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Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental - Agriambi is the property of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Sugarcane primarily cultivated for sugar production and other multiple uses. A field experiment was conducted at Tana Beles sugar project, North western Ethiopia during 2021 and 2022 cropping season to determine the optimum rate of NPSB fertilizer on three sugarcane varieties. The treatments were laid out in factorial randomized complete block design arranged with three replications. The experiment was arranged with five of NPSB blended fertilizer (0, 200, 260, 320 and 380 kg ha-1) combined with three sugarcane varieties (NCO-334, N-14 and C86/56). Among the parameters of seed cane crop; germination percent stalk weight, stalk diameter, node length, inter node number, plant height, stalk population, and sett yield for growth and yield parameters and sett moisture content, sett nitrogen content, reducing sugar content and total sugar content for seed cane quality parameters were significantly affected by applied NPSB fertilizer, varieties and their interaction (p<0.05). Brix% and pol% were not significantly affected by different rates of NPSB fertilizer rates and varieties (p<0.05). The highest leaf area index, plant population, sett yield, average cane weight, seed cane moisture content and total nitrogen content was attained with 380 kg ha-1NPSB fertilizer applied on variety NCO-334 and N-14. Maximum population stand, average plant height, and sett yield of verity C86/56 were recorded at 320 kg ha-1 NPSB fertilizer rate. Sett yield, were positively correlated with germination percent, population stand count, inter node number, seed cane weight, seed cane diameter reducing sugar content, total sugar yield and sett moisture content. Therefore, it is advisable to recommend 380 kg NPSB ha1 for variety NCO-334 and N-14, and 320 kg NPSB ha1 for variety C86/56 with application of 160 kg ha-1 urea at the age of two month and half for effective seed cane production. It was aimed to fill the seed cane fertilizer rate problems of different sugarcane varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solitary bee Osmia excavata (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) is a key pollinator managed on a large scale. It has been widely used for commercial pollination of fruit trees, vegetables, and other crops with high efficiency in increasing the crop seeding rate, yield, and seed quality in Northern hemisphere. Here, a high-quality chromosome-level genome of O. excavata was generated using PacBio sequencing along with Hi-C technology. The genome size was 207.02 Mb, of which 90.25% of assembled sequences were anchored to 16 chromosomes with a contig N50 of 9,485 kb. Approximately 186.83 Mb, accounting for 27.93% of the genome, was identified as repeat sequences. The genome comprises 12,259 protein-coding genes, 96.24% of which were functionally annotated. Comparative genomics analysis suggested that the common ancestor of O. excavata and Osmia bicornis (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) lived 8.54 million years ago. Furthermore, cytochrome P450 family might be involved in the responses of O. excavata to low-temperature stress.Taken together, the chromosome-level genome assembly of O. excavata provides in-depth knowledge and will be a helpful resource for the pollination biology research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of intense heat during the reproductive phase of two Brassica species—B. napus and C. sativa—could be alleviated by a prior gradual increase exposure and/or PGPR inoculation. Abct. Among extreme weather events caused by climate change, heat waves are one of the most threatening issues for food security. Heat stress is known to be particularly penalizing at the reproductive stage for oleaginous crops, such as oilseed rape and camelina, and is responsible for crop failures as a consequence of yield losses and lower quality of harvest plants parts. In this context, our study aims to analyze two acclimation strategies that rely on the induction of signals prior to an intense heat stress event, i.e., thermopriming (herein, a gradual increase in temperature) and bacteria inoculations (herein, two Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) were tested). In the two experiments, we assessed the expected beneficial effects of these two acclimation strategies on yield components, seed quality criteria (nutritional and related to dormancy). While thermopriming improved heat stress tolerance in B. napus cv Aviso by maintaining yield, seed nutritional quality and seed dormancy, the effects of the gradual increase prior to the heat stress were even more negative than the later intense heat stress event in C. sativa cv Calena which resulted in cumulated negative effects. The experimentation based on PGPR inoculation highlighted similar trends to thermopriming in B. napus cv Aviso but to a lesser extent. However, in C. sativa cv Calena, very weak effects of PGPR inoculation upon heat stress were observed. Finally, these two acclimation strategies were shown to help alleviate the impacts of intense heat stress but in a species-dependent manner. This study should be deepened by exploring the behaviors of more cultivars of oilseed rape and camelina in the perspective to generalize these results at the species scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naked barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is often planted as a regional specialty crop in the western region of Japan, where there are many hilly and mountainous areas. Water-table depths there are often shallow, due to the inflow of spring melt-water and underground water from the mountains. In this study, the effects of water-table depth on growth and β-glucan content in naked barley were studied by using a lysimeter. The new, waxy-type, naked barley cultivar 'Fukumifiber', with high β-glucan content, showed that β-glucan content per grain with same ripeness were decreased by shallower water-table depth, while in the non-waxy cultivar 'Ichibanboshi', the effect to β-glucan content per grain was not significant. During ripening, the β-glucan content in both waxy and non-waxy cultivars increased sharply from the 20th to the 30th days after anthesis. In waxy-type cultivar 'Fukumifiber', β-glucan further accumulated from the 30th to the 50th days after anthesis, but the accumulation was suppressed as the water-table depth shallowed. While in non-waxy type cultivar 'Ichibanboshi', there was no significant increase from the 30th to the 50th days after anthesis and there were no significant differences due to the water-table depth. These results suggest that good drainage may be particularly important before from the 20th to the 30th days after anthesis for all cultivars. Furthermore, for some cultivars similar measures until the 50th day after anthesis may also be important. And even under shallow water-table depth condition, the difference between cultivars that have high β-glucan content or low content was maintained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP), one of the most important ecological regions in the world, is experiencing a decline in ecological function as a result of severe grassland degradation. Elymus nutans is one of the ecological grass species for restoring degraded grasslands in QTP. The seed yield and seed quality are often limited by soil nutrients in QTP, so it is very important to optimize the application rates of fertilizer for E. nutans seed production. In this study, a “3414” fertilization experiment (nitrogen: 0 ~ 225 kg N ha− 1; phosphorus: 0 ~ 180 kg P2O5 ha− 1; potassium: 0 ~ 135 kg K2O ha− 1) was established in the third year of planting E. nutans seed field based on the soil nutrient supply situation in the planting area to explore the effects of combined application of N, P and K fertilizers on the seed yield and seed quality of E. nutans. The results showed that the balanced application of N, P and K fertilizers significantly improved the seed yield, seed quality and seed vigour of E. nutans. The seed yield of E. nutans was regulated by the seed yield components. Under different fertilization treatments, the number of fertile tillers and thousand kernel weight had a greater contribution to seed yield, followed by the number of spikelets per panicle. Compared to the no fertilization treatment, the combined application of N, P, and K fertilizers increased the seed yield of E. nutans by 23.05%–90.49%. The seed size, seed nutrient content, germination percentage and seedling growth of E. nutans were positively affected by the combined application of N, P and K fertilizers. The seed vigour of E. nutans increased by 38.23%–89.85% compared to the no fertilizer treatment. Fertilizer application promoted seed nutrient storage and increased seed size thereby promoting seed germination and seedling growth. The crude protein, soluble sugar and starch content of E. nutans seed increased by 9.70%–54.05%, 6.70%–25.70% and 4.31%–35.88%, respectively. Nitrogen fertilizer had a greater effect on seed yield and seed quality of E. nutans than phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. The balanced nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers at an application rate of 150 kg N ha− 1, 120 kg P2O5 ha− 1, 90 kg K2O ha− 1 in the planting area of QTP was found to be the optimum fertilization amount for increasing seed yield, seed quality and net income. This study provides theoretical evidence and certain practical suggestions for sustainable forage seed production in alpine regions of QTP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractSeed drying is a common step during the processing of seeds. This paper presents a systematic study on the effect of drying on cabbage seed quality for which amongst others a new dryer system and a new quality indicator were developed. The new dryer system allows drying of seeds under highly controlled air conditions and automatically monitors mass and temperature change of seeds. Germination quality (GQ) and speed were determined via germination tests after drying and storage. Little or no effect of drying temperature on overall GQ (minimum 90%) was detected up to 55 °C. High-quality (i.e. 95% germination) was mostly reached with drying below 40 °C. For 70 °C, GQ decreased drastically. Relative humidity (RH) and time did not significantly influence GQ. To achieve high GQ after drying as well as after storage, the most optimal protocols were around 40 °C and 30% RH or 25 °C and 5% RH, with the latter protocol drying faster. In addition, the ethanol index (EI) was proposed as a faster and less laborious indicator for GQ by adapting a known ethanol method measuring ethanol headspace of cabbage seeds incubated with an ethanol solution. It correlated well with GQ (R2 = 0.93), thus being a promising quality indicator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractSeed phenotyping through non-destructive imaging techniques may be vital for obtaining seed quality and viability information, aiding in plant species conservation and de-extinction. We used X-ray microtomography followed by a germination test on a seed sample of the rare and threatened Hieracium australe subsp. australe to compare qualitative and quantitative morphological traits as predictors of germination capacity. Five qualitative classes based on embryo structure integrity were assigned; eighteen morphometric parameters were defined via 3D image analysis examining outer seed shape and internal embryo structure; “germinated,” “ungerminated” and “dead” outcomes were recorded. The multinomial logistic model applied to the qualitative classes allowed to correctly classify 72.7% of “germinated” seeds but failed to predict “ungerminated” and “dead” seeds. Univariate analysis of morphometric parameters showed no significant differences in mean values among the three germination outcomes. However, unsuccessful germination was associated with smaller seed size, increased pericarp thickness, and higher radicle-to-seed length ratio. Multivariate discriminant analysis of eleven uncorrelated morphometric parameters highlighted "mean embryo-pericarp distance" as indicative of germination capacity specific to Hieracium, while "embryo “porosity" and “embryo surface/volume ratio” were associated with “dead” seeds obtaining an overall correct classification of 72.7% of the “germinated” seeds and 70.0% of the “dead” ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to address many issues, such as the inconsistent and unreliable seeding process in traditional mechanical garlic seed metering systems (SMS), as well as the lack of ability to monitor the effectiveness of the seeding, a highly accurate electric-driven metering system (EDMS) was developed and created specifically for garlic seed planters. This study provided a description of the overall structure and functioning principle, as well as an analysis of the mechanism for smooth transit and delivery. A combination of an infrared (IR) sensor, Arduino Mega board, stepper motor, speed sensor, and a Wi-Fi module was employed to operate the EDMS, as well as monitor and count the quantity of garlic seeds during the planting process and determine the qualified rate (QR) and missing rate (MR). A monitoring system of the planting quality of garlic seeds was created based on the IoT concept. Then, the performance of the EDMS was validated in a laboratory setting utilizing a bench test at six operating velocities of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 rpm of the EDMS. The obtained results showed that the correlation coefficient between the actual and detected garlic seed using the garlic seed monitoring and counting system (GSMCS) was 0.9723. Additionally, the EDMS observed a maximum QR of 96.23% at an operating velocity of 20 rpm, with a standard division and standard error of 1.61030 and 0.72015, respectively. Additionally, the EDMS minimized the MR up to 3.77% at the same operating velocity, with standard division and standard error of 1.65325 and 0.73936, respectively. Furthermore, the results indicated a progressive increase in the QR and MQ standard errors as the EDMS's operating velocity increased. Additionally, the sensor's monitoring accuracy gradually declined with an increase in the operating speed of the EDMS. Finally, this study introduced a novel EDMS to garlic seed planters that was not used before. The developed EDMS and GSMCS are technical manuals for developing and designing monitoring systems capable of precisely measuring and identifying the rates of qualifying and missing garlic seed measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The MISSE-Seed project was designed to investigate the effects of space exposure on seed quality and storage. The project tested the Multipurpose Materials International Space Station Experiment—Flight Facility (MISSE-FF) hardware as a platform for exposing biological samples to the space environment outside the International Space Station (ISS). Furthermore, it evaluated the capability of a newly designed passive sample containment canister as a suitable exposure unit for biological samples for preserving their vigor while exposing to the space environment to study multi-stressor effects. The experiment was launched to the ISS on Northrup Grumman (NG)-15. The exposure lasted eight months outside the ISS in the MISSE-FF at the Zenith position. The specimens consisted of eleven seed varieties. Temperature dataloggers and thermoluminescent dosimeters were included in each container to record environmental data. We presented here the hardware and experimental design, environmental profiles, and seed survival from post-flight germination tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effects of nitrogen fertilization on the composition of confectionary sunflower seeds, including parameters such as oil content, alpha-tocopherol, sucrose, amino acids and fatty acid composition. Nitrogen fertilization, surprisingly, had no significant effect on sunflower oil content, with remarkable differences observed between the genotypes. The α-tocopherol content, an important antioxidant, displayed responses that were dependent on the genotype upon application of nitrogen. The Somon Beyazı genotype consistently demonstrated higher oil content compared to the Ahmet Bey genotype. In addition, both genotypes showed a decrease in α-tocopherol levels as the application of nitrogen increased. Sucrose content was higher in the Somon Beyazı genotype and decreased significantly with increasing nitrogen doses. Significant variations were observed in fatty acid compositions, further emphasizing the impact of genotype and nitrogen application. The study also revealed diverse amino acid profiles, with notable concentrations of glutamine and asparagine. This comprehensive study highlights the complex interaction between genotype and nitrogen fertilization and provides valuable insights for optimising sunflower seed production and quality. The results emphasise the significance of integrating both genetic factors and nutrient management practices into crop cultivation for improved agricultural outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed analysis is a cornerstone in advancing agriculture, with vigor tests playing a critical role in evaluating the physiological quality of seeds. However, monitoring seed vigor over time poses a significant challenge for the seed industry, as traditional methods are time-consuming and heavily reliant on subjective human judgment. Concerning these limitations, optical-based techniques have emerged as promising alternatives. Among them, the biological laser speckle phenomenon, rooted in optical interferometry, has proven effective in sensitively detecting and monitoring activity levels in living tissues. Known as the biospeckle laser (BSL) technique, this approach offers reliable results in assessing seed vigor. The BSL technique stands out due to its simplicity, rapid analysis, objectivity, and potential for automation, making it a valuable tool for seed analysis. This paper explores the state-of-the-art application of the BSL technique for evaluating seed vigor, highlighting successful approaches, identifying current challenges, and outlining areas for future research. It delves into the experimental setup for seed illumination and discusses the associated image processing methods. Furthermore, the paper examines the numerical and graphical outcomes, underscoring the BSL technique's ability to carry out seed analysis by addressing the limitations of traditional methods and enhancing efficiency in the agricultural sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims Elevation gradients provide 'natural experiments' for investigating plant climate change responses, advantageous for the study of protected species and life forms for which transplantation experiments are illegal or unfeasible, such as chasmophytes with perennial rhizomes pervading rock fissures. Elevational climatic differences impact mountain plant reproductive traits (pollen and seed quality, sexual vs. vegetative investment) and pollinator community composition; we investigated the reproductive ecology of a model chasmophyte, Campanula raineri Perp. (Campanulaceae), throughout its current elevational/climatic range to understand where sub-optimal conditions jeopardise survival. We hypothesised that: 1) reproductive fitness measures are positively correlated with elevation, indicative of the relationship between fitness and climate; 2) C. raineri , like other campanulas, is pollinated mainly by Hymenoptera; 3) potential pollinators shift with elevation. Methods We measured pollen and seed quality, seed production, the relative investment in sexual vs. vegetative structures and vegetative (Grime's CSR) strategies at different elevations. Potential pollinators were assessed by combining molecular and morphological identification. Key results Whereas CSR strategies were not linked to elevation, pollen and seed quality were positively correlated, as was seed production per fruit (Hypothesis 1 is supported). The main pollinators of C. raineri were Apidae, Andrenidae, Halictidae (Hymenoptera) and Syrphidae (Diptera), probably complemented by a range of occasional pollinators and visitors (Hypothesis 2 partially supported). Potential pollinator communities showed a taxonomic shift towards Diptera with elevation (particularly Anthomyiidae and Muscidae) and away from Hymenoptera (Hypothesis 3 was supported). Conclusions Pollinator availability is maintained at all elevations by taxon replacement. However, reduced pollen quality and seed production at lower elevations suggest an impact of climate change on reproduction (especially <1200 m a.s.l. where seed germination was limited). Aside from guiding targeted conservation actions for C. raineri , our results highlight problems that may be common to mountain chasmophytes worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over half of angiosperms have self-incompatibility systems to avoid self-pollination and inbreeding depression. Many members of Orchidaceae are self-compatible, but they may be prone to negative consequences of self-pollination. We investigated the effects of both within-flower (autogamy) and within-plant (geitonogamy) self-pollination, and cross-pollination on fruit set, seed quality, and germination rates in 11 related orchid taxa of subtribe Orchidinae. We hand-pollinated flowers and measured fruit set to estimate pre- and postzygotic barriers. We collected morphometric data on embryos and seeds and calculated the percentage of seeds with embryos and seed viability. We then calculated inbreeding depression values for each treatment for each taxon. Ten taxa produced fruits when self-pollinated, but germination rates and seed size increased with cross-pollination. Higher seed viability was correlated with larger embryos/seeds. However, geitonogamous pollination generally resulted in the lowest seed quality compared with autogamy and cross-pollination, with high values of inbreeding depression being detected. Only seven of the 11 taxa (Anacamptis papilionacea , Himantoglossum adriaticum , Ophrys apifera , Ophrys bertolonii , Orchis patens subsp. brevicornis , Orchis provincialis , and Serapias vomeracea) were confirmed as self-compatible. These results show that cross-pollination improves overall seed quality, and that the assessment of self-compatibility in orchids should be based on postfruiting stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA damage response (DDR) contributes to seed quality by guarding genome integrity in the delicate phases of pre- and post-germination. As a key determinant of stress tolerance and resilience, DDR has notable implications on the wider scale of the agroecosystems challenged by harsh climatic events. The present review focuses on the existing and documented links that interconnect DDR efficiency with an array of molecular hallmarks with biochemical, molecular, and physiological valence within the seed metabolic networks. The expression of genes encoding DDR sensors, transducers, mediators, and effectors is interpreted as a source of conserved hallmarks, along with markers of oxidative damage reflecting the seed's ability to germinate. Similarly, the accumulation patterns of proteins and metabolites that contribute to DNA stability are predictive of seed quality traits. While a list of candidates is presented from multiple models and crop species, their interaction with chromatin dynamics, cell cycle progression, and hormonal regulation provides further levels of analysis to investigate the seed stress response holistically. The identification of novel hallmarks of DDR in seeds constitutes a framework to prompt validation with different experimental systems, to refine the current models of pre-germinative metabolism, and to promote targeted approaches for seed quality evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beans are the second most important crop in Mexico for human consumption. During storage, there have been losses of more than 35% due to the attack of weevils, for which chemical control represents the most common method. Great efforts have been made in the search for methods of natural control. This study aimed to evaluate, in three varieties of beans (Negro, Peruano and Flor de Mayo), the effect of the use of plant powders (Eucalyptus globulus and Tagetes erecta) with two drying methods (natural and freeze-drying) on the mortality of bean weevil (Zabrotes subfasciatus) and seed quality. Mortality was assessed at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. There were statistical differences between varieties and plant powders, but not for doses and drying methods. The highest cumulative mortality was observed with eucalyptus with 71.41%; in contrast, marigold reached 52.93%. The seed treated with powders reached 87% germination, while the control had 88%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glume-opening of thermosensitive genic male sterile (TGMS) rice (Oryza sativa L.) lines after anthesis is a serious problem that significantly reduces the yield and quality of hybrid seeds. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating the opening and closing of rice glumes remain largely unclear. In this study, we report the isolation and functional characterization of a glum-opening mutant after anthesis, named gom1. gom1 exhibits dysfunctional lodicules that lead to open glumes following anthesis. Map-based cloning and subsequent complementation tests confirmed that GOM1 encodes a receptor-like kinase (RLK). GOM1 was expressed in nearly all floral tissues, with the highest expression in the lodicule. Loss-of-function of GOM1 resulted in a decrease in the expression of genes related to JA biosynthesis, JA signaling, and sugar transport. Compared with LK638S, the JA content in the gom1 mutant was significantly reduced, while the soluble sugar, sucrose, glucose, and fructose contents were significantly increased in lodicules after anthesis. Together, we speculated that GOM1 regulates carbohydrate transport in lodicules during anthesis through JA and JA signaling, maintaining a higher osmolality in lodicules after anthesis, which leads to glum-opening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The culinary poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) has been used for centuries in everyday diets, especially for food, but also as a non-food source of health-promoting ingredients. In the present study, a field trial was set with white-seeded poppy varieties collected from farmers in Croatia. The poppies were sown as a winter crop. Selenium biofortification was applied using different selenium sources, such as selenite, SeO32−, and selenate SeO42−. In the flowering stage, biofortification was carried out as follows: (1) Se-0: control; (2) SeO3_30: 30 g ha−1; (3) SeO3_60: 60 g ha−1; (4) SeO4_30: 30 g ha−1; and (5) SeO4_60: 60 g ha−1. Plants formed an average of four capsules per plant, with an average seed mass per capsule of 3.52 g. The seed yield varied from 0.91 (SeO3_30) to 1.26 t ha−1 (SeO4_30). The cold-pressed oil was characterized as good-quality since the average water content was 0.38%, insoluble impurities consisted of 0.013%, iodine number value was 135.81 g, I2 was 100 g−1, and saponification number was 188.51 mg KOH g−1, and it was on average 0.93% free fatty acids. Selenium biofortification had a significant (p ≤ 0.05) impact on Se accumulation in the seeds. Thus, the selenite form increased Se content in the seeds by about 7% compared to the control, whereas for the (4) SeO4_30 treatment, the increase was about 50%, and for (5) SeO4_60, it was even higher, about 91% compared to the control treatment. The highest content of fatty acids in the cold-pressed oil was determined for linoleic (76.31%), oleic (13.49), and palmitic (7.86%) acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important cereal and feed crop, oat has significant economic value and is widely cultivated throughout the world. However, leaf diseases have become a crucial factor limiting the increase in oat grain yield and the optimization of its nutritional quality. Among these, the bacterial leaf blight disease (LBD) caused by Pantoea agglomerans has been an emerging and prevalent oat disease in Northwest China in recent years and has become a major challenge for oat cultivation in this region. This study was designed to investigate the effects of LBD on grain yield and nutritional quality of two common oat varieties, i.e., Avena nuda "Baiyan 2" (B2) and A. sativa "Baiyan 7" (B7), in greenhouses. The results showed that after infection causing LBD, the growth, grain yield and nutritional indexes (except the fiber content) of B2 and B7 were significantly reduced (p < 0.05), with grains per spike, thousand grain weight, protein, and β-glucan reduced by 14.2%, 5.5%, 12.9% and 21.5%, respectively. In contrast, the average fiber content of the infected oats increased by 8.4%. In addition, both with and without infection, the grain yield of B7 was higher than that of B2, while the nutritional quality of B2 seeds was superior to that of B7 seeds. This study provides a scientific basis for LBD control and the variety selection of oat, promoting the sustainable development of the oat industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Egyptian Journal of Soil Science is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study assessed the efficacy of plant extracts as alternatives to synthetic pesticides for pest control and seed quality preservation in mungbean cultivation in northern Tanzania, specifically at TARI Selian and Miwaleni. The study employed a randomized complete block design. Four plants' extracts— Tephrosia vogelii , Clutia abbsynica, Clausena anisata , and Lobelia gibelloa—were evaluated during the 2020 growing season (field) and 2021 storage period (storability). The study focused on their effects on insect pests (leaf beetles, thrips, aphids, whiteflies, and pod borers) and their ability to maintain seed quality during storage. C. anisata emerged as the most effective extract across all pests, demonstrating high suppression rates for thrips (3.4), aphids (3.22), whiteflies (3.4), and pod borers (2.7). In contrast, L. gibelloa was the least effective, with lower suppression rates for thrips (3.1) and aphids (3.1). Furthermore, botanical treatments significantly reduced pest damage in stored seeds, with T. vogelii and C. abbsynica showing superior performance in preserving seed weight and quality during storage. Seeds treated with T. vogelii had significantly fewer holes and lower weight loss compared to other treatments, indicating its effectiveness in both pest management and seed preservation. Conversely, L. gibelloa and C. anisata contributed to greater weight loss, particularly at higher application rates. The study demonstrates that plant extracts can offer a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides, effectively controlling pests and preserving seed quality. These findings are crucial for improving mungbean production and storage, enhancing food security, and reducing reliance on chemical pesticides in diverse agro-ecological contexts. Future research should further explore the long-term ecological impacts and optimal application rates of these botanicals for integrated pest management and seed storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olive (Olea europaea L.) trees produce many more flowers than fruit. In an "on" year, an adult olive tree may produce as many as 500,000 flowers, but 98% of them will drop soon after bloom as unfertilized flowers or juvenile fruit. This waste of resources that could be better invested in fruit reaching maturation requires an explanation. Several, not mutually exclusive, hypotheses explaining the possible significance of heavy flowering followed by massive and premature flower and fruit abscission are analyzed and compared based on previously published works and recent observations on olive reproductive biology. The results suggest that olive trees selectively abort fruits to enhance the quality of the seeds in the surviving fruits. Additionally, a considerable proportion of flowers appears to contribute to the male fitness of the plant by increasing pollen export. Conversely, the hypotheses attributing to resource limitation, pollination deficits, pollinator attraction, or extra flowers functioning as an ovary reserve, must be rejected for explaining the ultimate functions of massive flower production. Implications for olive orchard management are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed storage life in tropical areas is shortened by high humidity and temperature and the general inaccessibility to dehumidifying and refrigeration systems, resulting in rapid decreases in seed viability in storage as well as a high incidence of fungal and insect infestations. The dry chain, based on rapid and deep drying of seeds after harvest followed by packaging in moisture-proof containers, has been proposed as an effective method to maintain seed quality during medium-term storage in humid climates, even without refrigeration. In addition, seed drying with zeolite drying beads can be more effective and economical than sun or heated-air drying under these warm, humid conditions. In this paper, we review recent published literature regarding the dry chain, considering different crop species, storage environments and seed traits. In addition, we provide new original data on the application of dry chain methods and their implementation at larger scales in South Asia, Latin America and Pacific Island Countries. The clear conclusion is that the combination of reusable drying beads and waterproof storage containers enables the implementation of the dry chain in tropical climates, enhancing seed viability and quality in storage of many crop species. The dry chain approach can therefore significantly enhance seed security for farmers in many tropical countries. Finally, we propose actions and strategies that could guide further scaling-up implementation of this technology.

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental - Agriambi is the property of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental - Agriambi is the property of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental - Agriambi is the property of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Artemisia umbelliformis Lam. is an alpine herbaceous species that grows in the wild and is mainly used for producing génépi liqueur. It has applications as an ingredient in several food products. Its propagation and cultivation have become the only way to ensure a sustainable supply, thus conserving its occurrence in natural habitats. However, low success rates in seed germination usually limit its propagation. Selected seeds and fine-tuned agro-techniques are priorities in nursery production systems. The current research explored seed germination in three wild A. umbelliformis populations from Valnontey, Soana, and Urtier in the Italian Alps. We evaluated seed germination ability as a description of final germination percentage (FGP), first germination time (FGT), halftime of germination (T50), germination period (GPD), and mean germination time (MGT). Also, assessments of early seedling development appeared valuable. We used three germination substrates with various peat and perlite ratios (v:v), i.e., S1 (100:0), S2 (80:20), and S3 (60:40), either in combination with or without two generalist arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), namely, Rhizophagus intraradices and Funneliformis mosseae. Results highlighted variations in germination capacity, indicating that the Valnontey population appeared superior to Soana and Urtier populations regarding FGP (34.0%, 7.2%, and 8.6%, respectively), FGT (8.7, 13.2, and 14.1 days, respectively), MGT (12.5, 16.5, and 17.1 days, respectively), and T50 (13.8, 17.4, and 16.8 days, respectively). Among the substrates, S3 allowed a higher average FGP value (22.9%) than the other substrates, i.e., in S1 and in S2. No AMF symbiosis occurred, suggesting room for future research into the pros and cons of applying bio-inoculants on génépi seeds and seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of bio-magnetism, magnetic field (MF) treatment has been widely used in many fields, including Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry. Among seed priming methods, the use of the MF treatment as a physical priming has the advantages of creating no pollution and allowing an easy operation. In this experiment, the low frequency magnetic field (LFMF) was generated by Viofor JPS Delux - a patented device adopted from human medical magnetic therapy. Seeds of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) cultivars Carmen (C) and Szkarłatna z Białym Końcem (SBK) were subjected to the routine accelerated aging (AA) procedure. Next, they were removed from the stress conditions, dried back to the standard moisture content level, and then treated with 10, 20 and 30 μT LFMF for 30, 60, 90 and 120 min., respectively. Afterwards, their seed quality was evaluated by germination and vigour tests. The results showed that LFMF treatment has improved the germination and vigour of the AA radish seeds. The optimal seed treatment conditions of the cultivars were different: for the cultivar C - 20 μT, 120 min. and for the cultivar SBK - 20 μT, 60 min. The quality of radish seeds and seedlings was also tested by a new method based on their ultra-weak photon emission during their germination and seedling growth. The received result could prove that LFMF treatment on AA seeds could have changed the metabolic processes responsible for germination and growth rate, but it had no harmful effect on the nature of their growth process.

Abstract African nightshade (Solanum scabrum) is a vegetable of great importance in several African countries. Production by seed is constrained by limited access to high quality seed, leaving farmers unable to meet the growing demand. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of berry maturity stages (mature green and purple) on germination and protein components of African nightshade seeds. Nine accessions were used for the germination assays and three selected for the proteomics. The seeds harvested at the purple ripe stage showed a higher germination percentage than seeds harvested at the mature green stage. Seeds of three accessions, which showed different germination responses depending on maturity, were subjected to gel-based proteome comparison followed by mass spectrometry. Analysis revealed a total of 563 spots, of which 19–23% were differentially abundant between the two harvest times. This is the first study to utilise proteomics in African nightshade. Four types of seed storage proteins were identified. Identified proteins were associated with seed maturation, indicating more advanced maturation stages in accessions with higher germination capacity. In addition, a reference proteome map of S. scabrum was created using GelMap platform ( www.gelmap.de ). Colour change of African nightshade berries seems to be a suitable indicator for seed maturity.

Abstract Seed quality is the set of physical, genetic, and physiological characteristics, reflecting the overall germination potential. Maintaining an optimal seed quality is essential for agriculture and seed banks to preserve genetic diversity. Compared to conventional methods (e.g., germination tests), non-invasive approaches allow a more sustainable and rapid evaluation of seed quality but this is limited by high costs. The measurement of ultra-weak photon emission (UPE) and delayed fluorescence (DL), defined as biological phenomena potentially related to the physiological status of living systems, may represent a suitable approach to estimate seed quality. To test this hypothesis, seeds of five agriculturally relevant legume species (Phaseolus vulgaris L., Lathyrus sativus L., Cicer arietinum L., Pisum sativum L., and Vicia faba L.), stored at different conditions (room temperature or -18 °C) for several years, were analysed using a LIANA© prototype to collect data regarding DL and UPE occurring after UV excitation. The obtained data were integrated with germination parameters which underline species-specific behaviours in response to storage conditions. The prediction models show variable efficiency in classifying seeds based on germination which underline species-dependent links between photon emission and seed quality. Therefore, these measurements represent novel, non-invasive, and rapid approaches to evaluate seed quality.

The most important product of the lentil crop (Lens culinaris Medik) is the seeds. The main seed characteristics are their size, color, and the cooking time required to make them edible. Cultivar, location of cultivation, and their interaction are the primary factors of raw or cooked seed characteristics. The study examined the impact of five different lentil cultivars (Dimitra, Elpida, Thessalia, Samos, and 03-24L), as influenced by the cultivation environment in four different zones or nine different locations in Central-Northern Greece, on cooking time. The optimal cooking time (OCT) was calculated by cooking the seeds for 0–60 min to determine the percentage of cooked seeds using the penetration test. OCT was associated with the characteristics of both raw (mass of 1000 seeds, external color, and the percentage of mature/immature seeds) and cooked (color and organoleptic characteristics of the cooking media as well as mass increase and hardness and organoleptic characteristics of the seeds) seeds for 30 min. Depending on location, each cultivar had a different mass of 1000 seeds; Elpida had the highest mass (63.9 g), and Dimitra had the lowest (33.1 g). This was linked to OCT, which was among the highest (57.5 min) for Elpida, lowest (49 min) for Dimitra, and intermediate for Thessalia, Samos, or 03-24L. The average OCT was 55.9 min for all samples. The seed from the five locations with the shortest OCT was considered appropriate for human consumption. Two locations yielded seeds with intermediate OCT, while the other two produced the highest OCT; these were recommended for processing or propagation. In this study, the cultivar factor had a greater effect on raw seed characteristics, while the location factor had a greater effect on cooked seed characteristics and OCT than either the location, the cultivar factor, or the cultivar x location interaction.