Foliar Selenium Application to Reduce the Induced-Drought Stress Effects in Coffee Seedlings: Induced Priming or Alleviation Effect?

This study aimed to investigate the role of Se supply in improving osmotic stress tolerance in coffee seedlings while also evaluating the best timing for Se application. Five times of Se foliar application were assessed during induced osmotic stress with PEG-6000 using the day of imposing stress as a default, plus two control treatments: with osmotic stress and without Se, and without osmotic stress and Se. Results demonstrated that osmotic stress (OS) promoted mild stress in the coffee plants (ψw from -1.5MPa to -2.5 MPa). Control plants under stress showed seven and five times lower activity of the enzymes GR and SOD compared with the non-stressed ones, and OS was found to further induce starch degradation, which was potentialized by the Se foliar supply. The seedlings that received foliar Se application 8 days before the stress exhibited higher CAT, APX, and SOD than the absolute control (-OS-Se)-771.1%, 356.3%, and 266.5% higher, respectively. In conclusion, previous Se foliar spray is more effective than the Se supply after OS to overcome the adverse condition. On the other hand, the post-stress application seems to impose extra stress on the plants, leading them to reduce their water potential.

Bark and sapwood water storage and the atypical pattern of recharge and discharge of water reservoirs indicate low vulnerability to drought in Araucaria araucana.

Stored water in inner tissues influences the plant water economy, which might be particularly relevant for trees facing increasing dry conditions due to climate change. We studied the water storage in the inner bark and the sapwood of Araucaria araucana (Molina) K. Koch. This species has an extremely thick inner bark and thus it can be used as a model system to assess the impact of internal water storage on plant water balance. Specifically, we analyzed the water circulation pathways in and out of the elastic water storages by using simultaneously frequency domain moisture sensors and dendrometers inserted in the inner bark and in the sapwood, and sap flow determinations during the dry season. The daily patterns of water content and expansion and contraction of the stem tissues were similar to the sap flow pattern. The whole-stem water content and diameter increased in the morning and decreased in the afternoon, contrary to the typical pattern observed in most tree species. An osmotic gradient favoring the water influx from sapwood to inner bark was observed in the morning. There were no lags in the onset of sap flow between different stem heights at the time that recharge of reservoirs occurred. Sap flow at 6 m height was higher than basal sap flow in the afternoon, when the sapwood water content started to decline followed by the water content of the inner bark. Inner bark and sapwood contributed 5-11% to total daily transpiration, allowing the maintenance of high water potentials in the dry season. Our results suggest that the stored water in the stems, the atypical dynamic of recharge and discharge of water from reservoirs and the high tissue capacitance may make an important contribution to the survival of A. araucana during drought periods by maintaining the water balance.

Germination of Amaranthus deflexus L. seeds subjected to different temperature and salt-stress conditions / Germinação de sementes de Amaranthus deflexus L. submetidas a diferentes condições de temperatura e estresse salino

Weeds compete with crops for limiting factors in the environment in which they live; therefore, studies that demonstrate the germination response of seeds subjected to artificial stress are important to understand the survival and adaptation capacities of these species under natural stress conditions. This study proposes to evaluate the effect of salinity and thermal conditions on the germination and vigor of seeds of Amaranthus deflexus L. Two experiments were conducted with sowing in Petri dishes containing two sheets of filter paper moistened with distilled water (control) or NaCl solutions. In experiment 1, a completely randomized experimental design was adopted with a 2 × 6 factorial arrangement consisting of two photoperiods (12 h light and 24 h dark) and six levels of salt stress (0, -0.3, -0.6, -0.9, -1.2, and -1.5 MPa), totaling twelve treatments, with four replications. At the end of the test, the seeds that did not germinate were washed and placed on paper towel substrate, which was moistened with water for hydration and to stimulate the germination process. Experiment 2 was also laid out in a completely randomized design and involved eight treatments (germination at 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 20/30, 25/35, and 30/40 °C) and four replicates each. Salt stress negatively affected the seed vigor of A. deflexus from the stress level of -0.3 MPa. The absence of light compromised seed vigor, regardless of the stress level applied. The final germination percentage and the germination speed index of A. deflexus seeds were superior at the constant temperature of 25 °C and in the alternating regime of 25-35 °C. The multivariate procedure discriminated treatments 1 and 2 as superior in dendrogram A, as well as 4, 5, and 6 in dendrogram B, making it a robust method for inference in factorial experiments on germination behavior.

As plantas daninhas competem com as culturas por fatores limitantes do meio em que vivem, portanto, estudos que apontem a resposta germinativa de sementes submetidas a estresses artificiais são importantes para entender a capacidade de sobrevivência e adaptação destas espécies sob condições de estresse naturais. Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar o efeito das condições salinas e térmicas sobre a germinação e vigor de sementes de Amaranthus deflexus L. Foram instalados dois experimentos, com semeadura realizada em placas de petri contendo duas folhas de papel de filtro umedecidas com água destilada (controle) ou com soluções de NaCl. No experimento 1 utilizou-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado (DIC), em esquema fatorial 2 x 6, constituído de dois fotoperíodos (12h luz e 24h escuro) e seis níveis de estresse salino (0; -0,3; -0,6; -0,9; -1,2 e -1,5 MPa), totalizando doze tratamentos, com quatro repetições. Ao final do teste, as sementes que não germinaram foram lavadas e colocadas em substrato papel toalha, umedecido com água para hidratação e estimular o processo germinativo. No experimento 2 utilizou-se um DIC com oito tratamentos (germinação sob 20; 25; 30; 35; 40°C, 20/30; 25/35 e 30/40°C) e quatro repetições cada. O estresse salino afetou negativamente o vigor das sementes de A. deflexus desde o nível de estresse de -0,3 MPa. O vigor das sementes foi comprometido pela ausência de luz, independentemente dos níveis de estresse aplicados. Houve superioridade na percentagem final de germinação e o índice de velocidade de germinação das sementes de A. deflexus na temperatura de 25°C constante e no regime alternado de 25-35°C. O procedimento multivariado discriminou os tratamentos 1 e 2 como superiores no dendograma A, bem como 4, 5 e 6 no dendograma B, configurando-se como método robusto para inferência em experimentos fatoriais sobre o comportamento germinativo.

Selection of Soybean Genotypes under Drought and Saline Stress Conditions Using Manhattan Distance and TOPSIS.

The search for soybean genotypes more adapted to abiotic stress conditions is essential to boost the development and yield of the crop in Brazil and worldwide. In this research, we propose a new approach using the concept of distance (or similarity) in a vector space that can quantify changes in the morphological traits of soybean seedlings exposed to stressful environments. Thus, this study was conducted to select soybean genotypes exposed to stressful environments (saline or drought) using similarity based on Manhattan distance and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method. TOPSIS is a multi-criteria decision method for selecting the best alternative using the concept of distance. The use of TOPSIS is essential because the genotypes are not absolutely similar in both treatments. That is, just the distance measure is not enough to select the best genotype simultaneously in the two stress environments. Drought and saline stresses were induced by exposing seeds of 70 soybean genotypes to -0.20 MPa iso-osmotic solutions with polyethylene glycol-PEG 6000 (119.6 g L-1) or NaCl (2.36 g L-1) for 14 days at 25 °C. The germination rate, seedling length, and seedling dry matter were measured. We showed here how the genotypic stability of soybean plants could be quantified by TOPSIS when comparing drought and salinity conditions to a non-stressful environment (control) and how this method can be employed under different conditions. Based on the TOPSIS method, we can select the best soybean genotypes for environments with multiple abiotic stresses. Among the 70 tested soybean genotypes, RK 6813 RR, ST 777 IPRO, RK 7214 IPRO, TMG 2165 IPRO, 5G 830 RR, 98R35 IPRO, 98R31 IPRO, RK 8317 IPRO, CG 7464 RR, and LG 60177 IPRO are the 10 most stable genotypes under drought and saline stress conditions. Owing to high stability and gains with selection verified for these genotypes under salinity and drought conditions, they can be used as genitors in breeding programs to obtain offspring with higher resistance to antibiotic stresses.

Leaf turgor loss point shapes local and regional distributions of evergreen but not deciduous tropical trees.

The effects of climate change on tropical forests will depend on how diverse tropical tree species respond to drought. Current distributions of evergreen and deciduous tree species across local and regional moisture gradients reflect their ability to tolerate drought stress, and might be explained by functional traits. We measured leaf water potential at turgor loss (i.e. 'wilting point'; πtlp ), wood density (WD) and leaf mass per area (LMA) on 50 of the most abundant tree species in central Panama. We then tested their ability to explain distributions of evergreen and deciduous species within a 50 ha plot on Barro Colorado Island and across a 70 km rainfall gradient spanning the Isthmus of Panama. Among evergreen trees, species with lower πtlp were associated with drier habitats, with πtlp explaining 28% and 32% of habitat association on local and regional scales, respectively, greatly exceeding the predictive power of WD and LMA. In contrast, πtlp did not predict habitat associations among deciduous species. Across spatial scales, πtlp is a useful indicator of habitat preference for tropical tree species that retain their leaves during periods of water stress, and holds the potential to predict vegetation responses to climate change.

Water deficit on germination and vigour in seeds of the Jambu / Déficit hídrico na germinação e vigor de sementes d e jambu

Water availability influences plant metabolism during the various stages of development, especially in the period between germination and seedling emergence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of water deficit during the germination process on seeds of A. oleracea. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomised design, with four replications of 50 seeds. The treatments were arranged in a 5 x 2 factorial scheme, with the first factor consisting of the osmotic potentials (-0.2, -0.4, -0.6, -0.8 and distilled water for the potential 0.0 MPa) and the second factor consisting of two lots of seed. The germination test was carried out on substrates moistened with solutions of mannitol and polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) at the various potentials, in a Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) germinator at a temperature of 30°C and under constant light. The test was evaluated daily for 14 days, considering the seeds that had a root length equal to or greater than two millimetres as having germinated. The variables under analysis were germination, germination speed index, seedling length and seedling dry weight. The germination process of A. oleracea is compromised at water potentials of -0.2 MPa and -0.4 MPa when submitted to PEG and mannitol respectively. Seeds from Lot 1 were more tolerant to the water deficit than were those from Lot 2.

A disponibilidade de água influencia o metabolismo vegetal nas diversas etapas do desenvolvimento, especialmente no período entre a germinação e a emergência das plântulas. Diante disso, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do déficit hídrico durante o processo de germinação de sementes de A. oleracea. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições de 50 sementes. Os tratamentos foram arranjados em esquema fatorial 5 x 2, com o primeiro fator constituído pelos potenciais osmóticos (-0,2; -0,4; -0,6; -0,8 e água destilada para o potencial 0,0 MPa) e o segundo dois lotes de sementes. Para isso, o teste de germinação foi realizado em substratos umedecidos com soluções de manitol e polietilenoglicol (PEG 6000) nos diversos potenciais, em germinador do tipo Biochemical Oxigen Demand (B.O.D.) sob a temperatura de 30 °C e luz constante. O teste foi avaliado diariamente durante 14 dias, sendo considerado como germinadas, as sementes que apresentavam extensão radicular igual ou superior a dois milímetros. As variáveis analisadas foram germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação, comprimento de plântulas e massa seca de plântulas. O processo germinativo de sementes de A. oleracea é comprometido a partir de potenciais hídricos de -0,2 MPa e -0,4 MPa, quando submetidas ao PEG e manitol respectivamente. As sementes provenientes do lote 1 mostraram-se mais tolerantes ao déficit hídrico que as do lote 2.

Effects of water deficit and pH on seed germination and seedling development in Cereus jamacaru / Déficit hídrico e pH na germinação de semente e no desenvolvimento de plântula de Cereus jamacaru

The lack of water and soil acidity are current problems occurring in many regions around the globe. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the effects of seed germination and seedling development, in order to determine the species adaptability to the ever-changing environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of water deficit and pH on seed germination and seedling development in Cereus jamacaru. A completely randomized experiment was performed. A factorial scheme of 6 × 7, corresponding to six osmotic potential values (0.0, -0.2, -0.4, -0.6, -0.8, and -1.0 MPa) induced by PEG 6000, and seven pH levels (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9) with four replications was used. The variables analyzed were germination (G), germination speed index (GSI), mean germination time (MGT), normal seedling (NS), root length (RL), shoot length (ShL), seedling length (SL), and seedling dry mass (SDM). The statistical analysis included ANOVA and binomial models (G and NS), regression models with quadratic terms (GSI and MGT), and response surface method (ShL and SL) for the variables with at least one significant factor (p < 0.05). C. jamacaru showed susceptibility to water deficit at seed germination and seedling development stages, indicated by the decreases in G, GSI, NS, ShL, and SL at osmotic potential below to 0.0 MPa. The pH interaction with osmotic potential affected C. jamacaru seedling development. The increase in pH was favorable for seedling development, but not for seed germination.(AU)

A falta de água e a acidez do solo já são problemas enfrentados em várias regiões do planeta. Por esta razão, torna-se imprescindível estimar ambos fatores no processo de germinação de semente e no desenvolvimento de plântula, a fim de determinar a adaptabilidade das espécies às mudanças das condições ambientais. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do déficit hídrico e do pH no processo germinativo e no desenvolvimento de plântula de Cereus jamacaru. Para o estudo, utilizou-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 6 × 7, correspondente a seis valores de potencial osmótico (0,0; -0,2; -0,4; -0,6; -0,8 e -1,0 MPa), induzidos por PEG 6000, e sete níveis de pH (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 e 9), com quatro repetições. As variáveis analisadas foram germinação (G), índice de velocidade de germinação (IVG), tempo médio de germinação (TMG), plântula normal (PN), comprimento de raiz (CR), comprimento de parte aérea (CPA), comprimento de plântula (CP) e massa seca de plântula (MSP). A análise estatística incluiu análise de variância e modelos binomiais (G e PN), modelos de regressão com termos quadráticos (IVG e TMG), e método de superfície de resposta (CPA e CP) para as variáveis com pelo menos um fator significativo (p < 0.05). A espécie C. jamacaru mostrou-se suscetível ao déficit hídrico em ambos os estágios fisiológicos: germinação de semente e desenvolvimento de plântula; dado o fato da redução da G, IVG, PN, CPA e CP em potenciais osmóticos inferiores a 0,0 MPa. O pH em interação com o potencial osmótico afetou o desenvolvimento de plântula de C. jamacaru. O aumento do pH foi favorável para o desenvolvimento de plântula, porém foi indiferente para a germinação de semente.(AU)

Effects of water deficit and pH on seed germination and seedling development in Cereus jamacaru / Déficit hídrico e pH na germinação de semente e no desenvolvimento de plântula de Cereus jamacaru

The lack of water and soil acidity are current problems occurring in many regions around the globe. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the effects of seed germination and seedling development, in order to determine the species adaptability to the ever-changing environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of water deficit and pH on seed germination and seedling development in Cereus jamacaru. A completely randomized experiment was performed. A factorial scheme of 6 × 7, corresponding to six osmotic potential values (0.0, -0.2, -0.4, -0.6, -0.8, and -1.0 MPa) induced by PEG 6000, and seven pH levels (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9) with four replications was used. The variables analyzed were germination (G), germination speed index (GSI), mean germination time (MGT), normal seedling (NS), root length (RL), shoot length (ShL), seedling length (SL), and seedling dry mass (SDM). The statistical analysis included ANOVA and binomial models (G and NS), regression models with quadratic terms (GSI and MGT), and response surface method (ShL and SL) for the variables with at least one significant factor (p < 0.05). C. jamacaru showed susceptibility to water deficit at seed germination and seedling development stages, indicated by the decreases in G, GSI, NS, ShL, and SL at osmotic potential below to 0.0 MPa. The pH interaction with osmotic potential affected C. jamacaru seedling development. The increase in pH was favorable for seedling development, but not for seed germination.

A falta de água e a acidez do solo já são problemas enfrentados em várias regiões do planeta. Por esta razão, torna-se imprescindível estimar ambos fatores no processo de germinação de semente e no desenvolvimento de plântula, a fim de determinar a adaptabilidade das espécies às mudanças das condições ambientais. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do déficit hídrico e do pH no processo germinativo e no desenvolvimento de plântula de Cereus jamacaru. Para o estudo, utilizou-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 6 × 7, correspondente a seis valores de potencial osmótico (0,0; -0,2; -0,4; -0,6; -0,8 e -1,0 MPa), induzidos por PEG 6000, e sete níveis de pH (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 e 9), com quatro repetições. As variáveis analisadas foram germinação (G), índice de velocidade de germinação (IVG), tempo médio de germinação (TMG), plântula normal (PN), comprimento de raiz (CR), comprimento de parte aérea (CPA), comprimento de plântula (CP) e massa seca de plântula (MSP). A análise estatística incluiu análise de variância e modelos binomiais (G e PN), modelos de regressão com termos quadráticos (IVG e TMG), e método de superfície de resposta (CPA e CP) para as variáveis com pelo menos um fator significativo (p < 0.05). A espécie C. jamacaru mostrou-se suscetível ao déficit hídrico em ambos os estágios fisiológicos: germinação de semente e desenvolvimento de plântula; dado o fato da redução da G, IVG, PN, CPA e CP em potenciais osmóticos inferiores a 0,0 MPa. O pH em interação com o potencial osmótico afetou o desenvolvimento de plântula de C. jamacaru. O aumento do pH foi favorável para o desenvolvimento de plântula, porém foi indiferente para a germinação de semente.

Water regime and osmotic adjustment under warming conditions on wheat in the Yaqui Valley, Mexico.

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of increased temperature on roots and leaf water and osmotic potential, osmotic adjustment (OA) and transpiration on Triticum durum L. (CIRNO C2008 variety) during growth (seedling growth), tillering and heading phenophases. Wheat was sown under field conditions at the Experimental Technology Transfer Center (CETT-910), as a representative wheat crop area from the Yaqui Valley, Sonora México. Thermal radiators were placed at 1.20 m from the crop canopy. Treatments included warmed plots (2 °C) and ambient canopy temperature with five replicates. Temperature treatment was controlled using a (proportional, integrative, derivative) feedback control system on plots covering a circular area of r = 1.5 m. Results indicated a significant decrease in the osmotic potential of roots and leaves for the warmed plots. Water potential, under warming treatment, also experienced a significant reduction and a potential gradient was observed in both, roots and leaves, while the phenophases were delayed. Such results demonstrate that, under warmer conditions, plants increase water absorption for cooling. Hence, transpiration experienced a significant increase under warming in all phenophases that was related to the low root and leaf water potential. CIRNO C2008 also experienced OA in all phenophases with glycine betaine as the osmolyte with major contribution.

Physiological response of seeds of peanut genotypes to water deficiency / Resposta fisiológica de sementes de genótipos de amendoim submetidos a deficiência hídrica

Among the factors that may influence the germination process of seeds, water deficiency is considered the most important. The present study aims to evaluate the physiological response of peanut genotypes to water deficiency. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with four replications in a 12 x 7 factorial scheme with 12 peanut genotypes and seven polyethylene glycol 6000 concentrations corresponding to osmotic potentials of 0.00; -0.10; -0.20; -0.40; -0.60; -0.80 and -1.00 MPa. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey's test at a 5% probability level and, when significant, to analysis of variance adjusted to a quadratic polynomial curve. The germination percentage, seed vigor evaluated by the speed germination index, mean germination time, root length and root dry matter of some genotypes were affected by the osmotic potentials. Among the genotypes, there is a differential response related to the water deficiency level. In relation to the physiological response of the seeds, the lineages 506, 599, and 870 and the cultivar IAC Tatu-ST have a higher tolerance of water deficit. The peanut genotypes begin to suffer the effects of water deficiency at the osmotic potential of -0.4 MPa

Entre os fatores externos que podem influenciar o processo germinativo das sementes, a deficiência hídrica é considerada o mais importante. Dessa forma, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a resposta fisiológica de sementes de genótipos de amendoim submetidos à deficiência hídrica. O experimento foi conduzido em esquema fatorial 12 x 7, tendo como tratamentos sementes de 12 genótipos de amendoim submetidos a sete concentrações de polietilenoglicol 6000, nos potenciais osmóticos correspondentes a 0,00; -0,10; -0,20; -0,40; -0,60; -0,80; -1,00 MPa. Constatou-se que os genótipos são afetados pelos potenciais osmóticos e, entre os genótipos, há resposta diferenciada em relação ao nível de deficiência hídrica. Em relação à resposta fisiológica das sementes, as linhagens 506, 599, 870 e a cultivar IAC Tatu-ST possuem maiortolerância à deficiência hídrica. Todos os genótipos de amendoim começam a sofrerem os efeitos da deficiência hídrica a partir do potencial osmótico de -0,4 MPa para a maior parte das características avaliadas

Drought tolerance of four vegetable crops during germination and initial seedling growth / Tolerância de quatro espécies de hortaliças ao déficit hídrico durante a germinação e crescimento inicial das plântulas

Seeds of arugula (Eruca sativa Miller, cv. Cultivada), carrot (Daucus carota L., cv. Nantes), eggplant (Solanum melongena L., cv. Embú) and watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai cv. Crimson Sweet] were submitted to different osmotic potentials induced by polyethylene glycol(PEG) with the objective of evaluate the effects of drought stress on seed germination and initial seedling growth. Seeds were distributed in plastic boxes containing blotter paper, soaked with PEG solutions prepared with osmotic potentials 0.0 (control), ­0.2, ­0.4, and ­0.8 MPa and kept into a seed germinator, at 25 °C for 14 days. A completely randomized design in a 4 × 4 factorial scheme with four replicates of 50 seeds each was used. The results showed that by increasing of the osmotic potential level, germinated seeds number, germination rate index, root and shoot length, shoot and root dry matter, and seedling vigor indices decreased, while mean germination time and root: shoot ratio increased in all four vegetable crops. Additionally, the carrot and watermelon are more susceptible than arugula and eggplant to drought stress, with germination response declining more rapidly with the rise of osmotic potential level. Arugula and eggplant crops tolerate water stress of up to ­0.2 MPa, without reducing germination of the seeds; however, the growth of shoots and roots are inhibited. The germination process of eggplant and watermelon seeds are completely inhibited at ­0.8 MPa osmotic potential, whereas germination of carrot seeds is completely inhibited at ­0.4 MPa osmotic potential. Severe drought stress limits the process of seed germination and initial seedling growth of vegetable crops.

Sementes de rúcula (Eruca sativa Miller, cv. Cultivada), cenoura (Daucus carota L., cv. Nantes), berinjela (Solanum melongena L., cv. Embú) e melancia [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai cv. Crimson Sweet] foram submetidas a diferentes potenciais osmóticos simulados com polietileno glicol (PEG 6000) com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos do estresse hídrico na germinação e no crescimento inicial das plântulas. As sementes foram distribuídas em caixas plásticas tipo Gerbox® contendo papel mata-borrão, o qual foi umedecido com diferentes soluções de PEG preparadas com quatro níveis de potenciais osmótico [0 (controle); ­0,2; ­0,4; e ­0,8 MPa]. As caixas plásticas foram então mantidas em câmara de germinação à 25 °C por 14 dias. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 4 × 4, com quatro repetições de 50 sementes cada. Os resultados mostraram que o aumento do nível de potencial osmótico da solução reduziu a porcentagem de germinação das sementes, o índice de velocidade de germinação, o comprimentos da parte aérea e da raiz principal, a produção de matéria seca da parte aérea e das raízes e os índices de vigor das plântulas, enquanto que o tempo médio de germinação e a relação entre a matéria seca da raiz/parte aérea aumentou em todas as quatro espécies de hortaliças. As culturas de cenoura e melancia são mais susceptível que a rúcula e a berinjela ao estresse hídrico, com resposta de germinação declinando mais rapidamente com o aumento do nível de potencial osmótico. A rúcula e a berinjela toleram estresse hídrico de até ­0,2 MPa, sem reduzir o processo de germinação das sementes; no entanto, o crescimento da parte aérea e das raízes são inibidos. O processo de germinação das sementes de berinjela e melancia são completamente inibidos em potencial osmótico de ­0.8 MPa, ao passo que a germinação das sementes de cenoura é completamente inibida em potencial osmótico de ­0.4 MPa. O estresse hídrico severo limita o processo de germinação das sementes e crescimento inicial de plântulas das quatro espécies de hortaliças.

Hydration curve and physiological quality of maize seeds subjected to water deficit / Curva de hidratação e qualidade fisiológica em sementes de milho sob déficit hídrico

The hydration pattern associated with the physiological quality of seeds can be an early indicator for the evaluation of seed quality. The present study aimed to evaluate the hydration pattern of seeds subjected, or not, to water restriction, and to relate these patterns to their physiological quality. The physiological quality of seeds from five maize lines (L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5) and four hybrids (HT1, HT2, HS1, and HS2) was initially determined using seed germination and vigor tests (accelerated ageing and electric conductivity). A completely randomized experimental design was used with four repeats for the physiological analyses and a regression analysis was performed in order to assess the behavior of the seeds over time. The hydration curve was determined by imbibing the seeds in distilled water 0,0 MPa (control) and in a –0.9 MPa osmotic solution of polyethylene glycol 6000. Water uptake by the seeds was found to follow a triphasic pattern in the absence of water stress (0.0 MPa), however, when exposed to a –0.9 MPa osmotic potential, an extended phase II was observed. Diversity was observed between the lines in terms of the hydration pattern of the seeds, which can influence the physiological quality of the hybrid seeds. Regarding the hybrids, a positive relationship was observed between the shortest time to root protrusion and the quality of the seeds, both with or without water restriction, which allows us to conclude that hydration pattern can be used as a parameter for the early evaluation of physiological quality in hybrid maize seeds.(AU)

O padrão de hidratação associado à qualidade fisiológica das sementes pode ser um indicativo para avaliação da qualidade de forma precoce. Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar o padrão de hidratação das sementes, submetidas ou não à restrição hídrica e relacioná-lo com a qualidade fisiológica das sementes. Inicialmente, determinou-se a qualidade fisiológica das sementes de cinco linhagens (L1, L2, L3, L4 e L5) e quatro híbridos de milho (HT1, HT2, HS1 e HS2) através do teste de germinação e testes de vigor (envelhecimento acelerado e condutividade elétrica). Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições para as análises fisiológicas e análise de regressão a fim de analisar o comportamento das sementes ao longo tempo. A curva de hidratação foi realizada com embebição das sementes em água destilada 0,0 MPa (controle) e em solução de PEG 6000 à –0,9 MPa. Verificou-se que a absorção de água nas sementes apresentou o padrão trifásico na condição sem estresse hídrico (0,0 Mpa), no entanto, quando expostas à condição de potencial –0,9 MPa, apresentou alongamento da fase II. Houve diversidade entre as linhagens com relação ao padrão de hidratação das sementes, sendo que estas podem influenciar na qualidade fisiológica das sementes dos híbridos. Nos híbridos, tanto com ou sem restrição hídrica, constatou-se uma relação positiva entre o menor tempo para ocorrência da protrusão radicular e a qualidade das sementes, o que permite concluir que o padrão de hidratação pode ser um parâmetro para avaliação precoce da qualidade fisiológica de sementes de milho híbrido.(AU)

Hydration curve and physiological quality of maize seeds subjected to water deficit / Curva de hidratação e qualidade fisiológica em sementes de milho sob déficit hídrico

The hydration pattern associated with the physiological quality of seeds can be an early indicator for the evaluation of seed quality. The present study aimed to evaluate the hydration pattern of seeds subjected, or not, to water restriction, and to relate these patterns to their physiological quality. The physiological quality of seeds from five maize lines (L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5) and four hybrids (HT1, HT2, HS1, and HS2) was initially determined using seed germination and vigor tests (accelerated ageing and electric conductivity). A completely randomized experimental design was used with four repeats for the physiological analyses and a regression analysis was performed in order to assess the behavior of the seeds over time. The hydration curve was determined by imbibing the seeds in distilled water 0,0 MPa (control) and in a –0.9 MPa osmotic solution of polyethylene glycol 6000. Water uptake by the seeds was found to follow a triphasic pattern in the absence of water stress (0.0 MPa), however, when exposed to a –0.9 MPa osmotic potential, an extended phase II was observed. Diversity was observed between the lines in terms of the hydration pattern of the seeds, which can influence the physiological quality of the hybrid seeds. Regarding the hybrids, a positive relationship was observed between the shortest time to root protrusion and the quality of the seeds, both with or without water restriction, which allows us to conclude that hydration pattern can be used as a parameter for the early evaluation of physiological quality in hybrid maize seeds.

O padrão de hidratação associado à qualidade fisiológica das sementes pode ser um indicativo para avaliação da qualidade de forma precoce. Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar o padrão de hidratação das sementes, submetidas ou não à restrição hídrica e relacioná-lo com a qualidade fisiológica das sementes. Inicialmente, determinou-se a qualidade fisiológica das sementes de cinco linhagens (L1, L2, L3, L4 e L5) e quatro híbridos de milho (HT1, HT2, HS1 e HS2) através do teste de germinação e testes de vigor (envelhecimento acelerado e condutividade elétrica). Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições para as análises fisiológicas e análise de regressão a fim de analisar o comportamento das sementes ao longo tempo. A curva de hidratação foi realizada com embebição das sementes em água destilada 0,0 MPa (controle) e em solução de PEG 6000 à –0,9 MPa. Verificou-se que a absorção de água nas sementes apresentou o padrão trifásico na condição sem estresse hídrico (0,0 Mpa), no entanto, quando expostas à condição de potencial –0,9 MPa, apresentou alongamento da fase II. Houve diversidade entre as linhagens com relação ao padrão de hidratação das sementes, sendo que estas podem influenciar na qualidade fisiológica das sementes dos híbridos. Nos híbridos, tanto com ou sem restrição hídrica, constatou-se uma relação positiva entre o menor tempo para ocorrência da protrusão radicular e a qualidade das sementes, o que permite concluir que o padrão de hidratação pode ser um parâmetro para avaliação precoce da qualidade fisiológica de sementes de milho híbrido.

Embebição e qualidade fisiológica de sementes de tremoço branco tratadas com micronutrientes / Imbibition and white lupine seeds physiological quality affected by micronutrients supply

As sementes de tremoço branco, devido ao alto teor de óleo e proteína, estão sendo cada vez mais utilizadas na alimentação humana e animal. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a embebição e a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de tremoço branco tratadas via imersão em soluções de micronutrientes. Os tratamentos constaram do controle (isento de imersão), imersão em água destilada e em soluções de Cu, B, Zn, Mn e Mo, em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado. A avaliação da embebição e qualidade fisiológica foi através de testes de germinação e de vigor (primeira contagem de germinação, condutividade elétrica e crescimento de plântulas), bem como a determinação do teor de nutrientes. A velocidade de absorção das sementes de tremoço branco com menor qualidade fisiológica inicial, na presença de Mn e Mo, diminui, enquanto o tratamento de sementes de tremoço branco via imersão em soluções de micronutrientes favorece a sua qualidade fisiológica.

White lupine seeds due to the high oil content and protein are being used in animal and human feed, so the objective was to evaluate the absorption and white lupine seeds physiological quality that were treated by immersion in micronutrients solutions. Treatments consisted of control (free immersion), immersion in distilled water and in solutions of Cu, B, Zn, Mn and Mo in a completely randomized design. Evaluation of absorption and physiological quality was through seed germination and vigor (first count, electrical conductivity and seedling growth) as well as determining the nutrient content tests. The absorption rate of white lupine seeds with lower initial quality in the presence of Mn and Mo decreases. The treatment of white lupine seeds by immersion in solutions of micronutrients favors the physiological quality.

Embebição e qualidade fisiológica de sementes de tremoço branco tratadas com micronutrientes / Imbibition and white lupine seeds physiological quality affected by micronutrients supply

As sementes de tremoço branco, devido ao alto teor de óleo e proteína, estão sendo cada vez mais utilizadas na alimentação humana e animal. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a embebição e a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de tremoço branco tratadas via imersão em soluções de micronutrientes. Os tratamentos constaram do controle (isento de imersão), imersão em água destilada e em soluções de Cu, B, Zn, Mn e Mo, em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado. A avaliação da embebição e qualidade fisiológica foi através de testes de germinação e de vigor (primeira contagem de germinação, condutividade elétrica e crescimento de plântulas), bem como a determinação do teor de nutrientes. A velocidade de absorção das sementes de tremoço branco com menor qualidade fisiológica inicial, na presença de Mn e Mo, diminui, enquanto o tratamento de sementes de tremoço branco via imersão em soluções de micronutrientes favorece a sua qualidade fisiológica.(AU)

White lupine seeds due to the high oil content and protein are being used in animal and human feed, so the objective was to evaluate the absorption and white lupine seeds physiological quality that were treated by immersion in micronutrients solutions. Treatments consisted of control (free immersion), immersion in distilled water and in solutions of Cu, B, Zn, Mn and Mo in a completely randomized design. Evaluation of absorption and physiological quality was through seed germination and vigor (first count, electrical conductivity and seedling growth) as well as determining the nutrient content tests. The absorption rate of white lupine seeds with lower initial quality in the presence of Mn and Mo decreases. The treatment of white lupine seeds by immersion in solutions of micronutrients favors the physiological quality.(AU)

Priming and temperature limits for germination of dispersal units of Urochloa brizantha (Stapf) Webster cv. basilisk / Priming e temperaturas limites de germinação de unidades de dispersão de Urochloa brizantha (Stapf) Webster cv. basilisk

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of priming treatments on the upper and lower thermal limits for germination of Urochloa brizantha cv. basilisk, and testing the hypothesis that pré-imbibition affect thermal parameters of the germination. Pre-imbibed seeds both in distilled water (0 MPa) and PEG 6000 solution (–0.5 MPa) were put to germinate in different temperatures. It is suggested that U. brizantha seeds have low response to priming when they were placed to germinate in medium where water is not limiting. The response of U. brizantha seeds to priming is dependent on the temperature and water potential conditions at which the seeds are pre-imbibed, as well as on the germination temperature. The optimum temperature for germination of U. brizantha shift toward warmer temperatures in primed seeds. Priming effect was more pronounced at temperatures closer to the upper and lower limit for germination, but probably that response cannot be accounted for changes in the thermal time constant (θT(g)) and ceiling temperature (Tc(g)). Otherwise, a decrease in the base temperature (Tb) was observed in primed seeds, suggesting that the Tb distribution in U. brizantha seeds is influenced by priming.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do tratamento pré-germinativo priming sobre os limites térmicos inferior e superior para a germinação de Urochloa brizantha cv. basilisk, e testar a hipótese de que a pré-embebição afeta os parâmetros térmicos da germinação. Sementes pré-embebidas, tanto em água destilada (0 MPa) quanto em solução de PEG 6000 (–0,5 MPa) foram colocadas para germinar em diferentes temperaturas. Os resultados sugerem que sementes de U. brizantha apresentam baixa resposta ao priming quando colocadas para germinar em meio onde a água não é limitante. A resposta de sementes de U. brizantha para o priming é dependente das condições de temperatura e potenciais hídricos em que as sementes são pré-embebidas, bem como para a temperatura de germinação. A temperatura ótima para germinação de sementes de U. brizantha altera-se para temperaturas mais altas em sementes pré-embebidas. O efeito de priming foi mais pronunciado em temperaturas mais próximas do limite superior e inferior para a germinação, mas, provavelmente essa resposta não foi responsável por mudanças na constante tempo térmico (θT(g)) e temperatura teto (Tc (g)). Por outro lado, uma diminuição na temperatura base (Tb) foi observada em sementes pré-embebidas, sugerindo que a distribuição Tb em sementes de U. brizantha é influenciada pelo priming.

Priming and temperature limits for germination of dispersal units of Urochloa brizantha (Stapf) Webster cv basilisk / Priming e temperaturas limites de germinação de unidades de dispersão de Urochloa brizantha (Stapf) Webster cv basilisk

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of priming treatments on the upper and lower thermal limits for germination of Urochloa brizantha cv. basilisk, and testing the hypothesis that pré-imbibition affect thermal parameters of the germination. Pre-imbibed seeds both in distilled water (0 MPa) and PEG 6000 solution (–0.5 MPa) were put to germinate in different temperatures. It is suggested that U. brizantha seeds have low response to priming when they were placed to germinate in medium where water is not limiting. The response of U. brizantha seeds to priming is dependent on the temperature and water potential conditions at which the seeds are pre-imbibed, as well as on the germination temperature. The optimum temperature for germination of U. brizantha shift toward warmer temperatures in primed seeds. Priming effect was more pronounced at temperatures closer to the upper and lower limit for germination, but probably that response cannot be accounted for changes in the thermal time constant (θT(g)) and ceiling temperature (Tc(g)). Otherwise, a decrease in the base temperature (Tb) was observed in primed seeds, suggesting that the Tb distribution in U. brizantha seeds is influenced by priming.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do tratamento pré-germinativo priming sobre os limites térmicos inferior e superior para a germinação de Urochloa brizantha cv. basilisk, e testar a hipótese de que a pré-embebição afeta os parâmetros térmicos da germinação. Sementes pré-embebidas, tanto em água destilada (0 MPa) quanto em solução de PEG 6000 (–0,5 MPa) foram colocadas para germinar em diferentes temperaturas. Os resultados sugerem que sementes de U. brizantha apresentam baixa resposta ao priming quando colocadas para germinar em meio onde a água não é limitante. A resposta de sementes de U. brizantha para o priming é dependente das condições de temperatura e potenciais hídricos em que as sementes são pré-embebidas, bem como para a temperatura de germinação. A temperatura ótima para germinação de sementes de U. brizantha altera-se para temperaturas mais altas em sementes pré-embebidas. O efeito de priming foi mais pronunciado em temperaturas mais próximas do limite superior e inferior para a germinação, mas, provavelmente essa resposta não foi responsável por mudanças na constante tempo térmico (θT(g)) e temperatura teto (Tc (g)). Por outro lado, uma diminuição na temperatura base (Tb) foi observada em sementes pré-embebidas, sugerindo que a distribuição Tb em sementes de U. brizantha é influenciada pelo priming.(AU)

Impact of water potential on growth and germination of Fusarium solani soilborne pathogen of peanut.

Studies were conducted to determine the effect of osmotic and matric stress on germination and growth of two Fusarium solani strains, the etiological agent responsible of peanut brown root rot. Both strains had similar osmotic and matric potential ranges that allowed growth, being the latter one narrower. F. solani showed the ability to grow down to -14 MPa at 25 °C in non-ionic modified osmotic medium, while under matric stress this was limited to -8.4 MPa at 25 °C. However, both strains were seen to respond differently to decreasing osmotic and matric potentials, during early stages of germination. One strain (RC 338) showed to be more sensitive to matric than osmotic (non ionic) and the other one (RC 386) showed to be more sensitive to osmotic than matric imposed water stress. After 24 h of incubation, both isolates behaved similarly. The minimum water potential for germination was -8.4 MPa on glycerol amended media and -5.6 MPa for NaCl and PEG amended media, respectively. The knowledge of the water potential range which allow mycelia growth and spore germination of F. solani provides an inside to the likely behaviour of this devastating soilborne plant pathogen in nature and has important practical implications.

Salinity in the germination of Brassicas oleracea L. var. itálica / Salinidade na qualidade fisiológica em sementes de Brassicas oleracea L. var. itálica

The demand for vegetable seeds with high quality and the achievement of vigorous seedlings is increasing, because these characteristics determine the success of the production. The use of some areas such as arid and semiarid regions runs into some obstacles such as salinity and potential sodicity of water used for irrigation, whose main purpose is to provide adequate moisture for growth and development of plants in order to increase productivity and consequently, reduce the effects of drought. This study aims to assess the seed germination and vigor of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. itálica) cv. Santana, under the influence of salt stress. The experiment was conducted at the Laboratory of Analysis of Seeds and Seedlings of the Centro de Ciências e Tecnologia Agroalimentar da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, PB-Pombal, in completely randomized design, with treatments arranged in 2x5 factorial scheme, corresponding to two lots of seeds (not aged and aged) and osmotic potentials of five soaking solution (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 MPa). Seeds were germinated in Petri dishes on two sheets of filter paper moistened with saline (NaCl) at different concentrations and maintained in germination temperature of 20-30º C and photoperiod-eight hours, after were subjected to assessment of their physiological quality through tests of germination and vigor. The presence of salts...(AU)

A demanda por sementes de hortaliças com alta qualidade e a obtenção de mudas vigorosas tem aumentado nos últimos anos, pois estas características constituem fatores determinantes do êxito da produção. O aproveitamento de algumas áreas como as de regiões áridas e semiáridas esbarra em alguns obstáculos como a salinidade e o potencial de sodicidade da água, utilizada na irrigação, cuja finalidade principal é proporcionar umidade adequada para o crescimento e desenvolvimento das plantas, visando aumentar a produtividade e, conseqüentemente, reduzir os efeitos da estiagem. O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a germinação e o vigor de sementes de brócolis (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) cv. Santana, sob a influência do estresse salino. O experimento foi conduzido no Laboratório de Análise de Sementes e Mudas do Centro de Ciências e Tecnologia Agroalimentar da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Pombal-PB, em delineamento interiamente casualizado, com os tratamentos distribuídos em esquema fatorial 2x5, correspondente a dois lotes de sementes (não envelhecidas e envelhecidas) e cinco potenciais osmóticos da solução de embebição (0, 0,2; 0,4; 0,6 e 0,8 MPa). As sementes foram postas para germinar em placas de Petri sobre duas folhas de papel de filtro umedecidas com solução salina (NaCl) nas diferentes concentrações e mantidas em germinador à temperatura de 20-30ºC...(AU)

Impact of water potential on growth and germination of Fusarium solani soilborne pathogen of peanut

Studies were conducted to determine the effect of osmotic and matric stress on germination and growth of two Fusarium solani strains, the etiological agent responsible of peanut brown root rot. Both strains had similar osmotic and matric potential ranges that allowed growth, being the latter one narrower. F. solani showed the ability to grow down to -14 MPa at 25 °C in non-ionic modified osmotic medium, while under matric stress this was limited to -8.4 MPa at 25 °C. However, both strains were seen to respond differently to decreasing osmotic and matric potentials, during early stages of germination. One strain (RC 338) showed to be more sensitive to matric than osmotic (non ionic) and the other one (RC 386) showed to be more sensitive to osmotic than matric imposed water stress. After 24 h of incubation, both isolates behaved similarly. The minimum water potential for germination was -8.4 MPa on glycerol amended media and -5.6 MPa for NaCl and PEG amended media, respectively. The knowledge of the water potential range which allow mycelia growth and spore germination of F. solani provides an inside to the likely behaviour of this devastating soilborne plant pathogen in nature and has important practical implications.