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This work focuses on brewer's spent grain (BSG) slow pyrolysis and examines the influence of the pyrolysis temperatures on the BSG biochar properties. The BSG biochar suitability as an energy vector, emphasizing its potential as a biofuel, was evaluated. Moreover, the biochar effects on lentil sprout germination were assessed, having practical implications for industries involved in seed production, nursery operations, and crop cultivation. Pyrolysis tests at 673, 773, and 873 K were carried out. Bioenergy indexes were calculated, and germination tests were carried out to obtain lentil sprouts. The BSG biochar obtained at 673 K presented the best performance for use as biofuel. Regarding the germination tests, the different biochar was applied at 4 doses, and the addition of biochar strongly influenced the evaluated parameters. The biochar obtained at 773 K and added at a dose of 5% doubled the values of mean germination time, seed vigor, and time for 50% of the seeds to emerge compared to the control, constituted only with distilled water. This evaluation adds a novel aspect providing valuable insights into the optimal pyrolysis conditions for producing BSG biochar, considering its use as an energy vector and substrate to obtain lentil sprouts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study assessed sustainable solutions for organic waste management, focusing on biochar derived from kitchen waste. The characteristics and phytotoxicity effects of biochar produced from four different types of kitchen waste were investigated in view of potential agricultural applications. Analysis of the chemical and physical properties of the different biochar samples by X-ray fluorescence and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed a nutrient-rich composition with carbon, calcium, and potassium contents that ranged from 35 to 48%, from 1.6 to 24%, and from 1.5 to 28.5%, respectively. In phytotoxicity tests, the highest germination rate (45%) was observed with Coffee residue biochar obtained at 300 °C (application rate of 1%) and the longest shoot length (25 cm) with orange peel biochar obtained at 300 °C (application rate of 1%). Germination rate and shoot length were not significantly different between biochar-exposed soils and control soils (without biochar), indicating no toxic effect due to biochar addition. Washing biochar improved germination rates significantly (control: 98%; potato peel biochar: 92%; banana peel biochar: 83%). The longest shoot length (8.3 cm) was obtained with the washed potato peel biochar (pyrolysis temperature = 400 °C) extract. These findings suggest that biochar can be safely used as a soil amendment without harming the environment or hindering plant growth. The Tukey honestly significant difference (HSD) test results further emphasized the influence of different factors, such as pyrolysis temperature and feedstock type, in biochar applications.

Abstract Background Since traditional germination test methods have drawbacks such as slow efficiency, proneness to error, and damage to seeds, a non-destructive testing method is proposed for full-process germination of radish seeds, which improves the monitoring efficiency of seed quality. Results Based on YOLOv8n, a lightweight test model YOLOv8-R is proposed, where the number of parameters, the amount of calculation, and size of weights are significantly reduced by replacing the backbone network with PP-LCNet, the neck part with CCFM, the C2f of the neck part with OREPA, the SPPF with FocalModulation, and the Detect of the head part with LADH. The ablation test and comparative test prove the performance of the model. With adoption of germination rate, germination index, and germination potential as the three vitality indicators, the seed germination phenotype collection system and YOLOv8-R model are used to analyze the full time-series sequence effects of different ZnO NPs concentrations on germination of radish seeds under varying degrees of salt stress. Conclusions The results show that salt stress inhibits the germination of radish seeds and that the inhibition effect is more obvious with the increased concentration of NaCl solution; in cultivation with deionized water, the germination rate of radish seeds does not change significantly with increased concentration of ZnO NPs, but the germination index and germination potential increase initially and then decline; in cultivation with NaCl solution, the germination rate, germination potential and germination index of radish seeds first increase and then decline with increased concentration of ZnO NPs.

When exploring the challenges of restoring degraded lakes, we often do not observe the expected results despite executing all planned activities. Our study elucidates the reasons that impede the recovery of submerged macrophytes despite ameliorated light conditions. When prolonged lake degradation occurs, subsequent efforts to increase light availability often prove insufficient, resulting in a persistent turbid water state. In this study, we attempted to determine the reasons for these failures through a germination test and propagule bank analysis conducted in bottom sediments from a severely degraded lake, which underwent restoration. Although the bottom sediments indicate relative potential in the number of oospores and seeds, their germination efficacy remained dismally low. Based on the germination test results and factors affecting the development of submergedmacrophytes (physical and chemical parameters, lakemorphology), we stated that improvement of light conditions in the lake could be insufficient to recover the vegetation, especially when the potential to renew diverse plant communities from sediments naturally is low. Our findings advocate for a paradigmatic shift in lake restoration strategies. A holistic approach that includes propagule bank assessments before embarking on restoration initiatives and enabling the identification of macrophyte resurgence potentials is recommended. We also advocate for a multifaceted restoration framework, emphasizing the indispensability of augmenting natural recovery mechanisms with targeted interventions. Consequently, in some cases, macrophyte reintroduction could be the only solution. By reintroducing autochthonic species to site-specific ecological dynamics, we anticipate an increased success rate in restituting submerged vegetation, thus catalyzing ecological regeneration within degraded lake ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since traditional germination test methods have drawbacks such as slow efficiency, proneness to error, and damage to seeds, a non-destructive testing method is proposed for full-process germination of radish seeds, which improves the monitoring efficiency of seed quality. Results: Based on YOLOv8n, a lightweight test model YOLOv8-R is proposed, where the number of parameters, the amount of calculation, and size of weights are significantly reduced by replacing the backbone network with PP-LCNet, the neck part with CCFM, the C2f of the neck part with OREPA, the SPPF with FocalModulation, and the Detect of the head part with LADH. The ablation test and comparative test prove the performance of the model. With adoption of germination rate, germination index, and germination potential as the three vitality indicators, the seed germination phenotype collection system and YOLOv8-R model are used to analyze the full time-series sequence effects of different ZnO NPs concentrations on germination of radish seeds under varying degrees of salt stress. Conclusions: The results show that salt stress inhibits the germination of radish seeds and that the inhibition effect is more obvious with the increased concentration of NaCl solution; in cultivation with deionized water, the germination rate of radish seeds does not change significantly with increased concentration of ZnO NPs, but the germination index and germination potential increase initially and then decline; in cultivation with NaCl solution, the germination rate, germination potential and germination index of radish seeds first increase and then decline with increased concentration of ZnO NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ailanthus altissima, an invasive plant species, exhibits pharmacological properties, but also some allergic effects on humans. This study aimed to evaluate the potential toxicity of A. altissima leaves, using a complex approach towards different organisms. The ecotoxic impact of a crude extract was investigated on seeds germination and brine shrimp lethality. Cytotoxicity was studied in vitro using non-target (haemolysis, liposomal model, fibroblast), and target (cancer cells) assays. Leaf extract at 1000 µg/mL significantly inhibited wheat and tomato germination, while no significant effects were found on parsley germination. A slight stimulatory effect on wheat and tomato germination was found at 125 µg/mL. In a brine shrimp-test, the extract showed a low toxicity at 24 h post-exposure (LC50 = 951.04 ± 28.26 μg/mL), the toxic effects increasing with the exposure time and extract concentration. Leaf extract caused low hematotoxicity. The extract was biocompatible with human gingival fibroblasts. No anti-proliferative effect was found within the concentration range of 10–500 µg/mL on malignant melanoma (MeWo) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2). In a liposomal model-test, the extract proved to possess low capability to alter the eukaryotic cell-mimicking membranes within the tested concentration range. Given the low to moderate toxicity on tested organisms/cells, the A. altissima autumn leaves may find useful applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract To study the effect of different high-voltage electric field polarisation treatment process parameters on the viability of seeds of dried chili peppers. In this study, a high-voltage electrostatic polarisation treatment system was constructed to carry out experiments on the effects of different high-voltage electric field polarisation treatment process parameters on the viability of dried chili seeds. Conduct one-way tests to determine the preferred polarisation method and the preferred interval for output voltage and polarisation time. Two-factor, five-level central combination test with output voltage and polarization time as test factors and seed conductivity as a response indicator. Determining the better combination of parameters for output voltage and polarization time; Conducting seed germination trials to validate the effectiveness of the polarisation process. The results of the one-way test showed that: Negative-voltage polarisation was more effective than positive-voltage polarisation and alternating positive–negative-voltage polarisation in promoting seed vigor, with a better output voltage in the range of 10–14 kV, and a better polarisation time in the range of 20–40 s; The results of orthogonal tests showed that: Under the condition of negative voltage polarisation treatment, the output voltage of 12.08 kV and polarisation time of 30.32 s was the better parameter combination, at which the seed conductivity was minimum 159.87 uS/(cm g). Analyzing the function of cell membrane selective semi-permeability by seed conductivity change and revealing the mechanism of seed viability enhancement by high voltage electric field polarisation treatment; In the seed germination test, compared with the control group, seed germination potential increased by 9.09%, germination rate increased by 20.45%, germination index increased by 3.49, and vigor index increased by 41.66 under high-voltage electrostatic polarisation treatment, and all vigor indexes were significantly improved. The results of this study can provide a basis for the selection of processes and parameters for subsequent high-voltage electric field polarisation treatment of crop seeds.

Accumulated evidence indicates that species with small, rounded seeds predominantly maintain a persistent soil seed bank, while those having larger and less isodiametric seeds have a transient seed bank. We assumed that species in certain special habitats may be exceptions to this rule. In habitats with sandy soil and open vegetation, the seeds do not necessarily have to penetrate the deeper soil layers through cracks in the soil. Instead, the seeds can become buried by a windblown layer of sand, thus seed morphology does not really affect the burial process. To test our hypothesis, we selected five semi-desert shrubs and one perennial herb of open sandy grasslands, all of which had large and flattened seeds. For each species, 12 repetitions of 50 seeds were buried in the soil. Seeds were recovered after 3, 20 and 26 months of burial and subjected to germination tests. Seeds of each species germinated in all test occasions, with final germination as follows: Atriplex canescens 89.0%, Haloxylon ammodendron 11.5%, H. persicum 11.5%, Pteropyrum aucheri 43.5%, Xylosalsola richteri 12.0% and Asclepias syriaca 26.0%. The results confirm the hypothesis that each of the six species is capable of forming a persistent soil seed bank. The results also show that in habitats where seed burial can take place passively through windblown soil, plant species might bypass the tradeoff between seed size/shape and seed longevity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the effect of different high-voltage electric field polarisation treatment process parameters on the viability of seeds of dried chili peppers. In this study, a high-voltage electrostatic polarisation treatment system was constructed to carry out experiments on the effects of different high-voltage electric field polarisation treatment process parameters on the viability of dried chili seeds. Conduct one-way tests to determine the preferred polarisation method and the preferred interval for output voltage and polarisation time. Two-factor, five-level central combination test with output voltage and polarization time as test factors and seed conductivity as a response indicator. Determining the better combination of parameters for output voltage and polarization time; Conducting seed germination trials to validate the effectiveness of the polarisation process. The results of the one-way test showed that: Negative-voltage polarisation was more effective than positive-voltage polarisation and alternating positive–negative-voltage polarisation in promoting seed vigor, with a better output voltage in the range of 10–14 kV, and a better polarisation time in the range of 20–40 s; The results of orthogonal tests showed that: Under the condition of negative voltage polarisation treatment, the output voltage of 12.08 kV and polarisation time of 30.32 s was the better parameter combination, at which the seed conductivity was minimum 159.87 uS/(cm g). Analyzing the function of cell membrane selective semi-permeability by seed conductivity change and revealing the mechanism of seed viability enhancement by high voltage electric field polarisation treatment; In the seed germination test, compared with the control group, seed germination potential increased by 9.09%, germination rate increased by 20.45%, germination index increased by 3.49, and vigor index increased by 41.66 under high-voltage electrostatic polarisation treatment, and all vigor indexes were significantly improved. The results of this study can provide a basis for the selection of processes and parameters for subsequent high-voltage electric field polarisation treatment of crop seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed quality is extremely important for the entire production chain, given that good quality seeds contribute to obtaining vigorous and productive plants. For this reason, it is necessary to evaluate the quality of batches through vigor tests to complement the results obtained from the standard germination test. Because snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is propagated through seed, this work was undertaken to standardize the methodology of accelerated aging test for snap bean seed compared to the standard germination test to differentiate batches in terms of physiological quality. The study utilized the cvs "Top Seed" and "Feltrin," with 48, 72 or 96 h exposure periods and temperatures ranging from 15 to 40°C. There were four replications of 50 seeds for each condition. During the germination test, the percentage of first germination count and total germination were analyzed, and the vigor was expressed as a percentage during the accelerated aging test. The accelerated aging test for snap bean seed should be conducted at a temperature of 41°C, with an exposure period of 72 h, considering that this methodology allows differentiating seed batches in terms of physiological quality, contributing to decision-making in the seed production chain. The accelerated aging test was more efficient than the standard germination test in differentiating batches of snap bean seed, proving to be a possible alternative to evaluating the physiological quality of batches of snap bean seed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eleocharis carniolica W.D.J. Koch (Cyperaceae) is an endangered wetland spike rush mainly threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation. Understanding the germination ecology of this species is essential to perform successful conservation and restoration actions. In this study, we investigated the effect of vernalization (i.e. cold stratification), gibberellic acid (GA3) and chemical scarification on seed germination of E. carniolica from wild populations in northern Italy. The results showed that vernalization (i.e. 8-weeks at 4 °C) significantly improved germination probability, speed, and uniformity compared to non-stratified seeds. Gibberellic acid treatment alone or in combination with vernalization did not show a significant improvement in germination. Chemical scarification using sodium hypochlorite increased germination probability, with 8 h of scarification showing the highest success rate. However, 24-h scarification had a negative impact on germination. Overall, vernalization was found to be the most effective method to enhance germination in E. carniolica. These findings provide valuable insights into the seed germination ecology of this endangered species, aiding in its exsitu conservation, propagation, and in-situ restoration efforts. Moreover, they have important implications on future germination dynamics of this endangered species, especially with predicted climate change scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sapium sebiferum is a tree with socioeconomic, environmental, and medicinal value. S. sebiferum seeds possess physiological dormancy, which is induced by endogenous inhibitors and can be broken by cold stratification. However, the putative spatiotemporal changes in inhibitor activity are currently unknown, which can hinder the propagation of S. sebiferum seeds. The objective of this study was to investigate the spatiotemporal dynamics of inhibitor activity and its effect on germination during the cold stratification of S. sebiferum seeds. An extractant consisting of 80% methanol was used to extract the inhibitory substance from the seed coat and endosperm at different stages of cold stratification. The extract was then applied to both the Chinese cabbage seeds and excised embryos of S. sebiferum. The germination percentage and germination index were used to assess the inhibitor activity of S. sebiferum seeds. The germination of non-stratified S. sebiferum seeds was completely inhibited (0% germination). As the stratification duration was extended, the germination percentage of S. sebiferum seeds gradually increased. However, dormancy persisted until the stratification duration reached 120 d; at this point, the mean germination was 81.3%. The germination test on Chinese cabbage seeds revealed a significant increase from 10.0% (stratified for 0 d) to 91.2% (stratified for 120 d) when treated with endosperm extracts. The germination indexes also increased from 0.0 to 40.3, indicating a decrease in the inhibitory activity of endosperm extracts. The seed coat extracting solution showed varying dynamic changes. The lowest germination was observed after 60 d of stratification, with no significant differences among the results of 0 d, 30 d, and 60 d. However, after stratification for 90 d, the germination percentage of Chinese cabbage seeds increased. The germination percentage of excised embryos exhibited similar changes to those of Chinese cabbage seeds. This study discovered that endogenous inhibitors were present in both the seed coat and endosperm of S. sebiferum seeds, and the inhibitor activity was higher in the endosperm. The spatiotemporal patterns of inhibitor activity suggest that the endogenous inhibitors move from the endosperm to the seed coat during early cold stratification stages, aiding in the physiological dormancy release of S. sebiferum seeds. These findings enhance our understanding of seed biology in S. sebiferum and will facilitate high-efficiency seed propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When exploring the challenges of restoring degraded lakes, we often do not observe the expected results despite executing all planned activities. Our study elucidates the reasons that impede the recovery of submerged macrophytes despite ameliorated light conditions. When prolonged lake degradation occurs, subsequent efforts to increase light availability often prove insufficient, resulting in a persistent turbid water state. In this study, we attempted to determine the reasons for these failures through a germination test and propagule bank analysis conducted in bottom sediments from a severely degraded lake, which underwent restoration. Although the bottom sediments indicate relative potential in the number of oospores and seeds, their germination efficacy remained dismally low. Based on the germination test results and factors affecting the development of submerged macrophytes (physical and chemical parameters, lake morphology), we stated that improvement of light conditions in the lake could be insufficient to recover the vegetation, especially when the potential to renew diverse plant communities from sediments naturally is low. Our findings advocate for a paradigmatic shift in lake restoration strategies. A holistic approach that includes propagule bank assessments before embarking on restoration initiatives and enabling the identification of macrophyte resurgence potentials is recommended. We also advocate for a multifaceted restoration framework, emphasizing the indispensability of augmenting natural recovery mechanisms with targeted interventions. Consequently, in some cases, macrophyte reintroduction could be the only solution. By reintroducing autochthonic species to site-specific ecological dynamics, we anticipate an increased success rate in restituting submerged vegetation, thus catalyzing ecological regeneration within degraded lake ecosystems.

Purpose The main objective of this study was to assess the physiochemical properties and phytotoxicity of compost made from different organic waste materials sourced from local markets. Methods The Stack pile composting was carried out with market waste, sawdust, rice straw, and swine manure in four different combinations. Parameters such as temperature, pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and heavy metal concentrations were monitored. Germination test with water extracts of the composts was done to assess phytotoxicity of the composts. Results All compost piles recorded temperatures of 38 °C slightly above the recorded ambient temperature of 34 °C at the start of composting. The pH value ranged from 7.12 to 8.2 for the different compost types. The total organic carbon and total nitrogen values ranged from 27.05â31.06 to 0.77â0.97%, respectively. The total phosphorus and total potassium values ranged from 0.2â1.87 to 0.39â2.3%, respectively, for different compost types. The C/N ratio values ranged from 29.09:1 to 36.22:1. All the composts had heavy metal concentrations below the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment standards. Germination indices, a measure of plant vs supporting potential, ranged from 80 to 99% for Solanum lycopersicum, 170 to 198% for Cucumis sativus, and 114 to 166% for Brassica oleracea. Conclusion The study confirms the notion that composting municipal solid waste is a viable organic waste management strategy, and with the potential to enhance waste management system, while promoting cultivation of vegetables for food security.

ABSTRACT Tephrosia egregia Sandwith is a species that develops in some States of the Northeast region of Brazil. It is propagated by seeds and has considerable potential for restoration. Thus, studies related to seed germination are important for the species. The aims were to characterize the post-seminal development and evaluate the germination response of the seeds under different temperatures and water stress and salt stress. Germination tests were performed at 20, 25, 30 and 20-30 °C and under PEG 6000 and NaCl concentrations (-0.2, -0.4, -0.6 and -0.8 MPa). The germination test should be conducted in a paper roll at 25 ºC for 14 days. Seed germination declines from the water potential of -0.2 MPa on; the species is sensitive to water stress. Under salt stress, there is more accentuated decline in germination as from -0.4 MPa, and this is an indication have a certain tolerance to salinity.

Industrial textile discharges are widespread causes of water pollution that threaten the ecosystem and health. This research paper focuses on the removal of the two toxic dyes methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV) by muscovite clay (Mus-C) while studying the selectivity, sensitivity, and different possible interactions to understand the adsorption mechanism. The Mus-C material was characterized by several instrumental techniques including XRD, FTIR, SEM-EDX, TGA/DTA, pHpzc, and Boehm surface functions. The high efficiency of muscovite clay is reflected by the high adsorption rates of MB and CV dyes which are about 98.25% and 99.7% respectively, under 25 °C, pH = 6, dye concentration 70 mg L−1, and adsorbent dose 1.5 g L−1. The kinetics and isotherm of adsorption of MB and CV on Mus-C follow pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models with monolayer adsorption capacities of 66.95 mg g−1 and 69.54 mg g−1 respectively. The thermodynamic characteristics demonstrate that the process is spontaneous, physical, and endothermic. The MB and CV adsorption rate values predicted by the response surface approach were consistent with the experimental values which are in the order of 99.98% and 99.89% respectively. The performance of the Mus-C material according to the tomato bean germination test and its high regeneration capacity in several cycles shows that the adsorption process is a promising and effective technology in the treatment of complex wastewater.

Sapium sebiferum is a tree with socioeconomic, environmental, and medicinal value. S. sebiferum seeds possess physiological dormancy, which is induced by endogenous inhibitors and can be broken by cold stratification. However, the putative spatiotemporal changes in inhibitor activity are currently unknown, which can hinder the propagation of S. sebiferum seeds. The objective of this study was to investigate the spatiotemporal dynamics of inhibitor activity and its effect on germination during the cold stratification of S. sebiferum seeds. An extractant consisting of 80% methanol was used to extract the inhibitory substance from the seed coat and endosperm at different stages of cold stratification. The extract was then applied to both the Chinese cabbage seeds and excised embryos of S. sebiferum. The germination percentage and germination index were used to assess the inhibitor activity of S. sebiferum seeds. The germination of non-stratified S. sebiferum seeds was completely inhibited (0% germination). As the stratification duration was extended, the germination percentage of S. sebiferum seeds gradually increased. However, dormancy persisted until the stratification duration reached 120 d; at this point, the mean germination was 81.3%. The germination test on Chinese cabbage seeds revealed a significant increase from 10.0% (stratified for 0 d) to 91.2% (stratified for 120 d) when treated with endosperm extracts. The germination indexes also increased from 0.0 to 40.3, indicating a decrease in the inhibitory activity of endosperm extracts. The seed coat extracting solution showed varying dynamic changes. The lowest germination was observed after 60 d of stratification, with no significant differences among the results of 0 d, 30 d, and 60 d. However, after stratification for 90 d, the germination percentage of Chinese cabbage seeds increased. The germination percentage of excised embryos exhibited similar changes to those of Chinese cabbage seeds. This study discovered that endogenous inhibitors were present in both the seed coat and endosperm of S. sebiferum seeds, and the inhibitor activity was higher in the endosperm. The spatiotemporal patterns of inhibitor activity suggest that the endogenous inhibitors move from the endosperm to the seed coat during early cold stratification stages, aiding in the physiological dormancy release of S. sebiferum seeds. These findings enhance our understanding of seed biology in S. sebiferum and will facilitate high-efficiency seed propagation.

Featured Application: The use of microwaves in drying has been the subject of studies in the post-harvest sector. Some authors have identified damage to the seeds because of microwaves, while others have found promising results for the technique. This study verified that the use of microwaves can be safe if the appropriate temperature and power conditions are applied. In this work, readers will also be able to verify that the use of electromagnetic energy can also be more economical and efficient, as it greatly reduces the drying time, in addition to being possible to increase germination during the process, which is highly desirable. In addition to the temperature x power binomial, water content is another variable that can affect the process. This should be a stimulus for further research and studies in the area that address a broader spectrum of varieties and water content to that the technique can be safer to the point that its use reaches the public. The use of electromagnetic energy for drying seeds has been shown to be a promising alternative. However, studies show that the technique still lacks careful evaluation due to the sensitivity of soybean seeds to damage caused using microwaves. Studies have shown that the use of microwaves during drying can be safe in seeds of soybeans, corn, and beans, among others. These studies recognize that drying using microwaves has a great potential for savings in the drying process, as it considerably reduces the drying time. This work aimed to evaluate the immediate damage caused in soybean seeds subjected to drying at temperatures of 40, 50, and 60 °C, with power of 0, 0.5, and 1 W/g at a frequency of 2.45 GHz. The results of the vigor and germination tests showed that the action of microwaves on seeds was not only safe and more efficient but also brought about increases in seed germination and vigor. However, the process must be judicious and obey precise indices of power and temperature to not cause damage to the seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Commission requested EFSA to provide an assessment of the processing conditions which make Ambrosia seeds non‐viable in feed materials and compound feed. This assessment also includes information on a reliable procedure to verify the non‐viability of the seeds. Ambrosia seeds are known contaminants in feed with maximum levels set in the Directive 2002/32/EC. The manufacturing processes and processing conditions applied to the feed may affect the viability of the Ambrosia seeds. Therefore, the CONTAM Panel compared these conditions with conditions that have been shown to be sufficient to render Ambrosia seeds non‐viable. The Panel concluded with a certainty of 99–100% that solvent extraction and toasting of oilseed meals at temperatures of 120°C with steam injection for 10 min or more will make Ambrosia seeds non‐viable. Since milling/grinding feed materials for compound feed of piglets, aquatic species and non‐food producing animals would not allow particles of sizes ≥1 mm (the minimum size of viable Ambrosia seeds) passing the grinding process it was considered very likely (with ≥ 90% certainty) that these feeds will not contain viable Ambrosia seeds. In poultry, pig, and possibly cattle feed, particle sizes are ≥ 1 mm and therefore Ambrosia seeds could likely (66–90% certainty) survive the grinding process. Starch and gluten either from corn or wheat wet milling would not contain Ambrosia seeds with 99–100% certainty. Finally, ensiling fresh forages contaminated with A. artemisiifolia seeds for more than 3 months is very likely to render all seeds non‐viable. The Panel concluded that a combination of the germination test and a subsequent triphenyl‐tetrazolium‐chloride (TTC) test will very likely (with ≥ 90% certainty) verify the non‐viability of Ambrosia seeds. The Panel recommends that data on the presence of viable Ambrosia seeds before and after the different feed production processes should be generated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Notorious invasive Bohemian knotweed Reynoutria × bohemica Chrtek et Chrtková is a hybrid of two species, Reynoutria japonica Houtt. and Reynoutria sachalinensis (F. S. Petrop.) Nakai in T. Mori which spontaneously developed in Europe, outside the natural distribution of its parental species. Its success could potentially lie in its allelopathic activity, which was confirmed in a number of experiments conducted with the leaf and root exudates, testing their effect on the germination and growth of various test plants. Here, we tested its allelopathic potential using different concentrations of leaf exudates on two test plants, Triticum aestivum L. and Sinapis alba L., in Petri dishes and pots with soil and by growing test plants in the soil sampled in knotweed stands on the edges of stands and outside of stands. Tests in Petri dishes and pots with soil to which leaf exudates were added have shown a decrease in germination and growth in comparison to the control, hence confirming the allelopathic effect. However, this was not confirmed in a test with in situ soil samples, where no statistically significant differences were observed, neither in the growth of test plants nor in the chemical characteristics (pH, soil organic matter, humus content) of the soil. Therefore, the persistence of Bohemian knotweed at already invaded sites could be attributed to its efficient use of resources (light and nutrients) through which it outcompetes native plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of natural biopesticides, specifically essential oils, is being explored as an alternative solution to protect stored foodstuffs. This study focuses on a formulation of phosphogypsum–Pinus halepensis essential oil as a pesticidal product. First, the essential oil chemical composition was determined using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), while the phosphogypsum (waste from the phosphate mining industry) was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric–differential thermal analysis; thus, physico-chemical properties and heavy metal contents were determined. In a second step, the preparation of the formulation consists in grafting the essential oil on the phosphogypsum (adsorption) in a cylindrical geometric shape adapted to the models applied in the bioprocesses of storage. The study of essential oil transfers in the material in the case of desorption along the axis (Oz) was carried out using analytical and numerical models of the Fickian diffusion process to understand the behavior of the oil and determine physicochemical parameters such as diffusivity (D) and evaporation flux (F). By using statistical methods such as experimental design and principal component analysis, these parameters can help explain the mechanisms involved in the insecticidal activities against the primary pest of lentils (Bruchus signaticornis) and in the parameters of lentil seed germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The European Commission requested EFSA to provide an assessment of the processing conditions which make Ambrosia seeds non‐viable in feed materials and compound feed. This assessment also includes information on a reliable procedure to verify the non‐viability of the seeds. Ambrosia seeds are known contaminants in feed with maximum levels set in the Directive 2002/32/EC. The manufacturing processes and processing conditions applied to the feed may affect the viability of the Ambrosia seeds. Therefore, the CONTAM Panel compared these conditions with conditions that have been shown to be sufficient to render Ambrosia seeds non‐viable. The Panel concluded with a certainty of 99–100% that solvent extraction and toasting of oilseed meals at temperatures of 120°C with steam injection for 10 min or more will make Ambrosia seeds non‐viable. Since milling/grinding feed materials for compound feed of piglets, aquatic species and non‐food producing animals would not allow particles of sizes ≥1 mm (the minimum size of viable Ambrosia seeds) passing the grinding process it was considered very likely (with ≥ 90% certainty) that these feeds will not contain viable Ambrosia seeds. In poultry, pig, and possibly cattle feed, particle sizes are ≥ 1 mm and therefore Ambrosia seeds could likely (66–90% certainty) survive the grinding process. Starch and gluten either from corn or wheat wet milling would not contain Ambrosia seeds with 99–100% certainty. Finally, ensiling fresh forages contaminated with A. artemisiifolia seeds for more than 3 months is very likely to render all seeds non‐viable. The Panel concluded that a combination of the germination test and a subsequent triphenyl‐tetrazolium‐chloride (TTC) test will very likely (with ≥ 90% certainty) verify the non‐viability of Ambrosia seeds. The Panel recommends that data on the presence of viable Ambrosia seeds before and after the different feed production processes should be generated.

Zanthoxylum rhetsa is a dioecious forest tree species with significant commercial value, due to its diverse culinary and pharmaceutical uses. The fruits and seeds are part of cuisine in many countries of South Eastern Asia, and it has global relevance as a component of diverse pharmaceutical products. It occurs in wild forest habitat and is facing the threat of getting endangered, due to commercial exploitation and loss of habitat. The situation warrants intervention through extensive conservation efforts for sustaining and enhancing its population. The successful establishment of Z. rhetsa tree population depends on the availability of high quality seeds, with superior growth potential. Low seed viability and vigour are pertinent issues in this species because the bulk harvest of the fruits is preferentially carried out prior to harvest maturity, for commercial use. A pre-sowing assessment of seed viability and vigour would facilitate assured plant establishment by screening out the large number of immature or deteriorated seeds. Standard seed viability assessment protocols require more than four weeks, hence, a quick viability testing protocol will be a highly beneficial tool for conservation efforts of Z rhetsa. In this study, a rapid testing protocol viz., treatment of 1% TTZ at 35 oC with a soaking duration of 24 hours, was identified as the standard protocol for quick viability testing of Z. rhetsa seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Climate change is a driver of biodiversity loss, often favouring invasive species such as in the case of Pittosporum undulatum in Eucalyptus forests of south-eastern Australia. We tested whether the invasiveness of P. undulatum is due to the release of secondary metabolites with allelopathic action inhibiting other species germination or to the content of antioxidant secondary metabolites. We compared the germination of P. undulatum and Eucalyptus ovata seeds on different substrates watered with different leachates. Polyphenolic compounds, saponins and tannins of Eucalyptus spp. and P. undulatum leaf extracts were quantified. Biogenic Volatile Organic Compounds were collected in the field and analyzed to compare the emissions in eucalypt forests with and without P. undulatum. Eucalyptus germination rates were not affected by different leachates and no allelopathic compounds were identified in P. undulatum leachate. Flavonoids and tannins characterized Eucalyptus leachates, while P. undulatum leachates showed high hydroxycinnamic acids content. The forests invaded by P. undulatum were characterized by high levels of monoterpenes, whereas the forest lacking P. undulatum were dominated by sesquiterpenes. Our results suggest that the invasiveness of P. undulatum may be due to the high content in secondary metabolites that play a protective role against abiotic stresses rather than the release of allelopathic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct seeding of rice (DSR) may give benefit in using water and labor more efficient and reduce production costs. This study purposes to investigate the character of the seeds, their early vigor traits, the growth and development of rice plants for developing DSR cultivar. The research was conducted in four stages: the measurement of the size of the seed, endosperm, and embryo; the germination test in the laboratory; seedling test using experimental pots; and testing the agronomic performance on transplanting and direct seeding methods in a plastic house. Seed material used eight breeding lines of IPB University and two released varieties. The results of study showed that each genotype had different characteristics of seed, endosperm, and embryo in both weight and area. Seed weight becomes the most dominant in the emergence of superior EV traits, whereas the more seed weight indicates faster radicle emergence and more weight of seedling. DSR method compared to transplanting showed performance such as taller plant, higher leaf area and photosynthesis rate at early growth stage, earlier heading time, and higher plant dry weight since early growth until 65 days old. The seed characters have positively correlation to dry weight of seedlings, number of leaves, leaf area, and canopy dry weight. We also found that higher area of endosperm and embryo significantly correlated to have faster plumule emergence, higher leaf area and plant height. Candidate genotypes for DSR would be further investigated in the field trial agronomically.

The seed germination and seedling growth of rapeseed are crucial stages in plant life, especially when facing abiotic stresses. In the present work, the effects of water and temperature on seed germination and seedling growth were investigated in a rapeseed crop (Brassica napus L.). The plants were examined under different temperature levels (5 °C, 10 °C, 15 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C, 30 °C, and 35 °C) and water levels (twenty-nine levels based on either one-milliliter intervals or as a percentage of the thousand-kernel weight (TKW)). Moreover, planting densities and antifungal application techniques were investigated in the study. The findings demonstrated substantial variations between all the growth parameters investigated at all the tested temperatures, and 20 °C was considered the optimum within a broad range of 15–25 °C. Water availability plays a significant role in germination, which can be initiated at 0.65 mL, corresponding to 500% of the TKW. The method of TKW is a more accurate aspect of water application because of the consideration of the seed weight and size. The optimal water range for the accumulation of dry weight, 3.85–5.9 mL (2900–4400% of TKW), was greater than that required for seedling growth, 1.45–3.05 mL (1100–2300% of TKW). Twenty to twenty-five seeds per 9 cm Petri dish exhibited the most outstanding values compared to the others, which provides an advantage in breeding programs, especially when there are seed limitations. Seed priming is a more effective antifungal application strategy. These data can be incorporated into future rapeseed germination in vitro studies, breeding programs, and sowing date predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pure silica sol obtained by hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane and the same silica sol doped with fertilizer Azofoska were used to cover the surface of pea seeds. The surface state of the coated seeds (layer continuity, thickness, elemental composition) was studied by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) detector. Different conditions such as sol mixing method, seed immersion time, effect of diluting the sol with water, and ethanol (EtOH) were studied to obtain thin continuous coatings. The coated seeds were subjected to a germination and growth test to demonstrate that the produced SiO2 coating did not inhibit these processes; moreover, the presence of fertilizer in the coating structure facilitates the development of the seedling. The supply of nutrients directly to the grain's vicinity contributes to faster germination and development of seedlings. This may give the developing plants an advantage in growth over other undesirable plant species. These activities are in the line with the trends of searching for technologies increasing yields without creating an excessive burden on the natural environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparative studies with taxonomically and geographically paired alien species that exhibit different degrees of success in their invasions may help to identify the factors that determine invasiveness. Examples of such species in Europe include the noninvasive Impatiens balfourii and invasive I. glandulifera. We tested whether the low invasiveness of I. balfourii in Europe may be explained by strong pressure from local enemies. Earlier studies of these two species provided support for their hybridization. We tested this phenomenon as the potential occurrence of I. glandulifera × I. balfourii hybrids might promote the evolution of the invasiveness of I. balfourii. Both species were germinated from seeds collected in 2015 on the Swiss-Italian border in Insubria and utilized in three experiments: (1) a common garden enemy release test (leaf damage or pest pressure), (2) a test of the pressure exerted by a generalist enemy and (3) hybridization test. In the first test, the effect of enemies was assessed by the level of leaf damage and the number of pests. In the second test, a food choice experiment with a generalist herbivore (Cepaea snails) was performed. In the hybridization test, the plants were placed in a climatic chamber for self-pollination and hand cross-pollination. Analyses of enemy release and Cepaea snail preference revealed that I. balfourii experienced higher enemy pressure than I. glandulifera; however, this was not reflected in the performance of the plants. Although I. glandulifera was larger, I. balfourii had greater fecundity. Thus, the invasion success of I. glandulifera could not be unambiguously attributed to its greater degree of release from enemies compared with the noninvasive I. balfourii. Additionally, we did not obtain any evidence of hybridization between the two species. Thus, we obtained no support for the hypothesis that the evolution of the invasiveness of I. balfourii could be enhanced through hybridization with I. glandulifera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulsatilla cernua is an endangered species in Japan and its seeds are often stored for long periods. However, the shelf life of these seeds is unclear. We conducted germination tests using P. cernua seeds that had been stored in a refrigerator at approximately 6°C for up to 31 years. Germination tests were conducted at 25°C under dark conditions. We assessed seed weight, number of germinated seeds, seedling development, and time to germination over a 30‐day period for each collection year. The highest germination rate was from seeds collected in the current year (2019; 82.7%). Germination rates remained high in seeds that had been stored for up to 7 years (>46%). However, there was a marked decline in germinability after the eighth year of storage and germination was not observed in seeds that had been stored for longer than 15 years. Approximately 20% of current‐year seeds and seeds that had been stored for up to 6 years developed into seedlings, but no seedlings developed from seeds that had been stored for 7 years or longer. The germination rate and the time to germination decreased and increased, respectively, with storage time. These results show that the shelf life of P. cernua seeds in cold storage at 6°C is approximately 6 years. To facilitate the ex situ conservation of this species, the germinability of stored seeds at lower temperatures and under other germination test conditions should be explored in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tropical Grasslands / Forrajes Tropicales is the property of International Centre for Tropical Agriculture - CIAT and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The use of electromagnetic energy for drying seeds has been shown to be a promising alternative. However, studies show that the technique still lacks careful evaluation due to the sensitivity of soybean seeds to damage caused using microwaves. Studies have shown that the use of microwaves during drying can be safe in seeds of soybeans, corn, and beans, among others. These studies recognize that drying using microwaves has a great potential for savings in the drying process, as it considerably reduces the drying time. This work aimed to evaluate the immediate damage caused in soybean seeds subjected to drying at temperatures of 40, 50, and 60 °C, with power of 0, 0.5, and 1 W/g at a frequency of 2.45 GHz. The results of the vigor and germination tests showed that the action of microwaves on seeds was not only safe and more efficient but also brought about increases in seed germination and vigor. However, the process must be judicious and obey precise indices of power and temperature to not cause damage to the seeds.

Notorious invasive Bohemian knotweed Reynoutria × bohemica Chrtek et Chrtková is a hybrid of two species, Reynoutria japonica Houtt. and Reynoutria sachalinensis (F. S. Petrop.) Nakai in T. Mori which spontaneously developed in Europe, outside the natural distribution of its parental species. Its success could potentially lie in its allelopathic activity, which was confirmed in a number of experiments conducted with the leaf and root exudates, testing their effect on the germination and growth of various test plants. Here, we tested its allelopathic potential using different concentrations of leaf exudates on two test plants, Triticum aestivum L. and Sinapis alba L., in Petri dishes and pots with soil and by growing test plants in the soil sampled in knotweed stands on the edges of stands and outside of stands. Tests in Petri dishes and pots with soil to which leaf exudates were added have shown a decrease in germination and growth in comparison to the control, hence confirming the allelopathic effect. However, this was not confirmed in a test with in situ soil samples, where no statistically significant differences were observed, neither in the growth of test plants nor in the chemical characteristics (pH, soil organic matter, humus content) of the soil. Therefore, the persistence of Bohemian knotweed at already invaded sites could be attributed to its efficient use of resources (light and nutrients) through which it outcompetes native plants.

In developing countries, achieving greater coverage in the treatment and safe reuse of graywater is a pending task. Therefore, this article presents the results obtained from cafeteria wastewater treatability tests and effluent toxicity tests. For the treatment, a serial system was applied: an aged refuse filled bioreactor (ARFB) and a solar distiller (SD). In the first stage (ARFB), two hydraulic loads (HLs) were tested (200 and 400 L/m3·day), the latter being the best of them, with an average decrease of 95.7% in chemical oxygen demand (COD). In the second stage (SD), the decrease was 62.8%, resulting in a final effluent with 67.7 mg/L COD, which corresponded to a global COD decrease of 97.4%. For the toxicity tests, radish seeds were used in the serial system effluent, obtaining a relative seed germination (RSG) rate of 93.3% compared to 80% obtained in the ARFB effluent. For the percentage germination index (PGI), it was determined that both effluents (ARFB and ARFB-SD) presented a toxicity considered low, especially the ARFB-SD effluent whose PGI value was close to zero (−0.0667). The results obtained showed not only that the ARFB-SD system is efficient in removing the high organic load that can go along with cafeteria wastewater, but also that it can provide an effluent with a very low toxicity level based on the PGI close to zero. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The co-transformation of solid waste of natural and anthropogenic origin can be carried out through solid-state-fermentation systems to obtain bio-products with higher added value and lower environmental impact. Methods To evaluate the effect of Pleurotus ostreatus on co-transformation of oxo-degradable low-density polyethylene (LDPEoxo) sheets and lignocellulosic biomass (LCB), were assembled two 0.75 L microcosm systems in vertical (VMS) and horizontal (HMS) position. The pre-treated sheets with luminescent O2 plasma discharges were mixed with pine bark, hydrolyzed brewer’s yeast and paper napkin fragments and incubated for 135 days at 20 ± 1.0 °C in the presence of the fungus. With the co-transformation residues, biochar (BC) was produced at 300 ± 1.0 °C (BC300) for 1 h, then used to carry out adsorption studies, using the malachite green dye (MG) at pH 4.0, 7.0 and 9.0 ± 0.2. Finally, the biochar was the substrate for the germination of carnation seeds (Dianthus caryophyllus) and Ray-grass (Lolium sp.) in vitro. Results For HMS, the decrease in static contact angle (SCA) was 63.63% (p = 0.00824) and for VMS 74.45% (p = 0.00219), concerning the pristine. Plastic roughness in VMS was higher (26%) concerning the control. Throughout the 135 days, there were fungal growth and consequently laccase (Lac), manganese peroxidase (MnP) and lignin peroxidase (LiP) activities. During the first 75 days, CO2 production increased to 4.78 ± 0.01 and 4.98 ± 0.01 mg g-1 for HMS and VMS, respectively. In MG adsorption studies, the highest amount of the colourant adsorbed at both pH 4.0 and 7.0 ± 0.2. Conclusions Finally, the biochar or the biochar enriched with low concentrations of plant growth-promoting microorganisms and inorganic fertilizer favours the germination of Dianthus caryophyllus and Lolium sp., seeds.

The use of natural biopesticides, specifically essential oils, is being explored as an alternative solution to protect stored foodstuffs. This study focuses on a formulation of phosphogypsum–Pinus halepensis essential oil as a pesticidal product. First, the essential oil chemical composition was determined using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), while the phosphogypsum (waste from the phosphate mining industry) was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric–differential thermal analysis; thus, physico-chemical properties and heavy metal contents were determined. In a second step, the preparation of the formulation consists in grafting the essential oil on the phosphogypsum (adsorption) in a cylindrical geometric shape adapted to the models applied in the bioprocesses of storage. The study of essential oil transfers in the material in the case of desorption along the axis (Oz) was carried out using analytical and numerical models of the Fickian diffusion process to understand the behavior of the oil and determine physicochemical parameters such as diffusivity (D) and evaporation flux (F). By using statistical methods such as experimental design and principal component analysis, these parameters can help explain the mechanisms involved in the insecticidal activities against the primary pest of lentils (Bruchus signaticornis) and in the parameters of lentil seed germination.

Direct seeding of rice (DSR) may give benefit in using water and labor more efficient and reduce production costs. This study purposes to investigate the character of the seeds, their early vigor traits, the growth and development of rice plants for developing DSR cultivar. The research was conducted in four stages: the measurement of the size of the seed, endosperm, and embryo; the germination test in the laboratory; seedling test using experimental pots; and testing the agronomic performance on transplanting and direct seeding methods in a plastic house. Seed material used eight breeding lines of IPB University and two released varieties. The results of study showed that each genotype had different characteristics of seed, endosperm, and embryo in both weight and area. Seed weight becomes the most dominant in the emergence of superior EV traits, whereas the more seed weight indicates faster radicle emergence and more weight of seedling. DSR method compared to transplanting showed performance such as taller plant, higher leaf area and photosynthesis rate at early growth stage, earlier heading time, and higher plant dry weight since early growth until 65 days old. The seed characters have positively correlation to dry weight of seedlings, number of leaves, leaf area, and canopy dry weight. We also found that higher area of endosperm and embryo significantly correlated to have faster plumule emergence, higher leaf area and plant height. Candidate genotypes for DSR would be further investigated in the field trial agronomically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity stress is a serious abiotic stress that affects crop quality and production. Rhizospheric microbes have immense potential in synthesizing and releasing various compounds that regulate plant growth and soil physicochemical properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)-producing rhizobacteria as biofertilizers under salt stress. Among the isolated strains from various soil samples, Bacillus megaterium strain PN89 with multifarious plant growth-promoting traits was selected and used as a monoculture and co-culture with two other standard strains. The plant promoting activity was evaluated using the paper towel method and pot test to observe the effects on the early stage and vegetative growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The treatment using PGPR strain presented noticeable but varying effects on plant growth under salt stress, that is, PGPR treatment often displayed a significant increase in germination percentage, root and shoot length, and other growth parameters of wheat compared to those in the non-inoculated control. Thus, these results suggest that B. megaterium PN89 can be applied as a bio-fertilizer to alleviate salt stress in T. aestivum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Amazon has a wide diversity, including forest species with timber and non-timber potential, which often have their use restricted due to a lack of silvicultural information. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of substrates and temperatures on seed germination of Aspidosperma vagarsii. Therefore, the premise of a completely randomized design was followed, in a 3 x 3 factorial scheme, with three substrates (paper, sand and vermiculite) and three temperatures (20, 25 and 30 °C). The germination percentage, germination speed index and mean germination time were determined, as well as germination relative frequency graphs. In addition, the weight of a thousand seeds, the number of seeds per kilo, and the moisture content was determined. The weight of thousand seeds was equal to 276.4 g, with 3,618 seeds per kilo, and a moisture content of 9.5%. There was no interaction between the studied factors. The sand substrate and temperatures of 20 and 25 °C presented the best results for seed germination of A. vargasii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Germination tests and pot experiments were conducted to explore the allelopathic effect of aqueous extracts of S. nigrum on germination, growth and yield of Vicia faba (L.) and Phaseolus vulgaris (L.). Ten treatments including control were prepared by using extracts obtained from different parts of S. nigrum, including roots, leaves, and seeds at 3 concentrations (10, 40, and 60%) to conduct the germination test. The pot experiment was studied by incorporating powder of different plant parts into the soil at 3 concentrations (0.5, 1, and 1.5%). The results of the germination test revealed that the aqueous extracts of roots and leaves significantly reduced germination percentage, radicle, and plumule length of both beans. There was a direct negative relationship between germination test and the plant parts used, including their concentrations. However, seed extract showed a non-significant difference (p > 0.05). In the pot experiment, different powders of black nightshade incorporated into the soil decrease plant height, root length, fresh and dry weights. However, the number of leaves was not affected. Also, yield components were decreased with the highest concentrations used. The reduction of germination, growth, and yield of the broad and common beans increased with higher concentrations of root and leaf aqueous extracts, while that of seeds had limited effect. The strongest allelopathic effect of broad and common beans was caused by root extracts of the highest concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seed germination and seedling growth of rapeseed are crucial stages in plant life, especially when facing abiotic stresses. In the present work, the effects of water and temperature on seed germination and seedling growth were investigated in a rapeseed crop (Brassica napus L.). The plants were examined under different temperature levels (5 °C, 10 °C, 15 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C, 30 °C, and 35 °C) and water levels (twenty-nine levels based on either one-milliliter intervals or as a percentage of the thousand-kernel weight (TKW)). Moreover, planting densities and antifungal application techniques were investigated in the study. The findings demonstrated substantial variations between all the growth parameters investigated at all the tested temperatures, and 20 °C was considered the optimum within a broad range of 15–25 °C. Water availability plays a significant role in germination, which can be initiated at 0.65 mL, corresponding to 500% of the TKW. The method of TKW is a more accurate aspect of water application because of the consideration of the seed weight and size. The optimal water range for the accumulation of dry weight, 3.85–5.9 mL (2900–4400% of TKW), was greater than that required for seedling growth, 1.45–3.05 mL (1100–2300% of TKW). Twenty to twenty-five seeds per 9 cm Petri dish exhibited the most outstanding values compared to the others, which provides an advantage in breeding programs, especially when there are seed limitations. Seed priming is a more effective antifungal application strategy. These data can be incorporated into future rapeseed germination in vitro studies, breeding programs, and sowing date predictions.

ABSTRACT: Campomanesia phaea has commercial interest because its fruits are used in the manufacture of several products, besides its high nutritional potential. Nevertheless, it has low germination potential and there is not much information in the literature. The aim of this study was to perform a biometric characterization and to establish the tetrazolium test for cambuci seeds. Seeds obtained from two collection periods were subjected to biometric evaluations (seed length, thickness, width and mass), water content, determination of the soaking curve and tetrazolium test. The soaking curve was performed with non-scarified seeds and seeds subjected to two scarification methods, mechanical and chemical. The tetrazolium test was performed soaking the seeds in a solution of 2, 3, 5 triphenyl tetrazolium chloride salt at 0.75, 1.00 and 1.50% for 4, 8 and 12 hours. After this period, the seeds were categorized as viable and non-viable. It was concluded that the cambuci seeds presented biometric differences between the two collection periods, because of the different water contents. There was no difference in the soaking curve among the three treatments tested and the solution of 0.75% for four hours in a water bath at 38 oC was considered the best for performing the tetrazolium test.

Biochar is increasingly being applied as a soil amendment in agriculture. Biochar is typically produced from plant biomass and contains relatively low amounts of plant nutrients (e.g., N, P, and K), thus providing limited fertilizer value. Human excreta contains plant nutrients that could be recycled to create sustainable agricultural nutrient cycles. This study investigated the potential of biochar derived from a dry toilet substrate as soil amendment. The substrate consisted of urine, faeces, and wood chips, and was pyrolyzed at 500–650 °C for 10 min. The biochar was analyzed for plant available P, water leachable P and K, carbon stability, pH, electrical conductivity, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, and germination tests with barley and lettuce were conducted to estimate the biochar fertilizer value and potential bio-toxicity. The biochar contained 25.0 ± 1.0 g N/kg dry mass (DM), 33.1 ± 2.1 g P/kg DM and 20.7 ± 0.2 g K/kg DM. 65% DM P was extractable by formic acid solution, 31.7% DM P and 60.5% DM K were water leachable in a ten-day column water-leaching experiment. The biochar complied with European regulations for PAHs, PCBs, dioxins and heavy metal concentrations, except for Zn and Ni. Germination of salt-resistant barley was not affected by biochar doses < 50% DM, while salt-sensitive lettuce germination was inhibited at doses ≥ 2% DM, indicating that the dry toilet substrate biochar induced salt stress. Based on these results, it is recommended that urine separation should be considered for biochar of excreta, which could reduce salt stress while maintaining concentrations of "fixed" or bioavailable nitrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of geomeshes used in runoff erosion control application is expected to improve as weft yarn diameter increases. In this study coir and jute geomeshes with different weft yarn diameter are subjected to runoff erosion tests in zero infiltration and soil infiltration conditions (i.e. without and with soil), at three different slope angles of 15°, 30º and 45°. Germination test is performed according to ASTM standard D 7322, using earthen pots and wheat seeds. Increased weft yarn diameter results in improved performance of coir and jute geomeshes at all slope angles and soil-infiltration conditions, due to increased storage volume, except coir geomesh at steeper slope angles. In germination test, increase in weft yarn diameter results in improved average number of roots; but, the percentage of vegetation and average length of roots are found to reduce.

Oil sludge washing (OSW) with surfactants and co-solvents is used to recover the oil, and this process leaves some residuals (sediments and surfactant solution). Currently, there are no data on the ecotoxicological effects of these OSW residuals from different sludges. This study evaluated the toxicity of OSW residuals from washing four types of oil sludges with five surfactants (Triton X-100 and X-114, Tween 80, sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and rhamnolipid) and a co-solvent (cyclohexane). The toxicity of the residuals was evaluated with the impact on the soil microbial dehydrogenase activity (DHA) and ryegrass (Lolium perenne) seed germination. There was a high DHA detected directly in the sludges and all OSW residual combinations, but this activity could not be attributed to the DHA itself but to some chemical interferences. The DHA was then tested in the soils amended with the OSW residuals to simulate a bioremediation scenario. There were no chemical interferences in this case. In general, the INTF concentrations were significantly higher at low concentrations, 1 and 5% (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the DHA at high concentrations of OSW residuals (10, 25 and 50%) which implied that the concentration of the contaminants is not directly proportional to the levels of ecotoxicity. Unexpectedly, the INTF values of the 10, 25 and 50% rhamnolipid-OSW residuals were significantly lower than the Triton X-100 residuals. The ryegrass germination rates were higher than 70% with no apparent phytotoxicity symptoms in the seedlings. Particularly, there was a highly significant negative effect of the residuals on the germination rates at high concentrations (p < 0.01). Given that the extractable petroleum hydrocarbon (EPH) concentrations in the OSW residual-amended soils in both DHA and germination tests were very low (13–21 ppm), other co-contaminants could be contributing to the toxicity. These findings implied that biotreatment techniques can be applied to treat the OSW residuals if necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]