Pre-germination treatments of melon seeds for the production of seedlings irrigated with biosaline water

Abstract Melon production in the Brazilian semi-arid region is subject to the use of marginal waters with high salinity. However, the use of regulators and bioactivators in seed treatment can mitigate the harmful effects of salts in irrigation water. In this context, the objective was to evaluate the effect of pre-germination treatments with plant regulators and bioactivator in melon seeds for the production of seedlings irrigated with biosaline water from fish farming effluent. For this, two trials with the Goldex and Grand Prix hybrids were carried out separately. A completely randomized design was used in a 4 × 3 factorial scheme (pre-germination treatments × water dilutions). In addition to the control, the seeds were treated with salicylic and gibberellic acids and thiamethoxam. The waters used for irrigation were local-supply water, fish farming effluent (biosaline water) and these diluted to 50%. Physiological and biochemical analyses were performed for fourteen days. Biosaline water (5.0 dS m-1) did not affect the emergence of Goldex melon seedlings, but compromised the establishment of the Grand Prix cultivar. Seed pre-treatments with salicylic and gibberellic acids attenuate the effects of water salinity and promote growth modulations, resulting in more vigorous melon seedlings.

Resumo A produção de meloeiro no semiárido brasileiro está sujeita a utilização de águas marginais com salinidade elevada. Entretanto, a utilização de reguladores e bioativadores no tratamento de sementes podem mitigar os efeitos nocivos dos sais na água de irrigação. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de tratamentos pré-germinativos com fitorreguladores e bioativador em sementes de melão para a produção de mudas irrigadas com água biossalina de efluente de piscicultura. Para isso, dois ensaios com os híbridos Goldex e Grand Prix foram realizados separadamente. Utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 4 × 3 (tratamentos pré-germinativos × diluições de água). Além do controle, as sementes foram tratadas com os ácidos salicílico e giberélico, e tiametoxam. As águas utilizadas para irrigação foram a de abastecimento local, efluente de piscicultura (água biossalina) e estas diluídas a 50%. Durante quatorze dias foram realizadas as análises fisiológicas e bioquímicas. A água biossalina (5,0 dS m-1) não afetou a emergência de plântulas de meloeiro Goldex, mas prejudicou o estabelecimento da cultivar Grand Prix. Os pré-tratamentos de sementes com os ácidos salicílico e giberélico atenuam os efeitos da salinidade da água e promovem modulações no crescimento, proporcionando mudas de meloeiro mais vigorosas.

Pre-germination treatments of melon seeds for the production of seedlings irrigated with biosaline water / Tratamentos pré-germinativos de sementes de melão para a produção de mudas irrigadas com água biossalina

Abstract Melon production in the Brazilian semi-arid region is subject to the use of marginal waters with high salinity. However, the use of regulators and bioactivators in seed treatment can mitigate the harmful effects of salts in irrigation water. In this context, the objective was to evaluate the effect of pre-germination treatments with plant regulators and bioactivator in melon seeds for the production of seedlings irrigated with biosaline water from fish farming effluent. For this, two trials with the Goldex and Grand Prix hybrids were carried out separately. A completely randomized design was used in a 4 × 3 factorial scheme (pre-germination treatments × water dilutions). In addition to the control, the seeds were treated with salicylic and gibberellic acids and thiamethoxam. The waters used for irrigation were local-supply water, fish farming effluent (biosaline water) and these diluted to 50%. Physiological and biochemical analyses were performed for fourteen days. Biosaline water (5.0 dS m-1) did not affect the emergence of Goldex melon seedlings, but compromised the establishment of the Grand Prix cultivar. Seed pre-treatments with salicylic and gibberellic acids attenuate the effects of water salinity and promote growth modulations, resulting in more vigorous melon seedlings.

Resumo A produção de meloeiro no semiárido brasileiro está sujeita a utilização de águas marginais com salinidade elevada. Entretanto, a utilização de reguladores e bioativadores no tratamento de sementes podem mitigar os efeitos nocivos dos sais na água de irrigação. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de tratamentos pré-germinativos com fitorreguladores e bioativador em sementes de melão para a produção de mudas irrigadas com água biossalina de efluente de piscicultura. Para isso, dois ensaios com os híbridos Goldex e Grand Prix foram realizados separadamente. Utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 4 × 3 (tratamentos pré-germinativos × diluições de água). Além do controle, as sementes foram tratadas com os ácidos salicílico e giberélico, e tiametoxam. As águas utilizadas para irrigação foram a de abastecimento local, efluente de piscicultura (água biossalina) e estas diluídas a 50%. Durante quatorze dias foram realizadas as análises fisiológicas e bioquímicas. A água biossalina (5,0 dS m-1) não afetou a emergência de plântulas de meloeiro Goldex, mas prejudicou o estabelecimento da cultivar Grand Prix. Os pré-tratamentos de sementes com os ácidos salicílico e giberélico atenuam os efeitos da salinidade da água e promovem modulações no crescimento, proporcionando mudas de meloeiro mais vigorosas.

Osmoprotection in Salvia hispanica L seeds under water stress attenuators / Osmoproteção em sementes de Salvia hispanica L sob atenuadores do estresse hídrico

Salvia hispanica cultivation is recent in Brazil and occurs in the off-season, when there is lower water availability in the soil. Water deficit is one of the abiotic factors that most limit germination for compromising the sequence of metabolic events that culminate with seedling emergence. Several attenuating substances have been used to mitigate the effects resulting from this stress and give higher tolerance to the species. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the action of different agents as water stress attenuators in the germination and accumulation of organic compounds in S. hispanica seedlings. The treatments consisted of pre-soaking the seeds for 4 hours in salicylic acid (1 mM.L-¹), gibberellic acid (0.4 mM.L-¹), distilled water and control treatment (without soaking). The seeds were germinated at osmotic potentials of 0.0, -0.1, -0.2, -0.3 and -0.4 MPa, using PEG 6000 as an osmotic agent. The variables germination percentage, germination speed index, shoot and primary root lengths, total dry mass, proline, total soluble sugars and total free amino acids were analyzed. Salicylic acid and gibberellic acid led to the best results among the attenuators tested, increasing germination, length, dry mass and biochemical components of S. hispanica seedlings under water deficit. Therefore, salicylic and gibberellic acids are efficient in mitigating water stress in S. hispanica seeds up to the potential of -0.4 MPa.

O cultivo da Salvia hispanica é recente no Brasil e se dá no período de entressafra, quando há menor disponibilidade hídrica no solo. O déficit hídrico é um dos fatores abióticos que mais limitam a germinação por comprometer a sequência de eventos metabólicos que culminam com a emergência da plântula. Diversas substâncias atenuadoras têm sido empregadas com a finalidade de mitigar os efeitos resultantes desse estresse e conferir maior tolerância às espécies. Desse modo, objetivou-se avaliar a ação de diferentes agentes como atenuadores do estresse hídrico na germinação e acúmulo de compostos orgânicos em plântulas de S. hispanica. Os tratamentos consistiram na pré-embebição das sementes durante 4 horas em ácido salicílico (1 mM.L-¹), ácido giberélico (0,4 mM.L-¹), água destilada e o tratamento controle (sem embebição). As sementes foram germinadas sob os potenciais osmóticos 0,0, -0,1, -0,2, -0,3 e -0,4 MPa, utilizando PEG 6000 como agente osmótico. Analisaram-se as variáveis porcentagem de germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação, comprimento da parte aérea e da raiz primária, massa seca total, prolina, açúcares solúveis totais e aminoácidos livres totais. O ácido salicílico e o ácido giberélico apresentaram os melhores resultados, dentre os atenuadores testados, incrementando a germinação, o comprimento, a massa seca e os componentes bioquímicos de plântulas de S. hispanica sob déficit hídrico. Logo, os ácidos salicílico e giberélico são eficientes na mitigação do estresse hídrico em sementes de S. hispanica até o potencial -0,4 MPa.

Osmoprotection in Salvia hispanica L. seeds under water stress attenuators

Abstract Salvia hispanica cultivation is recent in Brazil and occurs in the off-season, when there is lower water availability in the soil. Water deficit is one of the abiotic factors that most limit germination for compromising the sequence of metabolic events that culminate with seedling emergence. Several attenuating substances have been used to mitigate the effects resulting from this stress and give higher tolerance to the species. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the action of different agents as water stress attenuators in the germination and accumulation of organic compounds in S. hispanica seedlings. The treatments consisted of pre-soaking the seeds for 4 hours in salicylic acid (1 mM.L-1), gibberellic acid (0.4 mM.L-1), distilled water and control treatment (without soaking). The seeds were germinated at osmotic potentials of 0.0, -0.1, -0.2, -0.3 and -0.4 MPa, using PEG 6000 as an osmotic agent. The variables germination percentage, germination speed index, shoot and primary root lengths, total dry mass, proline, total soluble sugars and total free amino acids were analyzed. Salicylic acid and gibberellic acid led to the best results among the attenuators tested, increasing germination, length, dry mass and biochemical components of S. hispanica seedlings under water deficit. Therefore, salicylic and gibberellic acids are efficient in mitigating water stress in S. hispanica seeds up to the potential of -0.4 MPa.

Resumo O cultivo da Salvia hispanica é recente no Brasil e se dá no período de entressafra, quando há menor disponibilidade hídrica no solo. O déficit hídrico é um dos fatores abióticos que mais limitam a germinação por comprometer a sequência de eventos metabólicos que culminam com a emergência da plântula. Diversas substâncias atenuadoras têm sido empregadas com a finalidade de mitigar os efeitos resultantes desse estresse e conferir maior tolerância às espécies. Desse modo, objetivou-se avaliar a ação de diferentes agentes como atenuadores do estresse hídrico na germinação e acúmulo de compostos orgânicos em plântulas de S. hispanica. Os tratamentos consistiram na pré-embebição das sementes durante 4 horas em ácido salicílico (1 mM.L-1), ácido giberélico (0,4 mM.L-1), água destilada e o tratamento controle (sem embebição). As sementes foram germinadas sob os potenciais osmóticos 0,0, -0,1, -0,2, -0,3 e -0,4 MPa, utilizando PEG 6000 como agente osmótico. Analisaram-se as variáveis porcentagem de germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação, comprimento da parte aérea e da raiz primária, massa seca total, prolina, açúcares solúveis totais e aminoácidos livres totais. O ácido salicílico e o ácido giberélico apresentaram os melhores resultados, dentre os atenuadores testados, incrementando a germinação, o comprimento, a massa seca e os componentes bioquímicos de plântulas de S. hispanica sob déficit hídrico. Logo, os ácidos salicílico e giberélico são eficientes na mitigação do estresse hídrico em sementes de S. hispanica até o potencial -0,4 MPa.

Osmoprotection in Salvia hispanica L. seeds under water stress attenuators / Osmoproteção em sementes de Salvia hispanica L. sob atenuadores do estresse hídrico

Salvia hispanica cultivation is recent in Brazil and occurs in the off-season, when there is lower water availability in the soil. Water deficit is one of the abiotic factors that most limit germination for compromising the sequence of metabolic events that culminate with seedling emergence. Several attenuating substances have been used to mitigate the effects resulting from this stress and give higher tolerance to the species. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the action of different agents as water stress attenuators in the germination and accumulation of organic compounds in S. hispanica seedlings. The treatments consisted of pre-soaking the seeds for 4 hours in salicylic acid (1 mM.L-1), gibberellic acid (0.4 mM.L-1), distilled water and control treatment (without soaking). The seeds were germinated at osmotic potentials of 0.0, -0.1, -0.2, -0.3 and -0.4 MPa, using PEG 6000 as an osmotic agent. The variables germination percentage, germination speed index, shoot and primary root lengths, total dry mass, proline, total soluble sugars and total free amino acids were analyzed. Salicylic acid and gibberellic acid led to the best results among the attenuators tested, increasing germination, length, dry mass and biochemical components of S. hispanica seedlings under water deficit. Therefore, salicylic and gibberellic acids are efficient in mitigating water stress in S. hispanica seeds up to the potential of -0.4 MPa.

O cultivo da Salvia hispanica é recente no Brasil e se dá no período de entressafra, quando há menor disponibilidade hídrica no solo. O déficit hídrico é um dos fatores abióticos que mais limitam a germinação por comprometer a sequência de eventos metabólicos que culminam com a emergência da plântula. Diversas substâncias atenuadoras têm sido empregadas com a finalidade de mitigar os efeitos resultantes desse estresse e conferir maior tolerância às espécies. Desse modo, objetivou-se avaliar a ação de diferentes agentes como atenuadores do estresse hídrico na germinação e acúmulo de compostos orgânicos em plântulas de S. hispanica. Os tratamentos consistiram na pré-embebição das sementes durante 4 horas em ácido salicílico (1 mM.L-1), ácido giberélico (0,4 mM.L-1), água destilada e o tratamento controle (sem embebição). As sementes foram germinadas sob os potenciais osmóticos 0,0, -0,1, -0,2, -0,3 e -0,4 MPa, utilizando PEG 6000 como agente osmótico. Analisaram-se as variáveis porcentagem de germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação, comprimento da parte aérea e da raiz primária, massa seca total, prolina, açúcares solúveis totais e aminoácidos livres totais. O ácido salicílico e o ácido giberélico apresentaram os melhores resultados, dentre os atenuadores testados, incrementando a germinação, o comprimento, a massa seca e os componentes bioquímicos de plântulas de S. hispanica sob déficit hídrico. Logo, os ácidos salicílico e giberélico são eficientes na mitigação do estresse hídrico em sementes de S. hispanica até o potencial -0,4 MPa.

Effects of methyle jasmonate on active components, anti-oxidant enzyme activities and endogenous hormone content in Blumea balsamifera / 中草药

Objective To study the regulation among the content of L-borneol and four endogenous hormones and the activity of three anti-oxidant enzymes in Blumea balsamifera leaves located at different leaf positions and the concentration of inducer and the sampling time. Methods Methyle Jasmonate (MeJA) of 0.01 mmol/L, 0.10 mmol/L, 1.00 mmol/L, and 10.00 mmol/L was chosen for exogenous inducer in this experiment. The leaves of B. balsamifera located at different leaf positions (tender leaves, mature leaves, aged leaves) were experimental materials. The active content of L-borneol, the content of four endogenous hormones of auxin (IAA), abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellic acid (GA3), and zeatin (ZT), and the activity of three antioxidant enzymes of peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were detection indexes. Results The results showed that the effect of 1.00 mmol/L MeJA on the accumulation of L-borneol was good. The changes of anti-oxidant enzymes induced by different concentrations of MeJA were complex. For the content of POD, except that the B. balsamifera leaves treated with 10.00 mmol/L MeJA were lower than that in the control, POD were significantly higher than those of the control (P < 0.05) at 72 h in other conditions. Under the induction of 10.00 mmol/L MeJA, the CAT content of the B. balsamifera leaves at three leaf positions was highest at 24 h, and the activity of CAT was decreased rapidly over time. Under the MeJA treatments of other concentrations, the activities of CAT in young leaves and old leaves were significantly lower than those in the control at 72 h, but higher than those in the control at 72 h except for the treatment of 0.1 mmol/L MeJA in mature leaves. The content of SOD in the three leaf positions was lower than the control except that the B. balsamifera leaves treated with 1 mmol/L MeJA was significantly higher than that of the control after 48 h. The rest of the concentration of superoxide dismutase were lower than the control. Low concentration of MeJA (≤ 0.10 mmol/L) could promote the accumulation of IAA, GA3, and ZT in leaves of B. balsamifera, whereas the high concentration of MeJA (≥ 10.00 mmol/L) could promote the accumulation of ABA. Conclusion Under the induction of exogenous MeJA (1.00 mmol/L), B. balsamifera can promote the accumulation of active ingredients, providing a theoretical basis for its cultivation and production.

JcZFP8, a C2H2 zinc finger protein gene from Jatropha curcas, influences plant development in transgenic tobacco

Background: Jatropha curcas L., as an important strategic biofuel resource with considerable economic potential, has attracted worldwide attention. However, J. curcas has yet to be domesticated. Plant height, an important agronomic trait of J. curcas, has not been sufficiently improved, and the genetic regulation of this trait in J. curcas is not fully understood. Zinc finger proteins (ZFPs), a class of transcription factors, have previously been shown to play critical roles in regulating multiple aspects of plant growth and development and may accordingly be implicated in the genetic regulation of plant height in J. curcas. Results: In this study, we cloned JcZFP8, a C2H2 ZFP gene in J. curcas. We found that the JcZFP8 protein was localized in the nucleus and contained a conserved QALGGH motif in its C2H2 structure. Furthermore, ectopic expression of JcZFP8 under the control of the 35S promoter in transgenic tobacco resulted in dwarf plants with malformed leaves. However, when JcZFP8 was knocked out, the transgenic tobacco did not show the dwarf phenotype. After treatment with the gibberellic acid (GA) biosynthesis inhibitor paclobutrazol (PAC), the dwarf phenotype was more severe than plants that did not receive the PAC treatment, whereas application of exogenous gibberellin3 (GA3) reduced the dwarf phenotype in transgenic plants. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that JcZFP8 may play a role in J. curcas plant phenotype through GA-related pathways. Our findings may help us to understand the genetic regulation of plant development in J. curcas and to accelerate breeding progress through engineering of the GA metabolic pathway in this plant. How to cite: Shi X,Wu Y, Dai T, et al. JcZFP8, a C2H2 zinc-finger protein gene from Jatropha curcas, influences plant development in transgenic tobacco.

Metabolic disturbance and phytochemical changes in Andrographis paniculata and possible action mode of andrographolide

Objective: To explore the effect of gibberellic acid (GA

Kernel size and weight affected by three plant bioregulators applied at bloom to Non Pareil and Carmel almond cultivars

Background: The yield of almonds [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb] could be low due to climatic problems and any factor improving kernel size and weight, such as the use of plant bioregulators (PBRs), should be beneficial. Results: Three plant bioregulators: 24-epibrassinolide (BL), gibberellic acid (GA3) and kinetin (KN) were applied at three spray concentrations to Non Pareil and Carmel cultivars, at two phenological stages during bloom, in the 2014 and 2015 seasons. The results showed significant differences (P b 0.0001). For total dry weight of Non Pareil, the best treatment was BL (30 mg·L-1), with an average of 1.45 g, while the control was 1.30 g, at pink button during 2015. For Carmel, the best dry weight was 1.23 g, achieved with BL (30 mg·L-1) at fallen petals in both seasons. The average dry weight of the controls varied between 1.13 and 1.18 g. The greatest almond lengths and widths in Non Pareil were 24.98 mm and 15.05 mm, achieved with BL (30 mg·L-1) and KN (50 µL·L-1) treatments, respectively, applied at pink button in 2015. In Carmel, the greatest length and width were 24.38 and 13.44 mm, obtained with BL (30 mg·L-1) applied at the stages of pink button and fallen petals, respectively, in 2015. The control reached lengths between 22.33 and 23.38 mm, and widths between 11.99 and 12.93 mm. Conclusions: The use of the bioregulators showed significant favorable effects on dry weight, length and width of kernels at harvest, in both cultivars.

An efficient method in breaking of dormancy from Bunium persicum (Boiss) Fedtsch seeds:a valuable herb of Middle East and Central Asia

Objective: To develop a protocol for breaking of seed dormancy and increasing the seed germination rate of Bunium persicum. Methods:The seeds were treated with 3.1, 6.3, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 μmol/L of benzyl aminopurine, gibberellic acid (GA3), thidiazuron (TDZ) and forchlorfenuron. Then, seeds were transferred to two different temperature conditions including room temperature (25 °C) and chilling temperature (2-5 °C). Results: The treatment of moist seeds with chilling temperature (2-5 °C) broke seed dormancy and showed maximum germination, which was 54.7%after 60 d treatment. Also, the treatment of dry seeds with chilling temperature broke seed dormancy with 9.3%germination rate after 120 d. Treatment of seeds with different level of plant growth regulators showed that under moist-room condition, there was evidence of higher and lower seed germination rate:GA3 (100 μmol/L) with 46.7%and TDZ (50 μmol/L) with 6.67%respectively. In addition, the results showed that under moist-chilling condition, TDZ (6.3 μmol/L) with 53.3%seed germination rate had higher influence on breaking seed dormancy. Treatment of seeds with combination of TDZ and GA3 under moist-chilling condition revealed higher rate of breaking of seed dormancy when 6.3 μmol/L TDZ was combined with 100 μmol/L GA3, showing 93.7%germination rate. Conclusions:The effect of plant growth regulators coupled with chilling temperature on breaking of seed dormancy could provide a large number of seedlings while the long juvenile time which is the next restricting factor of plantation still remained. Thus, the subsequent growth of seedlings to provide a large number of corms is necessary for successful plantation.

Dynamic analysis on endo phylohormone during bolting time of roots in Saponikovia cata / 中草药

Objective: Through determining the contents of growth hormone (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA), and abscisic acid (ABA) to make the content changes of IAA, GA, and ABA clear before and after bolting time in the roots of Saponikovia cata, so as to provide the theoretical basis for studying the early bolting mechanism in the roots of S. cata. Methods: The contents of IAA, GA, and ABA before and after the bolting time were determined by HPLC. The chromatographic conditions were as follows: C18 ODS RP column, temperature: 35°C, detection wavelength: 254 nm, volumn flow: 0.7 mL/min, mobile phase: methanol-acetonitrile -0.7% acetic acid (40:15:45). Results: The content variation trend of IAA and GA in the roots, stems, and leaves of S. cata was almost the same during the bolting time. The contents of IAA and GA in the roots of S. cata revealed the downgrade tendency sharply after bolting; The contents of IAA and GA in the roots of S. cata before bolting were obviously higher than those after bolting. The content variation trends of ABA in the roots, stems, and leaves of S. cata were the same during the bolting time, but far more different from IAA and GA. Although there was the little fluctuation of ABA before bolting, the contents of ABA after bolting were sharply upgraded and were obviously higher than those before bolting. Conclusion: The phenomenon of early bolting in the roots of S. cata directly relates to the endo phylohormone level, so we may extrapolate that the levels of endo phylohormone could straightly cause the bolting in the roots of S. cata or not.

An efficient method in breaking of dormancy from Bunium persicum (Boiss) Fedtsch seeds: a valuable herb of Middle East and Central Asia

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To develop a protocol for breaking of seed dormancy and increasing the seed germination rate of Bunium persicum.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The seeds were treated with 3.1, 6.3, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 µmol/L of benzyl aminopurine, gibberellic acid (GA3), thidiazuron (TDZ) and forchlorfenuron. Then, seeds were transferred to two different temperature conditions including room temperature (25 °C) and chilling temperature (2-5 °C).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The treatment of moist seeds with chilling temperature (2-5 °C) broke seed dormancy and showed maximum germination, which was 54.7% after 60 d treatment. Also, the treatment of dry seeds with chilling temperature broke seed dormancy with 9.3% germination rate after 120 d. Treatment of seeds with different level of plant growth regulators showed that under moist-room condition, there was evidence of higher and lower seed germination rate: GA3 (100 µmol/L) with 46.7% and TDZ (50 µmol/L) with 6.67% respectively. In addition, the results showed that under moist-chilling condition, TDZ (6.3 µmol/L) with 53.3% seed germination rate had higher influence on breaking seed dormancy. Treatment of seeds with combination of TDZ and GA3 under moist-chilling condition revealed higher rate of breaking of seed dormancy when 6.3 µmol/L TDZ was combined with 100 µmol/L GA3, showing 93.7% germination rate.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The effect of plant growth regulators coupled with chilling temperature on breaking of seed dormancy could provide a large number of seedlings while the long juvenile time which is the next restricting factor of plantation still remained. Thus, the subsequent growth of seedlings to provide a large number of corms is necessary for successful plantation.</p>

An efficient method in breaking of dormancy from Bunium persicum (Boiss) Fedtsch seeds: A valuable herb of Middle East and Central Asia

Objective: To develop a protocol for breaking of seed dormancy and increasing the seed germination rate of Bunium persicum. Methods: The seeds were treated with 3.1, 6.3, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 μmol/L of benzyl aminopurine, gibberellic acid (GA

In vitro seed germination of economically important edible bamboo Dendrocalamus membranaceus Munro.

An in vitro propagation protocol using mature seeds of D. membranaceus was successfully established. Scarcity of seeds in bamboos because of their long flowering periods and irregular seed set resulting in low viability and germination potential, motivated us to undertake the present study. The effects of sterilants, light conditions, exogenous application of plant growth regulators and temperature in overcoming germination barriers in ageing seeds of bamboo were studied. It was found that HgCl2 (0.1%) along with bleach (15%) was more effective in raising aseptic cultures. Dark conditions, high temperatures around 30 °C and soaking of seeds in GA3 solution (50 ppm) overnight stimulated high percent of seed germination with corresponding increase in shoot length (2.7±0.7 mm) and number of sprouts (2.1±0.7) per explants during culture initiation. 6-benzylaminopurine acted synergistically with kinetin to give optimum germination rate of 70±13.9% as compared to 63.13% when used individually. For prolonged maintenance of cultures, 2% sucrose was found to be suitable for promoting photomixotrophic micropropagation. Following this procedure, about 65% survival of plantlets could be achieved during hardening. Biochemically seeds consume starchy endosperm for emergence of radicle which is taken as a sign of germination as also evident from the present study. Loss of viability and vigour after a year was confirmed by Tetrazolium chloride test. Micropropagation protocol developed here will ensure regeneration of large number of plants in a relatively short time. Conclusively, in vitro propagation protocol developed in D. membranaceus using mature seeds as an explants is reported for the first time.

Synergistic effect of stratification and gibberellic acid on breakage of seed dormancy of Paris polyphylla var. Yunnanensis / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To explore the synergistic effect of stratification and gibberellic acid on the germ-free germination and plant morphogenesis of Paris polyphylla var. Yunnanensis seeds. METHODS: The synergistic effect of stratification and gibberellic acid on the germ-free germination and plant morphogenesis of Paris polyphylla var. Yunnanensis seeds was studied. The activities of peroxidase(POD) and catalase(CAT) of Paris polyphylla var. Yunnanensis seeds during the germ-free culture process were determined. RESULTS: Soaking the seeds of Paris polyphylla var. Yunnanensis using 50 mg · L-1 gibberellic acid could not break seed dormancy. Stratification could break the morphologic dormancy of seeds, however, it could not break the physiological dormancy, so the seeds could not germinate. The synergy between stratification and gibberellic acid not only broke the morphologic dormancy, but also broke the physiological dormancy. The seed germination efficiency and radicle length under the synergy between wet sand stratification and gibberellic acid, which were 68.67% and (3.80 ± 0.200) cm respectively, were higher than those under the synergy between dry sand stratification and gibberellic acid (P < 0.05). During the germ-free culture process of Paris polyphylla var. Yunnanensis seeds, with the dormancy being released, the activities of POD and CAT in the seeds were positively correlated with the seed sprouting, germination, growth and development. CONCLUSION: This study preliminarily ascertains the synergistic effect of stratification and gibberellic acid on the germ-free germination and plant morphogenesis of Paris polyphylla var. Yunnanensis seeds, constructs the germ-free culture system, and lays the foundation for further studies on the growth, physiological and biochemical changes of Paris polyphylla var. Yunnanensis under germ-free condition.

Wheat germination and highly diluted agitated gibberellic acid (10-30) ? a multi researcher study / Germinação do trigo e ácido giberélico em alta diluição (10-30) e agitado ? um estudo multicêntrico / Germinación de trigo y ácido giberélico en alta dilución (10-30) y agitado ? estudio multicéntrico

Grains of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L., Capo variety) were observed under the influence of highly diluted gibberellic acid (10-30) prepared by stepwise dilution and agitation according to a protocol derived from homeopathy (?G30x?). Adequate control was used (water prepared according to the homeopathic protocol ?W30x? and/or untreated water ?W0?). Two sets of multicenter experiments were performed, 4 in 2009-2010 and 4 in 2011, involving altogether 6 researchers, 6 laboratories and 4,000 grains per treatment group. Data were found to be homogeneous within the control groups as well as within the verum groups. When the 2009-2010 experiments were pooled, mean germination rates after 24 hours were (85.9 + 2.6) for the control group and (82.1 + 5.7) for G30x (mean + SD at the level of experiments in %) (N = 2,000 per group). Verum germination rate was 4.4% lower than (i.e. equal to 96.6% of) (4.4 + 96.6 = 101) the control germination rate (100%). The difference is statistically significant (p < 0.001) and the effect size (d) is large (> 0.8). Observations at other points in time between 0 and 40 hours of germination yielded similar results. Practically no difference was found between W30x and W0 groups (p > 0.05). When the 2011 experiments were pooled, the mean germination rates after 24 hours were (73 + 12) for the control group and (73 + 14) for G30x (N = 2,000 per group), i.e. there was practically no difference between the groups (p > 0.05). We interpret the data from 2009-2010 on wheat germination within 40 hours as being in line with our previous findings on wheat stalk growth after one week, i.e. as confirmation that gibberellic acid 30x can influence, i.e. slow down, wheat development. Various possible reasons for the absence of any difference between groups in the 2011 experiments, including seasonal variance, are discussed and it is suggested to perform wheat germination experiments in the very beginning of autumn season only.

Grãos de trigo comum (Triticum sativum L., variedade Capo) foram observados sob a influência de uma alta diluição de ácido giberélico (10-30) preparada através de diluição e agitação seriadas seguindo um protocolo derivado da homeopatia (G30x). Foram utilizados controles adequados (água preparada segundo o protocolo homeopático - W30x - e/ou água sem tratamento - W0 -). Foram realizadas duas séries de experimentos multicêntricos, 4 em 2009-2010 e 4 em 2011, incluindo 6 pesquisadores, 6 laboratórios, e 4.000 grãos em cada grupo de tratamento. Os dados foram homogêneos dentro dos grupos controle e verum. Na análise combinada dos experimentos de 2009-2010, as taxas médias de germinação em 24 h foram (85,9 + 2,6) no grupo controle e (82,1 + 5,7) no grupo G30x (média + DP no nível dos experimentos em %, N = 2.000 por grupo). A taxa de germinação de verum foi 4,4% menor (96,6% de 4,4 + 96,6 = 101) que a do controle (100%). Essa diferença é estatisticamente significativa (p < 0,001) e o tamanho do efeito (d) é grande (> 0,8). Observações realizadas em outros momentos entre 0 e 40 horas de germinação constaram resultados similares. Praticamente, não foi achada diferença entre os grupos W30x e W0 (p > 0,05). Na análise combinada dos experimentos de 2011, as taxas médias de germinação em 24 h foram (73 + 12) no grupo controle e (73 + 14) no grupo G30x (N = 2.000 por grupo), ou seja, praticamente não houve diferença entre os grupos (p > 0,05). Consideramos que os dados de 2009-2010 sobre a germinação do trigo em até 40 h concordam com nos achados prévios no crescimento do caule de trigo em uma semana, ou seja, confirmam que ácido giberélico 30x pode influenciar, isto é, tornar mais lento, o desenvolvimento do trigo. São discutidos vários motivos para a ausência de toda diferença entre os grupos nos experimentos conduzidos em 2011, incluindo variações sazonais, e sugere-se que os experimentos com germinação de trigo sejam realizados exclusivamente no começo do outono.

Aumento da produção de pereira asiática pelo uso de fitorreguladores / Fruit production increase in Asian pear trees by use of plant growth regulators

A baixa frutificação de pereiras nas condições do Sul do Brasil é um dos limitantes à produção da cultura no país, podendo o problema ser minimizado pelo uso de fitorreguladores. Objetivou-se avaliar a efetividade de diferentes fitorreguladores e a combinação dessas substâncias no aumento da frutificação de pereira asiática 'Shinseiki. A aplicação dos fitorreguladores foi realizada quando as pereiras atingiram o estádio de plena floração. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições de uma planta, sendo avaliados os seguintes tratamentos: 1. testemunha (sem aplicação); 2. thidiazuron (TDZ) 20mg L-1; 3. ácido giberélico (AG) 20mg L-1; 4. proexadione cálcio (PCa) 600mg L-1; 5. PCa 600mg L-1 + TDZ 20mg L-1; 6. PCa 600mg L-1 + AG 20mg L-1; e 7. AG 20mg L-1 + TDZ 20mg L-1. Os fitorreguladores thidiazuron e ácido giberélico, e a combinação dessas substâncias, ambos na concentração de 20mg L-1, quando aplicados na floração, determinam aumento significativo da frutificação e da produção de peras 'Shinseiki'. A utilização do proexadione cálcio na floração, tanto isoladamente quanto associado ao thidiazuron e ao ácido giberélico, não repercutiu no aumento da frutificação.

The low fruit set in the Southern Brazil conditions is one of the limiting factors to pear production in the country. The use of plant growth regulators may minimize this problem. This study was carried out aiming to evaluate the effectiveness of different growth regulators and the combination of these substances on fruit set increase of 'Shinseiki Asian pears. The application of growth regulators was performed when the pears have reached the full bloom stage. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications of one tree, with the following treatments: 1. control (no application); 2. thidiazuron (TDZ) 20mg L-1; 3. gibberellic acid (GA) 20mg L-1; 4. prohexadione calcium (PCa) 600mg L-1; 5. PCa 600mg L-1 TDZ + 20mg L-1; 6. PCa 600mg L-1 + AG 20mg L-1; and 7. AG 20mg L-1 + TDZ 20mg L-1. When sprayed on full bloom stage, thidiazuron and gibberellic acid, and combinations of these substances, both at a concentration of 20mg L-1, increased significantly the fruit set and the fruit production of 'Shinseiki' pears. The use of prohexadione calcium, single or in combination with thidiazuron and gibberellic acid, did not increase the fruit production.

Improved calibration of a solid substrate fermentation model

Background: Calibration of dynamic models in biotechnology is challenging. Kinetic models are usually complex and differential equations are highly coupled involving a large number of parameters. In addition, available measurements are scarce and infrequent, and some key variables are often non-measurable. Therefore, effective optimization and statistical analysis methods are crucial to achieve meaningful results. In this research, we apply a metaheuristic scatter search algorithm to calibrate a solid substrate cultivation model. Results: Even though scatter search has shown to be effective for calibrating difficult nonlinear models, we show here that a posteriori analysis can significantly improve the accuracy and reliability of the estimation. Conclusions: Sensibility and correlation analysis helped us detect reliability problems and provided suggestions to improve the design of future experiments.

Quantification of Colchicine in Seed and Tuber samples of Gloriosa superba by High Performance Liquid Chromatography method.

To quantify the colchicine (alkaloid) present in Gloriosa superba by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method. Gloriosa superba species are known for their content of colchicine, a valuable alkaloid in the seeds and tubers (corms). HPLC analysis was carried out to confirm the presence of colchicine in Gloriosa superba. Treatment of gibberellic acid and Psedomonas aerugenosa improved the content of colchicine in seeds and tubers. Seeds of Gloriosa superba were rich in colchicines content than the tubers sample.

EFECTO DE LA LUZ Y DEL ÁCIDO GIBERÉLICO (AG3) EN LA GERMINACIÓN DE Minthostachys mollis KUNTH. GRISEB.(LABIATAE) / Effect of Light and Giberellic Acid (AG3) on the Germination of Minthostachys mollis Kunth. Griseb. (Labiatae)

Minthostachys mollis (Kunth) Griseb., es un arbusto perenne que crece en la región andina de Colombia; es ampliamente utilizada por las comunidades rurales donde es valorado por sus propiedades medicinales. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el efecto de la luz (luz roja, luz blanca y luz natural) y del ácido giberélico (0, 5, 15, 25 ppm) en el proceso de germinación de M. mollis. Se encontró inhibición de la germinación bajo condiciones de oscuridad. No se observó efecto de AG3 sobre la germinación. Los porcentajes de germinación fueron superiores a 80% para los tratamientos con luz (semilla fotoblástica positiva), donde el tratamiento con luz roja tuvo el efecto más significativo sobre el proceso de germinación.

Minthostachys mollis (Kunth) Griseb., is a perennial shrub that grows in the Andean region of Colombia; this species is widely used by rural communities where it is valued for its medicinal properties. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of light (red light, white light, and natural light) and gibberellic acid (0, 5, 15, 25 ppm) on the process of germination of M. mollis. We found a strong inhibition of germination under conditions of darkness. We do not observe effect of AG3 on germination. The germination percentages obtained were above 80% (positive photoblastic seeds) for the three proposed lighting treatments where red-light treatment had a most significant effect on the germination process.