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Due to low starch content and poor seed vigor, sweet corn seeds exhibit poor storage stability. Therefore, understanding the physiological and biochemical changes in seeds after natural aging is crucial for assessing seed status and extending the storage period. This study aims to investigate the physiological, biochemical, and ultrastructural changes in aged seeds of different genotypes. An eight-month natural aging experiment was conducted on 10 sweet corn inbred lines. The results showed an obvious decrease in germination potential, germination ratio, germination index, and vigor index after natural aging, and two inbred lines with stronger tolerance to natural aging were identified from the 10 inbred lines studied. In aged seeds, levels of gibberellin, abscisic acid, total protein, total starch, as well as activities of antioxidant enzymes, lipoxygenase, and amylase, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, exhibited significant differences among inbred lines. Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation among four seed vigor indices and a highly negative correlation between seed vigor indices and MDA content. Germination ratio, germination index, and vigor index displayed a highly negative correlation with lipoxygenase activity. Furthermore, starch granule decomposition was observed in the endosperm of low-vigor inbred lines, contrary to amylase activity. Thus, this study indicates variations in seed vigor, biochemical indicators, and the ultrastructure of aged sweet corn seeds among different genotypes. Both lower lipoxygenase activity and reduced MDA accumulation contribute to seed resistance to aging.

Abstract Poor storage facilities expose seeds to deterioration, resulting in low seed quality under a prolonged storage time. We compared the performance of five bag types: Two hermetic bags (Super GrainPro bag [SGB] and Purdue Improved Crop Storage bag [PICS]), with three non‐hermetic bags (woven polypropylene bag lined with polyethylene [WPP lined with PE], polypropylene bags [PP], and jute bags) for the storage of faba bean seeds for 24 months. Faba bean seed quality was assessed under ambient conditions after 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of storage. Parameters investigated include seed moisture content, thousand seed weight, germination percentages, vigor index I and II, speed of germination, percentage of insect‐damaged seed, and insect counts. Results indicated that there was a significant (P ≤ 0.01) interaction of bag types and duration for all tested parameters. Hermetic bags and WPP lined with PE maintained germination percentage above 90% during 12 months of storage. The vigor index remained above 1600 mg% for hermetic bags and WPP lined with PE during 12 months of storage. However, non‐hermetic bags exhibited a rapid drop in vigor index beginning from 6 months of storage. Hermetic bags and WPP lined with PE allowed minimal insect breeding and hence decreased the seed damage caused by insects. The present results demonstrated that in addition to the PICS bags and SGB, the WPP lined with PE can be used for short‐period storage for up to 12 months without incurring a significant loss of seed quality. Hence, we recommend the introduction of WPP lined with PE as faba bean seed storage technique under conditions where hermetic bags are inaccessible to resource‐poor farmers.

ABSTRACT This work aimed at investigating the viability of near infrared spectrometry (NIR), associated with chemometric methods, in order to identify differences at the levels of vigor of naturally and artificially aged soybean seeds. Seeds of six soybean genotypes were analyzed when freshly harvested, after natural aging in storage for eight months, and after artificial aging at the temperature of 41 °C for 96 hours. The seed moisture content, germination potential and vigor were evaluated. Also, there were measured the content of protein, oil and of the fatty acids: palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic. The NIR spectra were obtained from the freeze-dried and grinded seeds. The natural and artificial aging of the seeds promote deterioration at distinct levels, reflecting in differences in seed vigor. The regions of the electromagnetic spectrum between wavelengths of 1000-1200 nm, 1350-1450 nm, 1800-1900 nm and 2300-2400 nm are important to distinguish the levels of quality of the soybean seeds. The contents of oil and protein have a relationship with the physiological quality of the seeds. Also, the most relevant wavelengths for the classification of seed vigor present a relationship with these compounds. NIR spectroscopy, in combination with chemometric methods, presents potential to be used in the classification of soybean seeds regarding their physiological quality.

Corm type correlates with corm size, which affects longevity and early growth in the field. Seed storage after harvesting is important to preserve viability and vigor. This study was conducted to determine the correlation between the corm type and storage period on corm deterioration, storage, vigor, and growth in the field. A factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was arranged, with the corm size (i.e., corm and cormels) and the storage period (i.e., 0, 2, 4, and 6 weeks). Corms undergo color changes faster than cormels do. The weight and diameter decreased by more than 10–30% after 4 weeks, while the length decreased by more than 10% after 6 weeks, and even the hardness decreased by 50% compared to that at 0 weeks. Corms were stored for 6 weeks, when the weight loss was lower than that of cormels. The corm sprouted after 2 weeks of storage. Corm resulted in a higher sprouting percentage than cormels. The corm type did not have a significant effect on growth vigor, but corm resulted in higher growth vigor than cormels after storage. The storage period leads to growth vigor loss. Weight, length, and diameter loss were positively correlated with sprouting and negatively correlated with hardness and growth vigor. This research recommends that the storage period of taro tubers before planting should be less than six weeks to optimize growth in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gluta travancorica Bedd. (Chenkurinji) of Anacardiaceae is a tall evergreen tree endemic to Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve in Southern Western Ghats of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, India. Except for some scanty information, details about seed characteristics, seed storage physiology, seed germination behaviour and seedling production are wanted and these aspects were investigated to propagate this highly endemic tree species largely confined to the Shendurney region of Kollam district, and to prevent its possible extinction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Sugar loading of developing seeds comprises a cohort of transport events that contribute to reproductive success and seed yield. Understanding these events is most advanced for grain crops (Brassicaceae, Fabaceae and Gramineae) and Arabidopsis. For these species, 75–80% of their final seed biomass is derived from phloem‐imported sucrose. Sugar loading consecutively traverses three genomically distinct, and symplasmically isolated, seed domains: maternal pericarp/seed coat, filial endosperm and filial embryo. Sink status of each domain co‐ordinately transitions from growth to storage. The latter is dominated by embryos (Brassicaceae and Fabaceae) or endosperms (Gramineae). Intradomain sugar transport occurs symplasmically through plasmodesmata. Interdomain sugar transport relies on plasma‐membrane transporters operating in efflux (maternal and endosperm) or influx (endosperm and embryo) modes. Discussed is substantial progress made in identifying, and functionally evaluating, sugar symporters (STPs, SUTs or SUCs) and uniporters (SWEETs). These findings have underpinned a mechanistic understanding of seed loading. Less well researched are possible physical limitations imposed by hydraulic conductivities of differentiating protophloem and of subsequent plasmodesmal transport. The latter is coupled with sugar homeostasis within each domain mediated by sugar transporters. A similar conclusion is ascribed to fragmentary understanding of regulatory mechanisms integrating transport events with seed growth and storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Central metabolism produces amino and fatty acids for protein and lipids that establish seed value. Biosynthesis of storage reserves occurs in multiple organelles that exchange central intermediates including two essential metabolites, malate, and pyruvate that are linked by malic enzyme. Malic enzyme can be active in multiple subcellular compartments, partitioning carbon and reducing equivalents for anabolic and catabolic requirements. Prior studies based on isotopic labeling and steady‐state metabolic flux analyses indicated malic enzyme provides carbon for fatty acid biosynthesis in plants, though genetic evidence confirming this role is lacking. We hypothesized that increasing malic enzyme flux would alter carbon partitioning and result in increased lipid levels in soybeans.Homozygous transgenic soybean plants expressing Arabidopsis malic enzyme alleles, targeting the translational products to plastid or outside the plastid during seed development, were verified by transcript and enzyme activity analyses, organelle proteomics, and transient expression assays. Protein, oil, central metabolites, cofactors, and acyl‐acyl carrier protein (ACPs) levels were quantified overdevelopment.Amino and fatty acid levels were altered resulting in an increase in lipids by 0.5–2% of seed biomass (i.e. 2–9% change in oil).Subcellular targeting of a single gene product in central metabolism impacts carbon and reducing equivalent partitioning for seed storage reserves in soybeans. See also the Commentary on this article by Schwender, 239: 1539–1541. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an important leguminous crop utilized as vegetable and pulse, being an important source of proteins. Pea seeds harbour various mycoflora both in field and during storage, which plays important role in reducing seed viability, germination and vigour inflicting considerable losses in yield and quality. There is scarcely any recommendation available to maintain seed quality during storage of pea seeds, hence present study was carried out. Methods: Seeds of pea (cvs. Azad P. 1 and Arkel) were treated with Captan and Carbendazim 50%WP fungicides @ 2.0 g/kg seed and stored under ambient conditions. The samples were drawn at three months interval to assess the effect of storage on seed quality parameters. The vigour index I, per cent germination and speed of germination of these seed samples were determined using ISTA rules. The detection of associated mycoflora in pea (Pisum sativum L.) seed samples was carried out by standard blotter method as recommended by International Seed Testing Association. Result: Total fourteen fungal species were found associated with different pea seed samples. Out of these, maximum incidence of Alternaria alternata (21.36%) followed by Aspergillus flavus (15.53%), A. fumigatus (14.56%), A. niger (11.60%) and Rhizopus stolonifer (9.71%), were recorded on untreated seed of pea cv. Azad P. 1, after 18 months of storage. The germination, speed of germination and vigour index of stored seed reduced with increase in storage period, whereas fungal incidence increased with the increasing storage period. Among the tested cultivars, germination in pea (cv. Arkel) remained above IMSCS even after 18 months of storage under ambient storage conditions. The maximum per cent germination (99.0) was found in pea cv. Azad P. 1 seeds treated with Captan at 3 months of storage, whereas minimum per cent germination (49.5) was found in untreated seed of pea cv. Azad P. 1 after 18 months of storage. The maximum speed of germination (23.88) was found in Captan treated seed of pea cv. Arkel at 0 month of storage and minimum speed of germination (3.52) was found in untreated seed of pea cv. Azad P. 1 at 18 months of storage. The maximum vigour index I (2339) was found in pea cv. Azad P. 1 (Captan treated seed) at 3 months of storage and minimum vigour index I (431) was found in untreated seed of pea cv. Azad P. 1 after 18 months of storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ex situ conservation involves the maintenance and reproduction of species in areas outside their natural habitats. Seed banking is a well-established ex situ approach used for plant conservation. Seed banking consists of collecting, drying, and storing seeds to preserve genetic diversity. The main limitation of this technique is that the seed must be desiccation tolerant. Seed storage behaviour can vary among species, and for some species, drying without loss of viability is not possible, meaning storage under conventional seed banking conditions (sub-zero temperatures and low relative humidity) is not possible. Understanding seed storage behaviour is an essential prerequisite for establishing whether conventional seed banking is an option for seed conservation. This study investigated the desiccation tolerance and sensitivity of mature seeds of two native New Zealand species of Pittosporum (P. eugenioides and P. crassifolium) from two geographic locations (Palmerston North and Wellington), with the aim of understanding their seed storage behaviour and thereby improving conservation outcomes. The variables measured were seed moisture content, viability, germination, and desiccation responses. We developed sorption isotherm for both species to support the future development of storage protocols. Our results show that both P. eugenioides and P. crassifolium display non-orthodox behaviour, i.e., are desiccation sensitive and cannot be stored under conventional seed banking conditions, but also suggest that seed desiccation responses vary with the geographical origin of the seeds. This study highlights the importance of exploring seed storage behaviour using different populations to optimize ex situ conservation strategies aimed at preserving the genetic diversity of New Zealand's threatened and endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adaptability of seed metabolism to different environmental conditions represents a crucial aspect to understand the effects of climate change on plant populations in wild environments. Among the indicators of stress and repair in seeds, tocopherols and malondialdehyde have been related to membrane stability in seed deterioration. Alpine plants constitute an interesting system to understand stress response dynamics because of the relevant climate variations challenging seed viability in alpine environments. This study considered five accessions of Viscaria alpina seeds collected over five years, highlighting significant correlations between environmental parameters such as precipitations and temperature, and several indicators of the oxidative stress response. These provide new insights on how changes in indicators of the seed stress response can reflect annual variations in temperature and precipitations affecting their parental plants, with possible implications on the current understanding of seed persistence in alpine environments threatened by climate change and on the effects of seed storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arabidopsis plastid antiporters KEA1 and KEA2 are critical for plastid development, photosynthetic efficiency, and plant development. Here, we show that KEA1 and KEA2 are involved in vacuolar protein trafficking. Genetic analyses found that the kea1 kea2 mutants had short siliques, small seeds, and short seedlings. Molecular and biochemical assays showed that seed storage proteins were missorted out of the cell and the precursor proteins were accumulated in kea1 kea2. Protein storage vacuoles (PSVs) were smaller in kea1 kea2. Further analyses showed that endosomal trafficking in kea1 kea2 was compromised. Vacuolar sorting receptor 1 (VSR1) subcellular localizations, VSR–cargo interactions, and p24 distribution on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus were affected in kea1 kea2. Moreover, plastid stromule growth was reduced and plastid association with the endomembrane compartments was disrupted in kea1 kea2. Stromule growth was regulated by the cellular pH and K+ homeostasis maintained by KEA1 and KEA2. The organellar pH along the trafficking pathway was altered in kea1 kea2. Overall, KEA1 and KEA2 regulate vacuolar trafficking by controlling the function of plastid stromules via adjusting pH and K+ homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimum germination and seedling establishment are important stages in the life cycle of plants with dormant seeds. This research was conducted to evaluate the impact of seed priming on the germination indices and seedling growth of cumin seeds with different lifetimes. Cumin seeds of different lifetimes (freshly harvested seeds, 12 and 24 months old) were soaked in distilled water (hydropriming), KH2PO4 (1 and 2%), NaH2PO4 (1 and 2%), ascorbic acid (AA; 100 and 200 mg L-1) and Gibberellic acid (GA; 100 and 200 mg.L-1) at 4 °C and 20 °C for 12 or 24 h. Seed priming treatments caused significant improvement in the germination of seeds with all three lifetimes. In 12 and 24 months old seeds, seed priming with NaH2PO4 and AA were more effective in improving the germination indices compared to other priming composition. However, in freshly harvested seeds, due to relative dormancy, treatment with GA was more effective compared to the other priming treatments. In the most of germination indices, seed priming at 20 °C along with 24 h showed higher effectiveness compared to other priming temperature and duration combinations. The overall results showed that the response of cumin seeds to different priming treatments depends on seed age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to study the effect of plant extracts on wheat seeds during storage periods (3, 6, 12 and 18 months). Plant extracts used were: Azadirachta indica (Neem), Ocimum basilicum L. (Basil) and Datura stramonium (Datura) at concentrations of 8%, 10% and 12% concentrations. The results showed that increasing storage time after harvest to 3, 6, 12 and 18 months significantly decreased the mean germination percentage, seedling parameter [root length, shoot length and seedling dry weight], relative density (R.D), seedling vigour index (S.V.I), field emergence (F.G), field survival (F.S), relative field emergence (R.F.E) and relative field survival (R.F.S).On the other hand, the decline in germination percentage was associated with the increase in electrical conductivity (E.C) value, acidity and moisture content. The maximum germination percentage, seedling parameters [root length, shoot length and seedling dry weight] and R.D were recorded in the treatment where neem extract was applied at 10% concentrations. However, the treatment with neem extract (8%) concentration gave the lowest viability by increasing EC value and acidity percentage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Euphorbia maculata L. has been confirmed to have functional properties, including anticytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative effects. However, studies on the dormancy and germination of its seeds for cultivation purposes are lacking. The potential of E. maculata as a valuable plant species has not been fully realized due to the lack of understanding of its seed dormancy and germination characteristics. E. maculata seeds were collected and germination tests were performed at various temperatures to determine their dormant state. Next, seeds were stratified with various temperatures, and treated temperature conditions similar to those of its natural habitat to induce dormancy release. The seeds exhibited very low germination below 30 °C, which indicates the possibility of innate dormancy. Subsequently, dormancy was released by cold stratification, and an expansion in the temperature range suitable for germination was observed, confirming that E. maculata seeds exhibit conditional dormancy. Conversely, high-temperature moist stratification did not effectively break dormancy as it led to seed decay. Therefore, we treated the seeds at various high temperatures in a dry environment. This facilitated dormancy release without the need for moist stratification, allowing for seed storage while ensuring the uniform and rapid production of E. maculata seedlings and minimizing seed wastage. Additionally, seeds with broken dormancy did not require a high temperature for germination, making them more cost-effective. Therefore, comprehensively examining germination and dormancy characteristics may optimize the cultivation process of this valuable plant species, E. maculata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed aging, a common physiological phenomenon during forage seed storage, is a crucial factor contributing to a loss of vigor, resulting in delayed seed germination and seedling growth, as well as limiting the production of hay. Extensive bodies of research are dedicated to the study of seed aging, with a particular focus on the role of the production and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the ensuing oxidative damage during storage as a primary cause of decreases in seed vigor. To preserve optimal seed vigor, ROS levels must be regulated. The excessive accumulation of ROS can trigger programmed cell death (PCD), which causes the seed to lose vigor permanently. LESION SIMULATING DISEASE (LSD) is one of the proteins that regulate PCD, encodes a small C2C2 zinc finger protein, and plays a molecular function as a transcriptional regulator and scaffold protein. However, genome-wide analysis of LSD genes has not been performed for alfalfa (Medicago sativa), as one of the most important crop species, and, presently, the molecular regulation mechanism of seed aging is not clear enough. Numerous studies have also been unable to explain the essence of seed aging for LSD gene regulating PCD and affecting seed vigor. In this study, we obtained six MsLSD genes in total from the alfalfa (cultivar Zhongmu No. 1) genome. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the MsLSD genes could be classified into three subgroups. In addition, six MsLSD genes were unevenly mapped on three chromosomes in alfalfa. Gene duplication analysis demonstrated that segmental duplication was the key driving force for the expansion of this gene family during evolution. Expression analysis of six MsLSD genes in various tissues and germinating seeds presented their different expressions. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that the expression of three MsLSD genes, including MsLSD2, MsLSD5, and MsLSD6, was significantly induced by seed aging treatment, suggesting that they might play an important role in maintaining seed vigor. Although this finding will provide valuable insights into unveiling the molecular mechanism involved in losing vigor and new strategies to improve alfalfa seed germinability, additional research must comprehensively elucidate the precise pathways through which the MsLSD genes regulate seed vigor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ilex embelioides Hook.f. is a threatened tree species endemic to northeastern India. The species propagates naturally through seeds but shows a brief dormancy period. The present study was carried out to assess the germination behaviour, and identify the suitable storage conditions of I. embelioides seeds. Results revealed that warm stratification for 30 days could effectively break dormancy. Seeds pre-treated with gibberellic acid (GA3, 2,000 mg L-1) showed highest germination (63.89 ± 0.91%) as compared to other concentrations of GA3 as well as potassium nitrate (KNO3). Highest in vitro seed germination percentage (65.56 ± 2.92%) was recorded on (Murashige and Skoog) MS medium containing 10 mg L-1 GA3. The viability of the seeds declined with storage period irrespective of its storage condition. After 30 days, highest viability (54.72 %) was observed in seeds stored in moist sand at 25°C. Therefore, application of GA3 and warm stratification (25 ± 1°C) along with a substrate (moist sand) for 30 days may be considered as ideal conditions for effective germination and storage of I. embelioides seeds. This study can also be used for mass propagation of the species for reintroduction in the wild. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is valued for its high dietary protein content, high degree of adaptability under extreme conditions, disease resistance and low input requirement for its cultivation. This species is represented by several sub-species and important varieties which are not well distinguishable by their morphological characters. The objective of present study was to determine the cultivar differences based on seed storage protein by using SDS-PAGE and to obtain information useful for a breeding program. Methods: Gel electrophoresis was carried out in the discontinuous buffer system in a vertical electrophoresis apparatus and electrophoretic data were documented by using a gel documentation system. Seed protein sub-fractions (albumins, globulins, glutelins and prolamins) from seeds were extracted and quantified. ODAP (?-N-oxalyl-L-a,?-diaminopropionoc acid) an undesirable and toxic non-protein amino acid (responsible for 'neuro-lathyrism' disease) content was estimated. Result: The differences among cultivars were observed and clearly identifiable from their protein banding patterns in view of in number of bands, position of the bands and molecular weight of the bands etc. Quantity of total protein and sub-fractions of protein (albumins, globulin, glutelins and prolamins) of seed storage proteins also showed the variation among the three cultivars. ODAP content estimated in three grass pea cultivars was found very low ranging which is highly desirable for cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lentil seed coat colour influences market value, whilst germination is associated with crop establishment and hydration capacity with optimal processing outcomes. Storing lentil grain assists growers in managing price fluctuations; however, exposure to oxygen at higher temperatures during extended storage degrades seed coat colour, germination, and hydration capacity. Depleting oxygen prevents such degradation in other crops; however, studies in lentil are limited. This study examined the effects of oxygen-depleted modified atmospheres and temperatures on seed coat colour, germination, and hydration capacity in two red lentil cultivars, PBA Hallmark and PBA Jumbo2, stored for 360 days. Small volumes of lentil grain were placed in aluminium laminated bags filled with nitrogen (N2), carbon dioxide (CO2), or air and stored at either 15 or 35 °C. At 35 °C in an air atmosphere, the lentil's seed coat significantly (p = 0.05) darkened after 30 days of storage, whereas germination and hydration capacities decreased after 60 days regardless of cultivar. In contrast, N2 and CO2 atmospheres maintained initial seed coat colour, germination, and hydration capacities in both cultivars throughout the study period regardless of temperature. Storing lentil grain in an oxygen-depleted modified atmosphere may assist to maximise returns to grower and maintain key quality traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systems biology is an interdisciplinary study that involves a combination of expertise in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and engineering to unravel the biology of complex living systems by incorporating multiple kinds of quantitative molecular computations by using sophisticated mathematical models. This interdisciplinary study can be applied to identify and understand molecular and metabolic changes in recalcitrant plant species. Many tropical plants with recalcitrant seeds have difficulty with long-term seed storage and preservation due to their intolerance to desiccation and low temperatures. The aim of this review was to explore and discuss how omics analyses can assist in elucidating molecular responses and metabolic changes of recalcitrant seed species. Genomics and transcriptomics analyses identified genes, such as late embryogenesis abundant (LEA), that were highly expressed after exposure to desiccation and low temperatures. Meanwhile, proteomic analysis using 2D gel electrophoresis, MALDI-TOF MS, or MS/MS analysis revealed dehydrins induced from recalcitrant seeds upon exposure to desiccation and low temperatures. Metabolomic analysis using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) profiling of recalcitrant seeds has discovered metabolites such as sugar and organic acid changes in recalcitrant seeds at different developmental stages. This information may contribute to comprehending the behaviour of recalcitrant seeds and provide insight into how crop management can be improved in terms of seed storage for conservation in order to maintain plant biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The maturation of seeds is a process of particular importance both for the plant itself by assuring the survival of the species and for the human population for nutritional and economic reasons. Controlling this process requires a strict coordination of many factors at different levels of the functioning of genetic and hormonal changes as well as cellular organization. One of the most important examples is the transcriptional activity of the LAFL gene regulatory network, which includes LEAFY COTYLEDON1 (LEC1) and LEC1-LIKE (L1L) and ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE3 (ABI3), FUSCA3 (FUS3), and LEC2 (LEAFY COTYLEDON2), as well as hormonal homeostasis–of abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellins (GA) in particular. From the nutritional point of view, the key to seed development is the ability of seeds to accumulate large amounts of proteins with different structures and properties. The world's food deficit is mainly related to shortages of protein, and taking into consideration the environmental changes occurring on Earth, it is becoming necessary to search for a way to obtain large amounts of plant-derived protein while maintaining the diversity of its origin. Yellow lupin, whose storage proteins are conglutins, is one of the plant species native to Europe that accumulates large amounts of this nutrient in its seeds. In this article we have shown the key changes occurring in the developing seeds of the yellow-lupin cultivar Taper by means of modern molecular biology techniques, including RNA-seq, chromatographic techniques and quantitative PCR analysis. We identified regulatory genes fundamental to the seed-filling process, as well as genes encoding conglutins. We also investigated how exogenous application of ABA and GA3 affects the expression of LlLEC2, LlABI3, LlFUS3, and genes encoding β- and δ-conglutins and whether it results in the amount of accumulated seed storage proteins. The research shows that for each species, even related plants, very specific changes can be identified. Thus the analysis and possibility of using such an approach to improve and stabilize yields requires even more detailed and extended research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world is witnessing massive land degradation caused by climate change and various anthropogenic activities. There has been a significant increase in habitat restoration efforts, with demand for seeds to restore these degraded ecosystems in some cases outstripping supply. Traditionally, seeds for restoration activities have mainly been sourced through collections from the wild, but with the growing seed demand, this is increasingly becoming unsustainable. In order to ensure responsible restoration practice, restoration practitioners need to explore other options of economical, ethical and sustainable sourcing of seeds. Ex situ seed banks can leverage their technical and infrastructural capacity to play a greater and more direct role in supporting biodiversity and ecosystem conservation and restoration, particularly through the supply of quality ecologically and genetically suitable seed. In this paper, we review whether ex situ seed banks possess the capacity and competence for supporting habitat restoration and the challenges they are likely to face in these efforts. The review focuses on seed collecting, field-based seed bulking, seed handling and storage, seed quality control as well as experience and capacity in facilitating germplasm exchange. The availability of high-quality germplasm collections of documented provenance and with broad genetic diversity is arguably the greatest resource and asset that seed banks have in supporting habitat restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peanut is one of important food resources worldwide, and its seed quality should be preserved during storage. Chitosan has antifungal activity and good film-forming ability, and natamycin has antifungal activity. In this study, peanut seeds were treated with three dipping solutions, i.e. purified water + 100 Aspergillus flavus spores/ml (control), 1% chitosan + 100 A. flavus spores/ml (treatment-1) and 1% chitosan + 0.2% natamycin + 100 A. flavus spores/ml (treatment-2), and stored at room temperature for 12 months. All treatments decreased fungal growth, insect damage and aflatoxin B1 and increased germination power and normal seed per cent compared with the control after 12 months of storage (P < 0.05). Results showed that chitosan-based coatings incorporated with natamycin treatment might be a practical method in the preservation of peanut seeds during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for recombinant proteins is rising dramatically, and effective production systems are currently being developed. The production of recombinant proteins in plants is a promising approach due to its low cost and low risk of contamination of the proteins with endotoxins or infectious agents from the culture serum. Plant seeds primarily accumulate seed storage proteins (SSPs), which are transcribed and translated from a few genes; therefore, the mechanism underlying SSP accumulation has been studied to help devise ways to increase recombinant protein production. We found that the 3'UTR of SSP genes are essential for SSP accumulation and can be used in the production of recombinant proteins in Arabidopsis. Fusion of the 3'UTR of SSP genes to the 3' ends of DNA sequences encoding recombinant proteins enables massive accumulation of recombinant proteins with enzymatic activity in Arabidopsis seeds. This method is also applicable to the production of human Interferon Lambda-3 (IFN-lambda 3), a candidate biopharmaceutical compound against hepatitis C infection. Considering the low cost and ease of protein production in Arabidopsis, as well as the rapid growth of this plant, our method is useful for large-scale preparation of recombinant proteins for both academic research and biopharmaceutical production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipid Transfer Proteins (LTPs) play a crucial role in synthesizing lipid barrier polymers and are involved in defense signaling during pest and pathogen attacks. Although LTPs are conserved with multifaceted roles in plants, these are not yet identified and characterized in Cicer arietinum. In this study, a genome)wide analysis of LTPs was executed and their physiochemical properties, biochemical function, gene structure analysis, chromosomal localization, promoter analysis, gene duplication, and evolutionary analysis were performed using in silico tools. Furthermore, tissue-specific expression analysis and gene expression analysis during pest attack was also conducted for the LTPs. A total of 48 LTPs were identified and named as CaLTPs. They were predicted to be small unstable proteins with “Glycolipid transfer protein” and “Alpha-Amylase Inhibitors, Lipid Transfer and Seed Storage” domains, that are translocated to the extracellular region. CaLTPs were predicted to possess 3–4 introns and were located on all the eight chromosomes of chickpea with half of the CaLTPs being localized on chromosomes 4, 5, and 6, and found to be closely related to LTPs of Arabidopsis thaliana and Medicago trancatula. Gene duplication and synteny analysis revealed that most of the CaLTPs have evolved due to tandem or segmental gene duplication and were subjected to purifying selection during evolution. The promoters of CaLTPs had development-related, phytohormone responsive, and abiotic and biotic stress-related cis-acting elements. A few CaLTP transcripts exhibited differential expression in diverse tissue types, while others showed no/very low expression. Out of 20 jasmonate-regulated CaLTPs, 14 exhibited differential expression patterns during Helicoverpa armigera–infestation, indicating their role in plant defense response. This study identified and characterized CaLTPs from an important legume, C. arietinum, and indicated their involvement in plant defense against H. armigera-infestation, which can be further utilized to explore lipid signaling during plant-pest interaction and pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pulses are very crucial to meet the requirements of dietary proteins in the human diet especially for the predominantly vegetarian population in India. Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) are important pulses grown in India. The seeds of these crops are highly vulnerable to various microorganisms, both in the field and during storage, which play an important role in reducing the seed viability, germination and vigour causing considerable loss in yield and quality. There is no suitable recommendation available to maintain seed quality during storage of pulses, hence present study was undertaken. Methods: Seeds of pigeonpea and chickpea were treated with Captan and Carbendazim 50% WP fungicides @ 2.0 g/Kg of seed and stored under ambient condition. The samples were drawn at three months interval to assess the effect of storage on seed quality parameters. The vigour index I, seed germination and speed of germination of these seed samples were determined using ISTA rules. The detection of seed mycoflora in pigeonpea and chickpea seed samples was carried out by the blotter test as recommended by the International Seed Testing Association. Result: Total sixteen fungal species were recorded on stored seeds. Maximum incidence of Aspergillus fumigatus (19.83%), A. flavus (14.88%), A. niger (12.40%), Alternaria alternata (11.57%), Fusarium oxysporum (8.26%), Rhizopus stolonifer (7.44%) and Penicillium notatum (5.79%) were recorded on untreated seed of pigeonpea cv. P. 2001 after 18 months of storage. The per cent germination, speed of germination and vigour index of the stored seeds decreased with the increase in the storage period whereas the total number of fungi increased with the storage period, irrespective of treatments. Among the tested cultivars, germination in pigeonpea (cv. P. 991) remained above IMSCS (>75%) upto 18 months of storage under ambient storage condition. However, the germination of pigeonpea cv. P. 2001 seed could be maintained above IMSCS (>75%) up to 12 months only. In chickpea (local cultivar) seed, the germination remained above IMSCS (>85%) up to 9 months only under ambient storage, however seed treatment with either Captan or Carbendazim could prolong the longevity upto 12 months of storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant genetic resources (PGR) underpin the security of global agriculture. Rapid global climate change presents formidable challenges for ex situ and in situ PGR management programs that operate over extended timeframes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) maintains more than 605,000 PGR accessions representing over 16,300 plant species in 20 genebank locations. These PGR are maintained in cold storage as seeds and vegetative tissues that must be periodically regenerated; or as actively growing plants in fields, greenhouses, screenhouses, and in vitro; or in some cases within in situ reserves. The complicated relationships between crops and their growth environments present unique challenges regarding PGR maintenance under a changing climate. Here we present potential effects of climate change on ex situ PGR maintenance and reproductive success, pollinators and beneficial insects, pathogens and pests, infrastructure considerations, and wild populations within NPGS in situ reserves. We provide a novel tool that summarizes past US temperature and precipitation data alongside future climate projections to guide ongoing planning for the effects of climate change for NPGS genebanks throughout the United States. A series of case studies exemplify instances where climate change has already impacted NPGS PGR management. Ongoing improvements to NPGS PGR management in response to climate change require continued observations of the current effects, careful and innovative planning, and creative approaches to ensure that PGR are successfully conserved for future generations. Core Ideas: Plant genetic resources (PGR) are crucial for continued crop improvement that underpins global food security.Climate change can threaten PGR safeguarded by the USDA‐ARS National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS).Approaches developed by the NPGS to adapt its PGR management operations to climate change are reviewed.The new NPGS Climate Futures Application delivers key estimates for future climatic conditions at NPGS locations.The NPGS's PGR management operations can adjust to climate change using current experience and those estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reliance on summer annual crops in the Upper Midwest results in fallow land from late fall through early spring, providing opportunities to integrate winter crops, such as pennycress (Thlapsi arvense L.), onto the landscape. Pennycress agronomics have primarily been studied using unimproved wild‐type lines prone to seed shatter, resulting in significant yield loss if not harvested early. However, high plant and seed moisture complicates harvest and seed storage. A new breeding line with a reduced‐shatter mutation made it possible to use harvest aids to reduce plant moisture without the risk of seed loss. The objectives of this study were to quantify the reduction in pennycress seed and biomass moisture after applying a harvest aid and to assess the seed yield, oil content, and crude protein of the reduced‐shatter line. This study was conducted over the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 growing seasons with '"IO217" pennycress in Rosemount, MN. Seed moisture decreased to a similar level by harvest maturity regardless of treatment while swathing was the most effective method of reducing biomass moisture. Natural senescence decreased pennycress moisture content to a harvestable level at the same rate as treated plants, indicating that a harvest aid is not required at this time. Seed yield was two to six times higher than in studies using unimproved pennycress lines. Challenges associated with wild‐type pennycress lines, such as uneven germination and late maturation, were prevalent in this study and further genetic improvement will be necessary to ensure successful pennycress production in the Upper Midwest. Core Ideas: Pennycress treated with a harvest aid reached harvest maturity at the same time as naturally senescing pennycress.Seed moisture was not affected by harvest aid application.Swathing was the most effective method to reduce biomass moisture between physiological and harvest maturities.Non‐shatter pennycress yielded two to six times higher than wild‐type pennycress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassava cultivation is low-cost and high-yielding, and tubers, stems and leaves can be widely utilized in the food medicine and light industry. However, cassava planting is mainly manual work at present. There is an urgent need to develop precision planting machines suitable for the agronomic requirements of cassava planting. A seeder is the core component of a precision planting machine, including the real-time and pre-cut seed-cutting type. Among them, the real-time seed cutting cannot realize the automatic sowing, due to the long and complicated shape of the cassava seed rods, while the low persistence of manual seed feeding and serious leakage. A seed cutter can be used to cut the cassava seed stems into seed stems of about 150 mm in length in pre-cut seeding. An automatic continuous and controlled seeding of cassava seed stems can be achieved through the seed discharge mechanism after cleaning. The lifting type seed rower has been improved to add the gravity seed cleaning mechanism, while the structure of the clamping plate has been optimized for the seed rowing effect. But the leakage filling still exists so far. Some research has been conducted on the seeders, such as slotted wheels, and single roller types. However, it is very necessary to improve the seed filling performance and qualification index, when seeding cassava seed stems with the existing pre-cut seed sower, because the cassava seed stems are cylindrical woody stalks of a certain length with surfaces of complex physical characteristics. Particularly, the performance of cassava precision seeding needs to be improved, due to a complex process with the multi-factor change. This study aims to improve the seed filling effect and low qualification index of pre-cut seeding type cassava precision seeder. A precision cassava seeding mechanism was designed with pre-cut seeding and friction belt, consisting of seed drop slide, active roller, type hole friction belt, support roller group, driven roller, and seed storage box. The basic structure and working principle of the seed-rowing mechanism were described to determine the parameters of key components. The main factors were then determined with the seed-filling performance of the seeding mechanism, according to the shape, number, installation inclination, and speed of the typed hole on the friction belt, as well as the thickness of the seed stem layer. The discrete element method (DEM) was used to establish a simulation model of the "seed stem group-hole friction zone". The single-factor simulation was realized to clarify the influence of each factor on the seed-filling performance. The optimal combination of factors and parameters was determined after quadratic regression and orthogonal rotational simulation. Taking the installation inclination angle of the seeding hole friction zone, the thickness of the seeding stem layer, and the speed of the seeding hole friction zone as the factors, the mathematical regression model of each factor was established for the evaluation index. The results showed that the influencing factors of the seed filling index and the leakage index were ranked in descending order of the speed of the type hole friction belt, the installation angle of the type hole friction belt, and the thickness of the seed stem layer. The optimal combination of factors and parameters was achieved in the bench test. The seed filling qualification index was 94.13% for the precut cassava-type friction belt precision seeding mechanism, and the leakage index was 3.77% when the thickness of the seed stem layer was rounded to 220-280 mm, the speed of the friction belt was 0.6 m/s, the installation inclination of the friction belt was 45°, the shape of the friction belt was C-shaped and the number of holes was 12. A better performance was achieved, where the seed filling index and the leakage index were 94.13% and 3.77%, respectively. The finding can provide a theoretical reference for the development of cassava precision seeders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of appendages on the maintenance of viability and germination of the diaspores of the three shrubs Calligonum junceum (Fisch. et Mey.) Litv., Atraphaxis pungens (Bieb.) Jaub. et Spach. and Reaumuria soongarica (Pall.) Maxim. that have high potential for restoration of degraded temperate arid regions. It has been hypothesized that appendages on diaspores of A. pungens, C. junceum, and R. soongarica help maintain seed viability during dry storage at room temperatures and during moist storage in soil outdoors, but they inhibit seed germination. Fresh diaspores of each species were tested for germination; and diaspores with and without appendages were stored in moist soil outdoors in Xinjiang Province of northwest China; and dry diaspores at room condition for 4 months. Viability and percentage of diaspores with and without appendages that germinated during burial were determined. After burial or dry storage, diaspores with and without appendages were tested for germination. Regardless of storage condition, appendages had no effect on diaspore viability of C. junceum and A. pungens but significantly reduced mortality of R. soongarica diaspores by 50%. During burial outdoors, appendages inhibited germination of C. junceum diaspores but not of A. pungens; no diaspores of R. soongarica germinated. After burial, appendages inhibited germination of A. pungens diaspores but had no effect on C. junceum. Appendages had no effect on germination of R. soongarica diaspores after storage in both locations. To use these three species for revegetation, it is recommended that appendages should be removed from diaspores of C. junceum and A. pungens before storage and sowing, but appendages should be retained on seeds of R. soongarica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bruchid, a pest that has survived from the field, is a severe problem with stored cowpea seeds. Although there are various approaches to addressing the issue, utilising biological agents is the most practical, cost-effective, and ecologically friendly choice. Laboratory study was conducted in a completely randomised design to investigate the effect of entomopathogens on the storability of cowpea seeds. Cowpea seeds were treated with the entomopathogens Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, diatomaceous earth and a chemical check called deltamethrin @ 1 ppm. The seeds were then stored in HDPE bags for nine months, from July 2021 to April 2022. The parameters of insect population and seed quality were recorded in order to assess the efficacy of entomopathogens. The treatment with Metarhizium anisopliae (CFU: 1.0×108) @ 20 g/kg seed + Diatomaceous earth @ 5g/kg seeds recorded the highest seed quality parameters viz., seed germination (82 %), mean seedling length (39.78 cm), mean seedling dry weight (55.09 mg), seedling vigour index I and II (3053 and 4244), lowest seed moisture content (9.64 %), electrical conductivity of seed leachate (1.56 mS cm-1), insect infestation (1.42 %) after nine months of storage. A successful seed storage management strategy that kept seed quality above MSCS level up to nine months of storage was Metarhizium anisopliae (CFU: 1.0×108) @ 20 g/kg seed + Diatomaceous earth @ 5g/kg seeds seed treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerial seed banks facilitate population persistence by extending the temporal range of seed dispersal. Knowing the temporal range of germination will improve our understanding of the relationship between seed germination dynamics and aerial seed bank storage duration. We tested the effects of temperature (12/12 h of 5/10, 10/20, 20/30 and 25/35 °C) and light variation (12 h light/12 h darkness and 24 h darkness per day) on germination of Rumex obtusifolius L. seeds retained in an aerial seed bank for 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 months. Freshly harvested R. obtusifolius were non-dormant and exhibited germination rates of up to 92%. Overall, seeds of R. obtusifolius germinated reliably at all but the lowest temperature (5/10 °C). Seeds maintained high viability throughout the collection period, indicating that fluctuating weather conditions had little influence on seed germination. Thus, the species can maintain viable seeds in aerial storage for up to 10 months and contribute viable seeds to the soil seed bank year-round. This ability to maintain a renewed soil seed bank contributes to the species' strong resilience in colonizing disturbed areas and makes it a difficult weed to control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Grapevine seeds have morphophysiological dormancy, which complicates their germination, an important step in obtaining new plants after crossing during breeding. The objective of this work was to establish the ideal conditions for Vitis labrusca L. 'Isabella' seed storage conditions, the method for breaking seed dormancy, ripening of fruits at harvest, need for fungicide application before seed sowing and their germination. The seeds were submitted to three tests with (1 and 2) different treatments to break seed dormancy and storage in two conditions for two different times (Isabella), and (3) seeds from unripe and ripe fruits treated or untreated with fungicide. Germination was monitored two times per week. The percentage of germination (%G), germination mean time (GMT), and germination speed index (GSI) were calculated. Data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means were compared using the LSD-Fisher test (p < 0.05). The 12-month storage at a controlled temperature (25±2°C) provided the best germination results (up to 19.5% of G%). Stratification for 90 or 120 days on wet paper or sand at 5±2°C of seeds from mature fruits is the most suitable for the germination of Isabella seeds (65% to 72% of G%, and 1.73 and 1.95 of GSI for the treatments of stratification on wet sand for 120 days). It is also not necessary to apply fungicide on seeds before sowing, as long as disinfestation with 70% alcohol and sodium hypochlorite 1%, and triple washing with water is done (no statistical difference for seeds from ripe fruits treated or not with fungicide, 58% and 64.7% of %G, and 1.37 and 1.22 of GSI, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the plant-based food market grows, demand for plant protein is also increasing. Proteins are a major component in foods and are key to developing desired structures and textures. Seed storage proteins are the main plant proteins in the human diet. They are abundant in, for example, legumes or defatted oilseeds, which makes them an excellent candidate to use in the development of novel plant-based foods. However, they often have low and inflexible functionalities, as in nature they are designed to remain densely packed and inert within cell walls until they are needed during germination. Enzymes are often used by the food industry, for example, in the production of cheese or beer, to modify ingredient properties. Although they currently have limited applications in plant proteins, interest in the area is exponentially increasing. The present review first considers the current state and potential of enzyme utilization related to plant proteins, including uses in protein extraction and post-extraction modifications. Then, relevant opportunities and challenges are critically discussed. The main challenges relate to the knowledge gap, the high cost of enzymes, and the complexity of plant proteins as substrates. The overall aim of this review is to increase awareness, highlight challenges, and explore ways to address them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mature seeds of many crop species contain substantial amounts of soluble carbohydrates, including raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) and cyclitol galactosides (Gal-C). These substances are hydrolysed by α-D-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.22) during the early stages of germination, providing metabolic energy for the germination process. A decrease or inhibition of α-D-galactosidase activity can significantly reduce the germination rate. This study aimed to investigate changes in α-D-galactosidase activity during the long-term storage of Vicia hirsuta seeds and evaluate the association between the loss of enzyme activity and the decline in seed vigour and viability. V. hirsuta seeds were stored at 22 °C and 35% relative humidity for up to 25 years, and α-D-galactosidase activity and seed vigour changes were monitored at different time points. Storage of V. hirsuta seeds resulted in a loss of viability and vigour, accompanied by a decrease in α-D-galactosidase activity. The enzyme activity showed a significant correlation with seed germinability and vigour. Monitoring α-D-galactosidase activity in seeds subjected to long-term storage could be a simple and rapid method for determining the decline in vigour in seeds that utilize soluble galactosides as their storage materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corydalis saxicola is a perennial herbaceous plant, which mainly distributed in the karst areas of southwest China. Due to its important ecological and medicinal value, Corydalis saxicola has great prospects for development and utilization. With fragile living environmental condition and anthropogenic harvesting pressure, the wild resource of Corydalis saxicola is on the verge of exhaustion, so it has been included in the list of national key protected wild plants in 2021. In order to explore the causes for the endangerment of Corydalis saxicola and provide reference for its conservation and seedling breeding, this paper investigated the influencing factors on seed germination that including seed preservation methods, chemical pre-treatments, temperature, light, drought, pH, mix with wet sand and refrigerate treatment. The results were as follows: (1) Low-temperature storage can prolonged the seed activity, germination rate of 2-years stored seed could still reached 30%. (2) Germination rates of seed pre-treatments by HCl and NaClO solutions can reached to 50%～60%; germination rate was 50% at 20℃, while closed to zero at 30℃; darkness was more favorable for seed germination than periodic light condition; the seed germination rate kept decreasing with deepening drought; the seed germination rate did not changed significantly under the conditions of pH 3.0～8.0. (3) Mix with wet sand and refrigerate treatment can significantly promoted the seed germination potential and germination rate, and the germination rate was twofold of the control. In summary, the seed inactivation at room temperature and germination inability at high temperatures above 30℃ are more related to its endangerment; efficient seed germination methods can provide an effective way for conservation and industrial application of Corydalis saxicola. The results provide a theoretical and technical guarantee for the conservation of wild Corydalis saxicola, and technically support is cultivation.

Background. The aging of seeds results in physiological and biochemical changes such as decrease of the activity of antioxidants (AO), and structural and functional degradation of proteins due to lipid peroxidation (LP), as well as degradation of membranes and DNA. Purpose. Identification of the traits of the antioxidant system of wheat grains with powdery and vitreous endosperm during aging and under the influence of a stressor. Materials and methods. Soft wheat grains were treated with impulse pressure (IP) and stored for 3 years. Germination was determined. The content AO was determined by the o-phenanthroline method, and LP products were assessed by the reaction of malonic dialdehyde with thiobarbituric acid. Results. Germination of control seeds with powdery endosperm after storage for 3 years was the lowest (20%). In control part of seeds with vitreous endosperm, germination was 27%. ID increased the amount of seeds with vitreous endosperm and germination. The content of AO in control grains with powdery endosperm was higher than in vitreous grains, and the content of LP products was lower. After the treatment of IP the content of AO increased in vitreous grains; it did not change as compared to the control in powdery grains. The content of LP products in the grains treated with ID 11 MPa was lower than in the control variant. An increase in POL at ID 29 MPa indicates the accumulation of damage; Conclusion. During the storage of wheat grains, germination decreased mainly due to the appearance of dead grains. The greatest decrease in germination was observed in grains with powdery endosperm. IP promoted vitrification of biopolymers which led to an increase in germination as compared to the control after 3 years of storage. A higher content of AO in grains with vitreous endosperm after IP treatment and storage contributed to the preservation of grain viability during storage.

Okra seed is vulnerable to loss of germination and vigor in variable storage conditions. High seed moisture contents (SMC) accelerate seed deterioration during storage thus keeping low seed moisture contents by storing seed in hermetic bags may help to retain seed longevity. Okra seed was equilibrated to four initial moisture levels including 8,10, 12 and 14% SMC. Seed was then packed and stored in traditional storage bags (Paper, cloth, polypropylene and jute bag) and hermetic Super Bag for 12 months under ambient conditions. Seed stored in hermetic Super Bag at 8 and 10% moisture contents maintained higher germination due to low seed moisture contents. Moreover, activities of α-amylases and total soluble sugars were higher while electrical conductivity of seed leachates, malondialdehyde (MDA) and reducing sugar contents were less in the seeds stored in hermetic Super Bag at 8 and 10% SMC as compared to seed stored in traditional storage bags. Hermetic storage at 14% moisture negatively influenced the seed quality. Moisture adsorption isotherms of okra seeds were developed at constant temperature of 25°C and varying levels of relative humidity from 60 to 90%. Moisture isotherms indicated no significant increase in seed moisture contents at 60 and 70% relative humidity (RH) in hermetic bags whereas a minor increase in seed moisture at 80 and 90% RH has been observed for the seeds incubated in hermetic bags. SMC significantly increased in traditional storage bags particularly in jute bag at high RH. In conclusion, storage in hermetic bags, maintain low seed moisture and high seed quality. Okra seed storage in hermetic bags at 8 and 10% SMC maintains seed longevity under ambient storage conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During storage, Acanthoscelides obtectus causes deterioration of bean seeds and offers favorable conditions for fungi development. To prevent losses, the application of chemical pesticides is the most effective method, but it can cause both health and environmental problems. Therefore, researchers have developed Plant-based products that could serve as potential alternatives. This study assessed the efficiency of essential oil from Mondia whitei roots (MWEO) in the preservation of bean seeds. This oil was extracted from the roots by hydro-distillation with a yield of 1.5%. Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed that MWEO was rich in 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzaldehyde accounting for 81%. The activity of this oil as an insecticide was evaluated both through contact and fumigation toxicity tests. Furthermore, the impact of the tested oil on germination of bean seeds and the inhibition of F1 progeny production of insects were investigated. MWEO exhibited excellent toxicity against adult A. obtectus with Lethal Dose 50 (LD50) of 0.15 µl/cm3 and 0.80 µl/g by fumigation and contact bioassay respectively. Compared to the control, MWEO significantly reduced F1 adult emergence and grain weight loss. However, it shows adverse effects on germination capability of seeds 3 months after treatment. The antifungal activity was assessed on some fungi strains previously isolated on bean seeds. Amongst the fungi tested, Aspergillus niger was the most susceptible with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of 0.06 mg/ml. Our findings suggest that MWEO has a promising antifungal and insecticidal activities, and can therefore be used as a natural alternative and/or complementary to chemical pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed deterioration during storage results in poor germination, reduced vigour, and non‐uniform seedling emergence. The aging rate depends on storage conditions and genetic factors. This study aims to identify these genetic factors determining the longevity of rice (Oryza sativa L.) seeds stored under experimental aging conditions mimicking long‐term dry storage. Genetic variation for tolerance to aging was studied in 300 Indica rice accessions by storing dry seeds under an elevated partial pressure of oxygen (EPPO) condition. A genome‐wide association analysis identified 11 unique genomic regions for all measured germination parameters after aging, differing from those previously identified in rice under humid experimental aging conditions. The significant single nucleotide polymorphism in the most prominent region was located within the Rc gene, encoding a basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor. Storage experiments using near‐isogenic rice lines (SD7‐1D (Rc) and SD7‐1d (rc) with the same allelic variation confirmed the role of the wildtype Rc gene, providing stronger tolerance to dry EPPO aging. In the seed pericarp, a functional Rc gene results in accumulation of proanthocyanidins, an important sub‐class of flavonoids having strong antioxidant activity, which may explain the variation in tolerance to dry EPPO aging. Summary statement: The wildtype Rc gene provides protection against rice seed aging under dry storage conditions, as was identified by a genome‐wide association study using 300 Indica accessions. Its role was validated using near‐isogenic lines with a non‐functional gene or containing the functional Rc gene introgressed from wild rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pigmented rice particularly, red and black rice have come into prominence due to their promising antioxidant property. In Assam, all major ecotypes of paddy viz., Ahu, Sali, Bao, Boro have large number of indigenous landraces with red kernel. Although Assam is recognised as a secondary centre of origin and diversity yet gene erosion is assuming serious proportion. It is acknowledged that many indigenous cultivars are facing extinction and there is apprehension that many may be lost even before they are evaluated and characterised. Among different methods, seed protein profile is recognised as fingerprint for a race by International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) as it can resolve interspecific and intraspecific variation without ambiguity. Methods: The present study involves, molecular characterisation and genetic diversity analysis of pigmented and non-pigmented landraces. Seed protein profiles for the paddy landraces were worked out by SDS-PAGE. SDS-PAGE was carried out with two phase gradient buffer system with upper stacking gel and lower separating gel to ensure denaturation of protein while migrating through it. Result: Among the twenty landraces a total of 15 proteins bands were observed in the size range of 12.1 Kd to >122.0 Kd. Highest protein bands were observed in cultivar Ranjit Amon, Bismuthi and Boro (ecotype) all with 15 protein bands. On the other hand, lowest protein bands were recorded in Amona with only 9 bands. Among the protein bands six with molecular weight >122.0 Kd; 112.0 Kd; 97.4 Kd, 90.0 Kd and 15.0 Kd were consistently found in all the landraces. The dendrogram revealed a total of four clusters. The landrace Amona (red) did not belong to the any cluster and most distantly related to others. On the other hand, some are genetically identical. Agnisali, Suhagmani and Tengeri (all white) had no genetic distance between them and hence identical at molecular level. Within the same cluster both red and white rice landraces were observed. Our study suggested that several proteins bands were detected only on specific rice and it could be as biochemical markers for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microstructural changes in broad bean seeds during dehydration can explain interactions between intercellular voids and cells for better seed storage. However, considering the limited research, herein, changes in intercellular voids and cells in broad bean seeds during dehydration were evaluated. Broad beans were dehydrated at 0 °C and 8 °C and vacuum >97 kPa. Cell area reduction and void area increase were observed; the average cell area in fresh samples was 10,867 μm2, which was much larger than the void area. Despite overall decreasing moisture content, the size, porosity, and fractal dimensions of cells and voids fluctuated across samples. Thus, changes in intercellular voids and cells affect each other. Furthermore, decreases in cell turgor and rupture had a significant impact on intercellular void structure and size, and changes in cell fractal dimensions were highly correlated with cell size. Combined with previous findings, this study provides insights into cell and intercellular void development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinoa, Chenopodium quinoa Willd. (Chenopodiaceae) is a herbaceous flowering plant which is originated in the Andeas region (Latin America). Seeds of quinoa are of high nutritional value, so it is important for the diversification of future agricultural systems. It is believed that quinoa deserves more research for successful cultivation in order to get the benefit of its high nutritional value. The presented study dealt with a survey and study on the common insect species which proved to infest quinoa seeds during storage. Quinoa seeds storage proved liable for infestation by three insect species; Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller), Lasioderma serricorne and Tribolium castaneum. (3.17±0.08, 21.50±1.23, 36.25±0.63 and 44.00±0.25 total infestation % at the end of each of the 4 successive years, respectively). By close observation, E. kuehniella proved to be the most common and serious pest on quinoa seeds. This insect species caused the first infestation, followed by L. serricorne and T. castaneum. The results of this study suggest that E. kuehniella more tolerant to quinoa saponin. Some biological information on the surveyed insect species was carried out. The role of saponin against either stored grain insect pests needs more investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current investigation on the effect of seed pelleting on germination, plant establishment and seed yield in fennel was carried out in two seasons during Rabi 2017 and 2018. The experiment consisted of 17 seed pelleting treatments along with the control. Field emergence (93.1 %), umbels per plant (26.61) and seed yield (1376 kg ha-1) were highest in seeds pelleted with Lignite +Azospirillum and higher number of seeds per plant (397) was obtained in Lignite+Gum Arabic, whereas, days to 50 % field emergence, plant height and test weight showed non-significant differences among the treatments. Lignite + gum Arabic pelleting recorded maximum seed germination (65 %) at the end of six months storage period. In general, seeds pelleted with Lignite and coated with Azospirillum showed better performance both in terms of yield and storability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Onion seeds are prone to rapid germination and viability losses under unfavourable storage conditions. The final germination percentage is considered the most important parameter for determining the performance of seed lots after storage, although other quantitative traits, such as the time and speed of germination, help in more realistic predictions of seed germination. A study was conducted on seventeen seed lots of onion seeds to delineate the most comprehensive parameter indicating seed performance after storage using the four-parameter Hill function (4-PHF) mathematical model. Seeds of seventeen onion cultivars were subjected to accelerated ageing at 42 °C and 100% RH for 48, 96 and 144 h, followed by seed germination evaluation. The germination performance was evaluated by 4-PHF based on time-related parameters, such as the time to maximum germination rate (TMGR), time to 50% germination (T50), and uniformity (U), along with the germination percentage (a), shape and steepness of the Four-Parameter Hill Function (FPHF) curve (b), which were important determinants of the area under curve (AUC), and RoG (rate of germination) curves. Among the parameters, the AUC was found to provide the most comprehensive evaluation of the storage performance of the onion varieties and was decisive in the classification of the varieties as 'good' or 'poor' storers. A positive correlation between seed vigour index-I (SVI-I) and the AUC reiterated the suitability of using 4-PHF parameters for the assessment of the storage potential of onion varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Seed is an important component and the quality seed plays a crucial role in agricultural production as well as in the national economy. Availability of viable and vigorous seeds at the planting time is important. Onion seeds have a short life span among the vegetable crops and lose viability rapidly after harvest. The main reason for the low quality of onion seeds includes a long flowering period resulting in different stages of seed maturity in the umbel, very fast reduction of viability if stored in suboptimal conditions and seed infestation with fungi. Seed priming is a widely used technique to enhance seed performance during storage. Methods: The seed was primed with Neem leaf powder (100 g/kg) after hydration and dehydration, hydration with KH2PO4 (2.0%), KNO3 (1.0%), K2SO4 (1.0%) and Captan (N-trichloromethylthio-4-cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboximide) at 2.5 g/kg and stored in polyethylene (100µ) bags under ambient conditions. After each treatment, seeds were dried back to their original moisture content under shade. Result: The results revealed that different priming treatments had a significant effect on germination percentage, seedling length and vigour index-I except for moisture percentage in both the years. The maximum germination (74.1 and 71.2%) was observed in seeds treated with Captan (2.5 g/kg) followed by Neem leaf powder 100 g/kg seed (71.1 and 69.72%) during 2014-15 and 2015-16, respectively. The onion seeds primed with KH2PO4 (2.0%), KNO3 (1.0%) and K2SO4 (1.0%) had an adverse effect on seed germination. The germination decreased significantly with the increase in the storage period. The maximum seedling emergence (60.0%) was observed from the seed primed with Captan (2.5 g/kg) followed by Neem leaf powder 100 g/kg seed (56.1%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Wheat NAC-A18 regulates both starch and storage protein synthesis in the grain, and a haplotype with positive effects on grain weight showed increased frequency during wheat breeding in China. Starch and seed storage protein (SSP) directly affect the processing quality of wheat grain. The synthesis of starch and SSP are also regulated at the transcriptional level. However, only a few starch and SSP regulators have been identified in wheat. In this study, we discovered a NAC transcription factor, designated as NAC-A18, which acts as a regulator of both starch and SSP synthesis. NAC-A18, is predominately expressed in wheat developing grains, encodes a transcription factor localized in the nucleus, with both activation and repression domains. Ectopic expression of wheat NAC-A18 in rice significantly decreased starch accumulation and increased SSP accumulation and grain size and weight. Dual-luciferase reporter assays indicated that NAC-A18 could reduce the expression of TaGBSSI-A1 and TaGBSSI-A2, and enhance the expression of TaLMW-D6 and TaLMW-D1. A yeast one hybrid assay demonstrated that NAC-A18 bound directly to the cis-element "ACGCAA" in the promoters of TaLMW-D6 and TaLMW-D1. Further analysis indicated that two haplotypes were formed at NAC-A18, and that NAC-A18_h1 was a favorable haplotype correlated with higher thousand grain weight. Based on limited population data, NAC-A18_h1 underwent positive selection during Chinese wheat breeding. Our study demonstrates that wheat NAC-A18 regulates starch and SSP accumulation and grain size. A molecular marker was developed for the favorable allele for breeding applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]