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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]

Summary This study proposed to investigate further the role of oestrogens during pubertal growth of rat ventral prostate, by analysing the effect of anti-oestrogen fulvestrant (ICI 182,780) on the expression of androgen (AR) and oestrogen receptors (ESR1 and ESR2), mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK1/2) phosphorylation, and expression of Ki-67, a biomarker for cell proliferation. Ventral prostates were obtained from 90-day-old rats treated once a week for 2 months with vehicle (control) or ICI 182,780 (10 mg/rat, s.c.). Transcripts for AR, ESR1 and ESR2 were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Expression of AR, ESR1, ESR2, total and phospho-ERK1/2 was analysed by Western blot or immunofluorescence. Ki-67-positive cells and myosin heavy chain were detected by immunohistochemistry. Cylindrical epithelial cells slightly taller, epithelial dysplasia and an increase in smooth muscle layer were observed in the ventral prostate from ICI 182,780-treated rats. ICI 182,780 did not change the mRNA, but decreased the protein levels for AR in the ventral prostate. The expression of ESR1 (mRNA and protein) was upregulated by ICI 182,780, but no changes were observed on ESR2 expression (mRNA and protein). ICI 182,780 decreased the phosphorylation state of ERK1/2, with no changes in total ERK1/2 levels. Ki-67-positive cells in the ventral prostate were also decreased by ICI 182,780. In conclusion, ICI 182,780 induces downregulation of AR expression and may block the translocation of ESR1 and ESR2 from the nucleus to the plasma membrane, decreasing ERK1/2 phosphorylation and prostatic epithelial cell proliferation. These findings provide a basis for physiological roles of oestrogen in the ventral prostate. Further studies with fulvestrant are necessary in benign prostate hyperplasia and prostatic cancer models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]