-1-thiooxamimidate), and DMCF (N,N-dimethyl-1-cyanoformanade) in seed" root, and soil were developed. Seeds were processed by homogenizing, then shaking in methanol. Significantly more oxamyl was extracted from hydrated seeds as opposed to dry seeds. Soils were extracted by tumbling in methanol; recoveries range~ from 86 - 87% for oxamyl. Root was extracted to 93% efficiency for oxamyl by homogenizing the tissue in methanol. NucharAttaclay column cleanup afforded suitable extracts for analysis by RP-HPLC on a C18 column and UV detection at 254 nm. In the degradation study, oxamyl was found to dissipate from the seed down into the soil. It was also detected in the root. Oxime was detected in both the seed and soil, but not in the root. DMCF was detected in small amounts only in the seed.

Electrical conductivity of the seed soaking solution and soybean seedling emergence

Vigor of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] seeds can be evaluated by measuring the electrical conductivity (EC) of the seed soaking solution, which has shown a satisfactory relationship with field seedling emergence, but has not had aproper definition of range yet. This work studies the relationship between EC and soybean seedling emergence both in the field and laboratory conditions, using twenty two seed lots. Seed water content, standard germination and vigor (EC, accelerated aging and cold tests) were evaluated under laboratory conditions using -0.03; -0.20; -0.40 and -0.60 MPa matric potentials, and field seedling emergence was also observed. There was direct relationship between EC and field seedling emergence (FE). Under laboratory conditions, a decreasing relationship was found between EC and FE as water content in the substrate decreased, Relationships between these two parameters were also found when -0.03; -0.20 and -0.40 MPa matric potentials were used. EC tests can be used successfully to evaluate soybean seed vigor and identify lots with higher or lower field emergence potential.

Seed-borne pathogens and electrical conductivity of soybean seeds

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Electrical conductivity testing of corn seeds as influenced by temperature and period of storage

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Assessment of the physiological potential of spinach seeds (Tetragonia tetragonoides (Pall.) Kuntze)

The efficiency of vigor tests in assessing the physiological potential of seeds depends on their standardization for different species. In this context, the research aimed to study specific methodologies to evaluate the vigor of spinach seeds (Tetragonia tetragonoides). For this purpose, five lots of spinach seed cv. New Zealand were submitted to germination, first count of germination, seedling emergence in the field, accelerated aging (with and without use of saturated solution of NaCl at 41and 45 ºC for 24,48 and 72 hours), controlled deterioration (18,21 and 24% seed water content adjustments for 24 hours at 45 ºC) and electrical conductivity tests with variations inwater volume (25, 50 and 75 mL), seed quantity (25 and 50) and soaking period (1, 2, 4, 8,12, 16 and 24 hours) at 25 ºC. The first count test allowed obtaining preliminary information about seed vigor, and other tests in general showed similarity with seedling emergence in the field. Thus, it was concluded that traditional accelerated aging test 24 h /41 ºC and accelerated aging test with saturated salt solution for 24 h at 41 ºC and 45 ºC, and controlled deterioration test with 21% seed water content / 24 h / 45 ºC were all efficient for evaluating the physiological potential of spinach seeds.

Accelerated aging and electrical conductivity tests in crambe seeds

The aim of this study was to adapt the methodology of the accelerated aging and electrical conductivity tests for determination of physiological potential in crambe seeds. Six seed lots of crambe (cv. FMS Brilhante) were subjected to determination of moisture content, germination test, first count germination, emergence, and emergence speed index. For the accelerated aging test, the traditional methodology was used with water, and with a saturated potassium chloride and sodium chloride solution in three periods of exposure (24, 48, and 72 hours) at 41 degrees C; the electrical conductivity test was performed with four pre-soaking treatments (0, 2, 4, and 8 hours) and four soaking periods (4, 8, 16, and 24 hours) at 25 degrees C. The accelerated aging test with water for 72 hours and the electrical conductivity test with 2 hours of pre-soaking and assessment after 16 hours were effective for classification of the crambe seed lots in regard to physiological quality.

Reserve carbohydrates and lipids from the seeds of four tropical tree species with different sensitivity to desiccation

Considering the importance of water content for the conservation and storage of seeds, and the involvement of soluble carbohydrates and lipids for embryo development, a comparative study was carried out among the seeds of Inga vera (ingá), Eugenia uniflora (pitanga), both classified as recalcitrant, and Caesalpinia echinata (brazilwood) and Erythrina speciosa (mulungu), considered as orthodox seeds. Low concentrations of cyclitols (0.3-0.5%), raffinose family oligosaccharides (ca. 0.05%) and unsaturated fatty acids (0-19%) were found in the seeds of ingá and pitanga, while larger amounts of cyclitols (2-3%) and raffinose (4.6-13%) were found in brazilwood and mulungu, respectively. These results, in addition to higher proportions of unsaturated fatty acids (53-71%) in orthodox seeds, suggested that sugars and lipids played important role in water movement, protecting the embryo cell membranes against injuries during dehydration.

Nutritional reserves of Vochysiaceae seeds: chemical diversity and potential economic uses

Contents of proteins, carbohydrates and oil of seeds of 57 individuals of Vochysiaceae, involving one species of Callisthene, six of Qualea, one of Salvertia and eight of Vochysia were determined. The main nutritional reserves of Vochysiaceae seeds are proteins (20% in average) and oils (21. 6%). Mean of carbohydrate contents was 5. 8%. Callisthene showed the lowest protein content (16. 9%), while Q. cordata was the species with the highest content (30% in average). The contents of ethanol soluble carbohydrates were much higher than those of water soluble carbohydrates. Oil contents lay above 20% for most species (30. 4% in V. pygmaea and V. pyramidalis seeds). The predominant fatty acids are lauric (Q. grandiflora), oleic (Qualea and Salvertia) or acids with longer carbon chains (Salvertia and a group of Vochysia species). The distribution of Vochysiaceae fatty acids suggests for seeds of some species an exploitation as food sources (predominance of oleic acid), for other species an alternative to cocoa butter (high contents or predominance of stearic acid) or the production of lubricants, surfactants, detergents, cosmetics and plastic (predominance of acids with C20 or C22 chains) or biodiesel (predominance of monounsaturated acids). The possibility of exploitation of Vochysiaceae products in a cultivation regimen and in extractive reserves is discussed.