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The results of the laboratory of standardization, regulation and metrology in recent years are shown. Based on research, two intergovernmental standards, one national standard, and 24 standards of the organization were developed, agreed, approved, and put into effect.

Understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating pea seed developmental process is extremely important for pea breeding. In this study, we used high-throughput RNA-Seq and bioinformatics analyses to examine the changes in gene expression during seed development in vegetable pea and grain pea, and compare the gene expression profiles of these two pea types. RNA-Seq generated 18.7G of raw data, which were then de novo assembled into 77,273 unigenes with a mean length of 930 bp. Our results illustrate that transcriptional control during pea seed development is a highly coordinated process. There were 459 and 801 genes differentially expressed at early and late seed maturation stages between vegetable pea and grain pea, respectively. Soluble sugar and starch metabolism related genes were significantly activated during the development of pea seeds coinciding with the onset of accumulation of sugar and starch in the seeds. A comparative analysis of genes involved in sugar and starch biosynthesis in vegetable pea (high seed soluble sugar and low starch) and grain pea (high seed starch and low soluble sugar) revealed that differential expression of related genes at late development stages results in a negative correlation between soluble sugar and starch biosynthetic flux in vegetable and grain pea seeds. RNA-Seq data was validated by using real-time quantitative RT-PCR analysis for 30 randomly selected genes. To our knowledge, this work represents the first report of seed development transcriptomics in pea. The obtained results provide a foundation to support future efforts to unravel the underlying mechanisms that control the developmental biology of pea seeds, and serve as a valuable resource for improving pea breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The aim was to explore the effects of cultivation methods on vegetable growth in seedling stage. [Method] The test included 4 treatments, as follows: treatment 1 (T1) where seedlings were cultivated as per water film-based cultivation and irrigation proceeded regularly; treatment 2 (T2) where irrigation proceeded continuously as per water film-based cultivation; treatment 3 (T3) where seedlings were cultivated as per floating nursing; control treatment (CK) where seedlings were cultivated as per seedling-tray cultivation in order to survey the number of germinated seedlings per tray. [Result] Both of water film-based cultivation and floating nursing took advantages in germination speed and adult seedling rate, compared with tray cultivation method. [Conclusion] Water film-based cultivation and floating nursing make innovations in water management during seedling cultivation, which improve germination speed, adult seedling rate and seedling quality, making contribution to large-scale production of greenhouse vegetables through applications and practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed agglomeration is a coating technology with the purpose to sow multiple seeds of the same seed lot, or multiple seeds of different seed lots, varieties or species. The objective of this study was to develop agglomeration technology by producing single agglomerates or pellets using lettuce and tomato as model vegetable crop seeds. Physical properties of dry and wet pellets were measured and seedling emergence assessed. Pellets were formed by a molding technique with a mixture of filler, binder, and seeds. Diatomaceous earth (DE) was used as the filler, and two binders were tested: polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and a commercial organic binder. Each binder solution was mixed with DE, and seeds were added during the agglomeration process. Oval and cylindrical pellets were molded with known compression forces. Cylindrical pellet strength increased, as PVA binder concentration increased from 8% to 16% and pellet strength was greater for pellets produced with 3 kg than with 1 kg compression. The percent seedling emergence and speed of emergence were not affected by a compression force of 1 kg and 3 kg for PVA-pelleted lettuce and tomato, respectively compared to the non-pelleted control. Cylindrical pellets formed using the commercial organic binder at 1 and 3 kg force without lecithin showed significantly less seedling emergence and speed of emergence for lettuce seed; no significant differences were observed for tomato seed. Seedling emergence and speed of emergence for lettuce seed from oval pellets formed with the commercial organic binder and lecithin at 1 kg and 3 kg compression grouped with the non-pelleted control. Cylindrical pellets made without lecithin and with the commercial organic binder using 3 kg compression force containing three tomato seeds produced plants with greater combined leaf area, fresh and dry weight than plants grown from single non-pelleted seeds, 26 days after being sown in the greenhouse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During 2013 - 2014, greenhouse experiments were performed in Vegetable Research-Development Station Bacau - Romania, in order to evaluate the vegetable categories of multiplication at the soil-borne diseases attack in seedling stage. Experiments on round pepper (Creola), long pepper (Ionel) sweet pepper (Dariana Bac) and tomatoes (Unibac) were performed to compare the category: CA, CSD, PB, BS and C1 that presents soil-borne diseases attack. Experiments on Levisticum (Rarau) were performed to compare CA and C1 that presents soilborne diseases attack. The attack on B and C1 generations at round pepper was between 0,3 - 0,7%. The plants of CA and CSD category after emergence were susceptible at soil pathogen attack (1,3 - 1,7%). The percentage of healthy plants was 98,3 - 99,7%. Long pepper - Ionel was tolerant to soil pathogens attack (CA - 0.3% CSD - 0.3%, PB - 0.1%, B - 0.1% C1 - 0). Sweet pepper showed a light susceptibility to soil pathogens attack after emergence: CA - 3.3% CSD - 3.3%, PB - 2.1% BS - 2.4% C1 - 2.1%. After transplanting in cell plastic trays the pathogen attack stopped. Lovage - Rarau presented a low attack of soil pathogens, behaving as a rustic species, resistant to low temperatures and soil pathogens attack. In both categories of multiplication the attack did not exceed 0.3%. The tomatoes due to low temperatures during emergence (8-20OC) had an uneven emergence, being infected with soil pathogens. There are differences between the attack depending on the category of multiplication: CA - 1,2%, CSD - 1,0%, PB - 0,5%, B - 0,7%, C1 - 1,0%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological and sanitary quality of seeds of rocket; the research was done at the Laboratory of Seed Analysis and greenhouse of the Department of Plant Science, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel). Four lots of the cultivar "Antonella" were tested for following features: initial and final moisture content, germination rate, first count of germination, accelerated aging with saline solution, dry matter contents, seedling shoot and root length, emergence speed index, emergence of seedlings in substrate, electrical conductivity and sanitary condition. A completely randomized design with four replications was used for all tests done and means were compared by Tukey test (P=0.05). For all tests performed it was concluded that despite changes in the ranking of the best lots, there was agreement regarding the indication of the inferiority of the lot 3 in all tests and it was also observed that the incidence of fungi associated with seeds of rocket interfere with the physiological quality of the lots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiment was conducted in the greenhouse at the Agriculture Research Station -Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jordan, during the growing season of 2010. This research was directed towards comparing various mixtures of composted organic materials with peat moss used for germination of various vegetable crops. Seeds of six vegetable crops were investigated in germinating media of 100% peat moss and peat moss amended with 25% of cow, layer, broiler, sheep manure or olive pumice. Field soil was also added as a check media. Evaluation was performed on seed germination percentage, seedling height and number of leaves. Results indicated that the used mixtures were capable of showing good to very good germinating percentages when compared to peat moss. Seedling height and leaf number of most used vegetables were affected negatively with pumice when added at 25% in peat moss. Best results were recorded for germination in cow or poultry layer mixed at 25% with peat moss. Therefore, it is important to carry out test trials before selecting the proper media for specific crop seed germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of insecticide thiamethoxam as a bioactivators on cucumber seed physiological quality and seedling performance. The treatments used were: T1 = no product; T2 = 0.2 L of product per 100 kg of seeds; T3 = 0.3 L product per 100 kg of seeds; T4 = 0.4 L of product per 100 kg seeds; T5 = 0.5 L of product per 100 kg of seeds; T6 = 0.6 L of product per 100 kg of seeds. The variables evaluated were: seed germination, first count of germination, seedling root length, accelerated aging, cold test and seedling emergence. The experimental design was completely randomized with three replicates for each treatment and data were analyzed by regression. Doses of thiamethoxam from 0.3 to 0.4 L (per 100 kg of seed) provide positive effects on cucumber seed physiological quality and seedling performance, as was shown in germination and vigor tests results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulse granuloma is not a common condition in cutaneous pathology. In diagnosing this condition, it is essential to determine if the foreign fragmented bodies are really vegetable parts. Certain vegetable structures, such as hyaline rings, have been clearly emphasized in the literature. However, other vegetable parts can show certain morphologic similarities with animal structures, especially if observed in a fragmented biopsy, as is the case with the pericarp (which can mimic the cuticle of a maggot) or the endosperm (which can mimic the fat cells of the larva). Herein, we present a case of pulse granuloma involving the lip, an uncommon location for this condition. We also describe the histopathologic appearance of experimentally obtained maggots and pupae, as well as that of several vegetable seeds. We compare some of the vegetable and animal structures and emphasize the differential diagnosis between them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physiological quality is one of the main objects of studies involving seeds, as they may suffer a series of degenerative changes of various types which lead to reduction of its vigor. To compensate the deficiencies of the germination test in the characterization of lots, vigor tests have been developed, which are already well characterized for the main crops, but recently applied to vegetables seeds. So, this study aimed to evaluate the use of electrical conductivity in the physiological potential of eggplant seeds. Four seed lots of eggplant cultivar 'Preta Comprida', were tested for germination, first count germination, seedling emergence, speed of emergence and accelerated aging. For the electrical conductivity were studied variations in the volume of water (50 and 75mL), temperature (25 and 30°C), number of seeds (25 and 50) and imbibed (1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 18 and 24 hours). The electrical conductivity test was efficient for the eggplant seeds, and the soaking time can be reduced to four hours, but using 50 seeds failed to differentiate between batches. The volume of 25mL and 30°C was the most favorable condition for the consistent ordering of the lots on the force. The best conditions for the electrical conductivity in eggplant seed is the use of 25 seeds in 50mL of water for four hours at 30°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses multiple floodplains in Mississippi such as Mississippi River floodplain, Lunsford-Pulcher site and Kidd Lake Marshland while mentioning their uses for seeding vegetables. Topics discussed include Euro-Americans farming on Mississippi River floodplain, growing wheat, corn and soybeans, Mississippian farmers using Lunsford-Pulcher terrace at the edge of Fish Lake for raising seeds, and provision of habitats to amphibians, reptiles and birds in Kidd Lake Marshes.

In 1990, organic farming in Poland started with only 27 farms. The number of organic farms increased more than double by 2000. Since then, organic land increased more than tenfold. In 2009, there were already nearly 17,423 organic food producers and 277 processors, i.e. over 367,000 hectares of agricultural land were managed organically, which constituted 2.28% of the country's total agricultural land. Twenty farms, out of over 2090, producing organic food were selected in the area of Lublin (Eastern Poland). They were given the questionnaire about using the organic seeds in their production in the season 2010-2011. Eight-five percent of the farmers used organic seeds in their organic food production, however, only 35% of them used organic seeds exclusively, although three fourth of them claimed that it was right to use them. Over half of the farmers used home-saved seeds in their organic food production or exchanged them with other organic farmers. Only one third of the farmers bought organic seeds from the seed companies. All the farmers, who used organic seeds, thought the quality of the seeds was good. Still, less than one third of them thought that the tolerance to diseases and pests of the cultivars used for organic production was good. Eighty percent of the seeds used for organic food production had no treatment. Modern organic ways of farming were used only by 25% of the surveyed farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interests in using biological agents for control of human pathogens on vegetable seeds are rising. This study evaluated whether probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, bacterial strains previously used as biocontrol agents in plant science, as well as a selected plant pathogen could compete with foodborne human pathogens, such as Salmonella enterica and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), for growth in microbiological media and attachment to vegetable seeds; and to determine whether the metabolites in cell-free supernatants of competitive bacterial spent cultures could inhibit the growth of the two pathogens. The results suggest that the co-presence of competitive bacteria, especially L. rhamnosus GG, significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited the growth of Salmonella and EHEC. Cell-free supernatants of L. rhamnosus GG cultures significantly reduced the pathogen populations in microbiological media. Although not as effective as L. rhamnosus GG in inhibiting the growth of Salmonella and EHEC, the biocontrol agents were more effective in competing for attachment to vegetable seeds. The study observed the inhibition of human bacterial pathogens by competitive bacteria or their metabolites and the competitive attachment to sprout seeds among all bacteria involved. The results will help strategize interventions to produce vegetable seeds and seed sprouts free of foodborne pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxins (AFs) are secondary metabolites toxic to humans as well as animals. The environmental conditions, conventional agricultural practices, and illiteracy are the main factors which favor the production of AFs in food and feed. In the current study 744 samples of vegetable seeds and oils (soybean, sunflower, canola, olive, corn, and mustard) were collected and tested for the presence of aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 ) and total AFs. Liquid-liquid extraction was employed for the extraction of AFs from seeds and oil samples. Reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography equipped with fluorescence detection was used for the analysis. The results have shown that 92 (56.7%) samples of imported and 108 (57.0%) samples of local edible seeds were observed to be contaminated with AFs. All samples of edible seeds have AFB 1 levels greater than the proposed limit set by the European Union (EU, 2 µg/kg) and 12 (7.40%) samples of imported seeds and 14 (7.40%) samples of local seeds were found in the range ≥ 50 µg/kg. About 78 (43.3%) samples of imported edible oil and 103 (48.3%) sample of local edible oil were observed to be positive for AFs. Furthermore, 16 (8.88%) and six (3.33%) samples of imported vegetable oil have levels of total AFs in a range (21-50 µg/kg) and greater than 50 µg/kg, respectively. The findings indicate significant differences in AFs levels between imported and local vegetable oil samples (t = 22.27 and p = 0.009) at α = 0.05 and a significant difference in AFs levels were found between vegetable seeds and oil samples (t = -17.75, p = 0.009) at α = 0.05. The highest dietary intake was found for a local sunflower oil sample (0.90 µg/kg/day) in female individuals (16-22 age group). The results have shown considerably high levels of AFB1 and total AFs in seeds and oil samples and emphasise the need to monitor carefully the levels of these toxic substances in food and feed on regular basis.

Vegetable seeds contaminated with bacterial pathogens have been linked to fresh-produce-associated outbreaks of gastrointestinal infections. This study was undertaken to observe the physiological behavior of Salmonella enterica and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) cells artificially internalized into vegetable seeds during the germination process. Surface-decontaminated seeds of alfalfa, fenugreek, lettuce, and tomato were vacuum-infiltrated with four individual strains of Salmonella or EHEC. Contaminated seeds were germinated at 25°C for 9 days, and different sprout/seedling tissues were microbiologically analyzed every other day. The internalization of Salmonella and EHEC cells into vegetable seeds was confirmed by the absence of pathogens in seed-rinsing water and the presence of pathogens in seed homogenates after postinternalization seed surface decontamination. Results show that 317 (62%) and 343 (67%) of the 512 collected sprout/seedling tissue samples were positive for Salmonella and EHEC, respectively. The average Salmonella populations were significantly larger ( P < 0.05) than the EHEC populations. Significantly larger Salmonella populations were recovered from the cotyledon and seed coat tissues, followed by the root tissues, but the mean EHEC populations from all sampled tissue sections were statistically similar, except in pregerminated seeds. Three Salmonella and two EHEC strains had significantly larger cell populations on sprout/seedling tissues than other strains used in the study. Salmonella and EHEC populations from fenugreek and alfalfa tissues were significantly larger than those from tomato and lettuce tissues. The study showed the fate of internalized human pathogens on germinating vegetable seeds and sprout/seedling tissues and emphasized the importance of using pathogen-free seeds for sprout production. IMPORTANCE The internalization of microorganisms into vegetable seeds could occur naturally and represents a possible pathway of vegetable seed contamination by human pathogens. The present study investigated the ability of two important bacterial pathogens, Salmonella and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), when artificially internalized into vegetable seeds, to grow and disseminate along vegetable sprouts/seedlings during germination. The data from the study revealed that the pathogen cells artificially internalized into vegetable seeds caused the contamination of different tissues of sprouts/seedlings and that pathogen growth on germinating seeds is bacterial species and vegetable seed-type dependent. These results further stress the necessity of using pathogen-free vegetable seeds for edible sprout production., (Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.)

Vegetable seeds have the potential to disseminate and transmit foodborne bacterial pathogens. This study was undertaken to assess the abilities of selected Salmonella and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) strains to attach to fungicide-treated versus untreated, and intact versus mechanically damaged, seeds of alfalfa, fenugreek, lettuce, and tomato. Surface-sanitized seeds (2 g) were exposed to four individual strains of Salmonella or EHEC at 20°C for 5 h. Contaminated seeds were rinsed twice, each with 10 ml of sterilized water, before being soaked overnight in 5 ml of phosphate-buffered saline at 4°C. The seeds were then vortexed vigorously for 1 min, and pathogen populations in seed rinse water and soaking buffer were determined using a standard plate count assay. In general, the Salmonella cells had higher attachment ratios than the EHEC cells. Lettuce seeds by unit weight had the highest numbers of attached Salmonella or EHEC cells, followed by tomato, alfalfa, and fenugreek seeds. In contrast, individual fenugreek seeds had more attached pathogen cells, followed by lettuce, alfalfa, and tomato seeds. Significantly more Salmonella and EHEC cells attached to mechanically damaged seeds than to intact seeds ( P < 0.05). Although, on average, significantly more Salmonella and EHEC cells were recovered from untreated than fungicide-treated seeds ( P < 0.05), fungicide treatment did not significantly affect the attachment of individual bacterial strains to vegetable seeds ( P > 0.05), with a few exceptions. This study fills gaps in the current body of literature and helps explain bacterial interactions with vegetable seeds with differing surface characteristics. IMPORTANCE Vegetable seeds, specifically sprout seeds, have the potential to disseminate and transmit foodborne bacterial pathogens. This study investigated the interaction between two important bacterial pathogens, i.e., Salmonella and EHEC, and vegetable seeds with differing surface characteristics. This research helps understand whether seed surface structure, integrity, and fungicide treatment affect the interaction between bacterial cells and vegetable seeds., (Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.)