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The article discusses the need for mechanistic explanations in seed ecology and highlights the limitations of broad-scale correlative studies that ignore mechanisms. The authors specifically focus on seed dormancy and argue that the current understanding of seed dormancy as an adaptive response to climate seasonality is flawed. They propose that fire regime, rather than climate seasonality, is a more plausible mechanism for selecting prolonged seed dormancy. The article also mentions similar issues in other areas of ecology, such as species diversity and trait ecology, and emphasizes the importance of a mechanistic understanding and hypothesis-driven research. [Extracted from the article]

The shortage of water resources is a crisis for human ecosystems. Compared with other ecosystems, the impact on agricultural ecosystems is more prominent. In order to alleviate this situation, a new type of agricultural hydrogel, agarose-bacterial cellulose hydrogel, was synthesized by replacing the traditional petroleum-based monomer with natural polysaccharide. Bacterial cellulose was used as raw material for the synthesis of hydrogels using agarose as matrix template and N, N'- methylenebisacrylamide as cross-linkers. In the present study, the hydrogel has optimized the ratio of the three synthesized polymers and characterized this hydrogel using FTIR spectra, XRD, and SEM. The findings demonstrated that bacterial cellulose was adequately incorporated into the agarose hydrogel and that the pores of AB1 were more significant than those of AA and AB2, which provided crucial support for the hydrogel's ability to encourage plant development. By mixing hydrogel with soil, the effects of soil which have composite hydrogel and without composite hydrogel on plant germination and growth were studied. The results showed that adding bacterial cellulose increased the water retention and holding capacity of agarose hydrogel. Moreover, the plant germination rate and growing trend in soil with hydrogel were better than those without hydrogel. This low-cost, quickly made hydrogel has great application potential in agricultural soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Pre‐harvest sprouting (PHS) is a significant threat to global food security due to its association with losses in both yield and quality. Among the genes involved in PHS resistance in wheat, PHS‐3D (TaMyb10‐D) plays a crucial role. Here, we characterized the sequence variations of TaMyb10 genes in 416 bread wheat and 302 Aegilops tauschii accessions. Within TaMyb10‐A sequences, we identified a deletion ranging from 214 to 305 bp in the signal and amino acid coding region, present in 61.3% of the accessions. Similarly, 79.3% of the TaMyb10‐B sequences within the third exon region exhibited a 19 bp deletion. Additionally, 40.8% of the accessions lacked the 2.4 Mb fragment (in/del mutations) on Chr3D, where TaMyb10‐D/PHS‐3D was located. Interestingly, the geographical distribution of accessions showed little correlation with the divergence of TaMyb10. TaMyb10‐A‐IIIDele, TaMyb10‐B‐IVDele, and TaMyb10‐D‐VDele genotypes were prevalent in wheat populations across continents. Despite their structural variations, the five distinct protein types exhibited comparable ability to bind the promoters of downstream genes in the flavonoid and ABA pathways, such as CHS, DFR, and NCED. Furthermore, the combination of TaMyb10 homologs was significantly associated with grain color and germination percentages. Accessions exclusively harboring TaMyb10‐D displayed red seed color and reduced germination percentages, indicating the predominant role of TaMyb10‐D compared to TaMyb10‐A and TaMyb10‐B. This comprehensive investigation enhances our understanding of the structural variations and functional divergence of TaMyb10, providing valuable insights and resources for improving PHS resistance in wheat. Significance Statement: TaPHS‐3D (TaMyb10‐D) plays a crucial role among the genes implicated in pre‐harvest sprouting resistance in wheat. Our study revealed a significant correlation between the combination of TaMyb10 homologs, grain color, and germination. Notably, TaMyb10‐D exhibited a more substantial functional impact than TaMyb10‐A and TaMyb10‐B. These findings deepen our understanding of the structural variations and functional distinctions within TaMyb10, providing valuable insights and resources for improving PHS resistance in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, to promote sustainable nano-farming, the apparent effects of different concentrations (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 ppm) of titanium dioxide nanoparticle (TiO2NPs) solutions on the germination percentage, index and duration of seeds belonging to Balcı, Dincer, Hasankendi, Koc, Olas, and Zirkon safflower varieties were investigated. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to analyze TiO2NPs in germinated safflower varieties. Germination performance was TiO2NPs concentration and variety depended. It was determined that the seed samples displayed different responses to TiO2NPs concentrations; germination percentages were between 20.0±1.15 and 82.9±0.44%, germination durations were between 2.01±0.021 to 3.82±0.017 days, and germination indices were between 9.97±0.606 and 38.97±0.959. While the highest germination percentage (82.9±0.44%) was obtained from Dincer variety with 100 ppm TiO2NP pre-application, the lowest germination percentage (20.0±1.15% and 20.0±1.92%) was obtained from Balcı and Hasan Kendi varieties with 100 and 300 ppm TiO2NP pre-application. According to this result, although the highest germination percentage based on variety was obtained from the Dincer variety, the Balcı variety with the lowest germination percentage provided the most significant increase in the 200 ppm TiO2NPs application dose compared to the control. According to the germination percentage, it can be said that the most effective TiO2NPs application dose in Safflower varieties is 200 ppm. Further research on nanoparticles is needed to determine both the economical doses of TiO2NP pre-application and its uptake by the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To facilitate the study of learning in plants, we share our experiences of trying to replicate the pea plant experiment of Gagliano et al. In the course of our efforts, we identified 11 issues that must be addressed when attempting to replicate these experiments. The issues range from germination and transplantation of seedlings to experimental design and apparatus issues. We propose a number of solutions to overcome these hurdles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the third most important crop after rice and wheat in the world and it is one of the most efficient food crops producing more yield, alimental fibre, high-quality protein, minerals and vitamins than wheat, maize and rice per unit area and time and is recognized as a steady and healthy food crop. The production of seed potatoes and its supply chain face special problems because they are big in size, multiply slowly and large quantities are needed to plant the next crop. There is a huge gap between production and supply of quality planting materials of potato. So, it is important to develop a systematic protocol for production of planting materials at large scale. Given such conditions, the conception of an effective and reproducible in vitro regeneration system in popular potato cultivar(s) is crucial to produce high-quality planting material at large scale. Keeping this in mind, to produce genuine propagative material of high phytosanitary, physiological and genetic quality, effective and reproducible in vitro regeneration protocols of potato are indispensable. To attain such goals, potato sprouts were employed as explants sources and inoculated on MS medium fortified with different auxins and cytokinins in fluctuating proportions or alone as well as in diverse concentrations and amalgamations in combination with 30.0 g l−1 sucrose and 7.5 g l−1 agar. Induction medium MS3NB (MS + 3.0 mg l−1 NAA + 1.0 mg l−1 BA) was more responsive for callus induction (83.00%). Whilst nutrient media MS3BN (MS + 3.0 mg l−1 BAP + 1.0 mg l−1 NAA) displayed better in vitro competence, i.e. number(s) of shoot inducing explants (91.00%) and number(s) of shoot(s) per explant (6.50) along with shoot of bigger length (4.60). Whilst higher in vitro rooting response, viz., root proliferating efficiency (84.0%), number(s) of roots (9.0) with higher length (5.1) was exhibited by rooting medium MSIB (MS + 1.0 mg l−1 IBA). For inducing rooting in vitro, a reduced level of sucrose, i.e. 15.0 g l−l, was used. The regenerants were shifted to pots and acclimatized in polyhouse/net house during preliminary ablactating phase. Regenerants showed normal growth and morphology and were found efficacious in the external environment after hardening. Culture medium with higher regeneration aptitude obtained in present investigation may be used for mass in vitro propagation, micro tuber production and different biotechnological works including tailoring transgenic plants resistant/tolerant against diverse biotic and abiotic stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The delivery of chemotherapeutics through the blood-brain barrier remains a challenge for glioblastoma therapeutics. The overdosage of these agents also causes severe side effects among patients. Hence, there has been an urge to find alternative techniques to deliver these agents to the targeted site with limited dosage having a maximum outcome. However, when these drugs incorporated into liposomes are directed toward the tumor site, there is a higher possibility of the drugs crossing the barrier and rendering their mode of action. In our study, we aimed at formulating pH-responsive nanoliposomes loaded with carmustine that possesses selective toxicity on U87MG cells owing to the acidic pH and also evaluated their efficacy in seizing endothelial sprouting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed dormancy is the key factor determining weed emergence in agricultural fields and there is growing interest in weed seeds as a target for weed management. A foremost limitation to this approach is the lack of molecular insight into the mechanisms regulating dormancy in weed seeds. Alopecurus myosuroides (blackgrass) seeds were collected from a wheat field in the UK. At low temperatures, dormant (D) and after‐ripened (AR) seeds germinate similarly and at warm temperatures dormancy is enforced. RNAseq analysis at both temperatures for D and AR seeds demonstrated distinct mechanisms, involving abscisic acid and gibberellin signalling, are involved in after‐ripening and cold‐induced dormancy release. Exogenous application of selected plant growth regulators provided further insight into the phytohormone processes involved in seed dormancy in blackgrass. An untargeted analysis of the transcriptome revealed dormancy‐related processes beyond the regulation of germination, such as seed defence processes, which may have potential as targets for weed seedbank management. Our findings suggest that dormancy breaking can occur via multiple independent but connected hormone‐mediated mechanisms and provide a case study for the use of next‐generation sequencing to uncover the mechanisms involved in seed dormancy in weed and non‐model species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Management of perennial weeds has become increasingly complex with the reduction of herbicide use and tillage. Their capacity to store nutrients into vegetative organs and to regenerate to establish new individuals makes them very persistent and hard to control. A key aspect for managing perennial weeds is to minimise storage reserves to reduce vegetative regeneration. For that prospect, better knowledge of the regrowth capacities from storage organs is needed. Our work focused on the mechanistic understanding of belowground regrowth dynamics from fragments of Elymus repens rhizomes by analysing the effect of source and sink factors. The effect of rhizome fragment weight (i.e., source) and the number of regrowing buds and belowground shoots (i.e., sinks) was assessed for four mechanisms: sprouting, belowground shoot elongation, belowground shoot biomass to length conversion and biomass allocation to belowground shoots versus roots. Heavier fragments contributed to faster sprouting, faster belowground shoot elongation and increased the proportion of remobilised biomass allocated to belowground shoots. Higher belowground shoot density increased the proportion of remobilised biomass allocated to belowground shoots but decreased individual elongation rate. In other words, larger reserves resulted in a better regeneration capacity and a higher number of growing belowground shoots increased the competition for reserves among them. The belowground shoot that sprouted first on a fragment grew faster and dominated the other shoots on the same fragment. Dominant belowground shoots were located toward the apical end of the fragment. These findings support the fact that tillage should aim at cutting storage organs into the smallest fragments possible to reduce regeneration capacity. This study also emphasised that belowground regrowth mechanisms are complex, and further studies should investigate other species with different types of storage organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lamiaceae family comprises herbaceous to woody plants that can thrive in a wide range of habitats and are cosmopolitan in distribution. In Turkey, there are 45 genera and 586 species belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Among these species, 239 taxa are endemic, making it the third-largest family in Turkey in terms of endemic individuals. In this study, seeds of three species from the Lamiaceae family, Izmir oregano (Origanum onites L.), French lavender (Lavandula stoechas L.), and basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), were used as test materials. The research aimed to overcome heterogeneous and low germination issues observed in these seeds, which were determined to be seed-related through preliminary studies, and to achieve the highest germination percentage and average germination time. Various pre-sowing treatments were applied to improve the germination performance and quality of Izmir oregano, French lavender, and basil seeds. For this purpose, the effects of treatments including control, KNO3, GA3, polymer coating, priming, priming + polymer coating, priming + polymer coating + KNO3, and priming + polymer coating + GA3 on seed germination rate and average germination days were investigated in comparison to the control. Prior to the treatments, molecular analyses were conducted on all seed samples to detect viral agents. As a result of the research, the highest germination percentage of 94% was found in Izmir oregano with the priming + polymer coating + KNO3 treatment. In contrast, for French lavender and basil seeds, the germination performance with a 92% and 94% germination rate, respectively, was achieved with the priming + polymer coating + GA3 treatment. Molecular analyses conducted on seed samples did not detect any viral agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Seed dormancy governs germination timing, with both evolutionary and applied consequences. Despite extensive studies on the hormonal and genetic control of these processes, molecular mechanisms directly linking dormancy and germination remain poorly understood.By screening a collection of lines overexpressing Arabidopsis transcription factors, we identified ERF50 as a key gene to control dormancy and germination. To study its regulation, we measured seed‐related physiological parameters in loss‐of‐function mutants and carried out transactivation, protein interaction and ChIP‐PCR analyses.We found direct ERF50‐mediated repression of DOG1 and activation of EXPA2 transcription, which results in enhanced seed germination. Although ERF50 expression is increased by DOG1 in dormant seeds, ERF50 germination‐promoting activity is blocked by RGL2.The physiological, genetic and molecular evidence gathered here supports that ERF50 controls germination timing by regulating DOG1 levels to leverage its role as enhancer of seed germination, via RGL2 antagonism on EXPA2 expression. Our results highlight the central role of ERF50 as a feedback regulator to couple and fine‐tune seed dormancy and germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The interaction between animals and plants for seed dispersal and predation has received much attention; however, the underlying physiological mechanisms driving the responses of both seeds and animals remain unclear.We conducted a series of behaviour and physiology experiments to examine the role of plant hormones in regulating seed germination and rodent hoarding behaviour in the Quercus variabilis and Leopoldamys edwardsi systems.We found that acorns that were partially consumed by rodents had increased gibberellin (GA) levels and shortened germination time. Rodents preferred scatter‐hoarded abscisic acid (ABA)‐treated and intact acorns but consumed germinated and GA‐treated acorns; such treatment differences disappeared for inactivated acorns by boiling water. Moreover, we found that seven potential compounds may be linked to seed germination and rodent hoarding behaviour.Our results indicate that acorns of oak showed rapid germination when facing predation risk, while rodents could identify the germination status of seeds for hoarding; GA and ABA may play an important role in regulating seed germination of oak and hoarding behaviour of rodents. See also the Commentary on this article by Steele & Bogdziewicz, 242: 1854–1855. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this study, the effects of different germination times on some chemical characteristics, total phenol and flavonoid quantity, antioxidant capacities, phenolic and fatty acid compositions and biogenic element contents of tigernut tubers were investigated. Total phenolic and flavonoid quantities of raw and tigernut tubers germinated at certain germination periods were reported to be between 24.40 (first period of germination) and 63.84 mgGAE/100 g (third period of germination) to 33.00 (control) and 184.24 mgRE/100 g (third period of germination), respectively. Antioxidant capacities of raw and germinated tigernut tubers were recorded to be between 0.91 (first period of germination) and 1.57 mmolTE kg−1 (third period of germination). Gallic (except control), catechin, caffeic acid, rutin and kaempferol values of tubers were higher especially in the second and third periods of germination compared to the first period of control and germination. Oleic and linoleic acid values of raw (control) and germinated tigernut oils were identified between 69.41% (third period of germination) and 72.53% (control) to 9.77 (control) and 11.77% (third period of germination), respectively. P, K, Ca, Mg, S and Na were the dominant elements of raw and germinated tigernuts. The bioactive properties, phenolic component amounts and element quantities of germinated tubers were increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this study, the effects of germination, roasting and boiling processes on bioactive substances, mineral profiles, fatty acid composition and phenolic profiles present in soybean seeds and soybean oil extracted from soybean were investigated. While the acidity value of the crude and roasted soybean seed oils are 0.89% and 1.09%, the acidity values of the germinted and boiled soybean oils were 1.58% and 1.21%, respectively. The free fatty acid value of the germination sample group was established to be higher than the other treatment groups. The amounts of total phenolic substance were reported between 10.22 and 33.78 mgGAE/100 g. Linoleic acid amounts of soybean oil varied between 55.72% and 56.14%. The total carotenoid and flavonoid amounts of seeds were measured to be between 0.53 (control) and 2.83 μg g−1 (germination) to 43.60 mgCE kg−1 (boiled) to 126.60 mgCE kg−1 (roasting), respectively. Protein results of the seeds were established between 43.94% (control) and 46.94% (germination). The amount of K ranged from 10 883 (boiled) to 13 994 mg kg−1 (roasting), while the amount of P range from 5340.8 (control) to 5695.9 mg kg−1 germination. The amount of Ca of the samples varied between 4606.1 (control) and 5216.1 (boiled). While linoleic acid is determined at the highest rate in soybean oil obtained from crude soybean, linoleic acid amount was determined as highest in oil obtained after roasting, germination and boiling processes applied to soybean rutin contents of soybean seed samples were determined between 3.52 and 7.81 mg kg−1. Boiling and germination increased the routine value in soybean seed samples and was determined as 7.62 and 7.81 mg kg−1, respectively. Roasting, germination and boiling processes reduced the cinnamic acid values of soybeans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sprouting process includes changes in nutritional, biochemical, and sensory characteristics that improve chickpea quality and increase its digestibility. Various products such as Falafel are made from ground and dried chickpea sprouts. Therefore, in this research, the use of hot air (70°C), infrared (250 W), and microwave (220 W) methods for drying ground chickpea sprouts was investigated and modeled. The drying time of the samples in the infrared dryer was shorter than the other two dryers. The average drying time of the samples in the hot air, infrared and microwave dryers was 63.3, 26.7, and 156.7 min, respectively. In this research, the effective moisture diffusivity coefficient of ground chickpea sprouts in hot air, infrared and microwave dryers was determined to be 4.99×10-9 m² s -1, 17.95×10-9 m² s -1, and 1.59×10-9 m² s -1, respectively. To study the drying kinetics of ground chickpea sprouts, Wang and Singh, Henderson and Pabis, Approximation of diffusion, Page, Newton, Midilli, and Logarithmic mathematical models were fitted to the experimental data. Finally, when modeling the drying process of this product, Midilli's mathematical model with four parameters was chosen as the best model due to its minimal error. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, heterostructures of hydroxyapatite (HAp) and Nb 2 O 5 (NO) were obtained to study their photocatalytic activity under sunlight. The samples were synthesized by the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method, and the calcium precursor used to obtain HAp was obtained from an eggshell. The influence of adding NO at 10, 30 and 50% by mass on the heterostructures was evaluated. The XRD results and the functional groups present in the FTIR spectrum confirmed the presence of the two phases in the heterostructures. UV–vis spectroscopy revealed that activation was promoted by sunlight, while PL and electrochemical analyses indicated minimized recombination of the electron/hole pairs of heterostructures due to improved charge transfer. The TEM micrographs indicated interfacial contact between the two materials. The photocatalytic efficiency of the materials was studied for the degradation of methylene blue (MB), crystal violet (CV) and tetracycline (TC) under sunlight irradiation. The heterostructure with 50% NO showed better efficiency than the other combinations and was also tested for degrading the mixture (MIX) of MB, CV and TC, for which the efficiencies were 100, 98.66 and 67.33%, respectively. Furthermore, the effects of the photocalytic dosage, concentration and pH of the solution were investigated through the MIX degradation efficiency. It was possible to propose the mechanism for the photocatalytic activity of the HAp/NO heterostructure as a direct Z-schema. The reusability of the photocatalyst and the germination tests with treated water indicated that the HAp/NO heterostructure has potential application as an efficient and nontoxic alternative for the degradation of contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs), ever since they were identified as a potential and widely distributed persistent contaminant, the number of studies highlighting their impacts on various terrestrial ecosystems have been increasing. Recently, the effect of MPs on the agricultural ecosystem has gained momentum. Hence, the present review examines the impact of microplastics on agricultural crop systems and the mechanism underlying its toxicity. The current review revealed that most of the studies were conducted at a laboratory scale and under controlled conditions. Additionally, it was observed that polystyrene (PS) followed by polyethylene (PE) are the most studied polymer type, while the most studied plants are wheat and maize. Hitherto, literature studies suggest that the microplastics' influence on plant growth can be negative or sometimes neutral; while in some cases it exerts a hormetic effect which depends on other factors determining plant growth. Notably, the main mechanisms through which microplastics influence plant growth are mechanical damage, alteration of soil properties, or by leaching of additives. Overall, with burgeoning research interest in this aspect, the current review has significant implications for the toxicity of MPs on plants and throws light on the need to develop novel guidelines toward the sustainable use of plastics in agricultural sector. However, realistic field-level studies and estimating the MPs concentration at various region are essential to develop remediation approaches. Future studies should also focus on translocation and accumulation of micron sized MPs in edible portion of crops and their effect on food safety. Although several papers on various elements of microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems have recently been published, there is currently no comprehensive review focusing on the effect of microplastic contamination in plants. Furthermore, no review has conducted a meta – analysis indicating the most commonly reported source, methods to identify the MPs in plants, majorly reported polymer type, widely studied plant species and the mechanism underlying in its toxicity. Hence, this review mainly focuses on edible/economically important crops and highlights the impacts of microplastics on different plant parameters i.e., seed germination, root and shoot growth, photosynthesis, nutrient metabolism, oxidative damage and genotoxicity and mechanisms through which microplastics affect plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This account presents information on all aspects of the biology of Silene uniflora Roth (S. maritima With., S. vulgaris Garcke subsp. maritima (With.) Á. & D. Löve), Sea Campion, that are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics are presented within the standard framework of the Biological Flora of Britain and Ireland: distribution, habitat, communities, responses to biotic factors, responses to environment, structure and physiology, phenology, floral and seed characters, herbivores and disease, history and conservation. Silene uniflora is a mat‐like perennial herb that in Britain and Ireland is primarily distributed in coastal habitats, notably on sea cliffs and shingle banks but also at the drift line and rarely on sand; it also has populations on mountains and heavy metal mine waste tips. All of these substrates tend to be oligotrophic, loose‐textured and freely draining, and often with adverse ion concentrations. It is found in suitable habitats around much of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts of Europe. Its breeding system is gynodioecious and gynomonoecious (some individuals bearing female flowers only, some bearing hermaphrodite flowers only and others with both types of flower). The proportions of the three types of individual vary considerably between populations, but hermaphrodite flowers tend to predominate. The showy, white, nectar‐producing flowers are produced continuously over the entire summer and are pollinated mainly by long‐tongued Hymenoptera and night‐flying moths but autogamous selfing is also frequent. Silene uniflora and its close relative S. vulgaris were the subject of a classic, decadal study involving genetical and transplant experiments that was seminal in the development of ‘experimental taxonomy’. More recently, attention has focused on the rapid evolution of Zn‐tolerant populations of S. uniflora growing on mine spoil and contaminated river gravels. It has also become a model organism for the study of sexually transmitted, castrating fungal diseases in plants (notably of the genus Microbotryum). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Qualea grandiflora Mart. is an aluminum (Al)‐accumulating Cerrado species with a metabolic dependency on Al. This study aimed to determine the presence and concentration of Al and other reserve components in Q. grandiflora seeds, as well as their respective distribution patterns, mobilization, and usage during germination and seedling growth. Thus, the concentration of Al and other minerals in seeds, seedlings, and soils was measured. Also, histochemical and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses were performed to observe the distribution of Al, proteins, and lipids in Q. grandiflora seeds and seedlings. Additionally, the concentration of proteins and lipids was assessed as well. Hence, even in soils with low exchangeable Al3+, Q. grandiflora seeds accumulated about 6.43 g of Al/kg of dry matter (DM) together with considerable concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg. Exogenous Al had no effect on the germination properties of Q. grandiflora seeds. Furthermore, approximately 60% of the seed Al was translocated to seedling leaves. Proteins and lipids were the main organic reserves in Q. grandiflora seeds. The histochemical analysis revealed that the bulk of Al in seeds was in the cotyledons, which were also the location sites of proteins and lipids. Proteins and lipids were the primary source of energy and carbon for seedling growth. Therefore, fatty acids, proteins, and Al could play a central role during seed germination and seedling establishment, which could help to explain why this species is one of the most widespread plants in the Cerrado. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary In this study, the effect of roasting, boiling and germination processes on bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, fatty acid and phenolic profiles and biogenic elements of quinoa seed and oils was assigned. The moisture amounts of boiled and germinated quinoa seeds were recorded to be significantly higher than the control. Also, the oil yield of quinoa seeds decreased compared with the control by roasting, boiling and germinating. The total phenolic and flavonoid quantities of quinoa seeds were assigned to be between 137.70 (germinated) and 315.00 (boiled) to 156.62 (boiled) and 402.38 mg/100 g (control), respectively. Antioxidant capacities of processed quinoa seeds were reported to be between 11.91 (germinated) and 14.43 mmol kg−1 (roasted). The highest total flavonoid and antioxidant capacities were recorded in the control group and roasted quinoa seeds. The highest decrease in total phenol amount of quinoa seeds was detected in germinated quinoa. Gallic acid and catechin values of quinoa seeds varied to be between 29.17 (boiled) and 38.00 mg/100 g (control) to 2.72 (germinated) and 137.26 mg/100 g (control), respectively. The rutin, ferulic acid and p‐coumaric acid contents of the processed (roasted, boiled and germinated) quinoa seeds gradually increased compared with the control. The highest palmitic, oleic, behenic and arachidonic acids were recorded in germinated quinoa oil, followed by the fatty acids of boiled, raw (control) and roasted quinoa seed oils in descending order. P and K amounts of quinoa were established to be between 2203.44 (roasted) and 3314.59 (control) to 4350.60 (boiled) and 6266.85 mg kg−1 (control), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of acidic fruits are perishable owing to their high-water activity, which promotes microbial activity, thus exhibiting metabolic functions that cause spoilage. Along with sanitary practices, several treatments are used during processing and/or storage to inhibit the development of undesirable bacteria. To overcome the challenges caused by mild heat treatment, juice manufacturers have recently increased their involvement in developing novel non-thermal processing procedures. Ultrasonication alone or in combination with other hurdle technologies may be used to pasteurize processed fruit juices. Multifrequency ultrasound has gained popularity due to the fact that mono-frequency ultrasound has less impact on bacterial inactivation and bioactive compound enhancement of fruit juice. Here, we present and discuss the fundamental information and technological knowledge of how spoilage bacteria, specifically Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris, assemble resistant spores and inactivate and germinate dormant spores in response to nutrient germinants and physical treatments such as heat and ultrasound. To the authors' knowledge, no prior review of ultrasonic inactivation and germination of A. acidoterrestris in fruit juice exists. Therefore, this article aims to provide a review of previously published research on the inactivation and germination of A. acidoterrestris in fruit juice by ultrasound and heat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although addition of pyrolyzed organic materials (biochars) to soil generally results in increased growth and physiological performance of plants, neutral and negative responses have also commonly been detected. Toxicity of organic compounds generated during pyrolysis, sorbed by biochars, and then released into the soil solution, has been implicated as a possible mechanism for such negative effects. Conversely, water-soluble biochar constituents have also been suggested to have "hormetic" effects (positive effects on plants at low concentrations); however, no specific compounds responsible have been identified. We investigated the relative phytotoxicity—and possible hormetic effects—of 14 organic compounds common in aqueous extracts of freshly produced lignocellulosic biochars, using seed germination bioassays. Of the compounds examined, volatile fatty acids (VFAs: acetic, propionic, butyric, valeric, caproic, and 2-ethylbutyric acids) and phenol, showed acute phytotoxicity, with germination-based ED50 values of 1–30 mmol L−1, and 2-ethylbutyric acid showed ED50 values of 0.1–1.0 mmol L−1. Other compounds (benzene, benzoic acid, butanone, methyl salicylate, toluene, and 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol) showed toxic effects only at high concentrations close to solubility limits. Although phytotoxic at high concentrations, valeric and caproic acid also showed detectable hormetic effects on seedlings, increasing radicle extension by 5–15% at concentrations of ~ 0.01–0.1 mmol L−1. These data support the hypothesis that VFAs are the main agents responsible for phytotoxic effects of lignocellulosic biochar leachates, but that certain VFAs also have hormetic effects at low concentrations and may contribute to positive effects of biochar leachates on early plant development in some cases. Highlights: 151 compounds were identified in leachates from 13 biochars. Among common compounds, volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and phenol showed the most pronounced phytotoxic effects. Some VFAs also had hormetic effects, enhancing radicle extension growth at low concentrations. Effects were consistent among test plant species but the smallest-seeded species showed the highest sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sucrose non-fermenting-1-related protein kinase 1 (SnRK1) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) are highly conserved. Compound 991 is an AMPK activator in mammals. However, whether 991 also activates SnRK1 remains unknown. The addition of 991 significantly increased SnRK1 activity in desalted extracts from germinating rice seeds in vitro. To determine whether 991 has biological activity, rice seeds were treated with different concentrations of 991. Germination was promoted at low concentrations but inhibited at high concentrations. The effects of 991 on germination were similar to those of OsSnRK1a overexpression. To explore whether 991 affects germination by specifically affecting SnRK1, germination of an snrk1a mutant and the wild type under 1 μM 991 treatment was compared. The snrk1a mutant was insensitive to 991. Phosphoproteomic analysis showed that the differential phosphopeptides induced by 991 and OsSnRK1a overexpression largely overlapped. Furthermore, SnRK1 might regulate rice germination in a dosage-dependent manner by regulating the phosphorylation of three phosphosites, namely S285-PIP2;4, S1013-SOS1, and S110-ABI5. These results indicate that 991 is a specific SnRK1 activator in rice. The promotion and inhibition of germination by 991 also occurred in wheat seeds. Thus, 991 is useful for exploring SnRK1 function and the chemical regulation of growth and development in crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavonol synthase gene (FLS) is a member of the 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase (2-ODD) superfamily and plays an important role in plant flavonoids biosynthetic pathways. Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), a key source of traditional Chinese medicine, is widely cultivated in China. Although the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway has been studied in several model species, it still remains to be explored in safflower. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role of CtFLS1 gene in flavonoid biosynthesis and drought stress responses. The bioinformatics analysis on the CtFLS1 gene showed that it contains two FLS-specific motifs (PxxxIRxxxEQP and SxxTxLVP), suggesting its independent evolution. Further, the expression level of CtFLS1 in safflower showed a positive correlation with the accumulation level of total flavonoid content in four different flowering stages. In addition, CtFLS1-overexpression (OE) Arabidopsis plants significantly induced the expression levels of key genes involved in flavonol pathway. On the contrary, the expression of anthocyanin pathway-related genes and MYB transcription factors showed down-regulation. Furthermore, CtFLS1-OE plants promoted seed germination, as well as resistance to osmotic pressure and drought, and reduced sensitivity to ABA compared to mutant and wild-type plants. Moreover, CtFLS1 and CtANS1 were both subcellularly located at the cell membrane and nucleus; the yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay showed that they interacted with each other at the cell membrane. Altogether, these findings suggest the positive role of CtFLS1 in alleviating drought stress by stimulating flavonols and anthocyanin accumulation in safflower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amaranth species are C4 plants that are rich in betalains, and they are tolerant to salinity stress. A small family of plant-specific TCP transcription factors are involved in the response to salt stress. However, it has not been investigated whether amaranth TCP1 is involved in salt stress. We elucidated that the growth and physiology of amaranth were affected by salt concentrations of 50–200 mmol·L−1 NaCl. The data showed that shoot and root growth was inhibited at 200 mmol·L−1, while it was promoted at 50 mmol·L−1. Meanwhile, the plants also showed physiological responses, which indicated salt-induced injuries and adaptation to the salt stress. Moreover, AtrTCP1 promoted Arabidopsis seed germination. The germination rate of wild-type (WT) and 35S::AtrTCP1-GUS Arabidopsis seeds reached around 92% by the seventh day and 94.5% by the second day under normal conditions, respectively. With 150 mmol·L−1 NaCl treatment, the germination rate of the WT and 35S::AtrTCP1-GUS plant seeds was 27.0% by the seventh day and 93.0% by the fourth day, respectively. Under salt stress, the transformed 35S::AtrTCP1 plants bloomed when they grew 21.8 leaves after 16.2 days of treatment, which was earlier than the WT plants. The transformed Arabidopsis plants flowered early to resist salt stress. These results reveal amaranth's growth and physiological responses to salt stress, and provide valuable information on the AtrTCP1 gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyethylene glycol can abrogate plant seed dormancy and alleviate salt–alkali stress damage to plants, but its role in embryonic dormancy abrogation and germination in Sorbus pohuashanensis is not yet clear. The mechanism by which polyethylene glycol promotes the release of embryonic dormancy may be related to the synthesis and metabolism of endogenous hormones, reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen. In this article, germination in indoor culture dishes was used, and the most suitable conditions for treating S. pohuashanensis embryos, with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), were selected. Germination was observed and recorded, and related physiological indicators such as endogenous hormones, reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen were measured and analyzed to elucidate the mechanism of polyethylene glycol in alleviating salt–alkali stress in S. pohuashanensis embryos. The results showed that soaking seeds in 5% PEG for 5 days is the best condition to promote germination, which can increase the germination rate of embryos under salt–alkali stress by 1–2 times and improve indicators such as germination speed and the germination index. Polyethylene glycol led to an increase in gibberellin (GA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), ethylene (ETH), cytokinin (CTK), nitric oxide (NO), soluble protein and soluble sugar in the embryos under salt–alkali stress; increased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), nitrate reductase (NR) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the embryos; a reduction in the accumulation of abscisic acid (ABA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Therefore, it is suggested that the inhibitory effect of polyethylene glycol on the salt–alkali-stress-induced germination of S. pohuashanensis embryos is closely related to the response of endogenous hormones, reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide signalling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The post-harvest phase of potato tuber dormancy and sprouting are essential in determining the economic value. The intricate transition from dormancy to active growth is influenced by multiple factors, including environmental factors, carbohydrate metabolism, and hormonal regulation. Well-established environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light play pivotal roles in these processes. However, recent research has expanded our understanding to encompass other novel influences such as magnetic fields, cold plasma treatment, and UV-C irradiation. Hormones like abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellic acid (GA), cytokinins (CK), auxin, and ethylene (ETH) act as crucial messengers, while brassinosteroids (BRs) have emerged as key modulators of potato tuber sprouting. In addition, jasmonates (JAs), strigolactones (SLs), and salicylic acid (SA) also regulate potato dormancy and sprouting. This review article delves into the intricate study of potato dormancy and sprouting, emphasizing the impact of environmental conditions, carbohydrate metabolism, and hormonal regulation. It explores how various environmental factors affect dormancy and sprouting processes. Additionally, it highlights the role of carbohydrates in potato tuber sprouting and the intricate hormonal interplay, particularly the role of BRs. This review underscores the complexity of these interactions and their importance in optimizing potato dormancy and sprouting for agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: The escalating issue of soil saline-alkalization poses a growing global challenge. Leymus chinensis is a perennial grass species commonly used in the establishment and renewal of artificial grasslands that is relatively tolerant of saline, alkaline, and drought conditions. Nonetheless, reduced seed setting rates limit its propagation, especially on alkali-degraded grassland. Inter-annual variations have an important effect on seed yield and germination under abiotic stress, and we therefore examined the effect of planting year on seed yield components of L. chinensis. Methods: We grew transplanted L. chinensis seedlings in pots for two (Y2), three (Y3), or four (Y4) years and collected spikes for measurement of seed yield components, including spike length, seed setting rate, grain number per spike, and thousand seed weight. We then collected seeds produced by plants from different planting years and subjected them to alkaline stress (25 mM Na2CO3) for measurement of germination percentage and seedling growth. Results: The seed setting rate of L. chinensis decreased with an increasing number of years in pot cultivation, but seed weight increased. Y2 plants had a higher seed setting rate and more grains per spike, whereas Y4 plants had a higher thousand seed weight. The effects of alkaline stress (25 mM Na2CO3) on seed germination were less pronounced for the heavier seeds produced by Y4 plants. Na2CO3 caused a 9.2% reduction in shoot length for seedlings derived from Y4 seeds but a 22.3% increase in shoot length for seedlings derived from Y3 seeds. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate significant differences in seed yield components among three planting years of L. chinensis under pot cultivation in a finite space. Inter-annual variation in seed set may provide advantages to plants. Increased alkalinity tolerance of seed germination was observed for seeds produced in successive planting years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet corn is highly susceptible to the deleterious effects of low temperatures during the initial stages of growth and development. Employing a 56K chip, high-throughput single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sequencing was conducted on 100 sweet corn inbred lines. Subsequently, six germination indicators—germination rate, germination index, germination time, relative germination rate, relative germination index, and relative germination time—were utilized for genome-wide association analysis. Candidate genes were identified via comparative analysis of homologous genes in Arabidopsis and rice, and their functions were validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The results revealed 35,430 high-quality SNPs, 16 of which were significantly correlated. Within 50 kb upstream and downstream of the identified SNPs, 46 associated genes were identified, of which six were confirmed as candidate genes. Their expression patterns indicated that Zm11ΒHSDL5 and Zm2OGO likely play negative and positive regulatory roles, respectively, in the low-temperature germination of sweet corn. Thus, we determined that these two genes are responsible for regulating the low-temperature germination of sweet corn. This study contributes valuable theoretical support for improving sweet corn breeding and may aid in the creation of specific germplasm resources geared toward enhancing low-temperature tolerance in sweet corn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potentilla supine, Potentilla multicaulis, Potentilla kleiniana and Potentilla longifolia were used as experimental materials, darkness was set for 12 h, light was set for 12 h temperature was 15, 20, 25, 30 ℃, respectively, and total darkness was set at 25 ℃, the effects of temperature and light on seed germination were studied. The results showed that the optimal germination temperature was 25 ℃ for Potentilla supine and Potentilla longifolia, the optimal germination temperature was 25-30 ℃ for Potentilla multicaulis, the optimal germination temperature was 20 ℃ for Potentilla kleiniana. Dark inhibited the seed germination of Potentilla supine and Potentilla longifolia, but dark had no effect on seed germination of Potentilla multicaulis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The lack of stable-high yielding and direct-seeded adapted varieties with better germination ability from deeper soil depth and availability of molecular markers are major limitation in achieving the maximum yield potential of rice under water and resource limited conditions. Development of high-throughput and trait-linked markers are of great interest in genomics-assisted breeding. The aim of present study was to develop and validate novel KASP (Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR) markers associated with traits improving germination and seedling vigor of deep sown direct seeded rice (DSR). Results: Out of 58 designed KASP assays, four KASP assays did not show any polymorphism in any of the eleven genetic backgrounds considered in the present study. The 54 polymorphic KASP assays were then validated for their robustness and reliability on the F1s plants developed from eight different crosses considered in the present study. The third next validation was carried out on 256 F3:F4 and 713 BC3F2:3 progenies. Finally, the reliability of the KASP assays was accessed on a set of random 50 samples from F3:F4 and 80–100 samples from BC3F2:3 progenies using the 10 random markers. From the 54 polymorphic KASP, based on the false positive rate, false negative rate, KASP utility in different genetic backgrounds and significant differences in the phenotypic values of the positive (desirable) and negative (undesirable) traits, a total of 12 KASP assays have been selected. These 12 KASP include 5 KASP on chromosome 3, 1 on chromosome 4, 3 on chromosome 7 and 3 on chromosome 8. The two SNPs lying in the exon regions of LOC_Os04g34290 and LOC_Os08g32100 led to non-synonymous mutations indicating a possible deleterious effect of the SNP variants on the protein structure. Conclusion: The present research work will provide trait-linked KASP assays, improved breeding material possessing favourable alleles and breeding material in form of expected pre-direct-seeded adapted rice varieties. The marker can be utilized in introgression program during pyramiding of valuable QTLs/genes providing adaptation to rice under DSR. The functional studies of the genes LOC_Os04g34290 and LOC_Os08g32100 possessing two validated SNPs may provide valuable information about these genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water stress can adversely affect seed germination and plant growth. Seed osmopriming is a pre-sowing treatment in which seeds are soaked in osmotic solutions to undergo the first stage of germination prior to radicle protrusion. Seed osmopriming enhances germination performance under stressful environmental conditions, making it an effective method to improve plant resistance and yield. This study analyzed the effect of seed osmopriming with polyethylene glycol (PEG) on seed germination and physiological parameters of Coronilla varia L. Priming treatments using 10% to 30% PEG enhanced germination percentage, germination vigor, germination index, vitality index, and seedling mass and reduced the time to reach 50% germination (T50). The PEG concentration that led to better results was 10%. The content of soluble proteins (SP), proline (Pro), soluble sugars (SS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in Coronilla varia L. seedlings increased with the severity of water stress. In addition, under water stress, electrolyte leakage rose, and peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities intensified, while catalase (CAT) activity increased at mild-to-moderate water stress but declined with more severe deficiency. The 10% PEG priming significantly improved germination percentage, germination vigor, germination index, vitality index, and time to 50% germination (T50) under water stress. Across the water stress gradient here tested (8 to 12% PEG), seed priming enhanced SP content, Pro content, and SOD activity in Coronilla varia L. seedlings compared to the unprimed treatments. Under 10% PEG-induced water stress, primed seedlings displayed a significantly lower MDA content and electrolyte leakage than their unprimed counterparts and exhibited significantly higher CAT and POD activities. However, under 12% PEG-induced water stress, differences in electrolyte leakage, CAT activity, and POD activity between primed and unprimed treatments were not significant. These findings suggest that PEG priming enhances the osmotic regulation and antioxidant capacity of Coronilla varia seedlings, facilitating seed germination and seedling growth and alleviating drought stress damage, albeit with reduced efficacy under severe water deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal treatment of soils to remove petroleum hydrocarbons alters soil properties in ways that limit germination potential for plants used in revegetation efforts. However, recent studies have shown that a char material with the potential to offset fertility-reducing effects is produced by the pyrolysis of hydrocarbons during treatment. In this study, seedling emergence and growth (14 days) of two plant species, soybean (Glycine max) and oat (Avena sativa), were evaluated in four soils of contrasting properties treated with 5% (by mass) oil addition and two levels of salt addition. Three temperatures (300, 425, and 550°C) of thermal desorption (TD) and one smolder remediation approach were employed to remove the oil prior to planting. Results indicate that seedling response to temperature of thermal treatment and salt addition is dependent both upon plant species and soil properties. Higher temperatures were necessary to remove crude oil to levels low enough to allow germination. The smoldering approach did not remove enough oil to allow germination. This is the first study to show that early shoot mass and root mass are improved following TD treatment compared with an untreated control under certain conditions. The outcomes will be valuable for designing TD treatments when revegetation is the goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we attempted to use melatonin combined with germination treatment to remove pesticide residues from contaminated grains. High levels of pesticide residues were detected in soybean seeds after soaking with chlorothalonil (10 mM) and malathion (1 mM) for 2 hours. Treatment with 50 μM melatonin for 5 days completely removed the pesticide residues, while in the control group, only 61–71% of pesticide residues were removed from soybean sprouts. Compared with the control, melatonin treatment for 7 days further increased the content of ascorbic acid (by 48–66%), total phenolics (by 52–68%), isoflavones (by 22–34%), the total antioxidant capacity (by 37–40%), and the accumulated levels of unsaturated fatty acids (C18:1, C18:2, and C18:3) (by 17–30%) in soybean sprouts. Moreover, melatonin treatment further increased the accumulation of ten components of phenols and isoflavones in soybean sprouts relative to those in the control. The ability of melatonin to accelerate the degradation of pesticide residues and promote the accumulation of antioxidant metabolites might be related to its ability to trigger the glutathione detoxification system in soybean sprouts. Melatonin promoted glutathione synthesis (by 49–139%) and elevated the activities of glutathione-S-transferase (by 24–78%) and glutathione reductase (by 38–61%). In summary, we report a new method in which combined treatment by melatonin and germination rapidly degrades pesticide residues in contaminated grains and improves the nutritional quality of food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chufa flour can be used as a supplement to cereal flour to increase its calcium content. Many studies have shown that chufa tubers have high nutritional value. Results: The carotenoid contents of the tubers ranged from 0.270 (roasting) to 1.897 μg/g (germination). The total flavonoid contents of chufa tuber were recorded between 4.60 and 17.93 mg CE/100 g. According to the results obtained, oil yield was determined between 12.55% (germination) and 18.05% (roasting). The protein content of the chufa tuber was found to be 16.60% in the germinated sample with the highest value. Potassium (3792.67–8384.85), sulfur (975.74–1804.01), phosphorus (944.08–1256.78), and magnesium (504.45–672.82 ppm) are the main inorganic components of ash in the samples examined. The highest carotenoid content in the oil was observed in the germinated sample with 7084.10 μg/g, total phenol content 9.44 mgGAE/100 g, total flavonoid content 561.10 mg CE/100 g, and antioxidant activity value 32.39%. It was determined that oleic acid (70.95%–73.47%) was the dominant fatty acid. The results of tocopherol content of chufa tuber oil belong to the highest α‐tocopherol by boiling (8.91 mg/kg), roasting (9.07 mg/kg), and germinating (9.64 mg/kg). Conclusion: According to the results of the study, the germination process applied to the chufa tuber increased the protein and macro mineral content. The germination process applied to the chufa tuber increased the content of unsaturated fatty acids and tocopherol. Chufa tuber oil contains highly unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E and phenolic compounds. Due to its nutritional quality, chufa oil is recommended for consumption and industrial use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coordinated morphogenic adaptation of growing plants is critical for their survival and propagation under fluctuating environments. Plant morphogenic responses to light and warm temperatures, termed photomorphogenesis and thermomorphogenesis, respectively, have been extensively studied in recent decades. During photomorphogenesis, plants actively reshape their growth and developmental patterns to cope with changes in light regimes. Accordingly, photomorphogenesis is closely associated with diverse growth hormonal cues. Notably, accumulating evidence indicates that light‐directed morphogenesis is profoundly affected by two recently identified phytochemicals, karrikins (KARs) and strigolactones (SLs). KARs and SLs are structurally related butenolides acting as signaling molecules during a variety of developmental steps, including seed germination. Their receptors and signaling mediators have been identified, and associated working mechanisms have been explored using gene‐deficient mutants in various plant species. Of particular interest is that the KAR and SL signaling pathways play important roles in environmental responses, among which their linkages with photomorphogenesis are most comprehensively studied during seedling establishment. In this review, we focus on how the phytochemical and light signals converge on the optimization of morphogenic fitness. We also discuss molecular mechanisms underlying the signaling crosstalks with an aim of developing potential ways to improve crop productivity under climate changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat is a vital crop globally, essential for agriculture, economics, and food security. However, in arid and semi-arid conditions, wheat production faces significant challenges due to low water availability, uneven rainfall distribution, and high soil salinity. The germination and early seedling stages are particularly vulnerable to these stresses. Therefore, this study assessed 15 wheat genotypes for their tolerance to salinity stress during early growth stages, using a hydroponic system with four salt stress levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM NaCl). Significant differences were observed for genotype and salinity main effects and their interaction on all investigated traits, indicating considerable variability in the response to salt stress among the investigated wheat cultivars. High NaCl concentrations led to substantial reductions in measured parameters across genotypes, with some showing resilience while others exhibited heightened sensitivity. Stress tolerance indices, such as mean productivity (MP), geometric mean productivity (GMP), harmonic mean (HM), stress tolerance index (STI) and yield index (YI), were identified as reliable indicators for selecting salt-tolerant wheat cultivars. Consequently, Sidi Okba (G11), Ziad (G12), Tamezghida (G13) and Zidane (G14) emerged as the most promising, displaying acceptable performance under both non-stress and salt-stress conditions. These genotypes could serve as valuable genetic resources for breeding programs aimed at enhancing wheat's salinity tolerance, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The micronutrient Zinc (Zn) is essential for the proper growth and development of crops. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs) and fine particles are presented as an emerging alternative to more traditional fertilizers. In this study, the possible toxic effect of four laboratory-synthesized ZnO NPs and fine particles with different characteristics on tomato seed germination and vigor parameters was examined in comparison to bulk ZnO. Different metal precursors were used for the chemical synthesis of the particles: Zn(NO3)2 and ZnSO4, for particles named NIT-. and SUL-., respectively. In addition, the synthesis process was modified to obtain coated particles (denoted as UW-, NIT-UW and SUL-UW) and washed particles (denoted as W-, NIT-W and SUL-W). These particles were applied at different toxic doses (0, 1.4, 2.8, 5.6 and 11.2 g L−1). The results indicated that although the constant contact time between the ZnO particles did not affect the germination capacity of the seeds, it affected the growth of roots and hypocotyls, with a higher impact on the roots' development. This toxicity was more evident from the lowest particle dose used, although it did not prevent radicle and hypocotyl elongation during the development period studied (14 days). The synthesized coated particles (NIT-UW, SUL-UW) generated high toxicity on radicle and hypocotyl development, and this effect was observed from the first days of contact with the particles. The observed toxic effects on radicle length were minimized by the application of bulk ZnO particles. In the case of hypocotyl growth, these minor toxic effects were observed by using NIT-W particles and bulk ZnO. The possibility of positive effects on seed germination and development (radicle and hypocotyl length) when in continuous contact with ZnO, whether in fine particles, nanoparticles, or bulk sizes, was excluded. Furthermore, no benefits on germination parameters were observed by suppressing the final washing step in the particle's synthesis process, suggesting that particle coating did not provide any advantage for seed germination under these continuous contact conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Berberis amurensis var. latifolia Nakai is a plant native to the Ulleung Island in Korea. In this study, we aimed to identify seed dormancy-breaking and germination requirements of this species using water imbibition experiments, gibberellic acid (GA3) treatment (0, 10, 100, or 1000 mg/L), cold stratification (0, 2, 4, 8, or 12 weeks at 5 °C), move-along experiments, and phenological studies. In the water imbibition experiment, the seed weight increased by more than 120% after 24 h. Analysis of the internal morphological characteristics of the seeds revealed that the embryo in freshly matured seeds was fully grown and did not grow thereafter. The final germination percentages after 12 weeks of cold stratification at 5 °C were 49 ± 6.4% and 63 ± 3.4% under light and dark conditions, respectively. In move-along and phenological studies, a longer cold stratification treatment period resulted in a higher germination percentage; however, the warm stratification treatment did not affect germination significantly. The GA3 treatment had little effect on seed germination. Therefore, we concluded that B. amurensis var. latifolia seeds have intermediate physiological dormancy, and pre-treatment with cold stratification for 12 weeks and incubation in the dark are required for effective seed propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nosema bombycis (Nb) is a pathogen causing pebrine in sericulture. Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure is a common physical disinfection method, but the mechanisms underlying UV‐based disinfection have only been studied at the population level. In this study, changes in and germination of UV‐irradiated spores were observed using Raman tweezers and phase‐contrast imaging to evaluate the effects of UV radiation on Nb spores at the single‐cell level. We found that irradiation caused the complete leakage of trehalose from individual spores. We also found that more spores leaked as the UV dose increased. There was no significant loss of intracellular biomacromolecules and no marked changes in the peaks associated with protein secondary structures. Low‐dose radiation promoted spore germination and high‐dose radiation decreased the germination rate, while the germination time did not undergo significant alterations. These results suggest that UV radiation disrupts the permeability of the inner membrane and alters the spore wall, thereby affecting the ability of the spore to sense and respond to extracellular stimuli, which further triggers germination and reduces or stops spore germination. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying conventional disinfection measures on microsporidian spores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disposal of dredged sediment from rivers and lakes is an important environmental management issue. Reuse of amended dredged sediment as planting medium for urban greening (PMUG) is a potentially valuable resource management approach. However, risks associated with heavy metals in dredged sediment, as well as its poor permeability and water retention capacity, limit its potential for reuse. In this study, we used dredged sediment to prepare PMUG by alternating aerobic and anaerobic processes, using dredged sediment from Chaohu Lake (China) as raw material. Straw, peat, and biochar were added as auxiliary materials and zeolite and superabsorbent resin as water-retaining agents. Changes in physical and chemical indices of the amended sediment were determined during planting medium preparation. Compared with the original dredged sediments, the addition of straw significantly increased the organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus content (p < 0.05). The resulting pH, conductivity, cation exchange capacity, available phosphorus, and available nitrogen of the amended sediments met Standard CJ/T 340-2016, China. The added materials also effectively stabilized the heavy metals in the sediments; the immobilization rates of Cr, Ni, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, Hg, and Cu in the amended sediments were 73–84%, 38–55%, 61–62%, 66–76%, 73–77%, 75–86%, 73–90%, and 43–51%. The addition of peat also significantly increased seed germination. The seed germination index of the amended sediments was >119%, ranging up to 173%. This study provides guidance for preparation of amended dredged sediments for use in urban greening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the effect of microplastics on terrestrial plants, the germination, growth, and oxidative stress of rice exposed to polystyrene microspheres(PS, PSC, PSN)with different surface modifications(original, carboxylated, and aminated)were investigated. The exposure concentrations were 0.2, 1, 5 mg·L-1, and 30 mg·L-1 . Inhibition of the three microplastics on germination rate and seedling root mass were in the order of PSN>PSC>PS, and the suppression of root morphology(root length, root surface area, and root projection area) was generally stronger for the two modified microspheres compared with the original one. Original PS at lower concentrations(0.2 mg·L-1 and 1 mg · L-1 )stimulated rice roots to increase defensive activity of the antioxidative system, thereby avoiding oxidative stress. With increasing concentration, the antioxidative ability of roots gradually weakened, which resulted in lipid peroxidation at 30 mg·L-1 . However, two surface-modified microplastics led to the inhibition of root antioxidative system at lower concentrations(0.2, 1 mg·L-1 ). PSC induced root oxidative stress at the highest concentration(30 mg·L-1 )alone, whereas PSN induced oxidative stress at 1 mg·L-1 . With increasing PSN concentration, oxidative stress was further intensified. Eluted substances from the rice root surface increased significantly with increasing microplastic concentration, which may be associated with the antioxidative reaction in the roots. Microplastics of PSC and PSN were observed in root surface eluates at the highest concentration(30 mg·L-1 ), and the root adsorption may result in oxidative stress and retardation in growth and development. Rice sprout was less sensitive to microplastics than roots, and the sprout weight and chlorophyll content were inhibited to a certain extent. All microplastics led to oxidative stress in sprouts at the highest concentration(30 mg ·L-1 ), whereas the differences between various treatments were not significant. The surface-modified microplastics(particularly PSN)exerted stronger negative impacts on rice seed germination, root growth, and antioxidant system compared with the original PS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black lentils contain protein, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins, as well as phytochemicals and various bioactive compounds. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation and ultrasound (US) methods are innovative technologies that can be used to increase the efficiency of the germination process in grains and legumes. To improve the nutritional value and bioactive compounds of the cookies, black lentils germinated by applying UV radiation and US technology were used in the cookie formulation. Before the germination process, UV, US, and their combination (UV+US) were applied, and pretreated and unpretreated germinated black lentil flours were used at a level of 20% in the cookie formulation. The results revealed that pretreatment application increased the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity more than the lentil sample germinated without any treatment. In addition, the pretreatments applied further reduced the amount of phytic acid in black lentils and the lowest phytic acid content was obtained with the UV–US combination. Compared to cookies containing unpretreated germinated black lentil flour, higher L* values and lower a* values were obtained in the cookie samples containing pretreated germinated black lentil flour. Cookies containing all pretreated germinated lentils generally exhibited higher Ca and K content. This study demonstrated that UV radiation and US improved the nutritional value and bioactive components of the germinated black lentil flour and the cookies in which it was used, compared to the black lentils germinated without any treatment. Practical Application: Pretreatment of black lentils with UV/US application before germination resulted in a greater increase in total phenolic content and antioxidant activity compared to the control sample. The applied pretreatments caused a further decrease in the amount of phytic acid in black lentil samples. Black lentils germinated with the UV+US combination revealed higher Ca, Fe, K, and Mg content compared to the sample germinated without any treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a summary of a special issue in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences that focuses on the potential therapeutic uses of metals and metal-containing compounds/complexes. The studies included in the special issue cover a range of topics, including the effects of vanadium on the central nervous system, the therapeutic potential of vanadium compounds, the anticancer activities of platinum prodrugs, the biological activity of copper derivatives, the antimicrobial and antitumor properties of guanidine derivatives, the CT imaging properties of polyoxometalates, the antibacterial activity of zinc complexes, and the use of UV-C radiation for seed sterilization and biofortification. The findings from these studies provide valuable information for future research on new therapeutics and clinical applications. The document concludes by stating that the information provided in the special issue will be of interest to readers interested in metals, human health, and nutrition, as well as those interested in metal interactions and diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. [Extracted from the article]

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) breeding for improved fruit quality emphasizes selecting for desirable taste and characteristics, as well as enhancing disease resistance and yield. Seed germination is the initial step in the plant life cycle and directly affects crop productivity and yield. ERECTA (ER) is a receptor-like kinase (RLK) family protein known for its involvement in diverse developmental processes. We characterized a Micro-Tom EMS mutant designated as a knock-out mutant of sler. Our research reveals that SlER plays a central role in controlling critical traits such as inflorescence development, seed number, and seed germination. The elevation in auxin levels and alterations in the expression of ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE 3 (ABI3) and ABI5 in sler seeds compared to the WT indicate that SlER modulates seed germination via auxin and abscisic acid (ABA) signaling. Additionally, we detected an increase in auxin content in the sler ovary and changes in the expression of auxin synthesis genes YUCCA flavin monooxygenases 1 (YUC1), YUC4, YUC5, and YUC6 as well as auxin response genes AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 5 (ARF5) and ARF7, suggesting that SlER regulates fruit development via auxin signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new quinazolinone alkaloid named peniquinazolinone A (1), as well as eleven known compounds, 2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenylpropionamido)-N-methylbenzamide (2), viridicatin (3), viridicatol (4), (±)-cyclopeptin (5a/5b), dehydrocyclopeptin (6), cyclopenin (7), cyclopenol (8), methyl-indole-3-carboxylate (9), 2,5-dihydroxyphenyl acetate (10), methyl m-hydroxyphenylacetate (11), and conidiogenone B (12), were isolated from the endophytic Penicillium sp. HJT-A-6. The chemical structures of all the compounds were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS. The absolute configuration at C-13 of peniquinazolinone A (1) was established by applying the modified Mosher's method. Compounds 2, 3, and 7 exhibited an optimal promoting effect on the seed germination of Rhodiola tibetica at a concentration of 0.01 mg/mL, while the optimal concentration for compounds 4 and 9 to promote Rhodiola tibetica seed germination was 0.001 mg/mL. Compound 12 showed optimal seed-germination-promoting activity at a concentration of 0.1 mg/mL. Compared with the positive drug 6-benzyladenine (6-BA), compounds 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, and 12 could extend the seed germination period of Rhodiola tibetica up to the 11th day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeds are unique time capsules that can switch between 2 complex and highly interlinked stages: seed dormancy and germination. Dormancy contributes to the survival of plants because it allows to delay germination to optimal conditions. The switch between dormancy and germination occurs in response to developmental and environmental cues. In this review we provide a comprehensive overview of studies that have helped to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying dormancy and germination over the last decades. Genetic and physiological studies provided a strong foundation for this field of research and revealed the critical role of the plant hormones abscisic acid and gibberellins in the regulation of dormancy and germination, and later natural variation studies together with quantitative genetics identified previously unknown genetic components that control these processes. Omics technologies like transcriptome, proteome, and translatomics analysis allowed us to mechanistically dissect these processes and identify new components in the regulation of seed dormancy and germination. In this review we provide a comprehensive overview of studies that have helped to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying dormancy and germination over the last decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study conducted an activation experiment on tap water using a self‐designed dielectric barrier discharge plasma field. Aged pepper seeds and seedlings were chosen as the investigation's subjects to assess plasma‐activated water (PAW's) effects on aged seed germination, seedling growth, and their respective qualities. PAW cultivation led to notable improvements in pepper seeds' germination potential and rate, with increases of 18.0% and 28.3%, respectively. Moreover, the vitality index exhibited a remarkable rise of 250.0%. Concurrently, seedlings treated with PAW exhibited significant growth enhancements, with root length, root number, stem length, and leaf area increasing by 138.6%, 69.2%, 47.9%, and 28.4 cm², respectively. Additionally, PAW treatment induces changes in endogenous substances and enzyme activities in seeds and seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crassocephalum rubens, a herb with potential anticancer properties, encounters challenges in production efficiency due to small seed size and elevated temperatures in cultivation areas. Our study investigates the effects of seed pelleting and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) on germination and seedling growth across temperature variations in Taiwan. Pelleted seeds demonstrate superior germination percentages linked to enhanced seed quality. Elevated temperature, particularly at 30/25 °C, enhanced germination performance, with the highest final germination percentage observed in pelleted seeds treated with water. Unexpectedly, PGPB strains—Klebsiella sp. KsGRB10 and Bacillus sp. BsGFB04—exhibited limited impact on germination rates, showing a marginal increase in seedling growth under 25/20 °C and 30/25 °C, respectively. Air temperature fluctuations influenced seedling vigor, leaf color, and physiological parameters. Remarkably, inoculation with BsGFB04 and KsGRB10 enhanced C. rubens' tolerance to high-temperature stress conditions. Diurnal measurements in week 4, under 25/20 °C, reveal that PGPB inoculation decreased stomatal conductance and transpiration rate while maintaining the quantum yield of PSII, indicating potentially improved water-use efficiency. This study provides crucial insights into the interplay among PGPB, environmental stress, and the physiology of a wild species, paving the way for further research in the domestication of C. rubens for medicinal herb mass production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed coating techniques had emerged as a promising approach for precise planting and safeguarding crops against environmental stresses. Simultaneously, infrared drying, renowned for its cost-effectiveness and efficiency, held promises for enhancing the quality of drying processes. This investigation delved into the procedures applied to Khao Dawk Mali 105 rice seeds during the coating and drying process using a prototype of the hexagonal drum. The results found that the drying temperature (factor B) and duration of drying time (factor C) had substantial primary effects (p ≤ 0.05), while the drum rotational speed (factor A) did not exert a noteworthy influence. Additionally, meaningful interactions were observed among the factors AB, AC, BC, and ABC. Impressively, it resulted in germination rates of 80.56 and 80.25 %, coupled with germination indices of 84.88 and 85.47 %, when utilizing a drum speed of 20 rpm, a drying temperature of 45 °C, and a drying time of 8 min (R-204508), and a drum speed of 10 rpm, a drying temperature of 45 °C, and a drying time of 8 min (R-104508), respectively. Additionally, the mean germination time amounted to 9.64 days, and the length of the rice seedling stem reached 13.66 cm when employing a drum speed of 20 rpm, a drying temperature of 50 °C, and a drying time of 8 min (R-205008). These discoveries emphasized the potential of the prototype's seed coating and infrared drying technology integration to improve rice germination and subsequent growth. This enhancement could ultimately result in higher yields and increased productivity, especially in small-scale agricultural settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]