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Background: Soybean is important oil seed crop. Poor seed germination is a major constraint for increasing the productivity of soybean. Seed quality enhancement will enhance the germination. Treating the seeds with chemicals may cause harmful effects to ecosystems and also to human beings. Using botanicals for seed treatment is safe. The present study was taken with a view to assess the seed quality of soybean by using different botanicals treatments (ball milled and commercial grade) along with shaking and without shaking. Methods: Experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of seed treatment with different ball milled botanicals and commercial grade along with shaking (60 min) and without shaking of soybean seeds on quality attributes. Botanical powders of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seed, leafs of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), tea (Camellia sinensis) and noni (Morinda citrifolia) were ball milled for 1 h to bring into near nano size and treated with seeds @ 2 g kg-1 for 60 min. Without ball milling was served as commercial grade. Among these two methods (commercial grade and near nano size) highest values were observed in seeds treated with near nano size powder. Generally shaking of seeds with botanicals was performed better than without shaking. Result: In this experiment, botanical fenugreek seed powder perfrmed well. In interaction, soybean seeds treated with near nano size fenugreek seed powder @ 2 g kg-1 with shaking of 60 min showed highest seed quality parameters. The per cent increase over control for germination, shoot length, root length, dry matter production and vigour index were 17.8, 27.7, 43.9, 47.6 and 45.3%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Seed shape in chickpea, a less known but not a trivial trait to study, as the possibility to include it in applied breeding aspect is yet to be deciphered. The present study mainly focuses on the study of seed shape classification and its interrelationship with seed quality parameters. Methods: The present study was conducted at the N.E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. Seed shapes in chickpea were classified into distinct classes like angular, globular and owl headed types, using set of genotypes that constituted all the three seed shapes and corresponding hybrids obtained by crossing them. Result: The codominance of radicle length and dominance nature of shape of chalazal end was observed in a definite pattern. Angular types were dominant over owl-head and globular types, whereas the globular type was dominant over owl-head type. Angular and globular types had low and high protein content respectively. Globular types would be a key to merge the bi-directionally acting seed traits like protein content and seed weight. From our observations seed shape can be a potential criteria to select for seed protein content. We made clear cut shape classification based on seed components, which could helps in seed shaped based selection in large populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Groundnut seeds are highly sensitive to deterioration mainly due to their chemical composition and moisture content. The high oil content and fatty acids of groundnut seeds reduces the seed viability well in advance due to lipid peroxidation process, which is the most frequent cause of seed ageing. As a result, not only lipid peroxidation, but also a series of reactions that produce toxic products occur. Stored seeds produce increased level of volatile organic compounds that leads to seed deterioration. Methods: The experiment was conducted to profile volatile organic compounds emitted from groundnut seeds during storage and also to analysis the volatile organic compounds through correlation and principal component analysis method. Volatile organic compounds profiling of stored groundnut seeds was done through Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The air sample was taken at monthly intervals from the glass bottle using solid-phase micro extraction (SPME) method. Result: The results of the study clearly demonstrated that, totally 52 volatile compounds comprising of 10 alcohols, 5 aldehydes, 15 acids, 9 esters, 7 alkanes, 3 alkenes, 2 ketones and 1 ether were trapped in stored groundnut seeds. Finally the study concluded that ethanol, 1-butanol, 1-hexanol, acetaldehyde, hexanal, Nonenal, 9,12,15-octadecatrionic acid, acetic acid and 3-methyl acetate were found to be highly negatively correlated with seed germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Black gram is a leguminous plant species. This pulse crop has been grown on the Indian subcontinent for a long time. Black gram a drought-resistant crop that grown both in the summer and the winter, usually in rotation with rice but occasionally in mixed farming. The objective of this research was to (i) quantify the short-term effects of high minimum temperature and enriched night CO2 (HMT and enCO2) on yield contribution factors and (ii) quantify seed quality parameters employing biochemical analysis. Methods: An investigation was carried out during summer 2021 and 2022 to evaluate the effect of high minimum temperature (ambient+3°C) and enriched night CO2 (600 ppm) (HMT and enCO2) on yield and seed quality parameters of black gram (Vigna mungo) under soil plant atmospheric research (SPAR) and ambient condition at Agro Climate Research Centre, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu with ten treatments which were replicated thrice. Result: Black gram yield and quality parameters were significantly (p=0.05) reduced under HMT and enCO2. Pooled data from two successive summer seasons revealed that stress from (i) 50 to 56 DAS (Days after sowing), the number of flowers dropped per plant significantly increased by 24% and pod setting percent decreased by 19.9% (ii) 43 to 49 DAS, grain yield and biomass/plant decreased by 25.4% and 16.2%, respectively. Seed quality parameters revealed that stress during 50 to 56 DAS, seed protein, total sugar content, polyphenols, calcium and iron decreased by 19.4%, 23.7%, 16.2%, 29.6% and 30.2%, respectively. The proline and phytic acid were statistically reduced by 53.9% and 59.1%, respectively stress during 50 to 56 DAS. Stress from 64 to 70 DAS, seed moisture content was significantly decreased by 32.1%. Overall, black gram yield and seed quality was negatively affected on two treatments: stress imposed from 43 to 49 DAS (T7) and stress imposed from 50 to 56 DAS (T8) (50% flowering to pod filling stage). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Variety characterization is the foremost important step that should be done by breeders to classify a variety into distinct groups. A significant technique for locating and assessing several genotypes for the registration, protection and production of seeds of superior quality is the Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) characterization. Consequently, the current investigation aimed to use DUS descriptors to describe and assess the variance present in mungbean genotypes. Methods: One hundred forty-two mungbean genotypes were examined using 21 agro-morphological qualitative DUS descriptors in a randomized block design with two replications across two seasons, kharif 2021 and kharif 2022. Result: In the twenty-one DUS traits that were examined, four characters' plant growth habit, leaf shape, leaf size and seed size exhibited trimorphic variance. Three characters (plant habit, stem pubescence and pod pubescence) were found to be identical among all genotypes while fourteen characters displayed dimorphic variance. All of the mungbean genotypes displayed a significant degree of variance for all DUS characteristics. Based on the UPGMA method of clustering, the dendrogram classified all the one hundred forty-two genotypes into three major clusters. The presence of variation among the genotypes under study was demonstrated by the further classification of these primary clusters into five sub-clusters. The majority of the genotypes were found in cluster II (121 genotypes), which was followed by cluster I (18 genotypes) and cluster III (3 genotypes). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legumes being a major source of protein have a wide range of economic importance. But the major constraints in growing legumes are poor germination, seedling emergence, non uniform stand establishment and crop mortality leading to lower pulse productivity. Thus, pre-sowing seed treatments are critical parameters which attribute to efficient plant growth and high yield. Uniform seed germination, seedling growth and uniform establishment are the critical stages during the growth of crops. Seed priming is a very promising presowing treatment employed to improve seed germination, better crop establishment, enhance the seed quality and induces tolerance against biotic and abiotic stresses in plants thereby providing a balanced healthy diet to the citizens. Priming is a cost effective and feasible strategy involving controlled hydration of seeds followed by drying to stimulate the pre-germinative metabolic activities to occur promoting rapid germination of seedlings, break dormancy and enhance crop yield. Enzymatic, metabolic and biochemical processes of the primed seeds attributes to rapid and uniform seedling emergence. Seed priming methods comprises of conventional methods including hydro priming, osmopriming, biopriming, chemical priming and the advanced methods including nano priming and priming with physical agents. In this review paper, the underlying physiological, biochemical and molecular aspects of priming in pulses were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Seed quality of fenugreek is determined by its primary metabolites and an alkaloid diosgenin. Apart from these fenugreek seeds contains total oil, saponins, carbohydrates, protein and major nutrients. Seeds are bitter in taste due to presence of an alkaloid “trigonelline”. In India, major cultivated area of fenugreek is still dependent on conserved moisture and moisture stress conditions reduces its productivity. Methods: A field experiment was carried out in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications during Rabi 2016-2017. Performance of ten fenugreek genotypes was evaluated on the basis of seed quality parameters under normal and water stress condition. Seed samples from both normal and water stressed plant were used for quality analysis in laboratory. Analysis of different quality parameters was done by using standard methods and protocol. Result: Water stress was found to increase seed total oil, saponins and diosgenine content in all the genotypes. Genotypes RMt-1, RMt-305 and RMt-143 were able to accumulate significantly higher total oil and diosgenine content in normal as well as water stress conditions. Water stress condition induced more saponins synthesis in genotype RMt-361 and RMt-351 while crude protein and total carbohydrate declined in all the genotypes. The minimum decrease in crude protein and carbohydrate due to water stress was recorded in genotype RMt-351 and genotypes Hisar Sonali respectively. Moisture was found to decrease in all the genotypes under influence of water stress conditions, minimum (13.75%) being observed in genotype RMt-305. Maximum seed yield was recorded in genotype RMt-361 both under normal as well as water stress conditions. Genotype RMt-1 had least reduction in yield under water stress condition (3.54%). Results suggested that a significant genotypic variation in seed quality parameters of fenugreek genotypes induced through stress may be utilize to introduce novelty of different purpose for developing new cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Groundnut were mainly cultivated under rain fed condition, lack of initial seedling quality due to lower moisture conditions, it causes reduced crop yield and in sometimes it leads to crop failure. In order to overcome this problems, effective seed enhancement techniques as seed coating plays major role in maintaining the seed quality. Methods: The controlled release of bioactive molecules namely hormones gibberellic acid (GA3 ) as a smart delivery system can be achieved through seed coating in groundnut by exploiting advanced nanotechnology. Infusion of active ingredients as hormones (GA3 ) through the seed coating formulation by nano formulation methods. At nano level it influences the effects at higher level and gives best results through controlled release of hormones without any loss. Result: Due to nano formulation coating in groundnut, seeds had an effective results in all the parameters viz., imbibition rate (48%), speed of germination (5.5), germination percentage (87%), seedling length (24.7 cm), vigour index (2142), hydrolysing enzymes (αamylase 14.83 and lipase 1.481), which significantly differs from untreated seeds. Hence, it was concluded that the GA3 infused nano formulation coating at 15 ml per kilogram of seed can be used for seed quality improvement in groundnut for better seedling establishment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an important leguminous crop utilized as vegetable and pulse, being an important source of proteins. Pea seeds harbour various mycoflora both in field and during storage, which plays important role in reducing seed viability, germination and vigour inflicting considerable losses in yield and quality. There is scarcely any recommendation available to maintain seed quality during storage of pea seeds, hence present study was carried out. Methods: Seeds of pea (cvs. Azad P. 1 and Arkel) were treated with Captan and Carbendazim 50%WP fungicides @ 2.0 g/kg seed and stored under ambient conditions. The samples were drawn at three months interval to assess the effect of storage on seed quality parameters. The vigour index I, per cent germination and speed of germination of these seed samples were determined using ISTA rules. The detection of associated mycoflora in pea (Pisum sativum L.) seed samples was carried out by standard blotter method as recommended by International Seed Testing Association. Result: Total fourteen fungal species were found associated with different pea seed samples. Out of these, maximum incidence of Alternaria alternata (21.36%) followed by Aspergillus flavus (15.53%), A. fumigatus (14.56%), A. niger (11.60%) and Rhizopus stolonifer (9.71%), were recorded on untreated seed of pea cv. Azad P. 1, after 18 months of storage. The germination, speed of germination and vigour index of stored seed reduced with increase in storage period, whereas fungal incidence increased with the increasing storage period. Among the tested cultivars, germination in pea (cv. Arkel) remained above IMSCS even after 18 months of storage under ambient storage conditions. The maximum per cent germination (99.0) was found in pea cv. Azad P. 1 seeds treated with Captan at 3 months of storage, whereas minimum per cent germination (49.5) was found in untreated seed of pea cv. Azad P. 1 after 18 months of storage. The maximum speed of germination (23.88) was found in Captan treated seed of pea cv. Arkel at 0 month of storage and minimum speed of germination (3.52) was found in untreated seed of pea cv. Azad P. 1 at 18 months of storage. The maximum vigour index I (2339) was found in pea cv. Azad P. 1 (Captan treated seed) at 3 months of storage and minimum vigour index I (431) was found in untreated seed of pea cv. Azad P. 1 after 18 months of storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pulses are very crucial to meet the requirements of dietary proteins in the human diet especially for the predominantly vegetarian population in India. Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) are important pulses grown in India. The seeds of these crops are highly vulnerable to various microorganisms, both in the field and during storage, which play an important role in reducing the seed viability, germination and vigour causing considerable loss in yield and quality. There is no suitable recommendation available to maintain seed quality during storage of pulses, hence present study was undertaken. Methods: Seeds of pigeonpea and chickpea were treated with Captan and Carbendazim 50% WP fungicides @ 2.0 g/Kg of seed and stored under ambient condition. The samples were drawn at three months interval to assess the effect of storage on seed quality parameters. The vigour index I, seed germination and speed of germination of these seed samples were determined using ISTA rules. The detection of seed mycoflora in pigeonpea and chickpea seed samples was carried out by the blotter test as recommended by the International Seed Testing Association. Result: Total sixteen fungal species were recorded on stored seeds. Maximum incidence of Aspergillus fumigatus (19.83%), A. flavus (14.88%), A. niger (12.40%), Alternaria alternata (11.57%), Fusarium oxysporum (8.26%), Rhizopus stolonifer (7.44%) and Penicillium notatum (5.79%) were recorded on untreated seed of pigeonpea cv. P. 2001 after 18 months of storage. The per cent germination, speed of germination and vigour index of the stored seeds decreased with the increase in the storage period whereas the total number of fungi increased with the storage period, irrespective of treatments. Among the tested cultivars, germination in pigeonpea (cv. P. 991) remained above IMSCS (>75%) upto 18 months of storage under ambient storage condition. However, the germination of pigeonpea cv. P. 2001 seed could be maintained above IMSCS (>75%) up to 12 months only. In chickpea (local cultivar) seed, the germination remained above IMSCS (>85%) up to 9 months only under ambient storage, however seed treatment with either Captan or Carbendazim could prolong the longevity upto 12 months of storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Soybean is the "Miracle crop" of the 21st century due to its nutritional value and multiple uses. Maintenance of soybean seed quality is a major issue as it is more vulnerable to mechanical damage from harvesting to next sowing. Seed processing.by use of individual or combination of machineries will help in getting physically pure, uniform, healthy sound seeds with enhanced planting value. With the advent of new improved varieties, it is advisable to find out the individual or combination of seed processing machines like air screen cleaner, specific gravity and spiral separator to find out the effective and economical seed processing to get maximum recovery with up-graded quality of seeds. Methods: The seeds of soybean var. DSb-21 were used for seed size grading using different sieve sizes and the good seeds obtained from different size grading were processed through specific gravity separator and the good seeds obtained from specific gravity separator were further processed through spiral separator and the processed seeds obtained from these machine combinations were used to assess the seed quality. The seed processing was carried out at Seed Processing Unit and seed quality studies were carried out in the Seed Quality and Research Laboratory, Seed Unit, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad during 2017-18. The experiment was laid in completely randomized design. Result: The influence of sequential processing through seed size grader followed by specific gravity separator and spiral separator on seed quality revealed that, the good seeds obtained from spiral separator after seed grading with recommended sieve size 3.75 mm recorded higher recovery (76.95%), seed germination (89.00%), seedling vigour index (3567) and lower seed mechanical damage (11.67%) followed by 4.00 mm (74.80%, 87.33%, 3418 and 12.33%, respectively) and 4.80 mm (65.64%, 85.00%, 3209 and 13.67 %, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Quality seed is major input in increasing the productivity of agricultural crops. Seed after harvesting contains many undesirable materials and unfit for sowing. If the farmer is to be persuaded to pay for high quality seed, the seed he buys must be undeniably be pure and flow without difficulty through planter or drill. To separate different size seed material, many equipments have been developed which exploit the differences between the physical characteristics of seeds. Methods: An experiment was conducted to standardize the sieve size for seed grading in chickpea. The freshly harvested seeds of were graded using different sieve sizes. The screens used in this experiment were 7.0 mm R, 6.50 mm R, 6.0 mm R, 5.50 mm R, 4.75 mm R, 3.75 mm R and Bulk seeds (control). The seeds which retained over the screen were subjected to seed recovery and quality tests. Result: The results of the experiment indicated that the seed recovery ranged from 90.4 per cent to 97.82 per cent among the different size grades. As the screen size decreased from 7.0 to 4.75 mm, the per cent seed recovery was increased but seed quality parameters were decreased and well below the Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standard (IMSCS). The positive association of seed size and seed qualities were recorded. The 5.5 mm sieve recorded 96.4% seed recovery as compared to 6.0 mm sieve (94.4%) and found to be better by considering two per cent higher seed recovery and other higher germination, vigour index although there is recommendation is 4.75 to 6.0 mm range. Hence, the seed producer is benefitted by higher seed recovery and profit and without compromising minimum seed certification standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Seed maturation is genetically controlled process involves a sequence of morphological and physiological changes extending from fertilization to total independence from the mother plant. Yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis (L) verdcourt) is an important leguminous vegetable crop which meets greater demand of the vegetable especially in South India and some parts of North India. However, information on optimum harvest time of yard long bean seeds are still limited. Hence, this study was carried out to determine the physiological maturity of yard long bean to obtain good quality of seeds for better planting value. Methods: The laboratory experiment was carried out at Department of Seed Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India to determine the appropriate time of harvesting yard long bean cv. Arka Mangala seeds. The crop was raised as bulk in the field during kharif season of 2019 and the pods were harvested at three days interval from 3 days after anthesis (DAA) to 30 DAA and subjected for determinations of pod and seed characteristics. Result: The results revealed that pod length, pod fresh weight and pod dry weight increased rapidly during 3 DAA to 12 DAA and showed maximum pod length (67.7 cm), pod fresh weight (28.56 g/pod) at 12 DAA. The seeds attained physiological maturity at about 24 DAA with 22 per cent moisture content concurred with maximum dry weight (18.80 g/100 seeds), protein content (18.6%) and maximum physiological parameters viz., speed of germination (7.1), germination per cent (94%), root length (23.5 cm), shoot length (20.5 cm), dry matter production (0.949 g/10 seedlings), vigour index I (4136) and vigour index II (89). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evaluation of the nutritional composition of genetically modified (GM) crops is mandatory for their deregulation. Chickpea is known for its high-quality protein and demonstrating that the seed protein quality of transgenic chickpea remains unaltered is important for its acceptance. Amino acid content, seed storage protein profile and the digestibility of chickpea protein are important determinants of seed protein quality. Thus, in the present study, we assessed the effect of Bt (Cry2Aa) gene expression on the Bt chickpea seed protein quality. Methods: We assessed the amino acid profile, in vitro protein digestibility and factors affecting protein digestibility like trypsin inhibitor, tannins and phytic acid contents of the transgenic Bt chickpea expressing a codon modified Cry2Aa gene and its nontransgenic counterpart. Furthermore, the seed storage proteins were also fractionated and separated on SDS-PAGE followed by mass spectroscopy of the major peptides. Result: Amino acid profile and factors affecting protein digestibility revealed no significant variations between transgenic and nontransgenic chickpeas. Seed storage protein profile confirmed the presence of legumin, vicilin and albumin. No potential change in the digestibility pattern of seed proteins was revealed. Our findings suggest no potential unintended changes in chickpea seed protein quality due to the expression of Cry2Aa gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Among all the pulses, chickpea is the most important rabi crop with high acceptability and wider use in India. More availability of quality seed of improved varieties being made available to the famers is one of the most important factors contributing to better harvest of chickpea in recent years. Therefore, there is urgent need for developing high yielding varieties of chickpea employing sound and effective breeding strategies. The study of variability, correlation and path coefficient analysis for seed yield with other yield contributing characters is of immense importance to get information regarding exercising selections for genetic improvement in chickpea. Background: Among all the pulses, chickpea is the most important rabi crop with high acceptability and wider use in India. More availability of quality seed of improved varieties being made available to the famers is one of the most important factors contributing to better harvest of chickpea in recent years. Therefore, there is urgent need for developing high yielding varieties of chickpea employing sound and effective breeding strategies. The study of variability, correlation and path coefficient analysis for seed yield with other yield contributing characters is of immense importance to get information regarding exercising selections for genetic improvement in chickpea. Result: Genotypes revealed significant wide genetic variation for almost all the quantitative traits. Number of pods plant-1 exhibited highest PCV and GCV. The highest broad sense heritability (h2b) was recorded for days to maturity followed by days to 50% flowering and 100-seed weight. The 100-seed weight, number of pods plant-1, number of seeds pod-1 and primary branches plant-1 had positive genotypic correlation with grain yield. Path coefficient analysis depicted that among the 9 causal (independent) traits; number of seeds pod-1, number of pods plant-1, number of primary branches plant-1, plant height from ground to first pod (cm) and days to 50 % flowering had positive and directly influence on grain yield. Therefore these traits can be taken into consideration while exercising selection for grain yield in chickpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgraund: The presence or absence of fungi on the seed surface is an important aspect that determines the quality of seeds. Since the data on the presence of Fusarium spp. and other seed-borne pathogens on vegetable pea in Serbia are scarce, the aim of this study was to isolate seed-borne pathogens and identify the disease-causing Fusarium spp. from the infected pea seed. Methods: Colony morphology and microscopic characters of isolated Fusarium species were recorded from the cultures grown on PDA and CLA, respectively. In order to confirm the morphological identification at the species level, a single-spore culture of the representative isolates was subjected to genomic DNA extraction and gene amplification using the translational elongation factor 1α (TEF-1) region. The PCR products were sequenced and the sequences were compared against the GenBank nucleotide database by using the BLAST alignment. Result: Based on morphological and microscopic characteristics, as well as molecular identification by sequencing the TEF gene, the presence of Fusarium equiseti and F. proliferatum was confirmed on the representative isolates Ps18, Ps19 and Ps1, Ps36 obtained from vegetable pea seeds, respectively. According to our knowledge and research, this is the first report of F. equiseti and F. proliferatum on vegetable pea seeds in Serbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Weeds are primary factors that adversely affect growth, yield and seed quality of summer green gram, which can be minimized with adoption of proper weed management practices. This field experiment was conducted to find out the effective weed management practice in summer green gram (Vigna radiata) under zero tillage condition. Methods: In this field-laboratory investigation conducted during summer season 2019 on different herbicides were applied to manage weeds in summer green gram. Eight treatments were applied based on various application windows. In the field and laboratory, the collected samples were determined for growth parameters, nutrient uptakes, seed yield and seed quality of summer green gram. Result: The result revealed that weed free treatment recorded higher growth parameters like, plant height, number of branch/plant, number of leaves/plant and root biomass which was statically at par with Shaked (Propaquizafop + Imezathyper) as post-emergence (POE) at 20 DAS and Pendimethalin as pre-emergence (PE) followed by one hand weeding 20 DAS. Same trends were also observed in seed yield, nutrient content and uptake by seeds. Seed quality parameters like germination per cent (98.00), shoot (25.63 cm) root (14.20 cm) and seedling length (39.83 cm), seedling dry weight (0.16 g), vigour index I (3903.33) and vigour index II (14.96) was higher under weed free followed by Shaked (Propaquizafop + Imezathyper) and Pendimethalin as (PE followed by one hand weeding 20 DAS over weed check. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Black gram is the important pulses crop, grown throughout the country; gives low seed yield mainly due to poor management and low soil fertility. Development of suitable technology is essential to enhance productivity. Seed priming is one such effective technology which enhance rapid and uniform emergence to achieve high vigour, leading to better stand establishment and yield. The current research aimed to study micronutrient seed priming and rhizobium coating on seed germination, seedling vigour, crop growth and seed yield in black gram. Methods: Blackgram seeds were primed with 10 different micronutrient solutions with different concentrations and evaluated for its quality parameters to find out suitable seed priming technique. Seeds from two best priming treatments were coated with rhizobium @ 30 g/kg of seed and evaluated for its production potential and resultant seed quality under field condition. Result: Seed priming with 0.5% ZnSO4 at 1/3rd seed to solution ratio for 3 hours recorded higher germination (96%) and vigour index (3811) than control which recorded 84% seed germination and 2528 of vigour index under laboratory experiment. Field experiments revealed that, seeds primed with 0.5% ZnSO4 and coated with rhizobium @ 30 g per kg of seeds improved seed yield by 13.2% over control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Seed priming technique involves soaking of seeds in priming agent to a point where germination related metabolic activities occur in the seeds followed by drying of imbibed seeds to original moisture to prevent the radical protrusion and facilitate storage of primed seed. Draining of priming agent and drying of large quantity of primed seeds is a laborious and time consuming process. The current study was aimed to standardize automation of seed priming process by utilizing house-hold top loading washing machine. Methods: The top loading washing machine referred to as Seed Priming Cabinet, contained a priming drum with provision for draining water. On completion of the soaking period, the 'SPIN' button was pressed by setting the duration of spin drying (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 min.). Then the seeds were removed from the drum of priming cabinet and subjected to shade drying so as to reach the original moisture content and evaluated for seed quality parameters. Result: The blackgram seed subjected to conventional hydropriming was compared with automatic seed priming for 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 min. and observed that hydropriming and spin drying for 3 min. was found to be optimum and the per cent increase in germination recorded over control was 18.0 per cent thus suggesting that automation of seed priming technology can be recommended for enhanced seed vigour and crop productivity of blackgram. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was carried out in the Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Forestry, Ranichauri, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand during 2015. A laboratory experiment was conducted to find out the influence of bio-priming on seed germination and seedling vigour. Seed germination was reported maximum for Psf-173 (93.66%) while minimum was reported for control (65.66%). Seed vigour parameter viz. root length (11.01 cm), shoot length (7.96 cm), seedling length (18.98 cm), fresh weight (8.00 g) and dry weight (1.31 g), vigour index I (1666.80) and vigour index II (115.56) was found higher for PSB treatment. Shilajeet variety had recorded significant higher values for most of the germination and vigour parameters. Shilajeet bio-primed with PSB attained higher values for majority of the quality parameters. Under laboratory condition results suggested that seed germination and seed vigour were greatly affected by different bio-agents. Among all the bio-agents, PSB showed positive influence on most of the quality parameter. However, other bio-agents had also showed significant effect over control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Seed priming is controlled hydration and dehydration that results in improved seed quality and yield. However, hydration-dehydration of fresh seeds would result in soaking injury especially in legumes. The disadvantage reported in pulses can overcome through pre-conditioning of seeds which allows the seeds to slow hydration and prevent the soaking injury. The conditioning of seeds in large scale is tedious and skill oriented. To overcome this problem, an innovative seed priming technology is essential for pulses to enhance the seed germination, vigour and seed yield. Methods: Experiment was carried out at National Pulses Research Centre, Vamban during 2016-18. Seed priming technology was developed by using marginal vigour lot of blackgram. The marginal vigour seeds were packed in gunny bag up to 3/4th level and soaked in water for 2 h and 4 h and incubated for 2 h, 4 h and 6 h. After the incubation period, seeds were dried back to original moisture content (9.0%) and seed quality parameters were analyzed. The best performing organic priming concentrations under laboratory were forwarded to field trial and yield parameters were assessed. Result: Marginal vigour lot of blackgram seeds packed in gunny bag and soaked in seaweed extract @ 0.4% for 2 h and incubated for 4 h significantly increased the seed quality parameters. Among the various organic priming, marginal vigour lot of blackgram seeds packed in gunny bag and soaked in seaweed extract @ 0.4% for 2 h and incubated for 4 h significantly increased the seed quality parameters and yield over hydro priming and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pulses are one of the major crops in India and is better for income generation as well as nutritional security. Pulses are the dry edible seeds of pod plants and are high in protein and fibre and low in fat. Lentils are a pulse crops that is part of legume family. But the productivity of lentil is low in Ghazipur district due to unavailability of quality seed and unawareness of improved crop production technology. It is felt that there is shortage of quality seeds of newer varieties of pulses. Methods: The present study carried out by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, PG College Ghazipur through cluster front line demonstrations (CFLD) on lentil (Masoor) using improved varieties PL-8 and IPL-316 with seed rate @40 kg/ha. The 135 demonstration were conducted during Rabi season of the year 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2020-21 in three clusters of Devkali block of district Ghazipur. The soils condition was sandy loam in texture having low in pH with 6.2- 6.9, Organic carbon (0.39-0.4.3%) and available P2O5 (18-21 kg/ha) and medium in N and K content. Result: The technology of improved variety viz. PL-8 and IPL-316 increased the average productivity by 32.53%, 59.69% and 44.85% and increased the net return by Rs. 15,431.00, with an improved B:C ratio of 3.34 instead of 2.54, Rs. 24,572.00 with an improved B:C ratio of 3.58 instead of 2.42 and Rs. 20,585.00 with an improved B:C ratio of 3.93 instead of 2.97 than those of local check variety choti masoor during the three consecutive years respectively. Soil health and soil nitrogen was also improved along with better nodulation in the demonstration plots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chickpea is the largest produced food legume in South Asia. It is mainly grown in dry or rainfed area, where patchy plant stand often results due to delayed and non-uniform emergence. Moreover, genotypes vary for seed germination and seedling vigour. Therefore, the study was undertaken to find most appropriate seed treatment for enhancement of planting value of desi and kabuli type chickpeas. Methods: Study was conducted at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi with fresh, 2 and 4 years stored seed lots of desi (Pusa 2028) and kabuli (Pusa 1108) varieties. The lots were compared with untreated (control) for quality and vigour parameters after giving seed enhancement treatments (SET); osmopriming, halopriming, solid matrix priming (SMP), thiram and neem khali. Result: Investigations revealed that SMP and thiram seed treatments significantly enhanced germination and field performance of fresh as well as aged seeds in these varieties. Effectiveness of treatments was found more pronounced in kabuli than desi type and thus confirmed the usefulness of SETs for poor vigour seeds. Results also showed that seed quality and vigour of both the types were significantly affected with time in storage. However, desi variety maintained satisfactory germination and field performance up to 2 years under ambient conditions of storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Loss in seed quality that occurs from maturity in the field to storage, leads to seed deterioration. Storage of cowpea seeds under ambient, hot and humid conditions is very problematic since these conditions deteriorate seed quality faster. Seed deterioration is associated with many metabolic defects that occur due to changes in enzyme and protein levels. Method: The present study was performed to verify the effects of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] seed priming (GA3, ammonium molybdate, Ca Cl2, KBr, Mg (NO3)2, ZnSO4, Hydro priming and dry non primed) with fresh and accelerated aged seeds. Result: The deterioration was rectified to the extent possible by the technique of seed priming. SDS PAGE profiling indicated the differential expression of proteins with seed priming. Esterase and peroxidase enzyme which were completely lost as a result of ageing showed reappearance after priming. The band intensity as well as the number of proteins induced by seed priming increased over control. Priming also restored the lost seed vigour in aged seeds due to reactivation of proteins in old seeds and expression of these proteins in priming treatments are related to priming induced proteins in contrast to their absence in the aged seeds which are necessary for germination and longevity of seeds. The present study concluded that priming with GA3 (100 ppm) and Ammonium Molybdate (10-3 M) for 24 hours in aged seeds of cowpea showed increase enzyme activity, restored almost entire protein profile and esterase and peroxidise isozyme profile as it allowed repair system to combat sub-cellular damage and activated synthesis of enzymes and proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were conducted with four levels of seed priming including control and two varieties of pigeon pea at ICAR-Indian Institute of Seed Science, Mau during three consecutive years (2011-12 to 2013-14). One-year-old seeds of pigeon pea varieties (Bahar and Malviya-13) were primed with growth regulator (100 ppm GA3), in-organic salt (0.2% KNO3) and tap water (sanitized) separately for 06 hrs. and sown in field under RBD with 03 replications. Observations were recorded on seed quality parameters, biochemical attributes including nitrate assimilatory enzymes and activities of anti-oxidant enzymes during seedling stage. Seed quality parameters including germination, seedling growth and vigor indices were significantly enhanced through seed priming with GA3 followed by KNO3 and tap water over unprimed control. Biochemical attributes viz; chlorophyll a andb contents, were more influenced with GA3 priming followed by KNO3 and tap water whereas the proline accumulation was reduced with priming treatments and maximum reduction was noted with GA3 followed by KNO3 and tap water. Enhancement in nitrate assimilatory enzymes including nitrate and nitrite reductase activities was more with KNO3 priming followed by GA3 and tap water. Anti-oxidant enzymes activities including Catalase, Peroxidase and Super Oxide Dismutase were also increased significantly by KNO3 priming followed by GA3 and tap water over unprimed control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of presowing seed treatment, sowing windows and seasons on seed yield and quality of greengram by sowing the treated seeds on two dates each in summer and kharif. The treatments viz., 8 hours of water soaking; priming with 100 ppm MnSO4, 1% neem leaf extract, 5 ppm GA3, 1% KCl; coating with 10 ml linseed oil, 50 gm rhizobium, 4 g Trichoderma per kg seed; combination of neem leaf extract priming and rhizobium coating, combination of linseed oil and rhizobium coating. Seed quality and yield was highly influenced by seed treatments, dates and seasons; treatment and seasonal effects being greater than sowing dates. GA3, KCl and MnSO4 primed seed found most effective for enhancing the seed quality and yield. Summer season was better than kharif season for both seed quality and yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dolichos bean is one of the important vegetable legume crops. During storage, protection of seed from bruchid attack is a major problem worldwide. Once the bruchid attacks, the extent of damage could be up to 100%, leading to both quantitative and qualitative loss by making it unfit for consumption. Existing traditional methods are less effective or impractical and the use of chemical methods can be harmful to the farmers and consumers. So, there is urgent need of hermetic storage method for seed quality maintenance. Keeping in view, the present study was carried out to investigate on hermetic storage practices for seed quality maintenance. Methods: Triple-layer PICS technology, a chemical-free hermetic storage was evaluated for storage of dolichos bean to moisture content, germination and quality. Four different types of storage bags viz., jute bags, polythene bags, triple layer PICS bags and jute bags treated with chlorpyrifos were used for evaluating their efficacy in managing dolichos bean seed attributes. The data on various parameters pertaining to seed characteristics and changes in biochemical composition of dolichos bean seeds stored in different bags was recorded at every two month intervals for 3 times (2,4 and 6 months) by using standard protocols. Complete Randomized Design (CRD) (Snedecor and Cochran, 1967) was used for the data analysis. The data was subjected to statistical analysis as per the methods suggested by Panse and Sukhatme (1985). Result: Results on moisture content showed that, in case of storage in PICS bags, there was no decrease in seed moisture content at 2, 4 and 6 months respectively and germination percent in triple-layer PICS bag at 2, 4 and 6 months storage was highest among all bag types. Test weight (g), protein content (%) and carbohydrate content (%) at 2, 4 and 6 months storage respectively were higher in triple layer PICS bag. The mean fat content recorded was highest in jute bag (1.25%) and lowest in triple layer PICS bag (0.63%). Our study concludes that the triple layer PICS bags hermetic technology is efficient in managing maintaining same level of moisture content percent, germination percent and test weight compared to other bags over 3 different periods of storage. The triple layer PICS bags are also highly useful for retaining carbohydrate percent and protein percent at almost the same levels compared to initial values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is one of the most important legume crops cultivated throughout the world. Cowpea is used as food, feed, forage, fodder, green manuring and vegetable. It's seed is a nutritious component in the human diet, as well as for livestock. Seed hardening and pelleting are seed enhancement techniques used to improve seed germination and seedling vigour and growth by altering the physiological state of the seed. This alteration may improve the vigor or the physiology of the seed by enhancing uniformity of germination. Seed enhancement techniques like hardening and priming include use of chemicals that trigger systemic acquired resistance or improve stress tolerance whereas the pelleting treatments improve seed handling and planting. They also enhance nutrient availability or provide inoculates by delivering materials needed during sowing, germination and seedling establishment. Hence in order to study the combined effect of seed hardening and pelleting on growth, yield and resultant seed quality of cowpea under natural saline conditions, the present study was taken up. Methods: The present field and laboratory investigations were carried out to study the effect of seed hardening, seed pelleting and their combined effect on growth, physiology, yield and resultant seed quality of cowpea under natural saline conditions. The fresh seeds of cowpea seeds cv. CO (CP) 7 were hardened with KCl @ 1%, CaCl2 @ 1% and both KCl and CaCl2 @ 1% and then the hardened seeds were further pelleted with pungam leaf powder @ 100, 150 and 200 g kg-1 of seed. Then the treated seeds were evaluated for their seed productivity and resultant seed qualities using untreated seeds as control. Observations on growth, leaf chlorophyll content, gas exchange parameters, yield and resultant seed quality parameters were recorded. Result: The experimental results revealed that among the treatments, seeds hardened with KCl @ 1% + CaCl2 @ 1% and pelleted with pungam leaf powder @ 200 g per kg recorded higher growth, yield parameters, leaf chlorophyll content, gas exchange parameters and resultant seed quality when compared to control and other treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the effect of seed inoculation treatments with biological agents on seed germination, field emergence and its effect on seed during summer season. Seeds of green gram variety Pratap (SG-1) were treated with microbial formulations of seven treatments which consisted of-Rhizobium (T1), Trichoderma harzianum (T2), Trichoderma viride (T3), Bacillus megaterium (T4), Trichoderma harzianum + Trichoderma viride + Bacillus megaterium (T5), Rhizobium + Trichoderma harzianum + Trichoderma viride + Bacillus megaterium (T6) and Control (T7). Shoot length, root length and seedling dry weight were recorded after 20 days of sowing, observations on nodulation, yield and yield contributing characters were recorded at maturity and germination characteristics of the seeds were studied in the laboratory. It was observed that seeds treated with combined inoculation of Rhizobium @ 4 g + Bacillus megaterium @ 5ml/1000 ml of water + Trichoderma harzianum @ 5ml/1000 ml of water + Trichoderma viride @ 5ml/1000 ml of water (T6) recorded significantly higher field emergence (91.25%), speed of emergence (42.14), seedling dry weight (1.67mg), shoot length (25.48 cm), seed yield (992 kg ha-1), Stover yield (1870 kg ha-1), number of pods plant-1 (37), number of seeds pod-1 (13.25), 100 seed weight (3.63g) root length (9.22 cm) and nodulation (15). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted at Department of Seed Science & Technology CCS, Haryana Agriculture University, Hisar, Haryana from 2013-15 and comprised of seventeen treatment combinations of manures (viz., FYM and Vermicompost), bio-fertilizers (viz., Rhizobium & PSB) and fertilizers. The freshly harvested fenugreek seeds of all the seventeen treatment plot combinations were stored in plastic containers under ambient conditions up to a period of eighteen months. Seed quality was assessed at a regular interval of six months. A significant decline in seed quality was observed in all the nutrient combinations as the period of ageing increased. It was observed that the treatment combination of Rhizobium and PSB along with 75% Recommended Dose of Nitrogen (RDN) recorded significantly higher germination % (87.33%), seedling length (24.77 cm), dry weight (7.5 mg), vigour index-I (2163) and vigour index-II (657) followed by PSB with 100% RDN and Rhizobium with 100% RDN after eighteen months of ambient storage as compared to control. The electrical conductivity (333 μS cm-1g-1) was also recorded minimum in the treatment Rhizobium and PSB along with 75% RDN followed by PSB with 100% RDN and Rhizobium with 100% RDN after the period of ambient storage while the maximum was recorded in control. The study highlighted that the slightly reduced dose of inorganic nitrogen was best when applied in combination with bio-fertilizer (Rhizobium+PSB) for maximizing the storage potential of fenugreek seed as compared to the rest of treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed pelleting with leaf powders of two botanicals viz., pungam (Pongamia glabra) and prosopis (Prosopis juliflora) was done to study the effect of botanical seed pelleting on seedling quality, gas exchange, growth, yield and resultant seed quality parameters of black gram in the laboratory and field. From the results, it was found that, seeds pelleted with pungam leaf powder @ 150 g kg-1 recorded higher germination percentage (93.00), root length (18.35 cm), shoot length (19.34 cm), dry matter production (0.48 mg seedling-10) and vigour index (3505.10). The yield parameters such as pod length, number of pods plant-1, pod yield plant-1, number of seeds pod-1 and 100 seed weight were also found higher in pungam leaf powder pelleting treatment @ 150 g kg-1. The control recorded the least values in all these growth and yield parameters of black gram. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tris- and water-soluble seed protein profiling was used to characterize, identify and differentiate 13 genotypes of pigeonpea via SDS– PAGE based electrophoresis of seed protein. Electropherograms, RM-value and UPGMA based cluster (dendrograms) analysis was used to analyze tris- and water-soluble protein banding patterns of these genotypes. It revealed that RM-value of protein bands have differed from all the genotypes for both soluble proteins. Tris-soluble protein banding pattern exhibited 17 bands including 12-15 variate of RM-value (0.083 to 0.98) and two common bands with RM-value 0.083 and 0.78. However, water-soluble protein banding pattern revealed the presence of 16 bands including 8-12 variate of RM-value (0.16 to 0.95) with four common bands of RM-value 0.43, 048, 0.23 and 0.65, respectively. UPGMA cluster analysis was used to group the 13 genotypes into six distinct clusters. The banding pattern of tris-soluble protein was found to be more distinct than water-soluble protein. The result demonstrated that the electrophoretic profile of tris-soluble protein through SDS-PAGE was more effective than the water-soluble protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to study the influence of soil application of organic manures and foliar spray of organic nutrients on resultant seed quality in Kabuli chickpea varieties. The experiment was carried at Seed Quality and Research Laboratory, Seed Unit (National Seed Project), University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad during rabi of 2015-16 and 2016-17. Seed quality parameters were significantly influenced among varieties and organic amendment treatments. BG1105 (V1) recorded significantly higher seed quality parameters as compared to MNK-1 (V2), While among the treatments, application of 100% organics equivalent to RDP [50% Farm yard manure (FYM) and 50% Vermicompost] + Foliar application of Panchagavya @ 3% at flowering and 15 Days after flowering (T2) recorded significantly higher seed quality parameters as compared to all other treatments and control. This treatment can be used to improve seed quality attributes in kabuli chickpea varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The storage experiment was carried out at Seed Quality and Research Laboratory, Seed Unit (National Seed Project), University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad from March 2017 to March 2018 to study the influence of seed treatment with botanicals and chemicals on storability of Kabuli chickpea varieties. Seed quality parameters were significantly influenced among varieties and seed treatment with botanicals and chemicals. Among the treatments, seed treatment with Sprint (Mancozeb 50% + Carbendazim 25% WS) @ 2 g per kg of seed or Vitavax power @ 3 g/kg of seed or Sweet flag rhizome @ 10 g/kg of seed maintained seed quality for more than ten months during storage. However, Sweet flag rhizome @ 10 g/kg of seed can be used as alternative to chemicals which is safe, eco-friendly and economically feasible for maintaining seed quality for organic seed growers/producers and seed companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common bean is the most significant pulse in Mediterranean countries and high yield performance is required to become commercially successful. Seven common bean genotypes were evaluated for yield and stability along with their interrelationship with agronomical, physicochemical and quality characteristics. An analysis of variance was conducted to test main effects and interactions between plant traits and environments. Significant variation among genotypes occurred for seed yield and a strong positive correlation was observed between seed yield and pods m-2. High Genetic Coefficient of Variation (GCV) values combined with high heritability for traits as seed yield, cooking time, hydration capacity and protein content were recorded. The GGE biplot analysis indicated two cultivars as superior genotypes that combine high yield, stability, short cooking time and high protein content. Furthermore, a local population assessed as promising genetic material for the selection of elite lines with high yield and short cooking time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field and laboratory experiment was conducted at Department of Seed Science and Technology, GKVK, UAS, Bangalore during 2014 to assess the response of fertilizer levels and spacing on seed quality parameters of green gram (Vigna radiata) cv. KKM-3. Experimental results revealed that fertilizer application of 50 :100 :100 NPK kg ha-1 + Green gram rhizobium (200gm) + PSB-Bacillus megaterium (200gm) recorded highest seed density (1.69g/cc), Test weight (46.2g), EC (0.750 dsm-1) TDH activity (0.999), germination percent age (97.25%), shoot length (21.98cm), rootlength (18.61cm), seedling dry weight (252g), seedlingvigour index I and II (3947 and 2450), protein percent (23.8%) and fieldemergence (90%) superior over other fertilizer treatments.Among the planting geometry 60x10cm recorded highest germination percentage (96.12%) as compared to 45x10cm (94.77%) and 30x10cm (93.82%). Interaction of fertilizerlevels and spacingthrough the application of 50 :100 :100 NPK kg ha-1 + green gram rhizobium (200gm) + PSB-Bacillus megaterium (200gm) withplantinggeometry 60x10cm recorded higher seed quality parameters viz Test weight (48.3 g), protein per cent (24.5 %), germination percentage (98%), EC (0.73dsm-1), TDH activity (1.001), seedling dry weight (265 mg), shoot length (23.65 cm), root length (19.36 cm) and seedling vigour index I and II (4224 and 2603) and field emergence( 93%) were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The twenty four dry bean local populations together with two check Prosna and Raba cultivars were tested for their physicochemical as well as hydration and cooking quality parameters. There were significant differences between tested dry bean local populations in all evaluated traits. Wide variation were observed in 100-seed weight, hydration capacity, swelling capacity and electric conductivity with CV% values 33.6, 32.5, 33.1 and 35.3 respectively, suggesting that there were considerable levels of genetic diversity. Substantial variations were found in seed coat content (CV% 14.1) and cooking time (CV% 16.7) among dry bean populations. Cooking time was negatively correlated with conductivity of soaking water as well as with hydration index. POLBIA 98-37A, POLBIL 10-31, Prosna, KOS 002 and KRA 4 were the fast cooking ones among the tested genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) has characteristics to grow in the marginal soil and also tolerant into the drought condition and also have potential of nitrogen fixation. Nitrogen is the key plant nutrient that stimulates root and shoot growth. Phosphorus application significantly improves many aspects of plant physiology including photosynthesis, flowering, fruiting and maturation which ultimately result in better yield. Symbiotic nitrogen fixation is a complex process, in which Rhizobium bacteria form a beneficial interaction with a legume crop to fix atmospheric nitrogen and convert it to ammonium for plant uptake. Biological N fixation (BNF) is the natural means to enhance soil fertility status and productivity. Application of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer exerted significant effect on root development, photosynthesis, yield contributing character and pod yield of the crop. Bambara Groundnut yields are low due to abiotic and biotic stresses. But with application of nitrogen and phosphorus increase the yield of this crop. It's seeds contain 63 percent carbohydrate, 19 percent protein and 6.5 percent oil and good source of fibre, calcium, iron and potassium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The in vitro investigation was conducted during the kharif 2017 in the Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Vijayapura. The experiment comprised of nine biopriming treatments along with control. The experiment was laid out in CRD with three replications. The seeds were subjected to in vitro studies and data was analysed statistically. The seed bioprimed with Rhizobium leguminosarum @ 20 per cent recorded higher seed germination percentage (90.50 %), shoot length (19.27 cm), root length (12.38 cm), seedling length (31.65 cm), seedling dry weight (373.0 mg), seedling vigour index I (2864), seedling vigour index II (33.75), dehydrogenase enzyme activity (1.010 OD value) and lower electrical conductivity (0.107 dS m-1) followed by Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 20 per cent, Fluorescent pseudomonad sp. @ 20 per cent as compared to control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on the effect of pulse beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis L.) on seed quality parameters of horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) accessions was undertaken at Seed Research and Technology Centre, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during 2011- 12. Seed germination, seedling length and seedling vigor indices-I and II in 50 accessions of horse gram were estimated both at initial as well at 60 days after infestation and they were screened for their relative response to the attack by C. chinensis with artificial infestation. Significant difference between accessions was observed with regard to their relative susceptibility to bruchid infestation. The per cent reduction in germination in comparison to initial germination was 0.4%, 2.4% and 2.4% for Palem-1, Palem-2 and AK-21, respectively at 60 days after release whereas in NS/05/42, per cent germination drastically reduced from 90.6 to 31.6% leading to 65% reduction in germination after infestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes occurring in seed during aging are very significant for determining seed quality, i.e. seed longevity. An experiment was conducted in Department of Seed Science and Technology, TNAU, Coimbatore to standardize suitable seed dry dressing treatments, using near nano size botanicals that can alleviate the deleterious effect of accelerated ageing and to improve the enzyme activities of soybean aged seeds. Five days aged seeds were treated with 1 h ball milled fenugreek seed powder, leaf powders of ashwagandha, tea and noni @ 2 g kg with 60 min. shaking and evaluated for enzyme activities and field emergence (naturally and artificially aged seeds). Among the treatments seeds treated with fenugreek seed powder has the highest dehydrogenase activity (OD 10 min), protein (%), oil content (%), catalase activity, peroxidase activity (OD 10 min) (μg H2O2 mgmin) with minimum values of electrical conductivity (dSm), free fatty acid (%), lipid peroxidation (OD value), lipoxygenase activity (g mol s mg). Field emergence (%) was also higher in fenugreek seed powder treated seeds (2 g kg with 60 min). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is one of the most important forage legumes in areas with acidic and nutrient poorer soils where alfalfa fails to growth. In 2010-2011 years period we studied four advanced lines and four commercial varieties of red clover, which are widely used in the production in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our results showed that the variation in grain yield, thousand kernel weight and germination energy was under control of growth. Across genotypes seed yield in 2010 and 2011 was 205 and 223 kg ha-1, respectively. The highest yield of seed was obtained from second growth in the second year. Extreme precipitation during anthesis and grain filling and ripening in 2010 negatively affected red clover seed production. Advanced line DS-2 had the highest grain yield (234 kg ha-1) and thousand kernel weight (1.75 g). Low seeds yields of the tested genotypes are questioning the cost-effectiveness of red clover seed production at this site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Study was carried out to find out the seed quality behavior of soybean (Glycine max) as influenced by different packaging materials and storage conditions. Soybean seeds were stored in different packaging materials viz., gunny bags, high density polythene bags and vacuum packed bags stored at room temperature (25 ± 2° C) and cold storage (4 ± 1° C) for a period of 18 months. The treatments having six combinations and consisting of different containers viz., gunny bags, high density polythene bags and vacuum packed bags were replicated four times in both cold and ambient storage conditions in completely randomized design. The results of the study revealed that the that the seeds stored in vacuum packed bags maintained the seed quality with least deterioration with respect to all the seed quality parameters compared to seeds stored in gunny bags and high density polythene bags. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pre-sowing treatments viz, 50ppm GA3, 2% CaCl2, 0.5% KNO3, Hydration (2h) and drying at room temperature <25 °C and surface drying, and hydration-dehydration (2h) + Thiram dressing @ 0.25% were applied to two seed lots (marginal and good) of two cultivars of pigeonpea i.e. Paras and Manak and untreated seed lot was taken as control. The results revealed that various pre sowing invigouration treatments enhanced the standard germination of both the seed lots. However, the improvement in marginal seed lot (L2) was more than good seed lot (L1). Among the treatments, hydration and dehydration + thiram @ 0.25 percent were found most effective (6.0%) for enhancing in germination. Similarly, irrespective of the priming treatments among the cultivars Paras performed better under field conditions than Manak. irrespective of the cultivars, and seed lots pre-sowing seed treatments namely GA3 (50ppm), cold hydration and cold hydration + 0.25% thiram showed improvement in germination and seed quality attributes, whereas remaining treatments showed negative effect. It was revealed also that variety Manak showed good enzyme activity (DHA, catalase, peroxide and superoxide dismutase) than the Paras. And among seed lots (Table 4) lot L1 showed good enzyme activities than lot L2 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted on clay textured soil during Kharif season of 2013 to study the effect of soil amendments and organic foliar sprays on crop growth, seed yield and quality of green gram (Vigna radiata L.). The soil application of organic manures and liquid organic foliar sprays at flower initiation and 15 days after flowering (DAF) significantly enhanced the seed yield and seed quality parameters of green gram. Application of FYM (1/3)+ Vermicompost (1/3) + glyricidia leaf manure (1/3) equivalent to 100% RDP and foliar spray of panchagavya (3%) at flower initiation and 15 DAF recorded significantly more number of pods per plant (21.27), pod length (10.25 cm), number of seeds per pod (12.10), seed yield (12.89 g/plant) and seed yield (1263.68 kg/ha) with concomitant higher seed quality parameters like 100 seed weight (5.86 g), seed germination percentage (95.67 %), shoot length(16.53cm) root length (18.25 cm), seedling vigour index (3308) and protein content (23.79 %) as compared to other treatment combinations and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loss of seed quality in soybean is a serious problem in tropical and subtropical region. Foliar application of salicylic acid (SA), GA3 and acetyl salicylic acid (50 ppm) at seedling and pod filling stage, K2HPO4 (2%), α-tocopherol (100 ppm) at flowering and pod filling stage was done on soybean varieties -- NRC 7 and JS 335. Foliar application of SA showed positive effect on seed yield, seed health, germination and seed vigour during storage. Plant height was significantly improved by the GA3 spray in both the varieties. Significantly higher seed yield was obtained with foliar spray of α-tocopherol. Application of SA was found effective to protect plants from various diseases to get quality seed. α-Tocopherol and K2HPO4 treatment significantly reduced MDA production in seeds. α-Tocopherol application increased super oxide dismutase activity as a result the lipid peroxidation of seed during storage was significantly reduced. Application of α-tocopherol, K2HPO4 and salicylic acid improved the storage or keeping quality of soybean seed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiment was conducted in the Seed Testing Laboratory during 2013 and 2014 at RARS, UAS Campus, Vijayapur, Karnataka State. The seeds were primed by soaking in different leaf extracts and chemical solution for one hour and then decanted the extracts and seeds were air dried under the shade to bring back to their original moisture content and used for seed quality studies. Seed germination was significantly influenced by age of the seeds and its interaction with botanicals and chemicals. Among the treatments, botanicals viz., Prosopis leaf extracts @ 2per cent recorded higher seed germination followed by Pongamia leaf extract @ 2per cent. Whereas, in chemicals higher germination was seen in KNO3@ 0.5 per cent but at par with CaCl2 .2H2O @ 2 per cent. Lower seed germination was obtained with water soaked and control. The present investigation indicate that, seed priming with 2.0 per cent Prosopis leaf extract for one hours soaking enhanced the seed and seedling quality characters and hence it could be adopted as a pre-sowing seed priming treatment in pigeon pea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were conducted for three years at Pulses and Oilseeds Research Station, Berhampore, Murshidabad, West Bengal, India during rabi 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10 to study the effects of seed hydro-priming and urea spray in lentil. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with four replications having ten treatment combinations viz. two levels of seed priming as factor A and five levels of foliar spray of 2% urea solution as factor B. Experimental results revealed that growth, yield attributing characters, yield and seed protein content of lentil were significantly influenced by seed hydro-priming, urea spray and interaction effects of these two factors. Significantly higher seed yield was obtained under the water soaking treatment (1211 kg ha-1) as compared to no soaking (1169 kg ha-1). Among the foliar spray treatments, two sprays at branching and pod initiation stages recorded the highest seed yield (1271 kg ha-1) of lentil cultivar WBL-58 followed by one spray at flower initiation stage (1236 kg ha-1) irrespective of seed priming. Among the interaction effects, two sprays at branching and pod initiation along with water soaking recorded the highest seed yield (1295 kg ha-1) followed by one spray at flower initiation along with water soaking (1265 kg ha-1). Seed hydro-priming and urea spray were found to increase the seed yield of lentil to the tune of 17.9% and seed protein content by 19% over their non application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted during kharif 2011 and 2012 at Avikanagar on different genotypes of cluster bean to assess the response of Zn on productivity and profitability under tropical environment of Rajasthan. The results reveal that maximum seed (2.55 t ha-1) and stover yield (7.32 t ha-1), protein content (27.2%) and protein yield and (168.10 kg ha-1), gum content (27%) and gum yield (180 kg ha-1) were recorded with application of Zn @20 kg ha-1. Further, quality traits viz. ADF, NDF, cellulose and lignin were also highest in grains. Maximum net return of 33,037 ha-1 with benefit: cost ratio (2.39) was received with the use of Zn @ 20 kg ha-1. Highest seed yield (2.21 t ha-1), protein content (25.6%), protein yield (166.20 kg ha-1), gum content (25.4%) and gum yield (172.37 kg ha-1) were obtained from genotype 'RGC 936' with the highest net returns of Rs 28,188 ha-1. Application of Zn@20 kg ha-1 to cluster bean genotype 'RGC 936' gives highest yield and economic returns under tropical condition of Rajasthan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of compost addition on leaf area index (LAI), diameter growth and enhancement of seed production and quality in Acacia tortilis established under supplementary drip irrigation. Three composted fertilizer doses (2.5 kg, 5 kg and 7.5 kg/ tree) were compared to NPK (18-18-5 at a rate of 250 gram per tree) and control unfertilized plots. Effects of compost application on leaf area index (LAI), diameter growth, relative monthly diameter increment (RMDI) were monitored during two consecutive years (2014 and 2015). Then the impacts on pods and seeds production, seed weight, seed number per kg, seed quality (NPK and protein), germination per cent and mean germination time (MGT) were determined. Addition of fertilizers produced high effects on LAI. In 2014 NPK resulted in highest LAI values in most measurements, alternatively the status was changed in 2015 where, higher doses of compost produced higher LAI values. LAI results exhibited temporal variability that was associated with the seasonal variation of the year. The results demonstrate higher RMDI and diameter growth under NPK and compost at rate of 7.5 kg/tree treatments. Pods production was higher in plots treated with higher doses of compost. However, seed/husk ratio was higher in NPK plots. There is observed association between fruit and seed production with LAI. NPK and protein contents in seeds, were also, influenced by the presence of organic fertilizers. Cumulative germination and MGT were correlated with seed weight and were higher in plots treated with compost. The results highlight the importance of organic fertilizers under dry land conditions that produced higher LAI and growth which enhanced seed production and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]