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The increasing reliance on native seeds for ecological restoration requires the understanding of seed traits across each species, and the testing of novel processing approaches to optimize germination outcomes. Knowledge regarding Australian native seeds is critical due to the high proportion of species manifesting some degree of seed dormancy. The evaluation of approaches to overcome dormancy and identify optimal conditions for promoting germination in native species has significant applications in the restoration of degraded ecosystems. Grasses are an important component of ecosystems in the Australian monsoonal tropics, a bioregion which covers much of northern Australia, yet they are often forgotten or poorly represented when used in restoration. We investigated the effect of seed processing technique and smoke‐based stimulants on the germination of seven species from the Kimberley region, testing three different hypotheses: (1) florets germinate less than extracted caryopses; (2) acid digestion treatments with different exposure times can enhance germination; and (3) smoke‐based treatments can increase both germination and germination speed. Floret removal was generally helpful in improving germination, whereas the response to acid and smoke‐based treatments was varied. Brief acid exposure produced no to low germination improvements, whereas longer acid treatments showed contrasting results, with some species showing significant germination increase and others showing a severe reduction in germination rate. The only species showing a clear positive germination effect of smoke‐based treatments was Triodia bynoei. These results are helpful for restoration practitioners to improve their potential use in current and future restoration programs in the Australian monsoonal tropics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highland bamboo (Arundinaria alpina, synonym Yushania alpina) is a characteristic and dominant semelparous species in the Afromontane vegetation of Ethiopia. It is utilized for numerous applications. Mass flowering of the species seems to be associated to conversion to other land uses. Objectives of the study were to document a mass flowering event, determine fruiting characteristics, understand the perception of communities, and assess its consequences in Seka-Chekorsa district, western Ethiopia. Focus group discussions and GIS-based assessment were conducted in 13 Peasant Associations (PAs). Our results show that highland bamboo flowering is gregarious and time to seed maturity takes about a year. The extent of mass flowering in each PA ranged from 41-88% of the the bamboo forest. Majority of the respondents (43%) perceived that the bamboo flowering event occurred because of God's wrath, 38% related it to the age of the bamboo plants, and 19% attributed the event to a disease, indicating low awareness regarding the reproduction of the species. Perceived impacts of the mass flowering event were an increased soil erosion, changes in microclimate, reduction in water flow, and negative consequences on farmers' economy. Farmers urgently need training on the management of the species at its reproductive stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The alfalfa seeds intended for marketing must not contain any seeds of the dodder (Cuscuta spp.), because it is a quarantine weed in Serbia and the world. Cuscuta spp. are frequently found in natural alfalfa seeds; nevertheless and because of this, the seed must be processed, i.e. cleaned of weeds. The paper presents a study of seed size variability of Cuscuta spp. of four seed lots of natural alfalfa seeds originating from Banat, Serbia. From each of the four examined seed lots of natural alfalfa seeds, a difference in seed size was determined for 30 seeds of Cuscuta spp. per lot. The difference in seed length of Cuscuta spp. was 371 µm, and the difference in seed width was 330 µm. The coefficient of variation varied from CV=8.356% to 12.00% for seed width; and from CV=9.383% to 10.69% for seed length. Seed size of Cuscuta spp. did not significantly affect the efficiency of magnetic separator work in extracting Cuscuta spp. seeds from natural alfalfa seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeds are a basic input for all crop production. Good seed is crucial for the global food and nutrition security, for rural development and farmers' livelihoods and for all green value chains. What "good seed" is depends on individual farmer's needs. The sustainable availability of seed and seed choice is thus an essential issue for every farmer. Farmers access seeds from multiple sources. Different seed systems have their strengths and vulnerabilities. With changing farming conditions around the world due to climate change, soil degradation and market demands, an analysis of possible disruptions and general future-proofing appears necessary. Such analysis also informs the kinds of support that different seed systems may need to be optimally resilient. Given the very limited studies on resilience of current seed systems, we performed a literature review on the opportunities and vulnerabilities of seed systems to identify possible resilience challenges. Seed system resilience in terms of future-proofing is closely linked with "seed security", the secured access to preferred seeds by farmers. Such resilience depends on the functioning of each of the formal and farmers' seed systems and how these two systems complement each other, particularly when one falters. In this paper, we describe the major characteristics of seed systems, analyze their strength and vulnerabilities, and describe support functions toward future-proofing them. Both the farmers' and the formal seed systems are increasingly facing varying forms and degrees of sustainability challenges. These require various types of support. Farmers' seed systems may find it hard to respond to radically changing conditions without support. Commercial formal seed systems are less vulnerable, as they generally are better equipped to respond to the (changing) needs of their customers. Commercial formal seed systems, however, only serve those farmers that are able and willing to pay for quality seeds. This immediately indicates a significant limitation. A common feature of both formal and farmers' systems is their dependence on the continuous flow and capacity to use a diversity of plant genetic resources. In conclusion, no single seed system can be considered totally resilient and thus future-proof without specific external support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In these studies, the physical and physiological seed properties and seedling's vigour properties in five ZP maize hybrids (ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, ZP4 and ZP5) were investigated. Hybrid seed was divided into small (SF) and large fractions (LF) The hybrid combination and seed size did not significantly (p ≥ 0.05) affect seed germination. Width, thickness, length, seed weight, dead seeds, abnormal seedling, stem and root growth and fresh seedling weight were significantly influenced by hybrid and seed fraction LF produced higher stems by 1.18 cm, longer roots by 2.94 cm and higher seedling weight by 0.032 g (the hybrid average) as compared to SF. The influence of hybrids on stem growth differed by 1.9 cm on SF seed and 1.7 cm on LF seed. Significant and positive dependence (p ≥ 0.001) between seed germination was determined with the growth of stem, root and seedling weight, as well as with the 1000 seed weight (p ≥ 0.01) and with a thickness (TS) (p ≥ 0.05). Seed germination with abnormal seedlings achieved a negative (p ≥ 0.01) significant correlation.

Seed processing and dormancy break treatments are recommended for rendering seeds restoration-ready. Conversely, fruit structures and seed coats may protect seeds from environmental harm in the field. We evaluated the effects of seed processing (by either keeping fruit structures or extracting seeds) and/or scarification (of physically dormant seeds) on the seedling emergence and establishment of 10 legume tree species from tropical forests and savannas of Central Brazil. We sowed seeds in a greenhouse for reference and in a field experiment conducted in tilled ready-to-seed sites. We monitored seedling emergence and survival for a year. We calculated the costs of harvesting, processing, and pretreating seeds, and considered the final cost of a 1-year-old seedling. Seed extraction resulted in lower emergence for most species in the greenhouse and in the field. It also accelerated emergence of three and four species in the greenhouse and the field, respectively. Scarification resulted in lower seedling emergence in the field for half of the species, while it increased emergence of three species in the greenhouse. Most species presented accelerated emergence both in the greenhouse and the field. The seedling cost was 1.6 to 74.6 times higher when seeds were processed, and 1.3 to 6.0 times when seeds were scarified, except for one species. Keeping fruit structures and seed coats reduced the costs of seeds and increased the success of direct seeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superior agricultural yields are obtained from seeds which have a high physiological potential, these are conserved in the post-harvest stage. Thus, it is crucial to implement post-harvest projects with appropriate technologies related to the equipment used and the control of operations. This article presents a review of the technical-kinetic developments in the area of the technology of processing post-harvest soybean seeds, with a particular focus on the evolution and current circumstances of the sector. The findings from this research reveal significant technological advances in the drying, processing and storage of seeds at different levels and in various areas of soybean production. In drying systems, temperatures of up to 40°C are recommended, while seed batches must remain static in drying chambers. When processing and standardizing seeds, it is recommended that lowmoving equipment and abrupt contacts with mechanical systems, such as pneumatic and gravity separators, be employed to minimize dropping and contact with seeds. In soybean storage, the applications of technologies that can control temperature and relative humidity, and also maintain the storage moisture content in a hygroscopic balance are recommended. The storage of seeds in coated big bags and artificial cooling; a controlled and modified atmosphere serve to preserve essential seed qualities. This review concludes that over the years, there has been a reduction in the cumulative losses due to post-harvest processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of products and services has become a determining factor of organizations' competitiveness. Making progress in improving the quality of products and services must be a priority concern for the entire economy. Currently, "quality management" is emerging more and more as a profitable solution for the development of organizations of any kind. The production of seeds with excellent quality characteristics depends on the scientific basis of activities in the field of seeds, including, on the one hand, the theoretical basis of genetics, seeds breeding, and on the other hand, the activities of obtaining through in-depth understanding and the application of modern methods of conservative selection. This knowledge is necessary for the permanent maintenance of the genetic structure and biological value at the initial level of the genotypes of agricultural plants. In this sense, it is necessary to apply specific techniques for the production, processing and preservation of seeds. In order to achieve these objectives, the accumulated knowledge must be optimally applied to the entire process of seed production, starting with the selection of typical plants from varieties and research in the field of conservative selection, obtaining it from the breeder's seed until ensuring the necessary certified seed. Seed quality testing is carried out by seed testing laboratories that have been authorized for this purpose by the competent authority. Official certification is achieved by issuing field inspection documents and laboratory analyzes (tests) and by applying official labels to packages containing seeds that meet the quality conditions provided for in the rules, by species or groups of species, or, as the case may be, of official vignettes and possibly seals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A software for the establishment of the seed processing process was designed. • It can be used to achieve real-time seed simulation sorting. • It integrates "Simulated sorting" and "One-click sorting" functions. • Verified the performance of the software on five crop seeds. Seed processing is a crucial measure for improving seed quality after harvest. However, traditional seed processing procedures and parameter settings have largely depended on technicians' operational experience. To enhance the digitization of the seed processing procedures, AIseed Simulation software was developed and incorporates ''Simulated sorting'' and ''One-click sorting'' based on RGB images of seeds and impurities. Based on the sorting principles of current main seed sorting equipment, length, width, thickness, specific gravity, and color features (R, G, B, R/G, R/B, G/B) are selected. Through Spearman correlation analysis and probability density distribution plots, the sorting features and parameters are determined. By repeatedly comparing precision, recall, and F1 values of different sorting combinations, simulation sorting on a computer is achieved. The ''One-click sorting'' function has been integrated into the above procedures, facilitating automation and making the determination of optimal seed processing procedures and parameters easier and more rapid. The AIseed Simulation was individually validated on five crop seeds— Astragalus membranaceus , Perilla frutescens , Scutellaria baicalensis , Bupleurum chinense , and Platycodon grandiflorus —and the processing procedures and parameters established for each seed type were validated with actual processing equipment. The results validated that AIseed Simulation is a stand-alone, automated RGB image processing platform suitable for seed processing and parameter setting. Furthermore, the AIseed Simulation software exhibits versatility in a range of seed processing scenarios, suitable for both large-scale seed processing facilities and the demands of scientific research and education. These findings contribute significantly to enhancing seed quality and facilitate the intelligent development of the seed processing industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports for the first time the total extractive matter yield, total phenolics and total flavonoids content (TPC and TFC, respectively), chemical composition, and ability to scavenging 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals of the black mustard seed (BMS) extracts obtained by deep eutectic solvents (DESs). The following DESs: triethanolamine:glycerol (TEOA:G), triethanolamine:propylene glycol (TEOA:PEG), and choline chloride:urea (ChCl:U), as well as their mixtures with water and ethanol at a ratio of 1:4 (v/v), were used. Their extraction efficiencies were compared with the efficiency of ethanol that is most frequently used to extract phenolic compounds from BMS. The TPC and TFC of the obtained extracts were in the ranges of 19.9 ± 0.1 to 32.2 ± 0.2 mg gallic acid equivalents/g and 3.9 ± 0.1 to 7.4 ± 0.3 mg quercetin equivalents/g, respectively. The BMS extracts obtained with the pure ChCl:U and the mixtures of ChCl:U or TEOA:G with ethanol showed the best antioxidant activity (IC50 = 100 mg/mL). The obtained extracts contained syringic acid, ellagic acid, gallic acid, caffeic acid, caftaric acid, rutin, kaempferol, apigenin, taxifolin, hyperoside, and vitexin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of red light irradiation during postharvest ripening with focus on the outer (epicarp and mesocarp) and inner (endocarp and seed) parts of tomatoes by evaluating concomitant alterations in bioactive compounds, such as lycopene, β-carotene, total phenolic and total flavonoid concentrations, external fruit color and spectral reflectance pattern, and the Simple Chlorophyll Fluorescence ratio. As promising measure, deriving from previous studies, green stage-1 tomatoes were harvested and treated daily with red light for 12 h per day, for 15 days (followed by storage in darkness for additional 6 days) or continuously radiated with red light for 21 days. Control untreated tomatoes were kept in the dark for the same period. Application of continous red light strongly accelerated changes in the outer layer of fruit, for example visible in color parameters. Significant differences between treatments were analyzed for major secondary metabolite compounds such as lycopene, β-carotene, total phenolic and total flavonoid in both outer and inner fruit layers. Continuous red light treatment led to the highest concentration of secondary metabolite compounds in all parameters. Therefore, it can be concluded that continuous red light radiation is the most effective treatment to accelerate the color development and ripening of the outer layer of the epicarp. Furthermore, it plays a role in stimulating the inner layer of the endocarp to provide beneficial secondary metabolite compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an analysis of the process of cleaning three alfalfa seed lots using seed processing equipment. The effect of the initial quality of alfalfa seed on the losses and gains of processed alfalfa seed was examined. The quality of alfalfa seed during processing was also examined. During alfalfa seed processing, the losses and gains of processed alfalfa seed depend on the initial seed purity and the technology applied. The experiment was carried out at the seed processing centre of the Institute for Forage Crops in Kruševac. A total of three lots of natural alfalfa seed were processed using the fine-cleaning machine Alfa-4 (Damas, Denmark) and the magnetic machine IV (Emcek Gompper, Germany). The following seed processing parameters were observed in the present study: pure seed (%), weed and other seed crops (%), inert matter (%), seed mass (kg), seed loss (%) and processing output (%). On the basis of the results obtained, it is possible to analyse the processing of alfalfa seed and the required equipment adjustments during the process. The equipment adjustments during processing were made depending on the quantity and type of weeds and other substances found in the natural seed.

Plot breeding has become a key part for the selecting of seed and the preparation breeding program to date, providing for the evaluation data and breeder or original seeds. At present, preserving biodiversity and ecosystem functions have posed a great challenge on the seed mechanization of field experiment in rapidly increasing rural areas in China, particularly on the special agronomic and test requirement. Seed harvesting from the plot is still in manually processing with a simple assistant tool, or by commonly used machines to clean, such as screen separator and air-screen separator with the capacity about 50-100 kg/h. A special cleaning device is lacking for the plot seeds in the modern variety breeding. Technology and equipment of seed cleaning have been a focal issue to efficiently promote the production capacity or quality in a plot breeding. In the special need of seed processing, a novel cleaning treater was systematically designed in this study, thereby to improve the mechanization level of plot breeding. The seed cleaning device in batches consisted of the frame, feeding system, winnowing system, sorting unit, driving unit, and electronic control system. A combined screen with open frame and variant-frequency vibration was used in the device, further to enhance the working quality, such as batch cleaning efficiency and preventing seed mixing, as well as easy operation in screen cleaning. Other main components were also optimized in this study. Furthermore, A Box-Behnken test was conducted, where the seed purity, percentage of chosen seed, and working time were selected as test indexes, while the feeding rate, vibration frequency, amplitude, and screen inclination angle were selected as factors for design. The results showed that the amplitude, vibration frequency, and the interaction between them were significant factors, indicating a strong influence on the seed purity and percentage of chosen seed. The working time greatly depended on the feeding rate, vibration frequency, and amplitude. An optimum combination of selected factors was achieved, where the feeding rate of 0.072 kg/s, the vibration frequency of 6.25 Hz, the amplitude of 5 mm, and the screen inclination angle of 4.6°, to reach an optimal design with the seed purity of 98.8%, the percentage of chosen seed of 99.7%, and the working time of 50 s. A performance test was also carried out, indicating that the experimental data was basically consistent with that in the model prediction on condition of 3 kg per batch. The data demonstrated that the processing capacity of the device can be 10 batches per hour (15 kg per batch), where all the indexes can meet the design requirements. This finding can provide a sound reference for the optimal design of batch cleaning device for the seed or other granular materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main conclusion: Seed-processing technologies such as polishing and washing enhance crop seed quality by limited removal of the outer layers and by leaching. Combined, this removes chemical compounds that inhibit germination. Industrial processing to deliver high-quality commercial seed includes removing chemical inhibitors of germination, and is essential to produce fresh sprouts, achieve vigorous crop establishment, and high yield potential in the field. Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris var. altissima Doell.), the main sugar source of the temperate agricultural zone, routinely undergoes several processing steps during seed production to improve germination performance and seedling growth. Germination assays and seedling phenotyping was carried out on unprocessed, and processed (polished and washed) sugar beet fruits. Pericarp-derived solutes, known to inhibit germination, were tested in germination assays and their osmolality and conductivity assessed (ions). Abscisic acid (ABA) and ABA metabolites were quantified in both the true seed and pericarp tissue using UPLC-ESI(+)-MS/MS. Physical changes in the pericarp structures were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We found that polishing and washing of the sugar beet fruits both had a positive effect on germination performance and seedling phenotype, and when combined, this positive effect was stronger. The mechanical action of polishing removed the outer pericarp (fruit coat) tissue (parenchyma), leaving the inner tissue (sclerenchyma) unaltered, as revealed by SEM. Polishing as well as washing removed germination inhibitors from the pericarp, specifically, ABA, ABA metabolites, and ions. Understanding the biochemistry underpinning the effectiveness of these processing treatments is key to driving further innovations in commercial seed quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demand for seed of native milkweed species (Asclepias L. [Asclepiadaceae]) is increasing because of numerous factors including growing emphasis on native pollinator habitat in restoration seedings, increased awareness of beneficial insects associated with milkweed, and recent declines in monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus L. [Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae]) populations. Showy milkweed (A. speciosa Torr.) may be particularly important to the migration and life cycle of the western monarch population as it is the most abundant milkweed species in the arid West where monarchs lay eggs during the summer months. However, locally sourced, agricultural-scale seed production of milkweeds for conservation use is extremely rare. Wildland harvesting from native stands is a viable alternative where large populations of milkweed are present in canal-driven irrigation systems and wetlands in the West. Small, low-tech seed collection operations have the potential to gather significant quantities of locally adapted seed for use in conservation projects in a sustainable manner. This article describes a few simple techniques we have found to be successful for the collection and processing of showy milkweed seed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Myrmecochory sensu stricto is an ant–plant mutualism in which non‐granivorous ants disperse plant diaspores after feeding on their nutrient‐rich seed appendage, the elaiosome. Phenological traits associated with the diaspore can influence the behaviour of ants and thus their ultimate efficiency as seed dispersers. 2. This study investigated how a contrasting availability of seeds (20 vs. 200 seeds) from the diplochorous Chelidonium majus (Papaveraceae, Linnaeus) plant species influences the behaviour of Myrmica rubra (Formicidae, Linnaeus) ants, from the retrieval of seeds until their dispersal outside the ant nest. 3. Regardless of seed abundance, the ants collected the first diaspores at similar rates. Then, seed retrieval sped up over time for large seed sources until satiation took place with only one‐third of the tested colonies wholly depleting abundant seed sources. 4. No active recruitment by trail‐laying ants was triggered, even to an abundant seed source 5. In both conditions of seed abundance, the majority of the diaspores retrieved inside the nest were discarded with the elaiosome removed and were dispersed at similar distances from the nest. 6. The paper concludes with a discussion of how the quantity of seeds released by a plant with a dual mode of dispersal can potentially influence the behaviour of ant dispersers and hence the dispersal efficiency derived from myrmecochory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of larger seeds may improve the initial development, plant stand, and mass productivity in forage crops. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the size of seeds of Sudan grass (Sorghum sudanense L.), standardized on density, on parameters of physiological quality and crop productivity. Seeds were processed in a gravitational table in order to become uniform in terms of density and then submitted to sieves with apertures of 1.75 or 2.00 mm. Three different treatments (seeds without size classification, seeds with diameter between 1.75 mm and 1.99 mm, and seeds with diameter above 2.00 mm) were compared. This study consisted of a laboratory stage for the analysis of physiological variables of seed, and a stage in field plots under a randomized block design and 3 replicates. Larger seeds presented better physiological and productive performance and had a higher germination rate, seedling growth, and forage yield at the first cut. Both the sieve with opening of 1.75 mm and that of 2 mm were suitable for processing of seeds of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct native seed planting is a cost-effective and popular approach for restoring degraded terrestrial ecosystems. However, the handling and precision seeding of multispecies mixes with diverse seed sizes, and shapes is logistically complex, requires highly customised equipment and often results in poor seedling establishment. This issue is accentuated in small-seeded species, where handling difficulties and a lack of precision placement result in seed wastage. The agricultural seed sector relies on the application of external material to small seeds to improve handling via seed pelleting. Yet this method has been rarely tested on small-seeded native species for ecological restoration. We pelleted the seeds of 15 small-seeded Myrtaceae species commonly used for seed-based restoration programs and recorded a range of physical traits. Prior to pelleting, each seed batch was tested for purity and viability and processed to improve quality (Pure Live Seed, PLS%). Seedling emergence from pelleted and control seeds was tested in controlled laboratory conditions and at two field sites in Western Australia. We linked seedling's emergence outcomes to the degree of physical modification achieved via pelleting to understand which trait would be responsible for a potential decrease or delay in emergence. Seed processing improved the average quality (PLS%) across all species from 23.4 ± 4.8% to 83.6 ± 2.3%. Seed pelleting, on average, resulted in a 27-fold increase in volume, a 30-fold increase in weight, and a 26% increase in bulk density. Seedling emergence response to pelleting varied among species, but on average, emergence speed was 3.1 days faster (p < 0.001) for pelleted seeds, while final emergence was not significantly different (p = 0.217). The results show that a combination of seed processing and pelleting can be used to increase and standardise seed physical properties for improved handling and precision seeding, with limited consequences on seedling emergence and faster emergence. This novel approach could enable the use of large-scale agricultural seeding equipment for rapid and cost-effective delivery of multispecies native seed mixes in biodiverse global restoration programs. • Seed quality of small-seeded Myrtaceae species is improved by seed processing • Seed pelleting greatly increased the size and volume of individual seeds. • The physical properties of pelleted seeds are more homogenous across species, improving handling of multi-species mixes. • Seed pelleting had limited effect on final seedling emergence but increased emergence speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Currently, the domestic agricultural sector has become increasingly professionalized; therefore, measures aimed at safety in the workplace and monitoring of environmental risks have been gaining major importance in this scenario. Thus, this study aimed at assessing internal environmental conditions of four soybean processing plants (SPPs) operating with a screen-air machine, densimetric table and with or without spiral separator. These plants are in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil), being assessed on site considering every feature related to machinery and equipment, as well as technological level. Field evaluations comprised measurements of noise, illuminance and suspended dust. Results showed that none of the SPPs is in full accordance with current laws for the investigated parameters, among which noise level is what most threatens the environmental conditions. Moreover, lightening conditions are unsatisfactory since the environments are extremely dark, not reaching minimal standard. Regarding the suspended dust is possible to claim that there is an emerging risk.

Soybean production accounts for approximately 43% of Brazil’s grain produce, worth over 81 million tons for the 2012- 2013 cropping season. The use of quality seeds is essential for a high-yield agriculture, since low quality seeds compromise plant standing and increase production costs due to reseeding. This will in turn reduce yields through delays on the establishment dates. Seed quality is affected by relative humidity levels, mechanical damage during harvest and processing, thermal damage during the drying process and the environmental conditions during storage that could foster insect and fungi damage. The climate in the state of Santa Catarina favors soybean seed production, and seed companies in general work with high levels of technology. This work is aimed at characterizing the physical and sanitary quality of soybean seeds produced by different companies at different locations throughout the state of Santa Catarina (municipalities of Xanxerê, Abelardo Luz, Campos Novos and Canoinhas). The physical purity, moisture level, sanitary quality and mechanical damage of soybean seeds were studied at three stages, i.e. reception at the seed processing unit, at the end of the processing process and before being marketed. Results pointed out at mechanical injury and cultivar mixture as the main issues concerning seed lot quality, and that soybean seeds produced in Santa Catarina show pathogen contamination, which emphasizes the need for seed treatment.

The seed coat of fir (Abies), hemlock (Tsuga), and cedar (Thuja) species contain terpenoid resin vesicles. Although information is limited about the morphology and allelopathy of these vesicles, their damage during seed processing can negatively impact germination success. We examined resin vesicle morphology of western redcedar (Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don), eastern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis L.), amabilis fir (Abies amabilis Douglas ex J. Forbes), balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.), grand fir (Abies grandis (Douglas ex D. Don) Lindl), and subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.) seeds by 1H magnetic resonance imaging to characterize resin vesicle volume, shape, and number. Western redcedar genotypes with known differences in the quantity of foliar monoterpenes also had parallel differences in the resin vesicle volume of corresponding seeds. Germination assays with the cedar and fir species, eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carrière), mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana (Bong.) Carrière), and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) confirmed that resin vesicle damage prior to stratification (moist chilling) significantly reduced germination success for most species. Extracts of these resin vesicles from the Abies and Thuja species strongly inhibited the germination of Arabidopsis Col-0 seeds but inhibited the germination of only a small percentage of Arabidopsis abscisic acid insensitive mutant abi3-6 seeds. Resin extracts from Thuja species were 10 times more effective than those from Abies species in inhibiting Arabidopsis Col-0 germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focused on the structural characterization of resistant starch from untreated (UL-RS), germinated (GL-RS), fermented (FL-RS), microwaved (ML-RS), conventionally cooked (CL-RS), and autoclaved (AL-RS) lentil seeds. The size exclusion chromatography (SEC) results showed that UL-RS, RL-RS, and GL-RS (Group A samples) exhibited higher values of M w and R h ¯ than FL-RS, ML-RS, AL-RS (Group C samples), and CL-RS (Group B sample). In parallel with the SEC result, other structural characteristics followed similar trends, where Group C samples exhibited the lowest values of double helix content and crystallinity by 13 C NMR, and degree of order/double helix by FT-IR. Comparatively, Group A samples exhibited the opposite trends, and displayed large amorphous aggregates on their micrograph. The results are expected to provide information for better understanding the mechanism of resistant starch formation during different processing of lentil and to lay a theoretical foundation for the future study of their structure-function relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of a pulsed low-frequency magnetic field on the seed germination and the growth of seedlings of strawberry garden under different conditions of processing and functioning of the apparatus magnetic-pulse processing of plants (MPP) developed by us has been established experimentally. The research has shown that the value of the germination energy of seeds treated with a pulsed magnetic field varied from 29% to 47%, of germination from 34% to 48%. The highest value of their germination corresponds to an irradiation frequency of 16 Hz and an exposure time of 360 s with an induction value in the treatment zone of 5 mT. The maximum increment in the germination of irradiated seeds was 14% compared to the control sample. The positive effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields on linear dimensions of germs has been revealed. The increase in the biometric parameters of strawberry shoots affected their weight, compared to the control it increased by 33.3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • An algorithm for locating crop plants based on the seeding pattern is suggested. • The algorithm locates crop plants based on amount of vegetation and seeding pattern. • Plant spacing and a measure for pattern stability defines the seeding pattern. • The algorithm perform better when adjacent crop rows are part of the seeding pattern. Abstract Information about a regular crop seeding pattern is used to locate individual crop plants seeded with a precision seeder. The amount of vegetation along each of the crop rows are monitored using a bispectral line scanning camera, this generates a vegetation coverage signal. Convolution of the vegetation coverage signal with a damped harmonic oscillation, tuned to the crop plant spacing used in the field, gives a signal with distinct peaks near the real crop plant locations. The algorithm was tested on real field data, consisting of precision seeded maize. The seeding pattern were locked, such that a crop plant in one row will be next to a crop plant in the adjacent rows. The average absolution position error from the precision seeder is estimated to be around 15.5 mm. Compared to manual annotated ground truth plant positions, the system locates individual crop plants with an average absolute position error of 20.72 mm when using information from a single crop row and an average absolution position error of 14.79 mm when utilising information from five adjacent crop rows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Use of indirect incidence TSOP IR sensor for sensing seed flow. • Use of direct incidence IR sensor for detecting choking in a seed drill. • Simple sensing system to be fitted to the delivery tube of a seed drill. • Senses flow of seeds at different seed rates and speeds of fluted roller. • Provides visual and audible indications for warning the operator. • Easier control of input and output signals using microcontroller board. Abstract An embedded system for detecting seed flow in the delivery tube and choking of boot of a seed drill has been developed. This system comprised an indirect incidence thin small outline package (TSOP) based infrared (IR) sensor for sensing flow of seeds from seed metering mechanism, a direct incidence infrared sensor and an IR receiver for detecting choking of the boot of a seed drill with seeds and a microcontroller for receiving the input signals from the sensors. Based on these input signals and with the embedded proper code, the microcontroller provided output signals (both visual and audible). Sensing units of both the sensors were installed to a cone shaped pipe which was then attached to the lower end of the delivery tube of the seed drill. The display unit had two separate buzzers and two separate red light emitting diodes (LED) for audio and visual outputs, respectively. While evaluating the performance of the developed embedded system, at different seed rates (80–120 kg/ha) of wheat, it sensed 31–53% higher seed droppings than theoretical seed droppings (assuming one seed dropping per flute) with a maximum standard deviation of 10.5%. A time delay varying from 1503 ms (ms) to 3750 ms was observed between actual choking occurred and the time at which choking was detected by the sensor. Sensing of higher number of seed droppings as well as delay in detecting choking by the sensors was found to be a function of seed rate and forward speed (speed of fluted roller). However, the developed system could produce both visual and audible signals to warn the operator for successful showing of wheat seeds both in the laboratory setup and also in a 9 row tractor drawn seed drill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucuna pruriens is a tropical legume with a great potential for animal feeding, however it also contains antinutritional properties. In order to determine the chemical composition and in vitro protein digestibility of processed Mucuna pruriens seeds this experiment was developed. The experiment was conducted at the Animal Nutrition laboratory of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Yucatan, Merida, Mexico. Five treatments consisted in: seed soaking in water 24 and 48 hours or in sodium bicarbonate 0.1 % and 0.2 % and the raw legume were used. The pH-stat® methodology for determining the degree of hydrolysis of the protein was used. MS, ash and gross energy (GE), fibrous fractionation, tannin content and total phenols were analyzed. Data were analyzed by ANOVA with five treatments and four replications each. Dry matter was lower and the protein fraction in water treatments after 24 and 48 hours and 0.2% bicarbonate were increased comparing to the raw legume. An increment in degree of protein hydrolysis from all treatments compared to the raw legume was observed (5.52 vs 8.17, 8.38, 8.99 and 8.62 %, respectively) (P <0.001). The results show that in Mucuna pruriens seeds soaking in water and cooking as well as soaking in 0.1-0.2 % NaHCO3 and pressure cooking are equally effective methods to improve in vitro protein digestibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular structural changes of the starch isolated from untreated (ULS), roasted (RLS), germinated (GLS), fermented (FLS), microwave cooked (MLS), conventional cooked (CLS), and autoclaved (ALS) lentil seeds were investigated. All starch samples obtained were categorized by size exclusion chromatography with multi-angle laser scattering into two groups, i.e., Group A with two population of peaks appeared for samples including ULS, RLS, and GLS; and Group B with three population of peaks shown in samples including FLS, MLS, CLS and ALS. A noticeable decrease in relative crystallinity by XRD was found for all starch from the processed seeds (11.41–3.24%) compared with starch isolated from untreated seeds (15.90%), especially that a greater extent of such decreasing was observed for FLS, MLS, CLS, and ALS (Group B samples). The intensity of the absorptions related to hydrogen bonding by FT-IR (3000-3600 cm −1 , and ∼1000 cm −1 ) were markedly decreased for lentil starch isolated from processed seeds compared with native starch, and, especially for treated samples of Group B, which also exhibited the significantly higher degree of double helix and lower value of degree of order. Small angle X-ray scattering data manifested that the typical ∼9–10 nm semi-crystalline structure was disappeared for the Group B samples which were characterized with the relatively higher values of d , d a , and d c . The results suggested that the densely packed crystalline structure could be shifted within the crystallites and tended to result small new crystal structure during the processing of lentil seeds, and such effect was particularly obvious for starch samples including FLS, CLS, MLS, and ALS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discontinuity during the process of imbibition in seed germination in arid and semi-arid ecosystems produces cycles of hydration and dehydration (HD cycles). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of HD cycles on germination and initial growth of Mimosa tenuiflora seedlings, testing the hypothesis that seeds that pass through HD cycles produce larger seedlings with greater accumulation of biomass. Seeds of M. tenuiflora were submitted to 0, 1, 2 and 3 HD cycles. We evaluated parameters of germination and initial seedling growth. Although seed germinability did not change, M. tenuiflora seeds that were submitted to HD cycles germinated in a shorter time than seeds with continuous hydration. In addition, seedlings produced from seeds that were submitted to HD cycles had longer stems, larger stem diameter and higher leaf, stem and root dry mass values. HD cycle produced the seed hydration memory phenomenon, which may have ecological implications for the species, since the seeds that underwent HD cycles produced more vigorous seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seed pelleting is one of the most perspective way of the presowing processing of seeds. It covers seeds with a shell of organomineral materials, polymer binders and target additives and helps to smooth their surface, provide seedlings in the early phases of development with the necessary elements of mineral nutrition, protecting them from pests and diseases. At present, this technique is used in agriculture for seeding small seeds. The studies presented in this article are aimed at optimizing the technological process of seed pelleting of coniferous tree species, namely, Scots pine (Pinus silvestris L.) and Korean pine cedar (Pinus koraiensis Siebold et Zucc.). Experimental studies were performed using an electromechanical seed drazhirator. The organomineral mixture was used in a ratio of 0.48 kg per 1 kg of seeds. At the end of the process, the bonding strength of the filler to the seeds was determined. The dynamics of formation of the layer thickness was determined on the cross sections of the treated seeds using an optical microscope. As a result, the dependence of the thickness of the layer on the time and repetition of the seed pelleting was established. The article presents diagrams of experimental information with its subsequent equalization by a theoretical law having a high agreement on a given time interval. The thickness of the first layer formed around the seeds of Scotch pine was 0,3 mm - 0,4 mm and Korean pine cedar - 0,5 - 0,7 mm. The seeder does not destroy this shell. When increasing the coating layer for 1 stage, the optimum thickness is reached within 7-8 minutes. When it is planned to increase the thickness of the layer, the draining process is expediently divided into 2 stages. The time of pelleting at stage 1 is 2 minutes, on the second - 6 minutes. When the thickness of the limiting layer is reached and the pelleting is continued, it is possible to reduce time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the physical, fermentative, microbial and chemical characteristics of ensiled Pennisetum purpureum (PP) grass mixed with processed Enterolobium cyclocarpum (EC) seeds at varying proportions and different ensiling periods. The study was a 7x2 factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design. The factors were processed (boiled, toasted and raw) E. cyclocarpum seeds (EC) ensiled with P. purpureum grass (PP) at varying proportions (0:100, 15:85 and 30:70) at two ensiling periods (30 and 60 days). Results showed that processed E. cyclocarpum seeds in P. purpureum grass silage significantly (P<0.05) influenced the physical characteristics of the silage produced. Silage made with 30% toasted EC seeds + 70% PP grass consistently recorded higher values for lactic, acetic, butyric and propionic acids and the lowest pH (5.3) as compared with the others. Silage of 60 days had higher lactic, acetic, butyric and propionic acids than at 30 days. Silage containing 15% raw EC seeds + 85% PP grass recorded significantly (P<0.05) highest lactic acid bacterial contents over the other silages. Higher lactic acid bacteria and total yeast counts were recorded in silage after 30 days. The crude protein contents differed significantly (P<0.05) ranging from 9.92% in 100% PP grass silage to 15.47% in 30% boiled EC + 70% PP grass silage. It can be concluded that the inclusion of 30% boiled EC seeds with 70% PP grass ensiled for 60 days recorded higher silage quality than the proportions and ensiling period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.)

The deficient development of fertile seeds of native forest plant species in Brazil limits the reproduction of these plants in various conditions. Among the limiting biotic factors in quality and quantity of the forest seeds, borer insects are quite prominent, before and after their dispersion. This study reports for the first time a host of the buprestid beetle Lius conicus (Gory & Laporte, 1840). The larval development of L. conicus takes place in the seed capsules of Vochysia haenkeana Mart. (Vochysiaceae), a typical tree species in the Brazilian cerrado biome. In two regions of the cerrado in Goiás State, Brazil, almost ripe fruits of V. haenkeana were collected directly from the plants. After natural drying, and fruit and seed processing in laboratory, damage caused by the L. conicus larvae was quantified and qualified. Bigger fruits were preferred as hosts. Fruits developing on the eastern side of the plant were most frequently occupied by L. conicus. Seed lots of bigger fruits showed damage up to 37.5% from the infestation by L. conicus larvae. There was only one larva per fruit, which damaged all the seeds of the capsule (three or four) and generally consumed around 26% of the seed dry mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extraction of Crotalaria juncea (Sunn hemp) oil from its seeds is important to study because of its proven promising clean fuel characteristics. Soxhlet-based solvent extraction with some modification has been tried to extract the oil. In a fluid-solid mass transfer system, where, solids are present as packed bed, dynamic behavior of bed can be described in terms of concentration of solute in solids/solvent-time profile. Some of the well-known semi-empirical models of adsorption dynamics are modified and applied since leaching of oil is just the reverse of the phenomenon of adsorption in porous media. Modified Bohart-Adams model (non-linear), modified Bed Depth Service Time (BDST) (linear), and modified Thomas model (non-linear forms) are applied. It is found that these models fit to the experimental result reasonably well. Results suggest that higher bed height, with proper shape (annular) of the bed, having a higher solvent velocity will work best. Comparing the error values (SSE, SAE, and ARE) in the four cases, it is very clear that the modified BDST model is the most suitable. In the light of transient study it is established that the modified Soxhlet apparatus with cylindrical and annular beds, performs best while leaching Crotalaria juncea oil from their seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryopreservation of pollen is an additional way to conserve many species. In particular, it can be used as an alternative strategy to preserve the genetic variation of the genus Ananas. The aim of this study was to cryopreserve pollen from wild pineapple accessions to conserve a gene pool of the genus Ananas , as well as to minimize problems of asynchronous flowering among accessions preserved in a germplasm bank. Accessions of all botanical varieties were used to investigate different protocols for freezing pollen, as well as to determine their viability in vitro/in vivo during the investigation and after freezing in liquid nitrogen. Anthers with pollen of the different accessions were dehydrated and then immersed in liquid nitrogen for periods of 24 h, 60 days and 120 days. After freezing, the viability percentage and pollen tube length were determined. In vivo viability tests were performed through 24 pollinations involving different accessions. The results showed that the cryopreservation of pollen was efficient, attaining in vitro germination rates ranging from 8.24% to 94.25%, with average of 62.67% achieved 120 days after cryopreservation and pollen tube lengths longer than 0.23 mm after this same period. In the in vivo pollinations with cryopreserved grains, the seed formation rate was 70.83% for the different combinations. It was possible to cryopreserve pollen from all the pineapple accessions investigated after dehydration for 6 h on silica gel, with significant in vitro germination percentages and production of viable seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chemical Industry / Hemijska Industrija is the property of Association of Chemical Engineers 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.)

With the competitive seeds market and development needs of seed companies, the production of crop seeds, including raw seeds procurement, processing, storage, packaging, and logistics, is complicated. Seeds packaging is one of the most important phases, including automatic and manual packaging. Automatic packaging is highly efficient with high setup costs, whereas manual packaging is the opposite. It is difficult for the managers to make the packaging planning, i.e., the number of automatic and manual packaging, based on the forecasted demand. This problem is considered to be a special dynamic lot-sizing problem but it is more complex compared to the general ones. To deal with this problem, this paper proposes a mathematical programming model with the objective of minimizing the total costs. Because the problem is Non-Deterministic Polynomial (NP) hard, the computational time for solving this model is very long. Therefore, this paper proposes a heuristic algorithm (HA) to solve the problem. Numerical results showed that the total costs calculated by the proposed HA are close enough (8.12%) to the optimal total costs of the proposed model and 22.6% lower than the traditional planning. At different scenarios, the HA can keep beneficial and reliable to a certain extent. The proposed model and HA provided detailed illustration for understanding the complexity of the seeds packaging planning and were able to deal with real situations in the seed company. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xylopia aromatica (Lam.) Mart. (Annonaceae) is a native species of the Brazilian Savannah (“Cerrado”) region, recommended for the recovery of degraded areas and also for medicinal use. Seeds of some species of the Annonaceae require a long period to germinate and many studies have focused on determining methods which can rapidly analyze seed quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of Xylopia aromatica (Lam.) Mart. seeds in accordance to their weight, through X-ray images and emergence test. Seeds were collected from dehiscent follicles with a blower and one portion was separated into weight categories: very light seeds, light seeds and heavy seeds. Another seed portion was separated in water by their density, into those that sank and those that floated. The seeds from each weight category were weighed and X-rayed. A further seed portion from the categories (separated by blower and in water) was also placed in 500 mg L-1 of a solution [gibberellin 4 (GA4) + gibberellin 7 (GA7) and cytocinin] to overcome dormancy and was later sown in soil taken from the “Cerrado”. The internal seed morphology andseedling emergence of X. aromatica were influenced by seed weight. The elimination of badly formed and insect- infested seeds improved the physiological potential of the seed lot. The X-ray test can efficiently evaluate seed quality but does not permit a visualization of the embryos.

This paper reviews sunflower hybrid seed processing at Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops Novi Sad with all practical, technical and technological solutions. Additionally, efforts of Institute's employees are presented here in creating new technical solutions, particularly machines, aimed at their adaptations in existing sunflower seed processing, in order to get better quality and quantity of the processed seed. The paper also reviews original solution of the seed processing improvement with the new machines, regarding their position in the system and their connection in the semiautomatic operation system, with the possibility of independent operation. Seed processing results in high quality sunflower hybrid seed produced and ready for the severe market competition. .

In this study we analysed the influence of meteorological conditions and applied agrotechinque on the seed production and its quality. Large differences in meteorological conditions influenced seed production in the period of 2006. and 2007. During this time, we made the competent control of seed production of maize and soybean, on the areas of PKB Corporation. The control was administered after the valid Regulations of the seed production control ('Službeni glasnik RS' # 60/06). The quality control and seed improvement have been done in the certified laboratories. The analyzed area of seed maize in 2006 was 478 ha extended, and in 2007 it was 569 ha. The average realized processed seed yield was 26.7% higher in year 2006 comparing to 2007. Soybean planted analyzed area was 309 ha large in 2006 and 173 ha in 2007. In year 2007 there has been a bit higher production of the processed seed for 3.4%. There was no significant difference in the average yield of the processed seed. .

Copyright of @limentech: Ciencia y Tecnología Alimentaria is the property of Journal @limentech, University of Pamplona 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.)