Effects of Magnetized Water on Seed Germination of Welsh Onion (Allium fistulosum L.)

With Welsh Onion seeds employed as materials, effects of magnetized water on seed Germination were studied. The results showed the treatment of magnetized water soaking for 4 h promoted water absorption rate and amylase ac- tivities of seeds significantly, which accelerated the transformation process of en- dosperm starch to soluble sugar, resulting in emergence of 36 hours in advance under low temperature condition. Germination rate and germination potential of magnetized water soaking were higher than the contrast by 6.7% and 10.0%, which helped cultivate vigorous seedling.

Pectin methylesterase inhibitors GhPMEI53 and AtPMEI19 improve seed germination by modulating cell wall plasticity in cotton and Arabidopsis

The germination process of seeds is influenced by the interplay between two opposing factors,pectin methylesterase(PME)and pectin methylesterase inhibitor(PMEI),which collectively regulate patterns of pectin methylesterification.Despite the recognized importance of pectin methylesterification in seed germination,the specific mechanisms that govern this process remain unclear.In this study,we demonstrated that the overexpression of GhPMEI53is associated with a decrease in PME activity and an increase in pectin methylesterification.This leads to seed cell wall softening,which positively regulates cotton seed germination.AtPMEI19,the homologue in Arabidopsis thaliana,plays a similar role in seed germination to GhPMEI53,indicating a conserved function and mechanism of PMEI in seed germination regulation.Further studies revealed that GhPMEI53 and AtPMEI19 directly contribute to promoting radicle protrusion and seed germination by inducing cell wall softening and reducing mechanical strength.Additionally,the pathways of abscicic acid(ABA)and gibberellin(GA)in the transgenic materials showed significant changes,suggesting that GhPMEI53/AtPMEI19-mediated pectin methylesterification serves as a regulatory signal for the related phytohormones involved in seed germination.In summary,GhPMEI53 and its homologs alter the mechanical properties of cell walls,which influence the mechanical resistance of the endosperm or testa.Moreover,they impact cellular phytohormone pathways(e.g.,ABA and GA)to regulate seed germination.These findings enhance our understanding of pectin methylesterification in cellular morphological dynamics and signaling transduction,and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the PME/PMEI gene superfamily in plants.

A comparative study on the role of conventional,chemical,and nanopriming for better salt tolerance during seed germination of direct seeding rice

Salinity is one of the most significant risks to crop production and food security as it harms plant physiology and biochemistry.The salt stress during the rice emergence stages severely hampers the seed germination and seedling growth of direct-seeded rice.Recently,nanoparticles(NPs)have been reported to be effectively involved in many plant physiological processes,particularly under abiotic stresses.To our knowledge,no comparative studies have been performed to study the efficiency of conventional,chemical,and seed nanopriming for better plant stress tolerance.Therefore,we conducted growth chamber and field experiments with different salinity levels(0,1.5,and 3‰),two rice varieties(CY1000 and LLY506),and different priming techniques such as hydropriming,chemical priming(ascorbic acid,salicylic acid,and γ-aminobutyric acid),and nanopriming(zinc oxide nanoparticles).Salt stress inhibited rice seed germination,germination index,vigor index,and seedling growth.Also,salt stress increased the over accumulation of reactive oxygen species(H_(2)O_(2) and O_(2)^(-)·)and malondialdehyde(MDA)contents.Furthermore,salt-stressed seedlings accumulated higher sodium(Na^(+))ions and significantly lower potassium(K^(+))ions.Moreover,the findings of our study demonstrated that,among the different priming techniques,seed nanopriming with zinc oxide nanoparticles(NanoZnO)significantly contributed to rice salt tolerance.ZnO nanopriming improved rice seed germination and seedling growth in the pot and field experiments under salt stress.The possible mechanism behind ZnO nanopriming improved rice salt tolerance included higher contents of α-amylase,soluble sugar,and soluble protein and higher activities of antioxidant enzymes to sustain better seed germination and seedling growth.Moreover,another mechanism of ZnO nanopriming induced rice salt tolerance was associated with better maintenance of(K^(+))ions content.Our research concluded that NanoZnO could promote plant salt tolerance and be adopted as a practical nanopriming technique,promoting global crop production in saltaffected agricultural lands.

Arginine promotes seed energy metabolism,increasing wheat seed germination at low temperature

Low temperatures during germination inhibit seed growth,lead to small and weak seedlings,and significantly reduce the wheat yield.Alleviating the adverse effects of low temperature on wheat seed germination is highly important for achieving high and stable wheat yields.In this study,Tongmai 6(insensitive)and Zhengmai 113(sensitive),which have different low-temperature sensitivities during germination were treated with low temperature during germination.The transcriptome,metabolome and physiological data revealed that low temperature decreased the germination rate,downregulated the expression of a large number of genes involved in regulating glycometabolism,and inhibited carbon,nitrogen(especially amino acids)and energy metabolism in the seeds.Arginine content increased at low temperature,and its increase in the low-temperature-tolerant variety was significantly greater than that in the sensitive variety.Arginine priming experiment showed that treatment with an appropriate concentration of arginine improved the seed germination rate.The conversion of starch to soluble sugar significantly increased under exogenous arginine conditions,the content of key metabolites in energy metabolism increased,and the utilization of ATP in the seeds increased.Taken together,arginine priming increased seed germination at low temperature by relieving inhibition of seed carbon and nitrogen metabolism and improving seed energy metabolism.

Genome-wide association study reveals that JASMONATE ZIM-DOMAIN 5 regulates seed germination in rice

Seed germination is a complex trait regulated by multiple genes in rice.However,the regulators of rice seed germination have yet to be sufficiently determined.Here,a quantitative trait locus(QTL)for rice seed germination was identified in a genome-wide association study.The candidate gene JASMONATE ZIM-DOMAIN 5(OsJAZ5)of the QTL was verified that positively regulates seed germination.OsJAZ5 regulation of seed germination involves an OsABI3-mediated abscisic acid pathway.Overexpression of OsJAZ5 facilitated seed germination.The application of OsJAZ5 might be useful for increasing seed germination for rice direct seeding.

Preparation of Tartary Buckwheat Seed Coating Agent and Its Effect on Germination

To mitigate the wastage of seed resources and reduce the usage of pesticides and fertilizers, seed coating agentshave gained popularity. This study employs single-factor and multi-index orthogonal experimental design methodsto investigate the seed coating formula and physical properties of Tartary buckwheat. The specific effects ofeach component on Tartary buckwheat seed germination are analyzed. The findings reveal that the seed coatingagent formulated with 1.5% polyvinyl alcohol, 0.15% sodium alginate, 0.2% op-10, 0.1% polyacrylamide, 8% colorant,3% ammonium sulfate, 1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and 0.15% carbendazim exhibits the mosteffective coating. It demonstrates optimal physical properties and promotes seed germination efficiently. The suspensionrate of this seed coating agent reaches 91.12%, with a mere 2.13% coating shedding rate and 2.5% coatingseed rot rate. Furthermore, it achieves a germination percentage of 99.17%, which is 20.84% higher than the lowestgroup. The germination potential and index are also significantly higher than the lowest group, with anincrease of 20.84% and 26.56%, respectively. Additionally, the vitality index is 553.08, a 15.75% increase comparedto the lowest group. The application of seed coating agents helps reduce seed resource loss, increase plant numbers,and ultimately enhance agricultural yields. This finding holds practical significance in agriculturalproduction.

Effects of Low Temperature Stress on Germination and Physiological Characteristics of Different Sweet Maize Varieties

[Objectives]The paper was to explore the effects of low temperature stress on germination and physiological characteristics of different sweet maize varieties.[Methods]Taking Taitian 264,Zhexuetian 1 and Chaotian 4 as the research objects,the changes in germination potential,germination index,plant height,biomass,and antioxidant enzyme activity of maize seeds were studied under optimal temperature conditions(25℃)and low temperature stress conditions(10℃).[Results]Under 10℃stress,the germination rate and germination index of Taitian 264 were higher than that of Zhexuetian 1 and Chaotian 4.Under low temperature stress,Taitian 264 exhibited the least reduction in height and biomass,while Zhexuetian 1 had the most reduction.Additionally,the SOD and POD activities of Taitian 264 were higher than that of Zhexuetian 1 and Chaotian 4 under both temperature conditions,while the MDA content of Taitian 264 was lower.Taitian 264 showed strong germination ability against low temperature stress.[Conclusions]This study provides a basis for timely sowing practices of sweet maize in agricultural production.

Effect of seed priming with different concentrations of potassium nitrate on the pattern of seed imbibition and germination of rice(Oryza sativa L.)

Low germination and vigor of rice seed associated with dry-seed broadcasting are common problems encountered by rice growers.The objectives of this study were to evaluate the role of potassium nitrate（KNO3）on the pattern of seed imbibition and to determine the effect of seed priming with KNO3 on the germination percentage,speed and uniformity of germination in rice seed.Experiment 1 compared the patterns of seed imbibition of six concentrations of KNO3（0,0.25,0.50,1.00,1.50,and 2.00%）in two rice cultivars-KDML105 and RD15.The results showed that soaking rice seed in KNO3 at higher concentrations could delay the imbibition time.The higher concentrations of KNO3 delayed the imbibition time of rice seed and took a longer time to reach the end of phases 1 and 2 compared to the lower concentrations.The patterns of seed imbibition using distilled water of both rice cultivars（KDML105 and RD15）were quite similar,but with different concentrations of KNO3,the imbibition time taken to reach the end of phases 1 and 2 was slightly postponed in KDML105 suggesting that different rice cultivars may need different imbibition times for soaking seed in the priming process.Experiment 2 evaluated the effects of seed priming with 1.0 and 2.0%KNO3 at different imbibition times.It was found that priming with 1.0%KNO3 showed better seed germination than priming with 2.0%KNO3 and seed priming with 1.0%KNO3 at the imbibition time of early phase 2（or 28 h for KDML105）improved seed germination and increased both the speed and uniformity of seed germination.The results of this study show promise for the use of priming with 1.0%KNO3 soaked until early phase 2 of seed imbibition for improving the seed germination and vigor of rice in dry seed broadcasting.

Effects of Different-concentration EMS on Germination of Tarary Buckwheat [Fagopyrum tataricum(L.) Gaertn] Seeds

[Objective] This study aimed to determine the optimum ethyl methane sulfonate（EMS） concentration for germination of tarary buckwheat seeds so as to lay a solid foundation for obtaining excellent traits of tarary buckwheat and breeding new varieties that meet the requirements by EMS mutation breeding. [Method] The seeds of Jinqiaomai No.4, a local tarary buckwheat variety [Fagopyrum tataricum（L.） Gaertn] in Shanxi Province, were used as the material. They were mutagenized by different concentrations（0.3%, 0.5%, 0.7%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 1.7%） of EMS for different times（4, 8, 12 h）. Then the germination rate and germination vigor were analyzed. [Result] With the increase of EMS mutagenic agent concentration, the germination vigor, relative germination vigor, germination rate and relative germination rate are all trended to be decreased. When the EMS concentrations ranged from 0.3%to 1.0%, there were no significant differences between treatment and control groups（P〉0.05）. When the EMS concentrations were 1.5% and 1.7%, significant differences were shown between treatment and control groups（P〈0.01）. The 4 and 8 h treatment of EMS all had no significant effects on germination rate and relative germination rate of Jinqiaomai No.4, but the 12 h treatment of EMS showed significant effects. Among the three treatment times, there were still no significant differences in germination vigor and relative germination vigor between treatment and control groups. [Conclusion] The optimum median lethal dose and treatment time of EMS for mutagenizing Jinqiaomai No.4 were 1.7% and 12 h, respectively.

Effects of Induced Concentration and Time of EMS on Seed Germination of Common Buckwheat

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effects of induced concen- tration and time of EMS on seed germination of common buckwheat. [Method] The seeds of Jinqiaomai No.3, a common buckwheat cultivar, were used as the test material, and their germination was induced by different concentrations of EMS un- der different induced times. The germination rate, germination vigor, relative germi- nation rate and relative germination vigor of Jinqiaomai No.3 were measured. [Re- sult] With increased induced concentration and time of EMS, the germination rate, germination vigor, relative germination rate and relative germination vigor of Jinqiao- mai No.3 were all trended to be decreased. For Jinqiaomai No.3, the optima in- duced concentration and time of EMS was 1.0% and 4 h, respectively, and the lethal concentration was 1.7%. [Conclusion] The induced concentration and time of EMS all showed significant effects on seed germination of Jinqiaomai No.3.

Maximizing seed germination in two Acacia species

Revegetation of disturbed land, particularly in arid environment, is often hindered by low seedling establishment. Information on seed biology and germination cues of valuable species is lacking. We investigated seed germination of two Acacia species （Acacia tortilis （Forsk.） Hayne and Acacia oerfota （Forssk） schwein/）, required for nitrogen fixation and rehabilitation of arid and semi-arid areas.（four pregermination seed treatments were applied in order to find the best treatment in germinating acacia species. The medium was L2 and three replicates were used. Seeds pretreated with sand paper and also with H2SO4 and then H2O2 had the highest germination percentage in both species. The lowest germination percentage resulted from soaking seeds in water for 48 h followed by soaking in H2SO4 for A. oerfota and from soaking in water for 24 h for A. tortilis. Because the use of sand paper is difficult and time consuming, we recommend pretreatment ofA. tortilis and A. oerfota seeds with H2SO4 and H2O2 before planting. Our study results are significant for conservation agencies with an interest in optimizing germination in arid zones for rehabilitation and reforestation.

Study on Salinity Tolerance of Tomatoes during Seed Germination under Different Salt Stress Conditions

[Objective] The aim of this study was to provide the theoretical basis for screening and utilizing salt-tolerant tomato varieties as well as for cultivating salt-resistance.[Method] Salinity tolerance of tomato during seed germination under simple salt sodium chloride and double salt calcium nitrate or sodium chloride stress were studied by Petri dish culturing.[Result] As the two kinds salt concentration increased,the germination regularity,the germination rate,the germination index and the growing vigor index of tomato seedlings decreased,but the germination losing rate increased.When salt concentration was from 0.2% to 0.4%,there was little difference among all indexes under two kinds of salt stress.However,when salt concentration was from 0.6% to 1.0%,the difference among all indexes under two kinds of salt stress was significant.[Conclusion] Salinity tolerance of tomato seeds under double salt calcium nitrate or sodium chloride stress was higher than that under simple salt sodium chloride stress.

Effects of Nitric Oxide on the Germination of Wheat Seeds and Its Reactive Oxygen Species Metabolisms Under Osmotic Stress

Effects of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a nitric oxide (NO) donor, on the germination and metabolism of reactive oxygen species were surveyed in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seeds. Germination of wheat seeds and even the elongation of radicle and plumule were dramatically promoted by SNP treatments during the germination under osmotic stress. Meanwhile, activities of amylase and EP were enhanced, thus leading to the degradation of storage reserve in seeds. After osmotic stress was removed, higher viability of wheat seeds was also maintained. In addition, the activities of CAT, APX and the content of proline were increased by SNP treatment simultaneously, but activities of LOX were inhibited, and both of which were beneficial for improving the antioxidant capacity during the germination of wheat seeds under osmotic stress. It was also shown that the increase of the activity of amylase induced by SNP in embryoless half-seeds of wheat in the beginning period of germination (6 h) might be indirectly related to GA(3).

Effects of Excessive Mg2+ on the Germination Characteristics of Crop Seeds

[ Objective ] The research aimed to reveal theeffects of excessive Mg^2＋ on the germination characteristics of maize and soybean. [ Method ] Eleven concentration gradients of Mg^2＋ including 0, 40, 80, 120, 160,200,240,280,320,360 and 400 mmol/L were set up to study the effects of different treatments on such indices as the germination potential, germination rate, fresh weight, dry weight, root length, plant height and stem diameter of maize and soybean. [ Result] With the increasing of Mg^2＋ concentration, the germination of maize delayed and the germination rate of soybean obviously decreased, reaching the significant difference at 0.05 level. When Mg^2＋ concentration increased, the fresh weight and dry weight of maize and soybean decreased, but maize and soybean showed some adaptability. The growth of radicles and seedlings in maize and soybean were obviously inhibited by Mg^2＋ , and atrophy and dysplasia phenomena appeared. [ Conclusion] Excessive Mg^2＋ stress has different effects on the germination potential and germination rate of different crops and has obvious poisoning effects on the root and stem growth of crops.

Effect of ^(12)C^(6+) Ions Beam Irradiation on Seed Germination and Enzymes Activity in Seedlings of Sweet Sorghum

[ Objective] The aim was to study the effect of 12C6 ＋ ions beam irradiation to two varieties of sweet sorghum on seed germination and some enzymes activity in seedlings with different doses, and provided a theoretical foundation for sweet sorghum breeding. [ Method] After germination, the germination potential, germination fraction and enzyme activity were detected, respectively. [ Result] The results showed that with the dose increased, the germination potential of sweet sorghum increased first and then decreased, while their germination fraction presented ＂shoulder like shape＂ ; the activity of LDH, SOD, CAT and GSH-Px increased first and then decreased with doses, they presented slight differences among different enzymes. [ Conclusion] Low dose radiation could accelerate germination of sweet sorghum seeds and enzyme activity could remain at a relatively high level. Enzyme activity decreased with high doses and the growth of sweet sorghum was inhibited.

Analysis of Amylase and Superoxide Dismutase Isozymes During the Germination Process of Emmenopterys henryi Oliv Seeds

[ Objective] The study was to understand the changes of amylase（AMY） and superoxide dismutase（SOD） isozymes during the ger- mination process of Emmenopterys henryi Oliv seeds. [ Metbod] By employing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis method, the expressions of AMY and SOD isozymes during seed germination process were analyzed. ~ Result] The main AMY bands remained strong during the whole peri- od and a new band A2 appeared in the middle and late period of seed germination. Some new SOD bands occurred at the early stage, then be- came weak or disappeared in the middle period, and band S6 became intense in the late peried. [ Conclusion.] The expression of AMY and SOD isozyme gene has temporal difference during germination of E. henryi Oliv seeds.

Seed germination and seedling development of Prunus armeniaca under different burial depths in soil

A semi-greenhouse study was conducted to understand the effects of soil burial depth on seed germination and seedling development. The seeds of wild apricot （Prunus armeniaca） were buried at the soil depths of 0-cm, 4-cm, 8-cm, and 12-cm, respectively, to simulate the seed hoarding behavior of rodents in the field. The results revealed that the rates of seed germination and established seedlings from buried seeds were both the highest in 4-cm burial depth group, and then decreased with increasing soil depth. The number of rotten seeds increased in deeper burial depth. It is unfavourable for seed germination at 0-cm burial depth （i.e., seeds were laid on soil surface）. There was insignificant effect of burial depth on growth of established seedlings. The results from this study indicated that proper burial depth in soil would be helpful for the seed germination and seedling growth. The seedlings derived from buried seeds at shallower depth （4 cm） in this research have advantage in their early development.

Influence of Plant Growth Regulators on Pollen Germination and Growth of Xinjiang Apricots

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the influence of different plant growth regulators on apricot pollen germination and pollen tube growth. [Method] Pollens of six kinds of Xinjiang apricots were cultured in solid media supplemented with five plant growth regulators （GA3 , NAA, 2, 4-D, 6-BA, IAA）. Then the rate of pollen germination and the length of pollen tube were respectively measured. [Result] In a certain concentration range, GA3 most significantly promoted the pollen germination and the pollen tube growth of Shushanggan, Kalayulvke, Dayoujia, Yiliakeyulvke and Kabakehuanna; NNA had the strongest improvement function on Kumaiti’s pollen germination and pollen tube growth. [Conclusion] All the five plant growth regulators promoted the pollen germination and the pollen tube growth of apricots at low concentration but inhibited them at high concentration.

Effects of Low Energy Argon Ion Implantation on Maize Pollen Germination and the Cytosolic Ca^(2+) Distribution during Pollen Germination Process

To investigate the effect of low energy ion implantation on maize pollen germination and cytosolic Ca2+ distribution during pollen germination process, the argon ion (Ar+) with energy of 30 keV, dose of 0.78 ×1015-13×1015 ion/cm2 was implanted into maize pollen by irradiation, and the germination of pollen and cytosolic Ca2+ distribution during pollen germination process of the Ar+ implanted pollen were studied. The results showed that when been irradiated with Ar+ with dose of 5.2×1015 ion/cm2, the germination rate of maize pollen increased remarkably, while implantation of ions with dose exceeding 5.2×1015 ion/cm2 sharply decreased the germination rate of maize pollen. Meanwhile, tracing of esterified Ca2+ fluorescence probe fluo-3 AM for intact pollen showed that variation of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration was consistent with the change of pollen fertility. The dynamics of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration caused by low energy ion implantation may be concluded as the initial effects of pollen germination.

Effect of Water Supply on Seed Germination of Soil Seed-bank in Desert Vegetation

在温室条件下 ,进行了水涝和保湿 2种水分供应试验。结果表明 ,在土壤种子库中 ,有 3种植物的种子在水涝条件下的萌发数量明显较大 ;9种植物在保湿条件下的萌发数量明显较大 ;18种植物在 2种水分供应条件下的萌发数量没有明显差异。当植物的土壤种子密度较低时在不太合适的萌发条件下表现为不存在。研究结果强调在进行土壤种子库分析之前预备萌发试验的必要性。同时也揭示出利用一种标准的水分供应处理方法去分析来自不同生境土样里种子库的危险性。