Search

The effects of the seed gall nematode 'Anguina tritici' (Steinbuch, 1799) on the agronomic characteristics of some bread wheat cultivars were investigated at the Trakya Agricultural Research Institute, Türkiye. An experiment was carried out in two different locations in Edirne in the 2019–2020 growing season. A total of 19 winter bread wheat cultivars were evaluated to assess infected grain number, healthy grain number, infected grain rate and yield. According to the results of the combined variance analysis, a statistically significant difference (p ≤.01) was found in terms of yield from the application of inoculum. Compared to the control in wheat cultivars, there was a 52.15% decrease in the yield of infected parcels due to the damage of wheat seed gall nematode. The highest yield loss in infected parcels occurred in cv. Damla with 64.22% loss, while the least yield loss occurred in cv. Yüksel cultivar with 19%. Pathological symptoms, curling and twisting of the leaves, were not observed on green plants of cv. Yüksel cultivated in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Assuming the saturated, θs, and residual θr volumetric water contents of a seed as known inputs, we present a methodology to determine the hydraulic properties of a seed: α, n parameters and hydraulic conductivity Ks. Methods: The seed is considered as a porous material in which water flow is governed with the same hydraulic properties defined for soils. Using the HYDRUS-2D software, the hydraulic properties of a seed were estimated from the inverse analysis of several cumulative seed imbibition curves measured at different seed water potentials, h. The optimum number of h was evaluated on synthetic seeds. The theoretical analysis was validated in laboratory experiments on barley, wheat and vetch seeds, where imbibition curves were measured with germination tests at seven levels of h (from 0 to -2.50 MPa). Results: The theoretical analysis showed that accurate estimates of α, n and Ks can be obtained if the most negative h-values are included in the optimization. The sensitivity analysis showed that the method allows obtaining a unique solution of α, n and Ks. The optimization error on the theoretical α, n and Ks was less than 1%. A satisfactory validation was also obtained on the experimental seed imbibition curves, with robust fits between the measured and optimized data. A unique solution of α, n and Ks was also obtained in all cases. Conclusions: A new method to determine the hydraulic properties of a seed is presented. This methodology could be used in different areas involving seed imbibition and also to simulate seed imbibition in different scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought and salinity stress reduce root hydraulic conductivity of plant seedlings, and melatonin application positively mitigates stress-induced damage. However, the underlying effect of melatonin priming on root hydraulic conductivity of seedlings under drought–salinity combined remains greatly unclear. In the current report, we investigated the influence of seeds of three wheat lines' 12 h priming with 100 μM of melatonin on root hydraulic conductivity (Lpr) and relevant physiological indicators of seedlings under PEG, NaCl, and PEG + NaCl combined stress. A previous study found that the combined PEG and NaCl stress remarkably reduced the Lpr of three wheat varieties, and its value could not be detected. Melatonin priming mitigated the adverse effects of combined PEG + NaCl stress on Lpr of H4399, Y1212, and X19 to 0.0071 mL·h−1·MPa−1, 0.2477 mL·h−1·MPa−1, and 0.4444 mL·h−1·MPa−1, respectively, by modulating translation levels of aquaporin genes and contributed root elongation and seedlings growth. The root length of H4399, Y1212, and X19 was increased by 129.07%, 141.64%, and 497.58%, respectively, after seeds pre-treatment with melatonin under PEG + NaCl combined stress. Melatonin -priming appreciably regulated antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced accumulation of osmotic regulators, decreased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), and increased K+ content in stems and root of H4399, Y1212, and X19 under PEG + NaCl stress. The path investigation displayed that seeds primed with melatonin altered the modification of the path relationship between Lpr and leaf area under stress. The present study suggested that melatonin priming was a strategy as regards the enhancement of root hydraulic conductivity under PEG, NaCl, and PEG + NaCl stress, which efficiently enhanced wheat resistant to drought–salinity stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water scarcity presents a formidable challenge to agriculture, particularly in arid, semiarid, and rainfed settings. In agricultural contexts, hydrogels serve as granular agents for water retention, undergoing considerable expansion upon water exposure. They assume versatile roles encompassing soil‐water retention, the dispensation of nutrients and pesticides, seed encapsulation, erosion mitigation, and even food supplementation. This study's objective involves the examination of biochar‐infused hydrogels, fashioned by incorporating vine pruning waste‐derived biochars, and the assessment of swelling behaviors in various aqueous environments encompassing deionized, tap, and saline water at concentrations of 0.5–1%. Characterizations of the vine‐biochars‐VB and biochar‐incorporated hydrogels‐VBHG are executed, with particular attention to their swelling properties across diverse media. As an initial step toward appraising their agricultural relevance, these hydrogels are introduced to a germination medium featuring wheat seeds to discern potential influences on germination dynamics. The maximum swelling capacity of VBHG is recorded in deionized water, tap water at pH 7.0, tap water at pH 9.0, saline water at 0.5%, and saline water at 1%, reaching 352%, 207%, 230%, 522%, and 549%, respectively. Remarkably, the 0.5% VBHG treatment exhibits the most pronounced root elongation. The application of hydrogels in agriculture exhibits promise, particularly within drought‐related contexts and potential soilless applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt stress has detrimental effects on wheat plants at several physiological, biochemical, and molecular levels. This stress leads to suppressed growth, reduced grain yield, and poor quality of harvested grains. However, two approaches have shown promise for improving wheat salt tolerance: using a synthetic strigolactone analog called GR24 and applying plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). GR24 plays a vital role in regulating plant growth and development and in defense against various stresses. Conversely, PGPR are beneficial bacteria that colonize the rhizosphere of plants and promote their growth through multiple mechanisms. In our study, we investigated the effects of salinity on the growth and yield traits of two different wheat cultivars and explored the combined role of PGPR and GR24 in mitigating the impact of salt stress. We created three different salinity levels using NaCl in pots (original, 5 dS m−1, and 10 dS m−1) and inoculated wheat seeds with a salt-tolerant Bacillus velezensis UTB96 strain. In addition, we applied 10 μM GR24 via foliar application during the pollination stage. Our observations showed that salt stress negatively affected wheat's growth, yield, and phytochemical properties compared to the control. However, both single and combined applications of PGPR and GR24 mitigated the adverse effects of salinity. The combined treatment had a more substantial impact than either alone in inducing and improving biochemical and ionic characteristics. These included decreasing Na+ content in both leaves and roots, and EL, H2O2, and MDA content in leaves while increasing K+ content in both leaves and roots, growth and yield-related traits, RWC, chlorophyll pigments, total protein, soluble sugar, starch, proline, GB, and antioxidant enzyme activity (APX, POX, and CAT) of leaves. In conclusion, integrating PGPR and GR24 can efficiently induce salt tolerance and improve plant growth under stressed conditions. This combined approach has the potential for broad applicability in supporting plant growth in the presence of salt stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the inoculation of plant growth-promoting rhizobia in leguminous and nonleguminous crops is given great emphasis as it improves germination and seedling vigor, resulting in increased yields. In this study, 32 rhizobia isolates were obtained from five different sampling sites in Tigray, Ethiopia. Based on morphological, biochemical, and confirmatory tests, including sugar fermentation, the isolates were identified as belonging to the rhizobia genera. In vitro assessment of plant growth-promoting properties revealed that all isolates produced indole-acetic-acid, ammonia, and solubilized phosphate, except TA8, which did not solubilize phosphate. Only 3 isolates (TA1, TA2, and TA8) produced hydrogen cyanide, so they can be used as biocontrol agents. Nineteen isolates showed a growth reduction activity against Fusarium oxysporum, with a percent inhibition range of 34.2%–65.8%. All isolates tolerated a pH range of 4.0–9.0. The isolates showed growth variations in various temperatures and salt concentrations. A few isolates were tolerant up to 45°C temperature and 6% (w/v) CaCl2 and NaCl concentrations. Inoculation of the isolates to wheat seeds increased seed germination, seedling shoot/root length, and seedling vigor index compared to the positive and negative controls. Isolates KO3, KO4, ME3, and TA5 increased seed germination by 4%. KO1 (11.60 cm) and TA7 (11.70 cm) showed a significantly enhanced shoot length, and ME3 showed a maximum root length (13.90 cm). SH1, KO2, and the positive control showed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in pea seed germination (by 20%) compared to the negative control. The positive control had the longest field pea shoot (5.70 cm), and isolate TA9 had the longest field pea root (5.32 cm) compared to the negative control. Generally, the wheat and field pea seedlings responded differently to the inoculation of different isolates. This study shows that Tigray soils harbor a variety of rhizobia species, which can be used as plant growth-promoting and biocontrol agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: B-box (BBX) proteins are a type of zinc finger proteins containing one or two B-box domains. They play important roles in development and diverse stress responses of plants, yet their roles in wheat remain unclear. Results: In this study, 96 BBX genes were identified in the wheat genome and classified into five subfamilies. Subcellular localization prediction results showed that 68 TaBBXs were localized in the nucleus. Protein interaction prediction analysis indicated that interaction was one way that these proteins exerted their functions. Promoter analysis indicated that TaBBXs may play important roles in light signal, hormone, and stress responses. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that 14 TaBBXs were highly expressed in seeds compared with other tissues. These were probably involved in seed dormancy and germination, and their expression patterns were investigated during dormancy acquisition and release in the seeds of wheat varieties Jing 411 and Hongmangchun 21, showing significant differences in seed dormancy and germination phenotypes. Subcellular localization analysis confirmed that the three candidates TaBBX2-2 A, TaBBX4-2 A, and TaBBX11-2D were nuclear proteins. Transcriptional self-activation experiments further demonstrated that TaBBX4-2A was transcriptionally active, but TaBBX2-2A and TaBBX11-2D were not. Protein interaction analysis revealed that TaBBX2-2A, TaBBX4-2A, and TaBBX11-2D had no interaction with each other, while TaBBX2-2A and TaBBX11-2D interacted with each other, indicating that TaBBX4-2A may regulate seed dormancy and germination by transcriptional regulation, and TaBBX2-2A and TaBBX11-2D may regulate seed dormancy and germination by forming a homologous complex. Conclusions: In this study, the wheat BBX gene family was identified and characterized at the genomic level by bioinformatics analysis. These observations provide a theoretical basis for future studies on the functions of BBXs in wheat and other species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Class III peroxidases (PODs) perform crucial functions in various developmental processes and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, their roles in wheat seed dormancy (SD) and germination remain elusive. Results: Here, we identified a wheat class III POD gene, named TaPer12-3A, based on transcriptome data and expression analysis. TaPer12-3A showed decreasing and increasing expression trends with SD acquisition and release, respectively. It was highly expressed in wheat seeds and localized in the endoplasmic reticulum and cytoplasm. Germination tests were performed using the transgenic Arabidopsis and rice lines as well as wheat mutant mutagenized with ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) in Jing 411 (J411) background. These results indicated that TaPer12-3A negatively regulated SD and positively mediated germination. Further studies showed that TaPer12-3A maintained H2O2 homeostasis by scavenging excess H2O2 and participated in the biosynthesis and catabolism pathways of gibberellic acid and abscisic acid to regulate SD and germination. Conclusion: These findings not only provide new insights for future functional analysis of TaPer12-3A in regulating wheat SD and germination but also provide a target gene for breeding wheat varieties with high pre-harvest sprouting resistance by gene editing technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With growing environmental concerns and a growing world population, there is an interest in developing cheap, efficient, and environmentally friendly substances that benefit humanity. Microbial surfactants are nontoxic, biodegradable bioproducts that provide sustainable solutions in agricultural applications due to their many benefits over their synthetic counterparts. Hence the crucial importance of scientific research to understand the effect of microbial surfactants on plant development. The present study aimed to assess the effect of rhamnolipid produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa on seed germination of wheat (Triticum aestivum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), onion (Allium cepa), and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) under laboratory conditions. The results showed that P. aeruginosa was capable of producing 3.83 g/L of viscous, honey-colored rhamnolipid, which was capable of lowering the surface tension to 30 ± 0.33 mN/m. Different concentrations of rhamnolipid ranging from 0.25 to 1.00 g/L were assessed, with distilled water acting as a control. After treatment of seeds, results showed that applying 0.25 g/L of rhamnolipid can significantly increase seed germination to 100% on the fourth day of sowing okra and lettuce, and on the fifth day of sowing onion seeds, compared to control groups that recorded 60%, 50%, and 55%, respectively. In wheat and barley seeds, applying rhamnolipid can protect seeds from pathogenic fungi while delaying their germination to 60% and 70% on the third day of sowing, while 90% and 100% have been reported in the control groups. Thus, this biological molecule demonstrates promising results in enhancing seed germination of the studied species by protecting them from phytopathogens and then aiding plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biostimulants (Bio-effectors, BEs) comprise plant growth-promoting microorganisms and active natural substances that promote plant nutrientacquisition, stress resilience, growth, crop quality and yield. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of BEs, particularly under field conditions, appears highly variable and poorly quantified. Using random model meta-analyses tools, we summarize the effects of 107 BE treatments on the performance of major crops, mainly conducted within the EU-funded project BIOFECTOR with a focus on phosphorus (P) nutrition, over five years. Our analyses comprised 94 controlled pot and 47 field experiments under different geoclimatic conditions, with variable stress levels across European countries and Israel. The results show an average growth/yield increase by 9.3% (n=945), with substantial differences between crops (tomato > maize > wheat) and growth conditions (controlled nursery + field (Seed germination and nursery under controlled conditions and young plants transplanted to the field) > controlled > field). Average crop growth responses were independent of BE type, P fertilizer type, soil pH and plant-available soil P (water-P, Olsen-P or Calcium acetate lactate-P). BE effectiveness profited from manure and other organic fertilizers, increasing soil pH and presence of abiotic stresses (cold, drought/heat or salinity). Systematic meta-studies based on published literature commonly face the inherent problem of publication bias where the most suspected form is the selective publication of statistically significant results. In this meta-analysis, however, the results obtained from all experiments within the project are included. Therefore, it is free of publication bias. In contrast to reviews of published literature, our unique study design is based on a common standardized protocol which applies to all experiments conducted within the project to reduce sources of variability. Based on data of crop growth, yield and P acquisition, we conclude that application of BEs can save fertilizer resources in the future, but the efficiency of BE application depends on cropping systems and environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought stress poses a substantial threat to global wheat production, resulting in diminished growth, decreased grain yield, and eventual plant wilting. Wheat plants may also experience physiological changes due to the lack of water, such as altered stomatal behavior and reduced photosynthesis. The purpose of this study was to examine how foliar application of (Zinc) Zn-Lysine chelate affected wheat plants under drought stress. This study was conducted at the Botanical Garden of GCU in Faisalabad, where seeds from the wheat cultivar Millat-11 were used. To compare regular irrigation with water stress situations, the land was divided into two major plots. The experiment was carried out under controlled conditions, using a randomized complete block design with different levels of drought stress and 5 concentrations of Zn-Lysine chelate. (Dry, Hydro, 0.25%, 0.50 and 0.75 Zn-Lysine chelation). The relative leaf water content, cell membrane permeability, chlorophyll contents, flavonoid contents, total reducing sugar, hydrogen peroxide, ascorbic acid, and proline content were determined. Drought stress significantly reduced the biomass of wheat cultivar Millat-11, but foliar application treatment of Zn-Lysine chelation mitigated the influence of drought by improving biochemical and physiological characters. The research showed that Zn-Lysine chelation can successfully lessen the negative consequences of drought stress on wheat plants, favorably affecting a number of morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of new agents for indicating practical biodiversity in local varieties of winter wheat is a promising area in terms of obtaining both new commercial varieties and components for recombination selection. The purpose of the study was to demonstrate the possibilities in this regard as a sodium azide mutagen, primarily in terms of optimizing the yield of mutant forms based on local varietal resources. Winter wheat dry seeds of eight varieties were acted with water (control) and SA (sodium azide) action in concentrations of 0.01%, 0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1%. Successful use for all the varieties is primarily the effect of SA concentrations of 0.01%, 0.025%, for individual, less variable genotypes, the use of SA 0.05% can also be optimal in terms of the yield of valuable forms. Herewith, only three of the varieties demonstrated a significant genotypemutagenic interaction in terms of significant changes in the parameters of variability, and only one of them in a positive sense. This agent is promising in obtaining short-stemmed, early-ripening, disease-resistant forms and lines with large grains and heads. Herewith, the number of negative changes is also quite high and their specific weight in the spectrum is higher in comparison with the previously studied factors of variability. Only one of the studied genotypes demonstrated the possibility of using it to create a mutation induction system with an increased yield of valuable forms. In the future, it is planned to study the variability in biochemical parameters of grain and resistance to abiotic environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of ultrasound (5, 10, and 20 min, intensity 25 kW/m2, frequency 26.1 kHz) on the dynamics of the activity of the main antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and the expression of the genes encoding them (SOD-1, CAT, POD), was studied in germinating seeds and wheat sprouts. Ultrasound after one hour predominantly suppressed the activity of antioxidant enzymes, with subsequent restoration and increase (after one and six days) of activity. The content of mRNA transcripts of the studied genes predominantly increased one hour after exposure, and subsequently (after one and six days) it was either higher or remained equal to the control. The results obtained apparently indicate that ultrasound triggers eustress mechanisms; i.e., the stimulating effect led to the mobilization of protective processes of cells, hormesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano-biochar (NBC) amendment could be an effective solution for sustainable agricultural production in salt affected areas. Nano-biochar application have shown positive effects on plant germination. But the under veiling mechanism of germinating seeds under NBC application still needs to explore. In this regard, two wheat varieties were used to assess the effects of NBC application on growth, germination indices, hydrolyzing and nitrogen metabolic enzymes as well as on plant metabolites at early germination stage under salt stress. Petri-plate experiments were performed at The University of Lahore, and 4 levels of NBC supplementation (0 %, 1 %, 3 %, and 5 %) were used both under salt stress (80 mM) and non-stress (0 mM). The results clearly showed that salt stress reduced the growth parameters such as radicle length, plumule length, seedling weight and germination indices such as final germination percentage (FGP), germination index (GI), and germination rate index (GRI) but increased the germination mean time (GMT). NBC in all concentrations specifically 5 % NBC elevated growth and germination indices of wheat seeds as well as reduced the mean germination time of seed sprouting both under stress and non-stress conditions. Further, temporal variations were observed in hydrolyzing and nitrogen metabolic enzymes and results showed that salt stress exerted negative effect on activities of α-amylase, Protease and Nitrate reductase even though activities of these enzymes increased in a timely manner. But 5 % NBC application significantly improved the enzyme activities both under stress and non-stress conditions. To investigate the effect of NBC on plant metabolites, Total free amino acids, total protein contents and total soluble sugars were estimated using spectrophotometry and results clearly showed that salt stress decreased the total free amino acids and total soluble sugars content but an incline was observed in total proteins which were reduced in a timely manner. However, 5 % application of NBC increased the free amino acids and soluble sugar contents but decreased the values of total proteins under stress or non-stress conditions. These results suggests an active involvement of NBC to improve early growth and germination indices of seeds and enhance hydrolyzing enzymes and plant metabolites under stress conditions. A schematic diagram summarizing the stimulatory effects of nano-biochar supplementation on wheat seeds germination. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid breeding of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is limited by its self‐pollinating nature. Past cross‐pollination improvements mostly focused on optimizing male traits. We tested the hybrid seed yield of 100 diverse elite lines treated with a chemical hybridization agent (CHA) and pollinated by non‐sterilized male plants in multi‐environmental field trials. Plant height and phenological traits of female plants were also assessed. In parallel, control experiments without CHA sterilization were conducted to measure per se yield of the tested material. Hybrid seed yield variation is of quantitative genetic nature, and, despite the large environmental influence, this trait has a strong genotypic component and is highly heritable (h2 =.77). The lack of correlation between hybrid seed yield and per se yield suggests a non‐shared genetic control. Phenological traits and their interactions are important factors explaining together ~1/3 of hybrid seed yield variation. In contrast to plant height and flowering traits, which are influenced by major genetic factors, no significant marker–trait associations were found for the hybrid seed yield, thus suggesting a highly polygenic genetic architecture and the need of larger populations to investigate female hybrid seed yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic technology, as an environmentally friendly technology, has a great application promise in the treatment of environmental pollutants caused by residual pharmaceuticals emissions. The Z‐scheme heterojunction of g‐C3N4/g‐C3N4/Pr6O11 (Pr/CN) was successfully prepared by employing melamine, urea, and praseodymium nitrate as co‐precursors. The structure composition and photoelectrochemical properties were characterized by XRD, XPS, EDS, SEM, FETEM, UV–Vis, EIS, photocurrent, and PL analyses. The optimized 5wt%Pr/CN heterojunction degrade 98% of SCP, 85% of SMM, and 87% of SDM, respectively. Taking SCP as an example, the degradation rate is 8 and 11.2 times higher than that of the g‐C3N4/g‐C3N4 homojunction and g‐C3N4, respectively. The remarkable photocatalytic efficiency of Pr/CN heterojunction could be ascribed to enhanced visible light absorption and enhanced migration and separation of photogenerated charge carriers. Furthermore, the degradation products and degradation pathways of SCP and SMM were established by HPLC‐MS/MS analysis. In addition, the toxicity of the intermediate was evaluated with quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) prediction and the biocompatibility of sulfonamide‐degrading solution over the Pr/CN photocatalyst was verified by the growth of wheat seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of insecticides against overwintered adults of Sunn pest has limitations. To find the new measurement against the insect, two insecticides imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam, were tested as seed treatments against overwintered adults of Sunn pest in semi-field and field conditions in Alborz province. This project was carried out in a split-plot design with planting dates at 3 levels (at the beginning of wheat cultivation in 2016, Nov. 7, mid- and late-dates in 2016, Nov. 20, and Dec. 4) as the main plots and seed treatments at 5 levels, including imidacloprid 700WS with two concentrations of 1 and 0.5 g/kg of wheat seed and thiamethoxam 350FS with two concentrations of 0.8 and 0.4 g/kg and control (without seed treatment) as the sub-plots. The comparison of the mean efficiency of treatments at different cultivation dates in the semi-field conditions showed that the lowest (9.1%) and the highest (71.66%) efficiencies were observed at the beginning and late cultivation dates, respectively. In seed treatments, thiamethoxam at high concentration had the maximum efficacy (84.4%) 48 days after the last planting date, and the minimum efficacy (5.55%) was related to thiamethoxam at low concentration 116 days after. The results of field conditions showed that the highest (15%) and lowest (1.25%) efficacies of seed treatments were 97 days after the last cultivation date. Thiamethoxam seed treatment at high concentration had the highest efficiency (21.6%) among the treatments at the first sampling date. On other sampling dates, the efficiency of all treatments was less than 10%. The seed treatment with imidacloprid and thiamethoxam did not have acceptable effectiveness against overwintered adults and nymphs of Sunn pest. Also, the change in the cultivation date of seed-treated wheat cannot be effective in reducing the overwintered adult population of Sunn pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The excavation and utilization of dormancy loci in breeding are effective endeavors for enhancing the resistance to pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) of wheat varieties. CH1539 is a wheat breeding line with high-level seed dormancy. To clarify the dormant loci carried by CH1539 and obtain linked molecular markers, in this study, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the cross of weak dormant SY95-71 and strong dormant CH1539 was genotyped using the Wheat17K single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array, and a high-density genetic map covering 21 chromosomes and consisting of 2437 SNP markers was constructed. Then, the germination percentage (GP) and germination index (GI) of the seeds from each RIL were estimated. Two QTLs for GP on chromosomes 5A and 6B, and four QTLs for GI on chromosomes 5A, 6B, 6D and 7A were identified. Among them, the QTL on chromosomes 6B controlling both GP and GI, temporarily named QGp/Gi.sxau-6B, is a major QTL for seed dormancy with the maximum phenotypic variance explained of 17.66~34.11%. One PCR-based diagnostic marker Ger6B-3 for QGp/Gi.sxau-6B was developed, and the genetic effect of QGp/Gi.sxau-6B on the RIL population and a set of wheat germplasm comprising 97 accessions was successfully confirmed. QGp/Gi.sxau-6B located in the 28.7~30.9 Mbp physical position is different from all the known dormancy loci on chromosomes 6B, and within the interval, there are 30 high-confidence annotated genes. Our results revealed a novel QTL QGp/Gi.sxau-6B whose CH1539 allele had a strong and broad effect on seed dormancy, which will be useful in further PHS-resistant wheat breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles have been widely used in agriculture in the past few years. The purpose of this work was to illustrate the potential of nanocellulose (NC) at different concentrations (0, 0.3%, and 0.6%) for priming wheat to enhance seed germination under different saline concentration (0.7, 5, 10, 15, and 20 dSm-1 ) and to investigate the impacts of NC seed priming treatments on growth, root morphology, water relation, Superoxidase enzyme (SOD) and nutrient influx under salt stress. Results indicated that salt stress decreased germination percent, root length, root surface area, and water content. Moreover, increased root radius, Na influx and SOD enzyme. Seed priming with NC at 0.3% was the best treatment in improving germination percent, root length, root surface area and Na influx. While seed priming with 0.6% was the most effective treatment in decreasing SOD enzyme. Overall, the results of this study showed that applying NC as a priming seed treatment can improve wheat germination and seedling growth while shielding the plants from the damaging effects of salinity stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to increased consumption, artificial sweeteners are often present in the environment but their effects on plants are largly unknown. In this research, the effects of four artificial sweeteners on plant stress markers in Triticum aestivum L. were investigated. Wheat seedlings were grown from seeds in soil containing artificial sweeteners (saccharin, sodium cyclamate, sucralose, aspartame) in different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100 mg kg-1). Plants were irrigated at regular intervals to maintain field capacity moisture and harvested after 15 days of growth. Electrolyte leakage, chlorophyll and carotenoid content, and antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase) activities were determined in harvested leaves. Comparisons between control samples and test samples were statistically evaluated at a 95% confidence interval to determine significant differences. Overall, significant increases in chlorophyll and carotenoid content, and some antioxidant enzyme activities were observed in wheat plants exposed to artificial sweeteners in the soil. A significant increase in electrolyte leakage was observed with saccharin and aspartame treatment, indicating that these sweeteners can cause membrane damage in wheat. Chlorophyll a and POX activity were the most sensitive stress parameters in wheat. This study showed the importance of evaluating the potential impact of anthropogenic pollutants that may be present in treated wastewater and consequently affect plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of stress factors associated with climate change and agricultural management practices on microorganisms are often studied separately, and it remains to be determined how these factors impact the soil microbiome and, subsequently, plant growth characteristics. The aim of this study was to understand how the historical climate and agriculture to which soil microbes have been exposed can influence the growth characteristics of wheat seedlings and their associated bacterial communities. We collected soil from organic and conventional fields with different histories of climate conditions to extract microbes to inoculate wheat seeds under agar-based cultivation conditions. Within a growth period of 8 days, we monitored germination rates and time as well as seedling above-ground biomass and their associated bacterial communities. The results showed a positive interaction between conventional farming practices and an ambient climate for faster and higher germination rates. We demonstrate that soil microbial extracts from organic farming with experience of the future climate significantly enhanced above-ground biomass along with the diversity of bacterial communities associated with seedlings than other treatments. Such findings support the idea that organic agricultural practices not only mitigate the adverse effects of climate change but also promote the diversity of seedling-associated bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat is a staple crop essential to the diet and economy of Basra Governorate. Ensuring its quality and viability post-harvest is crucial for food security and economic stability in the region. The study was conducted during the period from November 1st, 2021, to August 1st, 2022, at the College of Education, Qurna - University of Basra. The aim is to determine the best storage method and duration for preserving wheat seeds. Four varieties of wheat seeds (Ibaa 99, Al-Baraka, Al-Rashid, Abu Ghraib) were stored using two storage methods (piles, bags) and three time periods (3 months, 6 months, 9 months). Laboratory germination tests and chemical analysis of the seeds were also performed after each storage period. The results showed that the method of storage in bags and the time period of three months was the best in preserving the seeds, and it also resulted in the highest germination percentage and fastest germination speed. Al-Baraka cultivar showed the highest average germination rate (96.38%), while Abu Ghraib cultivar gave the lowest germination rate (92.77%). In the triple interactions (varieties x storage methods x storage periods), the four cultivars x two storage methods (bags and piles) x the storage period for three months, and the same cultivars x two storage methods x the storage period for six months gave the highest germination rate, which ranged between (100 and 95). %. While, Abu Ghraib cultivar × piles method × nine-month storage period, and Al-Rasheed cultivar × piles method × nine-month storage period gave an average germination rate of (78.33 and 76.66) %, respectively. As for Al-Baraka variety, it showed the highest average germination speed (5.91), while the Al-Rasheed variety showed the lowest germination speed (5.25). In the triple interactions, the four cultivars x the two-storage methods x the storage period for three months, and the same cultivars x the two-storage methods x six months gave the highest germination speed, which ranged between (7.96 and 4.60). While, Abu Ghraib cultivar × piles method × storage period of nine months, and Al-Rasheed cultivar × piles method × storage period of nine months gave the lowest average germination (3.73 and 4.06), respectively. The results of the chemical analysis of the stored seeds showed a decline in the quality of the seeds with the length of the storage period, as the percentages of protein, starch, and fat decreased. As the cultivar Ibaa 99 gave the highest average protein percentage (11.20) %, while the Abu Ghraib cultivar gave the lowest average protein percentage (9.84%). The Al-Baraka variety gave the highest average fat percentage (1.76) %, while the Ibaa 99 variety gave the lowest average fat percentage (1.08%). As for the starch percentage, the Abu Ghraib cultivar showed the highest average (64.46) %, while the Al Baraka variety gave the lowest average starch percentage (63.03%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vitro plants that are free of pathogens are crucial for biotechnological breeding methods. The present study investigates the effects of sterilization with sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and the addition of Plant Preservative Mixture (PPMTM) to the growth medium on pathogen elimination, germination, and seedling development of the winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) variety Mara. The sterilization treatments differed in the duration of seed sterilization in 4% NaClO and the PPM concentration added to the growth medium. Pathogenic fungi of the genera Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Bipolaris were completely eliminated when the seeds were sterilized in NaClO and placed on growth media with the addition of PPM. Extending the duration of the sterilization treatment with NaClO to 50 min reduced Fusarium contamination, while the interaction between the 50 min sterilization treatment with NaClO and the addition of PPM to the growth medium reduced Alternaria contamination. Our results suggest that PPM could complement sterilization procedures with NaClO in the introduction of highly infected wheat seeds in vitro. Seed germination was not affected by sterilization with NaClO or by the addition of PPM. However, PPM at a concentration of 4 mL L−1 had a negative effect on seedling development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SALINITY is one of the abiotic stresses that affect negatively wheat productivity across the globe. In Pakistan, wheat is a cash crop. Probably, exogenous application of salicylic acid could be helpful to induce salt stress resistance in possibly high-yielding modern wheat cultivars in Pakistan (Ujala 2016 and Akbar 2019). A pot experiment of a complete randomized design was therefore conducted in sand-filled plastic containers. These pots were planted with wheat seeds at the experimental area of the Department of Botany, Government College Women's University Faisalabad, Pakistan, during the winter season of 2021-2022. Two levels of NaCl [0 and 150mM] were applied along with Hoagland’s nutrient solution at 14-day interval and two levels of salicylic acid [0 and 100 mg L-1 ] were applied to wheat leaves after 28 DAS. All treatments were replicated 4 times. Plants were sampled after 3 weeks of foliar application to estimate morphological and biochemical parameters. Salinity significantly lessened shoot and root fresh/dry weights. Also, it diminished soluble protein, shoot K+ ion, and shoot K+ /Na+ ratio in the two wheat cultivars when grown under saline conditions compared to control. On the other hand, salinity stress significantly raised the levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbic acid, total phenolic, glycine betaine, hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde and shoot Na+ ion. Exogenic application of SA raised the activities of catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbic acid, soluble protein, phenolic, glycine betaine, shoot calcium, shoot K+ /Na+ ratio and this consequently enhanced shoot and root (fresh and dry) weights of the two wheat cultivars under salt stress conditions and also under the non-stressful condition. In conclusion, exogenous application of SA was more effective for both wheat cultivars to acclimatize under saline condition. The wheat cultivar Akbar-2019 revealed better performance than Akbar 2019 in most morphological characteristics of wheat grown in salt stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A specialized hoe opener was engineered for no-till systems to apply substantial amounts of wheat seeds and granular fertilizers, effectively suppressing early stage weeds. This distinctive hoe opener plants wheat seeds within a 120 mm wide horizontal band, positioning granular fertilizers precisely at the band's center, all accomplished in a single pass. Notably, the design excels at covering the fertilizer with soil aggregates, compacting it through a wheat separator, and concurrently depositing wheat seeds from above. Our primary research objectives centered on achieving a consistent seedbed post-fertilizer application and ensuring a uniform distribution of wheat seeds within the horizontal band. The DEM (Discrete Element Method) was exploited to optimize the hoe opener's parameters. Through extensive simulations and comparisons with experimental outcomes, an optimal wing orifice AB length of 60 mm was identified, effectively covering granular fertilizers with soil aggregates and achieving compaction through the wheat separator. Furthermore, parameters of the wheat seed separator's hump were fine-tuned using the Box–Behnken algorithm, resulting in an optimal dimension of 40 mm for the top radius (A), 140 degrees for the top angle (B), and 90 mm for the bottom length (C). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, coagulation floculation was examined using two different coagulants: aluminum sulphate (Al2(SO4)3) which is widely used on an industrial scale for olive mill wastewater (OMW) treatment, and polyhydroxichlorosulfate aluminum (Aln OHm Cl3n-m-2k (SO4)k) popularly known as WAC. The coagulant WAC is already used in the treatment and purification of water, but it has never been tested for the treatment of OMW. The phytotoxicity study of OMW (before and after treatment) to wheat seeds showed that the toxic compounds of this effluent affect both the seed germination and the seedling growth. The root length was more sensitive to OMW than the shoot length. However, the toxicity of this effluent has been greatly reduced after treatment with WAC (growth was inhibited at concentration of 80 %) compared to another OMW treated with aluminum sulfate. The highest percentages of germination have been observed in the seeds irrigated by OMW treated with WAC. This study also showed that the phytotoxicity decreased with dilution (5-40 % for raw OMW, 5-50 % for OMW treated with aluminum sulfate, and 5-60 % for OMW treated with WAC). Finally, the experimental results obtained show that the dilution and the treatment by the WAC coagulant (2.50 g; pH between 6.50 and 7.50) are two important processes to reduce the phytotoxicity effect of OMW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that fruits and vegetables have the highest wastage rates, possibly reaching 60% and they are valuable sources of phytochemicals. Among these phytochemicals are allelochemicals, a subset derived from plants' secondary metabolism. Allelochemicals offer advantages over herbicides, including lower toxicity, shorter persistence, and increased water solubility. A substantial reduction in crop yield has occurred due to weed infestations. To address this issue, it is imperative to employ modern control methods, including biological approaches. Recent research has proposed the utilization of allelochemicals to manage weeds, with the peels of papaya and pumpkin being identified as abundant sources of phytochemicals. Consequently, we conducted an evaluation of the allelopathic effects of papaya and pumpkin peels on the growth of Wheat and Ragi seeds using a sandwich method. Three different concentrations (0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 gm) of powdered peels were administered as treatments. The test species demonstrated both allelopathic potential and stimulatory effects. The results obtained suggest that papaya and pumpkin peels can serve as effective organic herbicide, albeit at specific concentrations. This application has the potential to reduce the reliance on conventional herbicides, which persist in the soil for extended periods compared to natural compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Wheat is a staple food crop that provides a significant portion of the world's daily caloric intake, serving as a vital source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber for billions of people. Seed shape studies of wheat typically involve the use of digital image analysis software to quantify various seed shape parameters such as length, width, area, aspect ratio, roundness, and symmetry. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the water-absorbing capacity of seeds from 120 distinct wheat lines, leveraging digital image analysis techniques facilitated by SmartGrain software. Water absorption is a pivotal process in the early stages of seed germination, directly influencing plant growth and crop yield. SmartGrain, a powerful image analysis tool, was employed to extract precise quantitative data from digital images of wheat seeds, enabling the assessment of various seed traits in relation to their water-absorbing capacity. The analysis revealed significant transformations in seed characteristics as they absorbed water, including changes in size, weight, shape, and more. Through statistical analysis and correlation assessments, we identified robust relationships between these seed traits, both before and after water treatment. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC) were employed to categorize genotypes with similar trait patterns, providing insights valuable for crop breeding and genetic research. Multiple linear regression analysis further elucidated the influence of specific seed traits, such as weight, width, and distance, on water-absorbing capacity. Our study contributes to a deeper understanding of seed development, imbibition, and the crucial role of water absorption in wheat. These insights have practical implications in agriculture, offering opportunities to optimize breeding programs for improved water absorption in wheat genotypes. The integration of SmartGrain software with advanced statistical methods enhances the reliability and significance of our findings, paving the way for more efficient and resilient wheat crop production. Significant changes in wheat seed shape parameters were observed after imbibition, with notable increases in area, perimeter, length, width, and weight. The length-to-width ratio (LWR) and circularity displayed opposite trends, with higher values before imbibition and lower values after imbibition.

The strains of the genus Microbacterium, withmore than 150 species, inhabit diverse environments; plant-associated bacteria reveal their plant growth-promoting activities due to a number of beneficial characteristics. Through the performance of diverse techniques and methods, including isolation of a novel Microbacterium strain from the aerial roots of leafless epiphytic orchid, Chiloschista parishii Seidenf., itsmorphological and biochemical characterization, chemotaxonomy, phylogenetic and genome analysis, as well as bioassays and estimation of its auxin production capacity, a novel strain of ET2T is described. Despite that it shared 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 99.79% with Microbacterium kunmingense JXJ CY 27-2T, so they formed a monophyletic group on phylogenetic trees, the two strains showed clear divergence of their genome sequences. The average nucleotide identity (ANI), average amino acid identity (AAI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values of ET2T differed greatly from phylogenetically close JXJ CY 27-2T. Based on the differences being below the threshold for species similarity, together with the unique chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain ET2T represents a novel species of the genus Microbacterium. Several genes, putatively involved in auxin biosynthesis were predicted. This strain revealed obvious plant growth-promoting activities, including diazotrophy and biosynthesis of tryptophan-dependent auxins (indole-3-acetic and indole-3-pyruvic acids). Microbial auxins directly stimulated the rhizogenesis, so that the ET2T-inoculated seeds of wheat, cucumber and garden cress showed evident promotion in their growth and development, both under optimal and under cold stress conditions. Based on phenotypic, chemotypic and genotypic evidences, the strain ET2T belongs to the genus Microbacterium, order Micrococcales, class Actinomycetes, and it represents a novel species, for which the name Microbacterium albopurpureum sp. nov. is proposed, with strain ET2T (VKPM Ac-2212, VKM Ac-2998) as the type strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat is a staple food crop that provides a significant portion of the world's daily caloric intake, serving as a vital source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber for billions of people. Seed shape studies of wheat typically involve the use of digital image analysis software to quantify various seed shape parameters such as length, width, area, aspect ratio, roundness, and symmetry. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the water-absorbing capacity of seeds from 120 distinct wheat lines, leveraging digital image analysis techniques facilitated by SmartGrain software. Water absorption is a pivotal process in the early stages of seed germination, directly influencing plant growth and crop yield. SmartGrain, a powerful image analysis tool, was employed to extract precise quantitative data from digital images of wheat seeds, enabling the assessment of various seed traits in relation to their water-absorbing capacity. The analysis revealed significant transformations in seed characteristics as they absorbed water, including changes in size, weight, shape, and more. Through statistical analysis and correlation assessments, we identified robust relationships between these seed traits, both before and after water treatment. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC) were employed to categorize genotypes with similar trait patterns, providing insights valuable for crop breeding and genetic research. Multiple linear regression analysis further elucidated the influence of specific seed traits, such as weight, width, and distance, on water-absorbing capacity. Our study contributes to a deeper understanding of seed development, imbibition, and the crucial role of water absorption in wheat. These insights have practical implications in agriculture, offering opportunities to optimize breeding programs for improved water absorption in wheat genotypes. The integration of SmartGrain software with advanced statistical methods enhances the reliability and significance of our findings, paving the way for more efficient and resilient wheat crop production. Significant changes in wheat seed shape parameters were observed after imbibition, with notable increases in area, perimeter, length, width, and weight. The length-to-width ratio (LWR) and circularity displayed opposite trends, with higher values before imbibition and lower values after imbibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop production often faces challenges from plant diseases, and biological control emerges as an effective, environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative to chemical control. Wheat blast disease caused by fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae Triticum (MoT), is a potential catastrophic threat to global food security. This study aimed to identify potential bacterial isolates from rice and wheat seeds with inhibitory effects against MoT. In dual culture and seedling assays, three bacterial isolates (BTS-3, BTS-4, and BTLK6A) demonstrated effective suppression of MoT growth and reduced wheat blast severity when artificially inoculated at the seedling stage. Genome phylogeny identified these isolates as Bacillus subtilis (BTS-3) and B. velezensis (BTS-4 and BTLK6A). Whole-genome analysis revealed the presence of genes responsible for controlling MoT through antimicrobial defense, antioxidant defense, cell wall degradation, and induced systemic resistance (ISR). Taken together, our results suggest that the suppression of wheat blast disease by seed endophytic B. subtilis (BTS-3) and B. velezensis (BTS-4 and BTLK6A) is liked with antibiosis and induced systemic resistance to wheat plants. A further field validation is needed before recommending these endophytic bacteria for biological control of wheat blast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Microbial biofertilizers or biocontrol agents are potential sustainable approaches to overcome the limitations of conventional agricultural practice. However, the limited catalog of microbial candidates for diversified crops creates hurdles in successfully implementing sustainable agriculture for increasing global/local populations. The present study aimed to explore the wheat rhizosphere microbiota for microbial strains with a biofertilizer and biocontrol potential. Methods: Using a microbial culturing-based approach, 12 unique microbial isolates were identified and screened for biofertilizer/biocontrol potential using genomics and physiological experimentations. Results and discussion: Molecular, physiological, and phylogenetic characterization identified Stenotrophomonas maltophilia BCM as a potential microbial candidate for sustainable agriculture. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia BCM was identified as a coccus-shaped gram-negative microbe having optimal growth at 37°C in a partially alkaline environment (pH 8.0) with a proliferation time of ~67 minutes. The stress response physiology of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia BCM indicates its successful survival in dynamic environmental conditions. It significantly increased (P <0.05) the wheat seed germination percentage in the presence of phytopathogens and saline conditions. Genomic characterization decoded the presence of genes involved in plant growth promotion, nutrient assimilation, and antimicrobial activity. Experimental evidence also correlates with genomic insights to explain the potential of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia BCM as a potential biofertilizer and biocontrol agent. With these properties, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia BCM could sustainably promote wheat production to ensure food security for the increasing population, especially in native wheat-consuming areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural and synthetic phytohormones are widely used in agriculture. The synthetic cytokinin ethylenediurea (EDU) induces protection in plants against ozone phytotoxicity. In our study, new hybrid derivatives of EDU were synthesized and tested for phytoactivity. The germination potential (Gp), germination of seeds (G), and relative water content in leaves (RWC), characterizing the drought resistance of plants, were determined. The results of laboratory studies showed that EDU and its hybrid derivatives have a positive effect on root length, the growth and development of shoots, as well as the ability of plants to tolerate stress caused by a lack of water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium culmorum is a major wheat pathogen, and its secondary metabolites (mycotoxins) cause damage to plants, animals, and human health. In the era of sustainable agriculture, eco-friendly methods of prevention and control are constantly needed. The use of plant extracts as biocontrol agents has gained popularity as they are a source of active substances that play a crucial role in fighting against phytopathogens. This study evaluated the impact of Lamium album on wheat seed germination and seedling growth. In a pot experiment, the effect of L. album on wheat seedlings artificially inoculated with F. culmorum was evaluated by measuring seedling growth parameters, and by using chromatographic methods, ergosterol and mycotoxins levels were analyzed. The results showed that the phytotoxic effect of L. album flower extracts on wheat seed germination and seedling growth was concentration dependent. The radicle length was also reduced compared to the control; however, L. albumdid not significantly affect the dry weight of the radicle. A slight phytotoxic effect on seed germination was observed, but antifungal effects on artificially infected wheat seedlings were also confirmed with the reduction of ergosterol level and mycotoxins accumulation in the roots and leaves after 21 days of inoculation. F. culmorumDNA was identified in the control samples only. Overall, this study is a successful in planta study showing L. album flower extract protection of wheat against the pathogen responsible for Fusarium crown and root rot. Further research is essential to study the effects of L. album extracts on key regulatory genes for mycotoxin biosynthetic pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat seed detection has important applications in calculating thousand-grain weight and crop breeding. In order to solve the problems of seed accumulation, adhesion, and occlusion that can lead to low counting accuracy, while ensuring fast detection speed with high accuracy, a wheat seed counting method is proposed to provide technical support for the development of the embedded platform of the seed counter. This study proposes a lightweight real-time wheat seed detection model, YOLOv8-HD, based on YOLOv8. Firstly, we introduce the concept of shared convolutional layers to improve the YOLOv8 detection head, reducing the number of parameters and achieving a lightweight design to improve runtime speed. Secondly, we incorporate the Vision Transformer with a Deformable Attention mechanism into the C2f module of the backbone network to enhance the network's feature extraction capability and improve detection accuracy. The results show that in the stacked scenes with impurities (severe seed adhesion), the YOLOv8-HD model achieves an average detection accuracy (mAP) of 77.6%, which is 9.1% higher than YOLOv8. In all scenes, the YOLOv8-HD model achieves an average detection accuracy (mAP) of 99.3%, which is 16.8% higher than YOLOv8. The memory size of the YOLOv8-HD model is 6.35 MB, approximately 4/5 of YOLOv8. The GFLOPs of YOLOv8-HD decrease by 16%. The inference time of YOLOv8-HD is 2.86 ms (on GPU), which is lower than YOLOv8. Finally, we conducted numerous experiments and the results showed that YOLOv8-HD outperforms other mainstream networks in terms of mAP, speed, and model size. Therefore, our YOLOv8-HD can efficiently detect wheat seeds in various scenarios, providing technical support for the development of seed counting instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed vigor is a crucial indicator comprehensively assessing the quality of seeds, reflecting the growth advantage and production potential of seeds, and has a significant effect on seeds' stress resistance. Identifying and controlling loci related to wheat seed vigor is essential for accelerating genetic trait gains. Here, we performed a large genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify several significant quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with seed vigor-related traits. A total of 404 wheat samples with diverse genetic backgrounds were used as experimental materials. Twenty-eight loci significantly associated with seed vigor-related traits in wheat were identified, distributed on chromosomes 3A, 4A, 5B, 7A, and 7B. Two potential novel loci controlling wheat seed vigor were discovered, with a total of 80 candidate genes associated with seed vigor located on these loci. Among them, TraesCS4A01G020000.1 encodes a late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) protein gene, and TraesCS5B01G298500.1 encodes a helicase gene, both showing specific expression in seeds and highly correlated with seed vigor. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights for the future application of these genes in wheat breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The factors influencing on seed germination and wheat yield are such as the optimum use of tillage and seeding methods. This study was a randomized complete block experimental design with four treatments and four replications to determine the suitable tillage method for a grain drill with bent leg opener (bent leg grain drill) and also determine the effect of these implements on soil moisture conservation and rainfed wheat yield in dry soil conditions. Treatments were seeding wheat by a bent leg grain drill in four tillage application of direct seeding (no-tillage), bent leg tillage (reduced tillage), bent leg tillage + disc (reduced tillage), and chisel plough + disc (conventional tillage). Results indicated that tillage methods and seeding wheat by the bent leg grain drill affected residue remained on the soil surface, soil bulk density, soil moisture, seedling emergence percent and wheat yield. Reduce tillage by the bent leg tillage implement and seeding by the bent leg grain drill increased residue remained on the soil surface (31%), seedling emergence (26%), soil moisture conservation before harvesting (22.9%), and wheat yield (19.8%) compared to the conventional tillage. The bent leg tillage provides a proper seedbed for seeding wheat with less passes of tractor in dry soil conditions. The results show that the technology of bent leg tillage and bent leg grain drill has the potential to increase soil moisture conservation and wheat yield in rainfed conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A factorial pots experiment (2x2x4) was carried out using completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications, in Qlyasan Research Station / College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences / University of Sulaimani during Nov.25,2018 and Jun.2,2019, to determine the effects of seed bank sterilization, wheat seed cleaning and soil of different four locations and their interactions on weed control, yield of bread wheat Triticum aestivum L. (var. Adana) and yield components. The first factor was wheat seeds, machinery cleaned seeds (A1) and non-cleaned seeds (A2), the second factor was soil sterilization: sterilized soil (S1) and non-sterilized soil (S2), while the third factor was soils from four different locations: Qlyasan (L1), Kani Panka (L2), Halabja (L3) and Chamchamal (L4). Results showed that machinery seed cleaning decreased weed dry weight (WDW), and increased number of spikes (NS), total spikes weight (TSW), and grain yield (GY). Soil sterilization decreased WDW and increased plant height (PH), NS, TSW, and grain yield. L2and L4 recorded the lowest WDW, and L2 recorded the highest NS, TSW and GY. Interaction treatment A1S1decreased WDW and increased PH, NS, TSW and GY. Interaction treatment A1L2 decreased WDW and increased NS, TSW and GY. Interaction treatment S1L2 decreased WDW and increased NS, TSW and GY. Triple interaction A1S1L2 decreased WDW and increased NS, TSW and GY significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ozone treatment of corn seeds with respect to determination on changes in germination ability, germination under salt stress, seedling growth, seedling root length, conductivity and inactivation of endogenous microflora was studied. Corn seeds immersed in water treated by fixed ozone dose of 12.5 g/m3 for 1 (1O3), 3 (2O3) and 5 min (3O3) at room temperature. Ozone treatment provided full germination (100%) of the corn seeds on the 2nd day; whereas 66.6% of the control seeds germinated on the 8th days after planting. Ozone treated seedling were significantly taller and stronger than the control samples with significantly longer seedling root. Germination under 100 mM salt stress for ozone treated seeds was significantly higher than that of the control samples. Electrical conductivity of the seeds was significantly affected by the measurement time rather than ozone treatments. Ozone treatments provided significant inactivation on total aerobic mesophilic bacteria and total mold and yeast of the endogenous bacteria revealing maximum of 5.31 and 6.15 log reductions, respectively. It was concluded that ozone treatment at 12.5 g/m3 for 5 min can be utilized to treat corn seeds as these treatment parameters provided maximum inactivation on endogenous microflora with improvement of vigor and stronger seedling formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-growth-promoting bacteria are an important economic and environmental resource as biofertilizers that can stimulate plant growth and improve agricultural yields. In this study, potential plant growth-promoting bacteria were isolated from soil samples collected in Russia. Strains that manifested active growth on a nitrogen-free medium, the Pikovskaya medium (with insoluble phosphates) and CAS (Chrome Azurol S) agar, were selected for the study. All bacterial isolates were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. Seventeen bacterial isolates of different species were purified and quantified for their ability to grow on nitrogen-free media; dissolve phosphate; and produce ammonium, indole-3-acetic acid, siderophores, and antifungal activity. Principal component analysis identified three groups of strains: one with the maximum signs of providing "plant nutrition"; one with signs of "antimicrobial activity"; and a group "without outstanding signs". All 17 strains were involved in experiments involving growing inoculated wheat seeds (Triticum aestivum) in pots under natural environmental conditions, and were assessed by their effect on the wheat growth and yield as well as on the chemical composition of the soil. For the "plant nutrition" group, regression analysis revealed a connection between indicators of plant growth, ear length, and ammonium accumulation in the soil. However, in other groups, there were also strains showing a positive effect on plant growth, which suggests the necessity of involving additional factors to predict the ability of strains to affect plants when screened in the laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to climate change, high temperatures during sensitive developmental stages of wheat, such as seedling emergence, flowering, and grain filling, have a negative impact on yield. This study aimed to evaluate the response of wheat cultivars to high temperatures through belate sowing and using vernalized seeds, at Isparta University of Applied Sciences, Türkiye. Sowing was carried out on three dates: a winter sowing date (mid-October) and two late sowing dates (April 4 and May 1). Only control seed was used for the winter sowing, while at the late sowing control and vernalized seeds (4 and 8 week) were used. Winter sowing, a common practice in the Mediterranean climate, produced the highest grain yield (mean 5.74 t ha-1). The grain yield was 2.3 t ha-1 for sowing on April 4 and 1.3 t ha-1 for sowing on May 1, resulting in 60% and 77% yield reductions, respectively, for late sowings. Winter (WW) and alternate growth habit wheat (AW) cultivars responded differently to seed vernalization. Spring growth habit (SW) cultivars were not affected by seed vernalization treatments. The adaptability of the landrace cultivars, particularly regarding the sowing dates, was relatively higher. Seed vernalization has the potential to produce economically acceptable grain yields within a shorter growing season, and it can be considered as an alternative wheat cropping practice with appropriate cultivar selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a new method of wheat production called the System of Wheat Intensification (SWI) that manages seed treatment, seed rate, spacing, weeding, and watering. The SWI and traditional methods of wheat sowing differ from each other in terms of potential yield. In comparison to the traditional method of wheat sowing, SWI allows seed treatment, which increases the number of tillers, the number of grains in spike, and the weight of the grain. Wheat seeding in the traditional approach is done at a much closer distance than in the SWI method, which results in faulty germination as a result of increased competition between the plants. In SWI, proper root formation in the early stages of crop growth can be encouraged by increasing the space between plants and rows, as well as increasing the density of plants. For small and medium-sized farmers, it is a great way to boost productivity and income while reducing food poverty at the same time. Using organic manure instead of chemical fertilizer is a new strategy that helps support sustainable agriculture. To help the poorest farmers and enhance their productivity and profit, SWI should be recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vacuum degassing of seeds is a basic preliminary stage of the treatment process to improve the viability of seeds of various crops. In this work, the degassing process of corn seeds was experimentally and numerically analyzed by removing air or other gases from around the seeds, specifically from the seed coating, in a rough vacuum chamber. Two complementary variants were employed to understand and optimize this process to improve the quality and germination rate of the seeds. The average germination percentage on the first day was about 98%, and the germination speed of 5.0 days. Several experiments were conducted with well-established durations of 10 min and masses of 5 kg and masses of corn seeds at different temperatures to observe and record the behavior of the system, facilitating the modeling of the degasification process in the vacuum compartment. Modeling the degasification operation in the vacuum chamber allowed for determining the pressure profiles on the vacuum chamber and its lid. Numerical simulations were either conducted using a simulation program developed in the Visual Basic Applications (VBA) language for Microsoft Excel to model the degassing process in the vacuum chamber or with the assistance of specialized software (transient structural analysis and simulation program in the ANSYS Workbench environment). Statistical analysis of the correlation between experimental and estimated pressure values revealed that both the proposed mathematical model and the solution method are well-chosen, with differences expressed through the absolute error (EA) being very small, only 1.425 mbar. Structural dynamic analysis carried through the Finite Element Method (FEM) highlights that the chosen materials for manufacturing the vacuum chamber vessel (316 stainless steel—yield strength 225 MPa and tangent modulus 2091 MPa) or the chamber lid (transparent acrylic plastic—yield strength 62.35 MPa and shear modulus 1445.3 MPa) are durable and capable of withstanding the desired pressure and temperature demands in the seed treatment process. Additionally, through structural dynamic analysis, it was possible to study the deformation of system components, providing a detailed perspective on their structural distribution. Thus, the paper aims to improve the quality and survival/germination rate of corn seeds as an important step to improve corn yield through simulations and analyses (numerical and experimental) of the vacuum corn seed degassing system. The degassing process of the vacuum chamber was simulated with a simulation program developed for Microsoft Excel for Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2401 Build 16.0.17231.20236) 64-bit in the VBA language and software (transient structural dynamic analysis in the ANSYS environment through FEM). Vacuum degassing of corn seeds involves the removal of air or other gases around the seeds or products, which is crucial in various fields such as the food, pharmaceutical, or space technology industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Gas–solid two-phase flow coupling simulation is widely used to study the working process of pneumatic seed dischargers. Due to the demand for deterministic particle orbit numerical calculation models, seeds are mostly modeled using the particle aggregation method, where the seed model is formed through particle aggregation bonding without overlapping. The smaller the radius and the more filled ball particles used in this method, the closer they resemble the real morphology of the seed. However, this results in the over-consumption of simulation computational resources and simulation time growth. In this study, we used wheat seeds as the research object, studied the effect of seed models with different filled ball radii on the kinetic response characteristics between the particles, and searched for the optimal number of filled ball particles for the seed model. With the help of three-dimensional scanning and inverse fitting methods to obtain the seed profile, we used different radii (0.2 mm, 0.24 mm, 0.28 mm, 0.32 mm, 0.36 mm, and 0.4 mm) to fill the ball particles, and formed a wheat particle bonding model for a gas–solid coupling simulation. We used a combination of real tests and simulation measurements of bottomless cylinder-lifting and slip-stacking. The interspecies static and dynamic friction factors in seed models with different radii of filled spherical particles were first calibrated using the angle of repose as an index. Then, the parameters were verified using bottomless cylinder lifting and slip stacking tests, which used the coefficient of variation for the simulation test's angle of repose as an index. Our results show that the smaller the radius of the filled ball, the closer the simulation results were to the real value. Validation was conducted using a gas–solid coupling simulation of an air-blown wheat seed discharger, with the seed filling rate as an index. Our results showed that the simulation length and simulation accuracy were optimal when the radius of the filling particle was 0.32 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is challenging agriculture by reducing crop productivity. Endophytes from halophyte plants have the potential to alleviate salinity stress in crops. Here, 78 bacterial strains were recovered from 10 habitat-adapted halophyte plants in the central deserts of Iran. Eight superior halotolerant strains tolerating 3 M NaCl, were identified as the Gram-positive genera Bacillus and Oceanobacillus (Bacillaceae), Brachybacterium (Dermabacteraceae), Micrococcus (Micrococcaceae), and Salinicoccus (Staphylococcaceae). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the most halotolerant strain, i.e., Salinicoccus hispanicus, experienced accelerated binary fission under salinity. Furthermore, seeds of the two winter wheat cultivars, i.e., cv. Homa (rain-fed) and cv. Mihan (irrigated), inoculated by those bacteria, showed enhanced germination indices under different salinity gradients, and also under normal conditions. Indeed, the superior bacteria, i.e., Oceanobacillus sp. strain 76, Micrococcus luteus strain 14, and Bacillus sp. strain 7, enhanced seed germination indices in both wheat cultivars including final seed germinations, as well as the root, shoot and seedling lengths. These strains were capable of producing the plant hormone auxin (IAA). Thus, we propose that halotolerant endophytic bacteria from desert-adapted halophyte plants could alleviate salinity stress in strategic crops such as the wheat Triticum aestivum L., especially in dryland farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terminal irrigation drought stress is one of the most drastic abiotic stress to diminish the wheat crop development and grains yield in arid regions of the world. The use of moringa leaf extract (MLE30) via seed priming technique is investigated as an organic and sustainable approach for the mitigation of drought stress along with curtailed seed rate in wheat crop. The study investigated the interaction of organic seed priming: control (dry seeds), hydro-priming, MLE30-priming, seed rate: recommended @ 125 kg ha−1, curtailed @ 25 kg ha−1, and terminal irrigation drought (TID): normal irrigation, mild-TID, severe-TID in wheat crop at agronomic research station, Bahawalpur, Pakistan during the wheat winter season of 2021–2022 and 2022–2023. The application of organic MLE30-priming with curtailed seed rate enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity especially total soluble proteins by 15%, superoxide dismutase by 68%, peroxidase by 16%, catalase by 70%, ascorbic acid by 17% and total protein contents by 91% under severe-TID. Yield and yield-related morphological attributes performed better in MLE30-priming as compared to hydro-priming. An effective trend was observed in the plant's chlorophyll contents, K+, and water use efficiency after being treated with MLE30-priming followed by hydro-priming under curtailed seed rate. The higher benefit–cost ratio and net income return were observed with the application of MLE30-priming with curtailed seed rate under mild-TID and severe-TID. So, it is suggested to adopt the MLE30-priming technique along with a curtailed seed rate for improving the crop establishment, stress regulation, and economic return under limited availability of irrigation water. The project findings recommended that the application of exogenous application of organic MLE30-seed priming favored and compensated the maximum wheat grains production under curtailed seed rate @ 25 kg ha−1 and induced terminal drought stress at flowering and milking conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles are particularly interesting because of their potent antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Here, we have created ZnFe2O4/ZnO nanocomposites using the co-precipitation process, calcined them at various temperatures (300–750 °C), and explored their various properties. With a rise in calcination temperature, the average crystal size grows and crystallinity increases while the dislocation density and microstrain are reduced. XRD patterns and SEM pictures confirm the formation of the existing desired composites. The distinct purity of the composites was demonstrated through EDAX spectra. At a concentration of 300 μg mL−1, the nanocomposite calcined at 600 °C displays the highest anti-microbial action against Gram-positive bacterial strains like Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus megaterium and Gram-negative strains like Shigella flexneri, Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli. Escherichia coli showed the highest susceptibility to IZ 3 with a mean zone of inhibition of 22.333 ± 0.577 mm. The overall findings of the synthesized nanocomposites, especially the low-temperature product, showed improved antioxidant activity against a wide range of free radicals and these nanocomposites showed the least activity against nitric oxide (higher IC 50 value) radicals and the highest activity against the ABTS+ (lower IC 50 value) radical. IZ 1 was also found to be effective in the enhancement of wheat seed germination and seedling growth, confirming its role in promoting plant growth (increase in carbohydrate, protein and chlorophyll content by 29.65%, 36.16% and 26.66%, respectively, over the control). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humic substances influence a number of soil properties: structure, cation exchange capacity, water retention capacity, etc. At the same time, in soils and solutions, humic substances exist not in the form of individual molecules, but in the form of supramolecular formations having a fractal cluster organization (F-clusters). Consequently, F-clusters should exert their influence on soil properties. As F-clusters are tightly interconnected, to assess their influence on soil properties it is necessary to separate them. This can be done by mechanical activation—increasing the reactivity (activity) of substances during their mechanical treatment. We studied the influence of mechanical activation on some soil properties and on the development of plants in activated soils. It has been shown that the water retention capacity of soil samples from the main types of zonal soils increases by up to 35% of the initial value under the impact of mechanical activation. This can be explained from the standpoint of a decrease in the mobility of gravitational water by F-clusters in macrocapillaries. The optical density of water extracts from chernozem increased by 75% and the viscosity of soil pastes increased by 57% due to an increase in the number of F-clusters in the soil solution. Activated soils stimulated the germination of wheat seeds by 26%. This effect may be associated with the formation of films of F-clusters on the surface of seeds, which fix soil allelotoxins that slow down seed development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Seed nutripriming can be effective to support seedling growth under nutrient deficient condition. • Nutripriming (150 g L−1 Mg) affected starch metabolism modulating seedling growth in wheat. • Improved seedling growth was associated with enhanced reserves mobilization to growing embryo. • Higher grain numbers and seed yield was attributed to photochemical efficiency and stay green. Early seedling growth is an important determinant of uniform crop stand and yield in soils of low nutrient availability. Seed nutripriming can be cost effective, non-toxic, and alternative to soil and/foliar approaches to support the early seedling growth under low or nutrient deficient soil condition. The present study evaluated responses of seed nutripriming with magnesium (Mg) on the germination and seedling growth, photochemical efficiency, and yield of wheat under Mg deficient condition. Wheat seed of cv. Fsd-2008 were soaked in 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg L−1of MgSO 4.7H 2 O. Untreated dry seed and water soaked hydropriming were taken as controls. Data on seed metabolic reserves, seedling growth, photochemical efficiency and yield were determined following standard procedures. Among treatments, higher α- amylase activity, total soluble and reducing sugars were measured in seed nutriprimed with 150 mg L−1 MgSO 4.7H 2 O compared to control. These increases in seed biochemical attributes consequently improved final emergence and seedling growth in wheat. Seed nutripriming with Mg increased the photochemical efficiency and maintained chlorophyll contents during grain filling period. Seed nutripriming with 150 mg L−1 also showed higher grain numbers per spike and seed yield per plant. These increases in seedling growth due to nutripriming were associated with an increase in seed α- amylase activity which enhanced mobilization of reserves sugars towards growing embryo. Improved wheat yield by nutripriming was attributed to an increase in photochemical efficiency and stay green trait in wheat plants during grain filling. In crux, seed nutripriming with Mg can be a potential application to enhance crop performance under abiotic stress including soil limited in Mg deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to ensure the most reasonable distribution of wheat seeds in the field to improve seeding quality and uniformity, a set of negative pressure precision seed-metering device was designed, which shares a hollow shaft. Every seedmetering device can sow two rows of wheat. By the STAR-CCM+, the analysis of nephogram, vectogram and streamline graph showed that more ideal structural parameters of the seed-metering device are 0.5 mm width of the slit sucking seed (WSS), 150-200 mm diameter of the seed-metering disc (DSD), 2.0 mm axial depth of air chamber in the seed-metering disc (ADS), and arcshaped cross-section shape of the ring groove sucking seed (CSGS). Single-factor test on the JPS-12 test-bed analyzed the influence of the CSGS, WSS, DSD, and ADS on the qualified index (Iq), multiple index (Imul), miss index (Imiss) and coefficient of variation of qualified seed spacing (CV). Through the orthogonal on the JPS-12 test-bed, it is found that the influence of vacuum negative pressure and seed-metering device shaft speed is significant on the Iq, Imiss and Imul. Based on these, the structural parameters of the seed-metering device were optimized. The DSD is 180 mm, the WSS is 0.7 mm, the ADS is 2.5 mm, and the CSGS is arc-shaped. The optimization seed-metering device was tested on the JPS-12 test-bed. The Iq is 86.66%, the Imiss is 5.09%, the Imul is 8.25%, and the CV is 24.50%. These testing results fully coincide with the standard JB/T 10293-2013 Specifications of single seed drill (precision drill). The seed-metering device meets fully the requirements for wheat precision seeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]