Exposure of seeds to static magnetic field enhances germination and early growth characteristics in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Seeds of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) were exposed in batches to static magnetic fields of strength from 0 to 250 mT in steps of 50 mT for 1-4 h in steps of 1 h for all fields. Results showed that magnetic field application enhanced seed performance in terms of laboratory germination, speed of germination, seedling length and seedling dry weight significantly compared to unexposed control. However, the response varied with field strength and duration of exposure without any particular trend. Among the various combinations of field strength and duration, 50 mT for 2 h, 100 mT for 1 h and 150 mT for 2 h exposures gave best results. Exposure of seeds to these three magnetic fields improved seed coat membrane integrity as it reduced the electrical conductivity of seed leachate. In soil, seeds exposed to these three treatments produced significantly increased seedling dry weights of 1-month-old plants. The root characteristics of the plants showed dramatic increase in root length, root surface area and root volume. The improved functional root parameters suggest that magnetically treated chickpea seeds may perform better under rainfed (un-irrigated) conditions where there is a restrictive soil moisture regime.     

Efficacy of a Novel Nematicidal Seed Treatment against Meloidogyne incognita on Cotton

The efficacy of abamectin as a seed treatment for control of Meloidogyne incognita on cotton was evaluated in greenhouse, microplot, and field trials in 2002 and 2003. Treatments ranging from 0 to 100 g abamectin/100 kg seed were evaluated. In greenhouse tests 35 d after planting (DAP), plants from seed treated with abamectin were taller than plants from nontreated seed, and root galling severity and nematode reproduction were lower where treated seed were used. The number of second stage juveniles that had entered the roots of plants from seed treated with 100 g abamectin/kg seed was lower during the first 14 DAP than with nontreated seed. In microplots tests, seed treatment with abamectin and soil application of aldicarb at 840 g/kg of soil reduced the number of juveniles penetrating seedling roots during the first 14 DAP compared to the nontreated seedlings. In field plots, population densities of M. incognita were lower 14 DAP in plots that received seed treated with abamectin at 100 g/kg seed than where aldicarb (5.6 kg/ha) was applied at planting. Population densities were comparable for all treatments, including the nontreated controls, at both 21 DAP and harvest. Root galling severity did not differ among treatments at harvest.     

盐胁迫对盐生植物黄花补血草种子萌发和幼苗生长的影响

盐生植物黄花补血草广泛分布于我国西北地区、东北西部以及华北北部,对改良盐碱土壤具有重要的生态作用。以黄花补血草(Limonium aureum(L.)Hill)为材料,研究分析了不同浓度NaCl胁迫对其种子萌发和幼苗生长产生的抑制效应及作用机制。结果表明:低浓度NaCl(25 mmol/L和50 mmol/L)处理不影响黄花补血草种子萌发和幼苗生长,25 mmol/L NaCl甚至促进了根生长,而高浓度NaCl(100 mmol/L和150 mmol/L)处理明显抑制种子萌发及幼苗生长。利用荧光探针的检测结果表明,NaCl处理的幼苗根中过氧化氢(H2O2)和一氧化氮(NO)含量明显高于对照水平。碘化丙啶(PI)染色结合激光共聚焦显微镜观察及检测相对电导率结果显示,高浓度NaCl处理抑制了幼苗根尖伸长区细胞的伸长生长,增加了细胞膜的通透性,对根细胞造成了明显的伤害。此外,高浓度NaCl处理诱导叶片丙二醛(MDA)含量显著升高。以上结果说明,黄花补血草对低浓度的盐具有一定的耐盐性,但高浓度盐降低了种子的萌发率,使幼苗根中H2O2产生增加,抑制根尖伸长区细胞的伸长生长,对根、叶造成明显氧化损伤,从而抑制黄花补血草幼苗的生长。     

Cytogenetic abnormalities in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) seedlings from natural populations and an introduction plantation

Comparative studies of the frequency and spectrum of pathological mitoses (PMs), as well as of the nucleolus number in the interphase nucleus, in cells of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) seedlings were carried out in two natural populations of Ukrainian Polesie and plants from an introduction plantation in Donbass. Low levels of PMs in the seed progeny of the populations (0.32?C0.38%) and a slightly higher level in the plantation progeny (0.40%) are established. The number of nucleoli was somewhat higher in the progeny of the populations (5.35?C5.85) than that of the plantation plants (4.95). The PMs frequency was higher (0.43%) in the progeny of low-heterozygous plants than in highly heterozygous ones (0.28%).     

旋转磁场对小麦种子萌发及幼苗生长的影响

以“淮麦19”小麦种子为研究对象,采用磁场强度为11 mT的旋转磁场进行处理,设定不同的时间梯度(10、20、30、60 min),以未经磁场处理的为对照,研究了不同处理时间下旋转磁场对小麦种子发芽指标及幼苗生理特性的影响。结果表明：旋转磁场处理对小麦种子萌发具有促进作用,不同处理时间下,种子的发芽势、发芽率、发芽指数均有显著提高,随着时间的增加呈现先上升后下降的趋势,以处理30 min为最高,分别比对照提高了8.24％、7.37％、11.24％。经旋转磁场处理后,小麦根系发达,根长、根数均显著高于对照;幼苗生长加快,株高除处理60 min外,其他处理均显著高于对照,以处理30 min为最大,高出对照11.13％;叶片数除处理10 min外,其他处理均高于对照,以处理30 min为最大,比对照高出38.89％,且差异显著。旋转磁场处理显著增加了小麦幼苗的物质积累,不同处理时间表现出不同的效果,对幼苗生物积累量影响最佳的是处理20 min。这说明旋转磁场处理提高了小麦种子的萌发能力,加快了小麦幼苗的生长速度。     

白菜与甘蓝之间体细胞杂交种获得与遗传特性鉴定

为拓宽白菜育种的基因资源,改良白菜品质,以白菜(Brassica campestris,2n=20,AA)和甘蓝(B.oleracea L.var.capitata,2n=18,CC)的子叶和下胚轴为材料分离、制备原生质体。采用40%聚乙二醇(Polyethylene glycol,PEG)进行原生质体融合。融合细胞在以0.3 mol/L蔗糖、0.3 mol/L葡萄糖为渗透稳定剂,附加1.0 mg/L 2,4-D+0.5 mg/L 6-苄氨基嘌呤(6-BA)+0.1 mg/L 1-萘乙酸(NAA)+1.0 mg/L激动素(Kinetin,Kin)的改良K8p培养基中培养并诱导细胞分裂。小愈伤组织经增殖培养后在MS+0.2 mg/L玉米素(Zeatin,ZEA)+1 mg/L 6-BA+0.5 mg/L Kin+0.4 mg/L NAA的固体分化培养基上诱导出不定芽。30 d后再转入MS基本培养基,获得完整的再生植株。将生根的植株转移到花盆,并对其杂种性质进行形态学、细胞学和分子生物学鉴定。结果表明,经细胞融合分裂出的320个愈伤组织中,获得了35棵再生植株,其再生率达10.94%。形态学观察显示,绝大多数再生植株的叶面积较大,株型和叶型为两种杂交亲本的中间型,部分植株的叶片浓绿、肥厚。染色体计数结果显示,36.4%的再生植株染色体数为2n=38;36.4%的再生植株的染色体数为2n=58 60;27.2%的再生植株的染色体数为2n=70 76,超过两个融合亲本的染色体数的总和。流式细胞仪测定DNA含量显示,再生植株DNA含量变化比较大,其结果与染色体鉴定结果相吻合。随机扩增多态性DNA(Randomamplified polymorphic DNA,RAPD)和基因组原位杂交(Genomic in situ hybridization,GISH)分析结果证明再生植株具有双亲基因组。体细胞杂种花粉育性比较低,杂交、回交后其育性逐渐获得恢复,与白菜回交后代逐渐恢复了育性。通过体细胞杂交和回交、杂交获得了形态变化广泛的个体,为白菜的品种育种提供多样的种质资源。     

Effects of Aflatoxin on Seeding Growth and Ultrastructure in Plants

Nineteen plants belonging to 11 species of the cruciferae were studied to determine the effects of aflatoxin B₁ on seed germination and seedling development. Germination was not inhibited in any test organism at a concentration of 100 μg of aflatoxin per ml of agar substrate. Inhibition of elongation of the hypocotyls and roots in the species studied varied from 29 to 93% and from 22 to 91% in the respective tissues. Lepidium sativum was the most susceptible plant studied and exhibited the maximal inhibitory response noted above at concentrations of 8 μg of aflatoxin per ml. The ultrastructure of Lepidium root cells treated with crystalline aflatoxin B₁ exhibited morphological changes characteristic of those found in aflatoxin-treated animal cells. In addition to changes in the cytoplasmic organelles, numerous ring-shaped nucleoli with prominent nucleolar caps were produced. The effect of aflatoxin on plant cells is compared with similar effects induced by actinomycin D. Seed germination and seedling development is discussed in relation to the effects of both compounds on deoxyribonucleic acid-dependent ribonucleic acid biosynthesis.     

Production of trigeneric (barley × wheat) × rye hybrids

Summary Rye (Secale cereale cv. Prolific 2n=14 and 2n =14 + 2B was crossed onto hybrids between barley (Hordeum vulgare 2n = 14) and wheat (Triticum aestivum 2n= 42). Pollinated florets were injected with GA₃ to promote fertilization and hybrid embryo development. At 16 days after pollination the watery caryopses were removed, embryos dissected and cultured on a modified B₅ medium. Approximately 20% of the cultured embryos produced both roots and coleoptile and developed into viable seedlings. Viable seeds were also obtained at a low frequency from the same cross combinations. The hybrids were wheat-like except for the hairy neck characteristic of rye. There were 35 chromosomes in somatic tissue; 21 wheat, 7 barley and 7 rye. The rye chromosomes were distinguishable by their larger size and terminal C-bands. A lower seed set was obtained using pollen from rye plants with 2n=14 + 2B chromosomes than from plants without B chromosomes.Contribution No. 577, Ottawa Research Station     

Chromosome number and modal karyotype in a polysomatic endangered orchid, Bulbophyllum auricomum Lindl., the Royal Flower of Myanmar

A detailed account is presented of attendant polysomatic variation in planta and elucidation of the modal karyotype in the difficult-to-study endangered orchid Bulbophyllum auricomum, known as the Royal Flower of Myanmar. The somatic chromosome number of B. auricomum (2n?=?38) is reported for the first time. Polysomaty was prevalent in all seed-derived plants studied except two (SC34 and SC42). It was noted that in addition to normal diploid cells occurring in different frequencies (60% in SC21 to 89% in SC22, SC35), root tip cells also showed chromosome numbers <38 (in 0?C37% metaphases) and >38 (in 0?C33% metaphases). The chromosomes of B. auricomum are very small (0.7?C2.7???m) in size. The karyotype of diploid B. auricomum showed 34 chromosomes with primary constriction (14?M?+?16?m?+?4sm) and 4 chromosomes with secondary constrictions (sm:sm). Of the 50 plants analyzed, 2 (SC34 and SC42) were polyploid, showing 70 and 62 chromosomes in the root tip cells. The polyploidization in seed-derived plants clearly indicates the heterogeneous nature of orchid seed stock. Early detection of polyploidization in in vitro?Cpropagated B. auricomum is valuable for conservation of this native endangered orchid species. On the other hand, the clonally propagated plants retained the chromosomal status of parent plants. This protocol could be exploited to protect this native endangered orchid species from natural extinction.     

Cytokinins contribute to realization of nitric oxide growth-stimulating and protective effects on wheat plants

We investigated effects of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), the donor of nitric oxide (NO), on the growth and hormonal system of wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.) in normal conditions and after salt stress (2% NaCl). During germination of seeds treated with SNP (50–500 μM), we obtained the SNP concentration (200 μM) optimal for stimulation of seedling growth estimated by increase in seed germination capacity and seedlings' linear sizes and their fresh and dry biomass. A comparative analysis of SNP (200 μM) effects, after seed germination in the medium with SNP or pretreatment of 3-day-old seedlings, showed SNP ability to increase the wheat plant resistance to subsequent effects of sodium chloride salinity at both treatment methods. Protective SNP effects appeared in the reduction of stress inhibitory action on seedling growth rates and significant reduction in the level of lipid peroxidation and exosmosis of electrolytes. An important contribution to realization of the growth-stimulating and protective effects of NO is associated with its ability to influence the state of the hormonal system of wheat plants due to an increase in the concentration of hormones of a cytokinin nature under normal conditions and the prevention of a decrease in their level under stress.     

一个小黑麦附加—双代换花粉株系（M16）的创制与鉴定

报道了一个遗传组成复杂的小麦／小黑麦杂种花粉株系Ｍ１６的创制,形态性状,遗传稳定性,染色体组成以及抗白粉病的鉴定结果,Ｍ１６植株形态为普通小麦型,染色体数目为２ｎ＝４４,具有很高的遗传稳定性,有丝分裂和减数分裂的染色体稳定性分别为９１．０５％和９３．２３％,接种鉴定表明Ｍ１６高抗小麦白粉病,原位杂交,Ｃ－分带和同工酶标记分析证明Ｍ１６有３对黑麦染色体,是一个４Ｒ附加,３Ｒ（３Ｄ）和６Ｒ（６Ｄ）代换     

Canola seed germination and seedling emergence from pre-hydrated and re-dried seeds subjected to salt and water stresses at low temperatures

Low soil temperatures and low water potentials reduce and delay the seed germination of canola (Brassica rapa L., B. napus L.) in western Canada. Germination is also very sensitive to the salinity effects of nitrogen fertiliser placed with the seed, especially when the seed bed is relatively dry. The effects of pre-hydration and re-drying treatment on canola (Brassica rapa L. cv. Tobin) seed germination and seedling emergence at 10°C subjected to either a water or salt stress were determined. Low water potentials, induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG 8000), low soil moisture, or high concentrations of salts, reduced both germination and seedling emergence, and increased the time to 50% germination and emergence of seeds at 10°C. At equal osmotic potentials, Na₂SO₄ was less inhibitory on low temperature germination than either NaCl or PEG, suggesting that the sulphate ion partially alleviated the inhibitory effects of low water potential. Solutions of NaCI produced more abnormal seedlings compared to Na₂SO₄, suggesting that NaCl was more toxic than Na₂SO₄ during seedling development. Pre-hydration and re-drying partially overcame the inhibitory effects of both low water potential and salts on seed germination and seedling emergence at 10°C. The seed treatment increased the germination rate in Petri dishes and seedling emergence from a sandy loam soil. Water potentials or soil water contents required to inhibit 50% germination or emergence at 10°C were lower for treated seeds compared to control seeds. Salt concentrations inhibiting 50% emergence were higher for treated seeds than control seeds. Neither treated nor control seeds produced seedlings which emerged if the soil water content was lower than 9% or when the soil was continuously irrigated with salt solutions of 100 mmol kg^-1 of NaCl or 50 mmol kg^-1 of Na₂SO₄. These results suggest that the pre-hydration and re-drying treatment did not lower the base water potentials at which seedling emergence could occur. Abnormal seedlings were observed in both treated and control seeds, particularly if the soil was watered with NaCl solutions; however, the seed treatment reduced the number of abnormal seedlings.     

Influence of gibberellic acid and different salt concentrations on germination percentage and physiological parameters of oat cultivars

Gibberellic acid (GA₃) is one of the plant growth regulators which improve salt tolerance and mitigate the salt stress impact on plants. The extant analysis was carried out to study the effect of GA₃ and different salt concentrations on seed germination and physiological parameters of oat cultivars. Oats is substantially less tolerant to salt than wheat and barley. Experimentation was conducted as factorial with Completely Randomized Block Design with three replicates. Different concentration of NaCl salt ((25, 50, 75 and 100 mM) were used in test control group and 100 and 150 ppm of GA₃ were used in two group by pre-treated (after 24 h of the seed soaking) and plants were analyzed on 15th day. Results indicate that increasing salinity would decrease the germination percentage and growth parameter in three oat cultivars. Quotes data indicating a 13%, 19.9% and 32.48% in cultivars NDO-2, UPO-212 and UPO-94 germination reduction when soil salinity reaches 50 mM. A 36.02%, 47.33% and 56.365 reduction in germination is likely when soil salinity reaches 100 mM respectively same cultivars. Seeds treated with GA₃ significantly promoted the percentage of germination, shoot and root length, total fresh and dry weight of seedling, tissue water content and seedling vigor index by NDO-2 and UPO-212 under different saline concentration. The maximum average of germination and growth parameters were observed from 150 ppm GA₃ treated seeds. But this concentration was significantly inhibited root length in sensitive cultivar UPO-94 at 75 and 100 mM salt as compared to 100 ppm. We observed that, the high concentration of GA₃ was not suitable for sensitive oat cultivars. Because the plant root are the real workforce behind any plants success. Thus, it may be concluding that, GA₃ treatment could curtail the toxic effect of salinity by increasing germination percentage and shoot and root length, total fresh and dry weight, tissue water content and seedling vigor index in tolerant cultivar.     

葡萄花药三倍体植株的倍性鉴定

用卡宝品红染色法检查格列那什二倍体葡萄(Vitis vinifera var. Cre nache)花药再生植株的染色体, 并用UNICHRO软件对其数目及长度进行了测量。结果表明,这些花药植株根尖中染色体组型为2n=3x=57的细胞平均占观察细胞总数的86.5%,来自不同花药的再生殖株均为三倍体。讨论了这些植株的可能来源。 Abstrart:The chromosome number in the root tip of triploid plants regenerated from anther culture of diploid Vitis vinifera var.Grenache were examined with Carbolfuchsin staining method and the length of chromosomes were measured with UNICHRO package.The results show that average pecentage of cells which have a karyotype for 2n=3x=57 in root tip of pollen plants were 86.5% in the total number of cells observed,the plants regenerated from different anthers are triploid.Their possible origin is discussed.     

Reproductive capacity,germination and survivorship of Lithospermum caroliniense on Lake Huron sand dunes

Summary The flowering of pin (long-styled) and thrum (short-styled) plants in populations of Lithospermum caroliniense (Walt.) McMill. was synchronized and both morphs had an extended period of flowering. The plants produced a large number of flowers that did not set seeds — hence the seed production per plant was very low. The seeds showed strong dormancy. Even under natural conditions, only 19% of the seeds produced seedlings. However, seedling survival was relatively high probably due to rapid root growth to deeper layers where moisture was not limiting. The probability of survival of seedlings increased with age; survival of seedlings, juveniles and adults after 2 years was 39, 68 and 98%, respectively. The dry weight of roots increased from 10% in June to 42% in September whereas the proportion of biomass contained in leaves, stems and hypocotyls decreased with age.     

磁化水对小麦种子萌发、幼苗生长和生理特性的生物学效应

为研究磁化水对作物的生物学效应,本文详细分析了磁化水处理对小麦种子萌发、幼苗生长和生理特性的影响。研究结果显示：磁化水处理小麦的种子发芽参数与对照相比无显著差异;磁化水处理对小麦的株高、根长、地上部和根部鲜重等生长参数也无显著影响;同样,磁化水处理在叶片色素含量、可溶性糖、可溶性蛋白质含量、含水量、细胞汁液渗透势等重要生理特征参数方面也未显示出显著差异。此外,磁化水并未显著影响小麦叶片的光合作用。综上所述,磁化水处理对小麦种子萌发和幼苗生长无明显的生物学效应。     

The Mycorrhizal Fungus, Sebacina vermifera, Enhances Seed Germination and Biomass Production in Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L)

Seed dormancy and slow seedling establishment are two major concerns in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) production, often resulting in a poor stand with reduced productivity. Studies were conducted to investigate the stability of artificial associations between switchgrass and the ectomycorrhizal fungus, Sebacina vermifera, and to evaluate the potential benefits of this novel association in seed germination and biomass production. All six strains of S. vermifera tested had a high frequency of colonization on switchgrass roots of a synthetic cultivar NF/GA-993. The positive effects of the associations were reflected in plant height, root length, and biomass production. Inoculated plants produced as much as 75%, 113%, and 18% more shoot biomass than un-inoculated control plants in the first, second, and third harvest, respectively, with no consequent reduction in root biomass. Further, culture filtrates from some strains of S. vermifera increased seed germination in the switchgrass cultivar Kanlow by 52% over the control (p?<?0.05). This study illustrates the great potential of microbial associations to increase biomass production and productivity of switchgrass.     

Effect of gibberellic acid treatment,and nutrient supply through detached tillers,upon haploid frequency in barley

Summary Haploids from Hordeum vulgare (2n = 14) X H. Bulbosum (2n = 14) crosses result after fertilization from the subsequent elimination of bulbosum chromosomes during early embryo development. Seed set from the cross is high but embryo culture is necessary to obtain seedlings. Application of gibberellin A₃ (GA₃) to pollinated florets was effective for increasing the frequency of haploid seedlings produced on both nutrient-fed detached tillers and intact plants. GA₃ increased both seed set and embryo yield. The number of cells per embryo during its transition to the haploid state was increased two to three times following GA₃ treatments. Enhanced embryo and endosperm development was attributed to increased mitotic activity. The number of visibly differentiated embryos was doubled to about 35 % of the cultured embryos after GA₃ was applied to detached tillers in nutrient solution. About 70 % of the resulting haploid plants developed from the visibly differentiated embryos. The detached tiller technique offers a convenient method of culturing haploids from field-grown plants.     

汞对萝卜种子发芽及幼苗某些生理特性的影响

研究了重金属汞离子(Hg^2 )对萝卜种子发芽及幼苗某些生理特性的影响。结果表明,随着汞离子浓度的增加和处理时间的延长,萝卜种子的发芽率和发芽指数以及幼苗的生长势和生长量均明显下降。幼苗子叶叶绿素a、b的含量下降。幼苗根系、茎叶过氧化物酶的活性则明显升高。