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Pulses are a unique type of crop due to their high content of vegetable protein, an important part of the human diet, and their major contribution to the cropping system through nitrogen fixation. A wide range of physiological deterioration that results in qualitative, quantitative, and economic losses occurs during the post-harvest storage of pulse crops. For pulse crop germination, growth, seedling establishment, and yield, the appropriate abiotic and biotic conditions are required. The article covers the seed priming approach, which can coordinate seed germination and increase vigor for better seedling establishment and productivity. Seed priming turns on metabolic pathways that break dormancy, prevent seeds from degrading, and boost overall resilience to biotic and abiotic stressors. The overall review provided in this paper describes how seed priming enhances pulse crop germination, seedling establishment, growth, and yield.

BBX transcription factors have a transcriptional regulatory role in response to light, circadian cues, and brassinosteroid-light crosstalk signaling. However, the functions of BBX in soybean resistance to seed deterioration have not been shown. In our previous study, a soybean gene GmSBH1 and a HSE cis-element of GmSBH1 promoter were found in response to high temperature and humidity (HTH) stress. GmCOL4 was a candidate protein, which bound to HSE cis-element. In the present study, GmCOL4 was isolated and characterized. Subcellular localization and transcriptional activation assays showed that GmCOL4 was a nuclear protein with transcriptional activation function. The BBOX2 domain was found to play an obvious role in transcriptional activation activity of GmCOL4. Furthermore, GmCOL4 interacted with GmZTL1 was confirmed in vivo and in vitro. GmCOL4 and GmZTL1 presented different expression patterns among diverse soybean tissues and were synergistically involved in response to HTH stress in developing seeds. Overexpression of GmCOL4 and GmZTL1 could alter tobacco phenotypes and enhance developing seed tolerance to seed deterioration under HTH stress. Based on these results, a regulation network was conjectured, GmCOL4 interacts with GmZTL1 to co-regulate the GmSBH1 via directly binding to the HSE cis-element, thereby enhancing the soybean resistance to seed deterioration under HTH stress and affecting leaf development.Key message: GmCOL4 interacted with GmZTL1 to co-regulate the GmSBH1 via directly binding to the HSE cis-element, thereby enhancing the soybean resistance to seed deterioration and affecting leaf growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decline in seed quality over time due to natural aging or mishandling requires assessing seed vigor for resilience in adverse conditions. Accelerated aging (AA) methods simulate seed deterioration by subjecting seeds to high temperatures and humidity. Saturated salt accelerated aging (SSAA) is an AA method adopted for small seeds like lettuce (Lactuca sativa). In this study, we subjected seeds of two lettuce cultivars ('Muir' and 'Bauer') to SSAA by sealing them in a box containing 40 g/100 mL of a sodium chloride (NaCl) solution in a dark growth chamber at 41 °C for 24, 48, and 72 h with a control. We monitored their vigor using embedded computer cameras, tracking the projected canopy size (PCS) daily from sowing to harvest. The cultivar 'Muir' exhibited consistent PCS values across the treatments, while 'Bauer' showed PCS variations, with notable declines after prolonged aging. The germination rates dropped significantly after 48 and 72 h of SSAA. A nonlinear regression model revealed a strong relationship between PCS and shoot dry weight across harvests and cultivars (R2 = 0.93, RMSE = 0.15, p < 0.001). The research found that the projected canopy size and shoot dry weight increased over time with significant differences in treatments for the cultivar 'Bauer' but not for 'Muir,' with the canopy size being a strong predictor of dry weight and no significant impact from the SSAA treatments. This study highlights cultivar-specific responses to aging and demonstrates the efficacy of our imaging tool in predicting lettuce dry weight despite treatment variations. Understanding how aging affects different lettuce varieties is crucial for seed management and crop sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed at investigating the viability of near infrared spectrometry (NIR), associated with chemometric methods, in order to identify differences at the levels of vigor of naturally and artificially aged soybean seeds. Seeds of six soybean genotypes were analyzed when freshly harvested, after natural aging in storage for eight months, and after artificial aging at the temperature of 41 °C for 96 hours. The seed moisture content, germination potential and vigor were evaluated. Also, there were measured the content of protein, oil and of the fatty acids: palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic. The NIR spectra were obtained from the freeze-dried and grinded seeds. The natural and artificial aging of the seeds promote deterioration at distinct levels, reflecting in differences in seed vigor. The regions of the electromagnetic spectrum between wavelengths of 1000-1200 nm, 1350-1450 nm, 1800-1900 nm and 2300-2400 nm are important to distinguish the levels of quality of the soybean seeds. The contents of oil and protein have a relationship with the physiological quality of the seeds. Also, the most relevant wavelengths for the classification of seed vigor present a relationship with these compounds. NIR spectroscopy, in combination with chemometric methods, presents potential to be used in the classification of soybean seeds regarding their physiological quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Creation, adjustments and adoption of tests and tools that help in the prediction of seed storability have been highly demanded. Therefore, this work aimed to analyze the efficiency of different artificial aging times in predicting the performance of soybean seeds after storage, using the GGE biplot method. Seeds of six genotypes were subjected to storage, under refrigerated and non-refrigerated conditions, and artificial aging, being artificially aged for periods of 0, 48, 96 and 144 hours. Seeds freshly harvested and after natural and artificial aging were subjected to germination and vigor tests. The experiments were analyzed separately, using means test, regression analysis and model identity test, and together, using the GGE biplot method. Artificial aging at a temperature of 41 °C for 96 hours has the potential to be used to predict the performance of soybean seeds after eight months of storage. The GGE biplot is a method that can be used as a tool to analyze the relationships between aging environments and visualize the ranking of genotypes regarding the performance of seeds subjected to natural and artificial aging.

Objective: To investigate the effect of ellagic acid on the growth indices and leaf aging process in soybean, an experiment was conducted during the two years of 2018 and 2019 in the research farm of Shahrood University of Technology's Faculty of Agriculture. Method: The experiment was carried out factorial in the form of a randomized complete block design in three replications. The experimental treatments include the initial seed quality at two levels (normal seeds and aged seeds) and the application of ellagic acid at four levels (control, priming, foliar spraying and combined application of priming and foliar spraying with a concentration of 50 mg/L). Results: Accelerated aging caused a reduction of 37.93 and 39.93 percent of emergence. Ellagic acid as priming in aging conditions caused an increase of 11.33 and 8.33 percent of this trait. Aging decreased the amount of chlorophyll, carotenoid, plant height, and leaf and stem dry weight, oil percentage and seed yield. The use of ellagic acid in the form of priming, foliar spraying and their combination in this study increased the percentage of oil by 0.23, 0.24 and 0.29%, respectively, compared to the control. Priming, foliar spraying and the combined application of priming and foliar spraying with ellagic acid improved the grain yield by 23.59, 23.23 and 55.48%, respectively. Conclusion: The use of ellagic acid as seed priming and foliar spraying better than other levels. Finally, it is recommended to use this material as a priming to increase the percentage of oil and yield of soybean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Seed priming is a pre-sowing seed treatment that is beneficial for rice seed germination and seedling growth, but the reduced seed longevity after seed priming greatly limited its adoption. The deterioration of primed seeds showed large differences among different studies, and the priming method might play an important role in regulating the deterioration speed of primed seeds. However, whether and how the priming method affected the deterioration of primed rice seeds during storage remains unknown. Methods: In this study, two typical seed priming methods, namely hydropriming (HP) and osmopriming (PEG) were compared under artificially accelerated aging conditions, the changes in germination performance, starch metabolism, seed respiration and reactive oxygen species accumulation before and after accelerated aging were determined. Results and discussion: Hydroprimed rice seeds exhibited significantly faster deterioration speed than that of PEG-primed seeds in terms of germination speed and percentage. Meanwhile, a-amylase activity and total soluble sugar content in hydroprimed seeds were reduced by 19.3% and 10.0% respectively after aging, as compared with PEG-primed seeds. Such effects were strongly associated with the increased reactive oxygen generation and lipid peroxidation, as the content of superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde in hydroprimed seeds were 4.4%, 12.3% and 13.7% higher than those in PEG-primed seeds after aging, such effect could be attributed to the increased respiratory metabolism in hydroprimed seeds. In addition, the simultaneous use of N-acetylcysteine with HP and PEG priming greatly inhibited the deterioration of primed rice seeds, suggesting that the ability to scavenge reactive oxygen speciesmay be the key factor affecting the speed of deterioration in primed rice seeds during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decline in seed quality over time due to natural aging or mishandling requires assessing seed vigor for resilience in adverse conditions. Accelerated aging (AA) methods simulate seed deterioration by subjecting seeds to high temperatures and humidity. Saturated salt accelerated aging (SSAA) is an AA method adopted for small seeds like lettuce (Lactuca sativa). In this study, we subjected seeds of two lettuce cultivars (‘Muir’ and ‘Bauer’) to SSAA by sealing them in a box containing 40 g/100 mL of a sodium chloride (NaCl) solution in a dark growth chamber at 41 °C for 24, 48, and 72 h with a control. We monitored their vigor using embedded computer cameras, tracking the projected canopy size (PCS) daily from sowing to harvest. The cultivar ‘Muir’ exhibited consistent PCS values across the treatments, while ‘Bauer’ showed PCS variations, with notable declines after prolonged aging. The germination rates dropped significantly after 48 and 72 h of SSAA. A nonlinear regression model revealed a strong relationship between PCS and shoot dry weight across harvests and cultivars (R2 = 0.93, RMSE = 0.15, p < 0.001). The research found that the projected canopy size and shoot dry weight increased over time with significant differences in treatments for the cultivar ‘Bauer’ but not for ‘Muir,’ with the canopy size being a strong predictor of dry weight and no significant impact from the SSAA treatments. This study highlights cultivar-specific responses to aging and demonstrates the efficacy of our imaging tool in predicting lettuce dry weight despite treatment variations. Understanding how aging affects different lettuce varieties is crucial for seed management and crop sustainability.

ABSTRACT This work aimed at investigating the viability of near infrared spectrometry (NIR), associated with chemometric methods, in order to identify differences at the levels of vigor of naturally and artificially aged soybean seeds. Seeds of six soybean genotypes were analyzed when freshly harvested, after natural aging in storage for eight months, and after artificial aging at the temperature of 41 °C for 96 hours. The seed moisture content, germination potential and vigor were evaluated. Also, there were measured the content of protein, oil and of the fatty acids: palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic. The NIR spectra were obtained from the freeze-dried and grinded seeds. The natural and artificial aging of the seeds promote deterioration at distinct levels, reflecting in differences in seed vigor. The regions of the electromagnetic spectrum between wavelengths of 1000-1200 nm, 1350-1450 nm, 1800-1900 nm and 2300-2400 nm are important to distinguish the levels of quality of the soybean seeds. The contents of oil and protein have a relationship with the physiological quality of the seeds. Also, the most relevant wavelengths for the classification of seed vigor present a relationship with these compounds. NIR spectroscopy, in combination with chemometric methods, presents potential to be used in the classification of soybean seeds regarding their physiological quality.

Primary Trans Chromosomal Tritipyrum (PTCT) amphiploid is a new cereal grown in saline soil and brackish water for grain and forage production. We evaluated the tolerance to seed deterioration in 13 promising PTCT lines, assessing accelerated aging (AA) tests by using AA boxes with 100% relative humidity at 40 °C for 72 h. The (Ma/b)(Cr/b)F4 and (St/b)(Cr/b)F4) PTCT lines, more sensitive to seed aging, were primed with NaCl, Salicylic Acid (SA), and Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) to increase the seed vigor of artificially aged seeds. Germination and emergence traits, biochemical parameters, and chromosomal abnormalities induced by artificial aging were measured in deteriorated and not-deteriorated seeds. The highest reduction percentages related to seed vigor were observed in (Ka/b)(Cr/b)F2 (34.52) and La(4B,4D)/b (28.15) lines, while the lowest was found in (Ma/b)(Cr/b)F4 (7.65) and (St/b)(Cr/b)F4 (7.46) lines. Seed aging also increases electrolytes, potassium, and protein leakages. Chromosomal abnormalities are caused by seed aging that interferes with chromosome behaviors during cell division. Seed priming on aged seeds revealed an increase in the germination percentage (GP) with PEG treatment, while the priming by SA showed an increase in seedling traits, such as the seedling length (SL2). In conclusion, we highlighted the potential use of different PTCT lines and the effective use of seed priming on deteriorated seed to enhance seed viability and seedling vigor as a useful tool for sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the storage process, seeds deteriorate with aging, and their vigor gradually decreases, affecting the field emergence rate, uniformity, and crop yield. Therefore, it is critical to accurately and quickly identify seed vigor. Spectroscopic techniques are widely used in research to evaluate seed vigor rapidly. However, current research predominantly focuses on single varieties, with limited exploration of generalized detection methodologies for multi-variety seeds. In this paper, autofluorescence and reflectance spectroscopy techniques were used to detect several varieties of wheat seeds and analyze the changing pattern of their spectra after artificially accelerated aging treatment. The analysis compares the effectiveness of feature modeling of autofluorescence and reflectance spectra in cross-variety detection. By integrating these two spectral features through ensemble learning, a seed vigor detection model capable of cross-variety identification was developed and validated with an optimal accuracy of more than 87.5 %. Furthermore, for seed vigor group detection, the detection strategy was designed to discriminate small batches of seeds, and the final detection accuracy reached 93.9 % on average. In summary, this study shows that ensemble learning can combine the advantages of autofluorescence and reflectance spectroscopy, enhance the discrimination ability of combined datasets, and provide an effective reference for cross-variety seed vigor detection. [Display omitted] • Fusion of reflectance and autofluorescence spectra enables better seed vigor detection. • Performance potential of autofluorescence in cross-species seed viability assays. • Subspace-based ensemble learning for better multivariate data fusion in modeling. • Some spectral features show consistent trends in seed aging across varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive rainfall provides a favorable condition for field mold infection of plants, which triggers field mold (FM) stress. If FM stress occurs during the late maturation stage of soybean seed, it negatively affects seed yield and quality. To investigate the responses of soybean seed against FM stress and identify the underlying biochemical pathways involved, a greenhouse was equipped with an artificial rain producing system to allow the induction of mold growth on soybean seed. The induced quality changes and stress responses were revealed on the levels of both transcriptome and metabolome. The results showed that soybean seeds produced under FM stress conditions had an abnormal and inferior appearance, and also contained less storage reserves, such as protein and polysaccharide. Transcriptional analysis demonstrated that genes involved in amino acid metabolism, glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid, β-oxidation of fatty acids, and isoflavone biosynthesis were induced by FM stress. These results were supported by a multiple metabolic analysis which exhibited increases in the concentrations of a variety of amino acids, sugars, organic acids, and isoflavones, as well as reductions of several fatty acids. Reprogramming of these metabolic pathways mobilized and consumed stored protein, sugar and fatty acid reserves in the soybean seed in order to meet the energy and substrate demand on the defense system, but led to deterioration of seed quality. In general, FM stress induced catabolism of storage reserves and diminished the quality of soybean seed in the field. This study provides a more profound insight into seed deterioration caused by FM stress.

Seed aging during storage results in loss of vigor and germination ability due to the accumulation of damage by oxidation reactions. Experimental aging tests, for instance to study genetic variation, aim to mimic natural aging in a shorter timeframe. As the oxidation rate is increased by elevating the temperature, moisture, and oxygen levels, this study aimed to (1) investigate the effect of experimental rice seed aging by an elevated partial pressure of oxygen (EPPO), (2) elucidate the mechanism of dry-EPPO aging and (3) compare aging under dry-EPPO conditions to aging under traditional moist-controlled deterioration (CD) conditions and to long-term ambient storage. Dry seeds from 20 diverse rice accessions were experimentally aged under EPPO (200 times higher oxygen levels), at 50% relative humidity (RH), along with storage under highpressure nitrogen gas and ambient conditions as controls. While no decline in germination was observed with ambient storage, there was significant aging of the rice seeds under EPPO storage, with considerable variation in the aging rate among the accessions, with an average decline toward 50% survival obtained after around 21 days in EPPO storage and total loss of germination after 56 days. Storage under high-pressure nitrogen gas resulted in a small but significant decline, by an average of 5% germination after 56 days. In a second experiment, seven rice seed lots were stored under EPPO as compared to a moist-CD test and two different long-term ambient storage conditions, i.e., conditioned warehouse seed storage (CWSS) and traditional rice seed storage (TRSS). Untargeted metabolomics (with identification of lipid and volatile compounds profiles) showed a relatively high increase in levels of oxidized lipids and related volatiles under all four storage conditions. These compounds had a high negative correlation with seed viability, indicating oxidation as a main deteriorating process during seed aging. Correlation analysis indicated that EPPO storage at 50% RH is more related to aging under TRSS at 60% and CD-aging at 75% ERH rather than CWSS at 40% ERH. In conclusion, aging rice seeds under EPPO conditions is a suitable experimental aging method for analyzing variation among seed lots or genotypes for longevity under storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) produces desiccation-sensitive seeds, the long-term storage of which is limited. We investigated the effectiveness of using a slightly lowered storage temperature (−5 °C) in combination with slight dehydration of acorns (38% MC) for improving seed viability during 18 months of storage. To this end, we performed a factorial experiment using storage temperatures of −5 °C and −3 °C combined with 38% and 40% seed MC and subsampled the acorns at 4-month intervals over 18 months. The modified regime of −5 °C combined with 38% MC resulted in increased germination and emergence rates but only when seeds were stored for 12 months. It also restricted seed biomass loss. Starch depletion was recorded on consecutive sampling dates, showing little dependence on storage conditions. At −5 °C at both MC, it was accompanied by an accumulation of soluble carbohydrates. Fat reserves also decreased under all storage conditions, but the slowest decrease was at −5 °C and 38% MC. We conclude that storing acorns in a slightly dehydrated state (38% MC) at −5 °C produced a transient improvement in seed viability and that the observed increase in soluble carbohydrates may indicate initiation of prosurvival mechanisms, such as osmo- and cryoprotection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ciência Florestal (01039954) is the property of Ciencia Florestal 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.)

Seed aging during storage results in loss of vigor and germination ability due to the accumulation of damage by oxidation reactions. Experimental aging tests, for instance to study genetic variation, aim to mimic natural aging in a shorter timeframe. As the oxidation rate is increased by elevating the temperature, moisture, and oxygen levels, this study aimed to (1) investigate the effect of experimental rice seed aging by an elevated partial pressure of oxygen (EPPO), (2) elucidate the mechanism of dry-EPPO aging and (3) compare aging under dry-EPPO conditions to aging under traditional moist-controlled deterioration (CD) conditions and to long-term ambient storage. Dry seeds from 20 diverse rice accessions were experimentally aged under EPPO (200 times higher oxygen levels), at 50% relative humidity (RH), along with storage under high-pressure nitrogen gas and ambient conditions as controls. While no decline in germination was observed with ambient storage, there was significant aging of the rice seeds under EPPO storage, with considerable variation in the aging rate among the accessions, with an average decline toward 50% survival obtained after around 21 days in EPPO storage and total loss of germination after 56 days. Storage under high-pressure nitrogen gas resulted in a small but significant decline, by an average of 5% germination after 56 days. In a second experiment, seven rice seed lots were stored under EPPO as compared to a moist-CD test and two different long-term ambient storage conditions, i.e., conditioned warehouse seed storage (CWSS) and traditional rice seed storage (TRSS). Untargeted metabolomics (with identification of lipid and volatile compounds profiles) showed a relatively high increase in levels of oxidized lipids and related volatiles under all four storage conditions. These compounds had a high negative correlation with seed viability, indicating oxidation as a main deteriorating process during seed aging. Correlation analysis indicated that EPPO storage at 50% RH is more related to aging under TRSS at 60% and CD-aging at 75% ERH rather than CWSS at 40% ERH. In conclusion, aging rice seeds under EPPO conditions is a suitable experimental aging method for analyzing variation among seed lots or genotypes for longevity under storage.

Seed ageing is an inevitable process that reduces seed quality during storage. When seeds deteriorate as a result of the lipid peroxidation process, it leads to produce toxic volatile organic compounds. These volatiles served as an indicator for the viability of stored seeds. With this background, the study was conducted to profile the volatile organic compounds emitted from rice seeds during storage. Volatile profiling of stored rice var. Co 51 seeds was done through Headspace-Solid phase microextraction/ Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GCMS). The study clearly demonstrated that the significant decrease in physiological and biochemical quality attributes was noted due to an increase in the strength of volatiles released during ageing. When the release of total volatile strength reached more than 40%, a significant reduction in physiological attributes such as germination, root and shoot length, dry matter production and vigour index were observed. With respect to biochemical properties, a significant increase in electrical conductivity of seed leachate, lipid peroxidation and lipoxygenase activity, and decrease in dehydrogenase, catalase and peroxidase activities were observed. However, the highest reduction in all these properties were recorded when the total volatile strength reached to 54.90%. Finally, the study concluded that, among all the volatiles, 1-hexanol, 1-butanol, ethanol, hexanal, acetic acid, hexanoic acid and methyl ester were the most closely associated volatiles with seed deterioration. It indicates that these components could be considered the signature components for assessing the seed quality in rice during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to profiling the volatile organic compounds emitted from groundnut seeds during storage and also to assess the volatiles emission level during seed deterioration. Volatile organic compounds profiling of stored groundnut seeds was done through GC-MS at monthly intervals. The results showed that several volatile compounds were released from stored groundnut seeds and all the compounds are falling into eight major groups viz., alcohols, aldehydes, acids, esters, alkanes, alkenes, ketones and ethers. The study clearly demonstrated the influence of volatile organic compounds emission level on physiological and biochemical properties during storage. There was a significant decrease in physiological and biochemical quality attributes noted due to an increase in the strength of volatiles released during ageing. When the release of total volatile strength reached more than 50%, a significant reduction in physiological attributes such as germination, root and shoot length, dry matter production and vigour index were observed. With respect to biochemical properties, a significant increase in electrical conductivity of seed leachate, lipid peroxidation and lipoxygenase activity, and a decrease in dehydrogenase, catalase and peroxidase activities were observed. However, the highest reduction in all these properties was recorded when the total volatile strength reached 92.72%. The study concluded that the volatiles released during seed deterioration could be considered the signature components for detecting the seed quality during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycine max is one of the important oilseed plants in the world. One of the problems of G. max production is seed deterioration and low germination and vigor during seed storage and before planting time. To investigate the effects of deterioration on seed and the effects of salicylic acid and ethylene on the improvement of the deteriorated seed of G. max, an experiment was conducted accelerated aging test for 0, 6 and 10 days and a natural aging test for 6 months. After aging conditions, seeds were imbibed with 50 μ M salicylic acid and 10 μ M ACC (precursor of ethylene) for 6 hours at 25 °C. Also, some seed was used without any hormonal treatment as a control seed (called dry seed) after the natural and accelerated aging test. Germination percentage, the activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzyme, total protein, and malondialdehyde were measured. CTR1 and NPR1 Gene expressions were investigated on dry seed and under imbibitions of water, salicylic acid and ACC at 6, 12 hours with the Q-RT-PCR method. Seed germination decreased; malondialdehyde content increased and total protein decreased. Catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzyme activities were decreased and electrical conductivity increased with the progress of aging. Gene expression varied at different days and different hours. Salicylic acid and ACC had different effects on measured traits. Totally, aging caused seed physiology disorder and salicylic acid and ACC were not able to improve deteriorated soybean seed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red chili (Capsicum annum L.) is a vegetable that has high economic value. However, red chili production has decreased because of seed deterioration, such as expired seeds. Seed invigoration attempts to maintain seed germination ability when it has deteriorated. Extracts of onion and banana weevil can be used for invigoration. The research aimed to know the effect of various natural hormones, soaking time, and interaction of the two treatments of expired red chili seeds on germination, growth, and production. The research used a factorial, completely randomized design (CRD), which consisted of the type of natural hormones for soaking expired red chili seeds, aquadest as a control, onion extract 25%, banana weevil extract 25%, and onion extract 25% + banana weevil 25%; and soaking time for expired red chili seeds, i.e., 4 hours, 8 hours and 12 hours. Based on the result, The effect of soaking expired red chili seeds on natural hormones significantly impacted maximum growth potential, germination, growth rate, and simultaneous growth. Meanwhile, there were no significant effects on the vigor index, plant height, number of leaves, flowering age, harvest age, number of fruits per plant, fresh weight per plant, and fruit length. In addition, the treatment for a soaking time of expired red chili seeds for up to 12 hours had no significant effect on all observation parameters.

Tomato seeds have a high commercial value, and the loss of seed physiological quality over time is demonstrated by their low storability unless hermetic conditions are used. This study aimed to store and preserve seed quality under ambient conditions using different packaging materials such as plastic bottles, glass bottles, paper envelope, earthen pot, polyethylene bag, galvanized iron tin. Freshly harvested seeds of four tomato genotypes were packed inside different containers and then sealed and stored for eight months under ambient humid tropical conditions. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and means were separated using Tukey’s HSD test at 5 % probability level. The result revealed that envelope and earthen pot were not ideal for tomato seed storage for long time, because seed stored in air tight containers maintained desired seed quality than non- airtight packaging materials. Glass bottle was identified as the best packaging material in maintaining seed quality of tomato throughout the storage period. Tomato seeds could be stored up to between 120 and 180 days under ambient conditions, depending on genotype and storage medium of the seed lot.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an essential role in the regulation of seed dormancy, germination, and deterioration in plants. The low level of ROS as signaling particles promotes dormancy release and triggers seed germination. Excessive ROS accumulation causes seed deterioration during seed storage. Maintaining ROS homeostasis plays a central role in the regulation of seed dormancy, germination, and deterioration in crops. This study highlights the current advances in the regulation of ROS homeostasis in dry and hydrated seeds of crops. The research progress in the crosstalk between ROS and hormones involved in the regulation of seed dormancy and germination in crops is mainly summarized. The current understandings of ROS-induced seed deterioration are reviewed. These understandings of ROS-dependent regulation on seed dormancy, germination, and deterioration contribute to the improvement of seed quality of crops in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Hortícolas is the property of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Horticolas 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 Acta Agriculturae Slovenica is the property of Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana 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.)

DOR: 98.1000/2383-1251.1398. 6.61.12.2.1578.41 Extended Abstract Introduction: Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) is the primary source of vegetable oil. Even in desirable conditions, soybean seeds lose their viability in long term storage. Many factors contribute to seed deterioration, including genetic factors, mechanical damage, relative humidity, storage temperature, seed moisture content, existence of microflora, and seed maturity, which reduce seed quality and make seeds unfit for cultivation purposes. Materials and Methods: In order to investigate the effects of seed deterioration on seed germination and also the effects of salicylic acid and ethylene on the improvement of deteriorated seeds of G. max., accelerated aging test for 0, 6 and 10 days and natural aging test for 6 months were conducted. After aging conditions, seeds were imbibed with 50 µM salicylic acid and 10 µM ACC (precursor of ethylene) for 6 hours at 25 °C. In addition, after natural and accelerated aging tests, a bunch of seeds was used without any hormonal treatment (i.e., dry seeds) as control seeds. The seeds’ germination percentage, total sugar, fructose, and glucose were investigated. Moreover, the gene expression of GAI1 and LOX1 was measured on dry seeds and under imbibition of water, salicylic acid and ACC at 6, 12 hours using Q-RT-PCR method. Results: The germination results showed that increasing number of aging days led to a decrease in germination. Total sugar content in seeds aged for 6 days did not have a significant difference, as compared with non-aged seeds. However, total sugar content in seeds aged for 10 days was significantly higher than non-aged seeds. Increasing accelerated aging levels from 0 days to 10 days led to increases in glucose and fructose contents in dry seeds. In addition, genes exhibited different expressions in different days and hours. Increasing aging from 0 days to 10 days led to increases in GAI1 gene expression. Moreover, LOX2 expression increased in accelerated aging from 0 to 6 days. LOX2 gene expression in naturally dried aged seeds also increased and was higher than that in non-aged seeds. SA and ACC had different effects on measured values. Conclusion: In general, it can be concluded that the deterioration of seed quality and vigor result from numerous degradation processes and disruption in seeds’ physiological activity. This study showed that aging is associated with an increase in total sugar, glucose and fructose levels. In addition, the expression of the genes involved in the germination is also affected. Increases in LOX2 gene expression were observed in both accelerated aging and natural aging pathways. GAI1 gene expression increased in accelerated aging. However, in normal aging, it decreased. Highlights: Identifying the role of LOX2 and GAL1 genes in soybean seed deterioration. Investigating seeds’ physiological responses under natural and laboratory aging conditions.

DOR: 98.1000/2383-1251.1398. 6.45.12.2.1578.1610 Extended Abstract Introduction: Priming is one of the most commonly used seed enhancement techniques. Events such as increased synthesis of nucleic acids, activation of repair processes, increased respiratory activity, and improved antioxidant capacity during priming lead to advanced metabolism in seeds. The most important effects of priming include increased percentage, speed and uniformity of germination and emergence. However, the longevity of primed seeds in storage is the major concern for researchers as it restricts widespread use of this technique. Some researchers believe that priming reduces the storage capacity of seeds, while others have reported increased seed shelf life after using priming treatments. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the effects of priming on the storage capacity of the seeds of canola cultivars under different storage conditions. Material and Methods: In this study, the effects of priming on the shelf life of seeds of three canola cultivars including Dk-xpower, Traper and Hayola50 were investigated. For this purpose, the seeds were first treated with hydropriming and osmopriming methods. Then primed and control seeds with 6, 9, 12 and 15% moisture content were stored for 8 months at 15, 25, 35 and 45 °C. Sampling from different seed treatments was carried out at intervals of 1 to 30 days to assess germination. Finally, by fitting a three-parameter logistic model to cumulative germination data versus the day after storage, the time to germination loss to 50% was calculated and used to compare seed storage behavior between the treatments. Results: The results showed that the storage behavior of canola seed varies greatly depending on the cultivar, and each cultivar showed a distinct behavior. Priming effects on the shelf life of seeds were different depending on the storage conditions, cultivars and also the priming methods. Comparison of the effects of priming on the seeds’ shelf life under different storage conditions showed that priming treatments were more efficient under higher seed moisture content and storage temperatures than those with lower seed moisture content and storage temperatures. In addition, priming treatments in Dk-xpower cultivar often increased the seeds’ shelf life. However, in the Traper and Hayola 50 cultivars, hydropriming often improved the seeds’ shelf life, and in contrast to osmopriming, it led to a decrease in the shelf life of the seeds. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it was shown that priming effects on canola seed viability can be a function of various factors such as cultivar, storage conditions, and also the type of priming treatment. Moreover, in this study, hydropriming often increased seed longevity whereas osmopriming often increased the deterioration rate and reduced seed longevity. Highlights: Seed storage behavior of canola cultivars was compared under natural storage conditions. Priming effects on seed longevity of canola cultivars was investigated under different storage conditions.

DOR: 98.1000/2383-1251.1398.6.163.12.2.1578.41 Extended abstract Introduction: A wide range of deteriorative conditions (especially moisture content and temperature) may affect seed quality during storage which may lead to seed aging. As the most important component of the phenylpropanoids pathway, trans-cinnamic acid, found abundantly in plants and its endogenous levels is influenced by stress conditions. The present study was conducted to investigate germination features, seed reserve mobilization, electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde content in aged cowpea seeds affected by different concentrations of cinnamic acid. Materials and Methods: The research has been performed in the laboratory of Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrood University of Technology, Iran. The experiment was designed as a factorial (two factors of the experiment included two levels of seed quality including non-aged and aged seeds and five levels of cinnamic acid concentrations including 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 µM) based on a completely randomized design. Accelerated aging was applied as an efficient method to mimic storage conditions in the presence of accelerating factors. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) seeds (Bastam local variety) were incubated in a relative humidity of 95% and a temperature of 43 °C for 72 h to accelerate aging. Both seed lots were treated with 5 different concentrations of cinnamic acid for 6 h followed by standard germination and vigor tests. Data of germination and vigor tests were processed using the GERMINATOR software. Heterotrophic growth, seed reserves mobilization, electrical conductivity and membrane lipid peroxidation were assessed using the available methods. Results: In this study, cowpea seeds responded to cinnamic acid differently based on their primary quality. In deteriorated seeds, concentrations of 45 µM and 60 µM could successfully enhance seed germination percentage, as compared with the aged seeds (i.e., control). A concentration of 45 µM also improved the vigor of deteriorated seeds. Seed pretreatment of 15, 30 and 45 µM enhanced seed reserves utilization in non-aged seeds. Aging negatively affected area under curve, germination uniformity and seedling dry weight of the deteriorated seeds. Application of 30 µM cinnamic acid improved germination uniformity. The area under the curve was positively affected by 15µM and 30µM. Concentrations of 45 µM and 60 µM enhanced seedling dry weight. Applying 45 µM cinnamic acid decreased electrolyte leakage by 38% and improved efficiency of seed reserves mobilization. Moreover, seed malondialdehyde content, as an indication of membrane lipid peroxidation, showed a sharp decline by applying increased concentrations of cinnamic acid. Conclusions: Based on our results, cowpea seeds respond to cinnamic acid differently based on their primary quality. These results imply that seed pretreatment with 45 µM cinnamic acid may successfully invigorate aged cowpea seeds. We also conclude that cinnamic acid application cannot improve physiological traits and can be regarded as a potent antioxidant in the invigoration of the aged seeds. Highlights: This is the first study focusing on the role of cinnamic acid in alleviating deterioration in aged seeds. Cinnamic acid has been introduced as a robust antioxidant, which is effective in reducing the deleterious effects of seed deterioration.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an essential role in the regulation of seed dormancy, germination, and deterioration in plants. The low level of ROS as signaling particles promotes dormancy release and triggers seed germination. Excessive ROS accumulation causes seed deterioration during seed storage. Maintaining ROS homeostasis plays a central role in the regulation of seed dormancy, germination, and deterioration in crops. This study highlights the current advances in the regulation of ROS homeostasis in dry and hydrated seeds of crops. The research progress in the crosstalk between ROS and hormones involved in the regulation of seed dormancy and germination in crops is mainly summarized. The current understandings of ROS-induced seed deterioration are reviewed. These understandings of ROS-dependent regulation on seed dormancy, germination, and deterioration contribute to the improvement of seed quality of crops in the future.

Seed aging is the gradual decline in seed vigor, during which programmed cell death (PCD) occurs. The functions of nitric oxide (NO) are exerted through protein S -nitrosylation, a reversible post-translational modification. During seed aging, more than 80 proteins are S -nitrosylated, but the particular role of individual proteins is unknown. Here, we showed that the S -nitrosylation level of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (UpGAPDH) in elm (Ulmus pumila L.) seeds increased after controlled deterioration treatment. UpGAPDH was S -nitrosylated at Cys154 during S -nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) treatment, and its oligomerization was triggered both in vitro and in elm seeds. Interestingly, UpGAPDH interacted with the mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel in an S -nitrosylation-dependent way. Some UpGAPDH–green fluorescent protein in Arabidopsis protoplasts co-localized with mitochondria during the GSNO treatment, while the S -nitrosylation-defective UpGAPDH C154S–GFP protein did not. Seeds of oxUpGAPDH lines showed cell death and lost seed vigor rapidly during controlled deterioration treatment-triggered seed aging, while those overexpressing S -nitrosylation-defective UpGAPDH-Cys154 did not. Our results suggest that S -nitrosylation of UpGAPDH may accelerate cell death and seed deterioration during controlled deterioration treatment. These results provide new insights into the effects of UpGAPDH S -nitrosylation on protein interactions and seed aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was conducted at research farm of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi for 2016-17 and 2017-18 to study the seed deterioration in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cv PusaBarkha by mimicking seed ageing with accelerated ageing. The fresh seeds were subjected to accelerated ageing at 40±1˚ C and 100% RH for a duration of 2, 4, 6 days along with control (0 days) in desiccators. With the progression of ageing, a gradual decline in the seed quality parameters, viz. seed germination and seed vigour indices was observed. The H2O2 content was within the threshold level from 0 to 4 days of ageing but beyond this, it damaged the cell membrane in seeds. Similarly, antioxidant activity (SOD, CAT, POX and higher GSH/GSSG ratio) increased initially and maintained the redox state by quenching the H2O2 effectively. Whereas, the content of H2O2 reached above the oxidative window as the activity of enzymes also decreased beyond 4 DAA. The study suggested that the H2O2 within oxidative window could be quenched efficiently; beyond this it is toxic and affects longevity as enzymes get inactivated with ageing in storage.

Seed vigor is a complex trait, including the seed germination, seedling emergence, and growth, as well as seed storability and stress tolerance, which is important for direct seeding in rice. Seed vigor is established during seed development, and its level is decreased during seed storage. Seed vigor is influenced by genetic and environmental factors during seed development, storage, and germination stages. A lot of factors, such as nutrient reserves, seed dying, seed dormancy, seed deterioration, stress conditions, and seed treatments, will influence seed vigor during seed development to germination stages. This review highlights the current advances on the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and regulatory genes involved in seed vigor at seed development, storage, and germination stages in rice. These identified QTLs and regulatory genes will contribute to the improvement of seed vigor by breeding, biotechnological, and treatment approaches.

Seed vigor is a complex trait, including the seed germination, seedling emergence, and growth, as well as seed storability and stress tolerance, which is important for direct seeding in rice. Seed vigor is established during seed development, and its level is decreased during seed storage. Seed vigor is influenced by genetic and environmental factors during seed development, storage, and germination stages. A lot of factors, such as nutrient reserves, seed dying, seed dormancy, seed deterioration, stress conditions, and seed treatments, will influence seed vigor during seed development to germination stages. This review highlights the current advances on the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and regulatory genes involved in seed vigor at seed development, storage, and germination stages in rice. These identified QTLs and regulatory genes will contribute to the improvement of seed vigor by breeding, biotechnological, and treatment approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deterioration of seed is one of the vigor reducing factors limiting seed germination. Determination of factors affecting seed deterioration is important. In order to determine the effect of plant hormones on germination characteristics and antioxidant enzymes activities of deteriorated corn seeds an experiment was carried out at seed and biotechnology laboratories of College of Agriculture, Tehran University in 2019. The study was designed with a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications. The experiment treatments included varieties at 2 levels (704 single cross hybrid and 260 single cross hybrid), accelerated aging at 4 levels (0, 5, 10, and 15 day), and hormones at 2 levels (gibberellin and cytokinin). Seed deterioration reduced germination indexes and peroxidase and catalase enzymes activity. Treatment of deteriorated seeds with cytokinin and gibberellin increased antioxidant enzymes activities. Cytokinin was more effective than gibberellin in increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes in deteriorated seeds. Results indicated that low seed vigor decreased the activity of enzymes and plant hormones as an agronomy solution compensated for the loss in low vigor seeds. Also, cultivar 704, with a higher vigor indicated amore enzyme activity than cultivar260.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) incessantly produced as by-products of metabolism play significant roles in seed physiology. ROS (hydroxyl, superoxide radical and hydrogen peroxide) and RNS (nitric oxide, nitric dioxide, nitrous acid and dinitrogen tetroxide) content changes in all phases of seed life cycle that influence seed germination, dormancy and longevity. Recent studies illustrate that ROS and RNS are performing oxidative and nitrosative signaling to induce seed germination within oxidative window level. Besides, ROS/RNS-mediated post-translational modifications (PTM) like carbonylation, S-nitrosylation and nitration are gaining interest in promoting seed germination. Understanding the signalling pathways, cross-talk with plant hormones and their role in promoting seed germination and dormancy alleviation could pave way for hormone engineering that help in crop productivity, particularly under climatic changing conditions. In addition, role of antioxidants and glutathione thiols in protecting from oxidative damage indicate that these compounds can be used for seed viability/quality markers that aid in monitoring of crop establishment. In this review, sources of ROS and RNS, their cross-talk with plant hormones (prospects for hormone engineering), signalling functions pertaining to seed germination, dormancy and deterioration have been illustrated. In addition, seed quality markers under climatic changing conditions for effective monitoring of crop stand establishment and diagnostics development have been elucidated.

The quality of forest seeds may be maintained in the course of storage for their use in the restoration of degraded areas and the conservation of genetic resources. In this sense, physiological and biochemical markers were evaluated during the short-term storage of Pityrocarpa moniliformis seeds, a pioneer species native to the Caatinga. Seeds harvested from 25 mother trees were stored in a growth chamber (27 ± 4 °C) or in a refrigerator (6 ± 3 °C) for 360 days. Viability, vigour, reserve contents, metabolite contents, and hydrolase activities were assessed at the beginning of the experiment and every 60 days. Over time, a decrease in germination percentage, germination speed index, and seedling growth accompanied by an increase in membrane damage was verified in the seeds kept in a growth chamber. These alterations were not associated with the degradation of starch and storage proteins, although there was a decrease in the content of non-reducing sugars in the seeds kept in the growth chamber. Therefore, the loss of viability and vigour in P. moniliformis seeds stored for 360 days in a growth chamber cannot be attributed to the hydrolysis of major reserves, but it may be related to the accumulation of reducing sugars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presence of fungi causing infestations deteriorates quality of husked and dehisced rice (Oryza sativa L.) seed. So, identifying storage conditions is crucial in food safety programs. Present study deals with isolation of fungi and their purification from rice to know the impact on seed storage quality. Four important fungi causing infestations viz. Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Penicillium sp. and Fusarium sp. were isolated and characterized. Culture filtrate of fungi were studied on rice seed deterioration on the basis of seed germination percentage, root/shoot length, total carbohydrate, total protein content, α-amylase activity, lipoxygenase activity and storage proteins profiling by SDSPAGE. Maximum deterioration in rice seed was observed with A. flavus spores filtrate inoculated seeds followed by A. niger, Penicillium sp. and Fusarium sp., respectively. Enzyme activity of α-amylase and lipoxygenase were significantly increased with seed storage and their ageing.

Abstract: Seed vigor tests are used to estimate their quality. One of the most commonly used is the accelerated aging test (AA). The aim of the present study was to study the biochemical changes caused in the seeds and to determine their germination status after the AA. Six safflower genotypes were tested at 43 °C and 45 °C for 0, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h, and germination percentage (GP), mean germination time (MGT) and normal seedling percentage (NSP) were evaluated to determine the aging reactions of the genotypes. During the AA at 45 °C, the seeds quickly lost their germination ability after 48 h; after 120 h, the seeds lost their viability, remaining, however, still viable at 43 °C. Two genotypes that aged more (Linas and Olas) and less (Bayer-6 and Bayer-12) were chosen to examine the biochemical changes during the AA at 43 °C. Eleven biochemical analysis were performed to understand physiological changes associated with the test. Total caratone, xanthophyll, phenolics, flavonoid, soluble protein, soluble sugars, oil and malondialdehyde contents were lower after 120 h, compared to 0 h. Reducing sugars and free fatty acids contents increased in the least and most aging genotypes. However, the total tocopherol content increased in the least aging genotypes and decreased in the most aging genotypes after 120 h, compared to 0 h. The results showed that the AA at 43 °C was suitable to study the aging process in the safflower seeds. Besides, understanding the chemical changes was useful to elucidate the physiological basis of seed aging.

Because of high levels of fatty acids, sunflower seed is susceptible to deterioration and damages caused by deterioration will reduce the quality of seed and seedling. To compare the effect of sunflower seed (cv. Barzegar) priming with gibberellin and ascorbic acid under two conditions, i.e. before and after the seed deterioration, an experiment was conducted in 2016 in the greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, Lorestan University. The factorial pot experiment was performed based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. The first factor was the application time of priming in two levels (priming before and after seed deterioration) and the second factor was priming treatments in six levels (hydropriming, 50 and 75 ppm of gibberellin, 100 and 150 ppm of ascorbic acid, gibberellin 50 ppm + ascorbic acid 100 ppm and none primed control). Accelerated aging (72 h at 43 °C and 100% RH) was used to deteriorate the seed. The results showed that priming after seed deterioration in comparison with priming before deterioration was more efficient to improve traits such as seedling emergence and growth rate and seedling dry weight (p<0.05). However, for other traits such as emergence and seedling root length, there was an interaction between priming time and treatments; for these traits, priming after seed deterioration was generally more effective than priming before deterioration (p<0.05). Hydropriming after seed deterioration significantly improved percentage and rate of seedling emergence; and 75 ppm of gibberellin could improve seedling growth rate and dry matter accumulation. Therefore, 75 ppm of gibberellin and hydropriming are suggested for improving the quality of sunflower deteriorated seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safflower oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that is important for health. Drought stress can severely decrease the productivity and oil quality of safflower. Thus, in order to study the effect of hydropriming and melatonin-seed-priming on fatty acid composition and yield of Safflower under water deficit conditions a field experiment was carried out as split-factorial in a randomized complete block design with four replicates during 2017 and 2018 growing seasons. The oil concentration of the safflower seeds was determined by soxhlet extraction method. Fatty acids of safflower's oilseed were transformed to their methyl esters (FAME), and a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector (FID) was used for determination of fatty acids. The results indicated that melatonin-seed priming increased grain yield, HI and oil yield of safflower under drought condition. Drought stress led to a significant decrease in oil yield, and recently harvested seeds had higher oil yield across both years. The highest amount of oil yield was obtained by hydropriming on seeds which had been stored for 8 years, and recently harvested seeds with 576.50 and 645.57 kg.ha−1, respectively under no-stress condition. Melatonin-seed-priming improved the oil quality of safflower under drought with an increase of unsaturated fatty acids of safflower especially omega 6 and omega 3. Melatonin-seed priming increased the amount of ∑PUFA, ∑UFA/∑SFA, P/S and DBI across both years in comparison with unprimed seeds. Seed priming improved the quality of oil and productivity in both recently harvested and stored seeds. It can be concluded that melatonin-seed priming improved the productivity, oil content and composition especially in stored seeds and under drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work was to develop a methodology for standardizing the Accelerated Aging test (AA) for J. nigra seeds. After different aging treatments, seeds were subjected to the standard germination test the results of which were expressed as the percentage of normal seedlings. Germination velocity index and mean time of maximum germination were also determined. Our results showed that storage at high temperature and relative humidity deteriorates black walnut seeds to the extent that their germination capacity is lost in only seven days. Bigger seeds had a higher percentage of normal seedlings and vigor, both under favorable storage conditions and when subjected to accelerated aging treatments. This work has clearly shown that vigor of J. nigra seeds should be assessed using AA periods no longer than 72 h. The most frequent abnormality observed in AA testing was seedlings with stubby roots and no secondary roots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Loss of vigour during storage could not be attributed to oxidative damages. • Increased K+ leakage is not related to lipid peroxidation. • The atrophy of the primary root was the most common abnormality. • Preservation of antioxidative defences does not maintain seed vigour. The aim of this study was to evaluate oxidative damages and antioxidative defences during loss of viability and vigour in Moringa oleifera Lam. seeds stored under controlled conditions. Seeds were packed in semipermeable plastic bags, maintained in a refrigerator (4 ± 2°C and 20–25% RH) or in a growth chamber (27 ± 2°C and 60–65% RH) for 18 months, and harvested every 6 months. The seeds stored in the growth chamber lost viability and vigour earlier than those stored under refrigeration. Irrespective of the storage environment, the H 2 O 2 levels did not increase, lipid peroxidation remained almost unchanged, and protein carbonylation decreased in the course of the experiment. The reduced glutathione levels and the phenol peroxidase activity decreased faster in the seeds maintained in the growth chamber than in those kept under refrigeration. The reduced ascorbate levels and the activities of ascorbate peroxidase and catalase increased during storage in both tested conditions. Hence, loss of viability and vigour in M. oleifera seeds during storage could not be attributed to oxidative damages, in terms of H 2 O 2 accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and protein carbonylation. The preservation of antioxidative defences, specifically the reduced ascorbate levels and the activities of superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and catalase, does not result in the maintenance of seed vigour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed vigor in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) declines under environmental stresses, and seed shows signs of aging. The aging effects may be alleviated, however, by seed priming with certain chemicals, such as salicylic acid (SA). The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of SA priming on activities of certain enzymes and lipid peroxidation in soybean seedlings under accelerated aging (AA) process. A factorial, completely randomized design with three replicates was used. Different aging durations (48 h and 72 h), SA priming solutions (0, 300 and 600 μM) and priming times (before aging, after aging and both before and after aging, i.e., double priming) were the experimental factors. Increasing aging duration significantly increased mean emergence time (MET) but decreased carotenoid content. Nonetheless, SA solution mitigated the adverse effect of seed deterioration on germination-related traits by increasing enzyme activity and reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) content, especially under double priming. A strong negative correlation (r = – 0.99**) was found between MDA content and chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b content. By contrast, the correlation between MDA content and MET (r = 0.95**) was found to be positive. The results suggested that double SA priming was an appropriate practical technique to improve seedling establishment from aged soybean seed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed vigor tests are used to estimate their quality. One of the most commonly used is the accelerated aging test (AA). The aim of the present study was to study the biochemical changes caused in the seeds and to determine their germination status after the AA. Six safflower genotypes were tested at 43 °C and 45 °C for 0, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h, and germination percentage (GP), mean germination time (MGT) and normal seedling percentage (NSP) were evaluated to determine the aging reactions of the genotypes. During the AA at 45 °C, the seeds quickly lost their germination ability after 48 h; after 120 h, the seeds lost their viability, remaining, however, still viable at 43 °C. Two genotypes that aged more (Linas and Olas) and less (Bayer-6 and Bayer-12) were chosen to examine the biochemical changes during the AA at 43 °C. Eleven biochemical analysis were performed to understand physiological changes associated with the test. Total caratone, xanthophyll, phenolics, flavonoid, soluble protein, soluble sugars, oil and malondialdehyde contents were lower after 120 h, compared to 0 h. Reducing sugars and free fatty acids contents increased in the least and most aging genotypes. However, the total tocopherol content increased in the least aging genotypes and decreased in the most aging genotypes after 120 h, compared to 0 h. The results showed that the AA at 43 °C was suitable to study the aging process in the safflower seeds. Besides, understanding the chemical changes was useful to elucidate the physiological basis of seed aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harvest delay may affect the physiological quality of soybean seeds due to the occurrence of unfavorable environmental conditions in the field. This study was conducted to investigate the physiological and enzymatic changes in soybean seeds submitted to harvest delay. A randomized block design, with eight seed harvest periods (0; 5; 10; 15; 20; 25; 30; and 35 days after the R8 phenological stage - full maturity) of the BRS 820 RR® cultivar, with four replicates, was used. At each harvest period, the moisture content, 1,000-seed weight, germination, seedling emergence, emergence speed index, accelerated aging, vigor and viability (tetrazolium test), electrical conductivity, enzymatic expression and seed yield were measured. Harvest delay up to 35 days after the R8 phenological stage do not affect the 1,000-seed weight and seed yield. The delayed harvest from the R8 stage results in increased damage by stink bugs and moisture. The harvest delay of seeds from the 10th day after the R8 stage impairs the seed vigor and, from the 15th day, seed germination. Seeds harvested with a delay after the R8 stage have lower expressions of the following isoenzymatic systems: malate dehydrogenase, alcohol dehydrogenase, esterase, isocitrate lyase and superoxide dismutase, especially after 15 days of harvest delay.

Unfavorable storage conditions, especially relatively high environment humidity and high storage temperature greatly affect the quality of corn seeds. The effects of temperature, environment moisture and length of storage on six maize hybrids were examined. For the purpose of investigating germination traits, total soluble proteins, leakage electrolytes and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in maize hybrids, an experiment was carried out at the Agronomy and Plant Breeding Laboratory of Ilam University in 2016. The study was conducted as two factorial experiments, adopting a completely randomized design with three replications. The first factor comprised six maize hybrids (single crosses: 703, 706, 711, 604, Mobin and 701) that were obtained from Karaj Seed Breeding and Seedling Institute, Iran. The second factor was accelerated aging test in four levels involving non-aging (control treatment), aging for 4, 8 and 12 days under 40°C temperature and 95% humidity. The results showed that mean time to germination and electrolyte leakage significantly increased with aging duration. Mean time to germination and electrolyte leakage of the hybrids 701, Mobin and 711 increased more than the other hybrids. In addition, antioxidant enzyme activity decreased significantly with an increase in the aging period. These results indicated severe damage to cell membranes and enzyme activity in these hybrids. Moreover, there was a significant and positive correlation between germination percentage and the enzyme peroxides, as compared with other antioxidant enzymes. Although antioxidant enzyme activity exhibited a significant reduction in seed deterioration, nonetheless, generally speaking, compared with other varieties, KSC 703 was more tolerant. Highlights: The germination response of six hybrids of the maze to seed deterioration was investigated. The role of antioxidant enzymes in deteriorated seeds of maize hybrids was examined.