Search Results (786)

To explore the potential of plasma technology in regulating seed germination, this study compared the effects of direct treatment with needle-plate electrodes using DC and pulse power supplies, and indirect treatment with plasma-activated water on the growth characteristics of Bromus inermis seeds. By comparing different pulse power parameters, including voltage, pulse width, frequency, and duration, it was found that treatments at 15 kV, 2500 ns, 6 kHz, and 10 min significantly increased the surface hydrophilicity and germination performance of the seeds. The best conditions for DC power supply were 15 kV and 10 min. Indirect treatment with plasma-activated water (15 kV, 10 min) effectively broke the seed dormancy by regulating active nitrogen oxygen particle components, increasing the germination percentage by 50%. Analysis of antioxidant enzyme activity showed that in seedlings the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) increased by 75% and 21%, respectively, after treatment, revealing the mechanism of oxidative stress response induced by plasma. This study provides theoretical and technical references for the application of plasma technology in enhancing seed vitality and agricultural practices. Full article

To address the challenges in precision seeding of Cyperus esculentus L. seeds caused by their irregular shape and uneven surface, this study investigates the effect of soaking pretreatment on seed germination and adopts rubber-based seed suction holes to improve adsorption performance. Subsequently, calibration and experiments on discrete element simulation parameters were carried out. Initially, by setting four soaking time gradients (0, 24, 48, and 72 h), the optimal soaking duration was determined. Furthermore, through free-fall collision tests, static friction tests, and rolling friction tests, combined with the Plackett–Burman design, steepest ascent experiments, and Box–Behnken response surface methodology, the contact parameters between seeds and between seeds and rubber suction holes were calibrated and optimized. The results showed that the static friction coefficient (D) between seeds, the rolling friction coefficient (E) between seeds, and the rolling friction coefficient (H) between seeds and rubber have significant effects on the stacking angle. The optimal parameter combination obtained was D = 0.592, E = 0.325, H = 0.171. Validation tests on the dynamic stacking angle demonstrated that the relative error between the simulated and physical test values was only 1.89%, confirming the accuracy of the parameters. This study provides reliable parameter references for the design and simulation optimization of precision seed metering devices for C. esculentus after soaking pretreatment. Full article

Microbial priming is an emerging strategy in sustainable agriculture that involves the use of beneficial microorganisms to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. This innovative approach leverages the natural interactions between plants and microorganisms to promote plant growth and improve soil health. This study explores the application of microbial priming on almond seeds, focusing on the biostimulant effect of soil-based microbial extracts from a mediterranean shrub Pistacia lentiscus L. as an ecological strategy to improve the germination and seedling of almond (Prunus dulcis (Mill.)). The extraction process of soil differentiates three extracts: the first separates AMF spores (Myco) from all other bacterial and fungal consortia (MW), and the third combines the two previous extracts (MW + Myco). The experiment evaluated germination rates, seedling growth parameters, and conducted physico-chemical soil analyses. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) colonization was also measured. Microbial priming significantly improved germination rates and enhanced seedling growth compared to untreated controls. The three microbial extracts showed significant effects on germination rate after 20 days, exceeding 90%. After 27 days, all treatments reach their maximum (100%). Seedling indicators allow MW + Myco extract to be considered as the most powerful extract on almond seedling growth. The combination of microbial and endomycorrhizal fungal extracts could be considered as a facilitator of seedling growth of almond. The AMF colonization was notably higher in treated plants. Overall, microbial priming effectively enhances almond seed germination and seedling growth, demonstrating its potential as a sustainable biostimulation strategy in agriculture. This practice boosts crop productivity and promotes soil health by enriching microbial communities and improving nutrient cycling. These results open up perspectives towards a natural-based strategy able to facilitate the germination and early seedling of almonds in both nurseries and in the field—and to enhance the productivity and health of almond cultivation in special Mediterranean area. Full article

Rose processing into essentials oil is one of the major sectors providing inputs for cosmetics and health/food supplements industry, generating significant amount of wastewater if applying the steam distillation approach. Rose distillation wastewater (RDW), the major by-product of rose processing, still contains a significant load of polyphenolic compounds. This organic burden poses a significant environmental threat for RDW disposal, while, on the other hand, it still contains valuable compounds that could be valorized in the circular economy framework. This study has investigated the possibility of utilizing RDW in various concentrations (10%, 25%, 100% v/v) as a circular tomato growth biostimulant, addressing the existing research gap in the field of circular RDW valorization and its effects on plant growth modulation. LC-MS/MS and antioxidant assays have confirmed a rich antioxidant profile of RDW samples, with gallic acid, quinic acid, quercetin, kaempferol and their glycosides as the most abundant compounds. Tomato germination assays have resulted in significantly improved germination and initial seedling growth parameters when 10% RDW samples PA (‘Pure Aroma’), MA (‘Magic Aroma’) and NA (‘Natural Aroma) had been applied as seed treatment (10 seeds per treatment with each RDW), indicating varying plant growth-promoting potential depending on the RDW chemical composition. The increase in tomato growth parameters compared to the control varied in range 34% (MA)—60% (PA) for root length, 70% (MA)—109% (PA) for shoot length and 43% (MA)—72% (PA) for total seedling length, as well as 43% (MA)—72% (PA) for SVI-I and 40% (NA)—49% (MA) for SVI-II (seedling vigor indices I and II, respectively). Contrarily, the increase in RDW concentration of up to 25% and 100% (v/v) has resulted in inhibition of tomato germination and growth compared to the control (e.g., in range 10–50% (RDW 25%) and 45–87% (RDW 100%) for root length), suggesting the necessity for further optimization of RDW dosage in biostimulant applications. The results of this study open the field of possibilities for further development of circular plant biostimulants based on rose processing by-products, as value-added enrichment of the bio-based solutions portfolio for sustainable agriculture. Full article

Water deficit is a limitation to maize (Zea mays L.) productivity, and seed physiological conditioning (priming) is a strategy to mitigate its effects. Niobium (Nb), an abundant element in the Earth’s crust and crucial for emerging technologies, is primarily produced and exported by Brazil, particularly in the state of Minas Gerais. However, its behavior in soil and effects on plants remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the impact of maize seed hydropriming with different solutions, including ammonium niobate (V) oxalate (C₄H₄NNbO₉), on germination, seedling physiological performance under water deficit, and recovery after rehydration. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using a randomized block design with eight treatments and five replications. The germination speed index (GSI) was recorded over a period of seven days. Water deficit was imposed on day eight by suspending irrigation for seven days, followed by rehydration until day 21. Morphological, biochemical, and physiological traits were evaluated, including biomass, pigments, oxidative stress, antioxidant activity, starch, and osmolytes, with photosynthetic parameters measured during rehydration. Hydropriming with Nb-enhanced seed germination but also induced oxidative stress and reduced biomass accumulation. Nb seed priming affected photosynthetic performance in a treatment-dependent manner, leading to phototoxic effects. Overall, although Nb shows biostimulant potential by improving maize germination, its use under water-deficit conditions may trigger toxic responses associated with increased oxidative stress and growth inhibition. These findings highlight the need for further studies to define safe and effective Nb concentrations for improving drought tolerance. Full article

This study was undertaken to evaluate tropical species: Calophyllum brasiliense, Bravaisia integerrima, Roseodendron donnell-smithii, Piscidia piscipula, Enterolobium cyclocarpum, and Dialium guianense. The seeds were arranged in a completely randomized design under conditions of 50% shading and analyzed using the repeated measures method. In the experiment, growth was evaluated for six months after germination, and seedling morphology and phyllotaxis were described. The parameters stem height (SH), SH relative growth rate (SRGR), stem basal diameter (BD), BD relative growth rate (DRGR), number of juvenile leaves, and survivorship were recorded. Regression curves were generated with the SH and BD data. Seeds with greater length values produced seedlings with improved morphological traits, E. cyclocarpum and C. brasiliense, regardless of their functional morphology. Germination began 7 to 10 days after sowing. The average survivorship was 70.1% at six months. The highest values in seedling SH at six months were obtained in E. cyclocarpum and C. brasiliense. The number of leaves was greatest in C. brasiliense and D. guianense. Considering the features desirable for a nursery plant, production of the following species is considered feasible: B. integerrima, C. brasiliense, Piscidia piscipula, and Enterolobium cyclocarpum. The regression curves showed the tendency of the plants to present more rapid growth in the first months after germination. Full article

Unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (1,1-Dimethylhydrazine, UDMH) is widely used as a high-performance liquid rocket propellant for the space industry globally. The release and leakage of UDMH into the environment, especially the soil environment, pose serious threats to ecosystems and human beings. In order to reveal the hazards of UDMH to soil and facilitate subsequent remediation, the adsorption behavior of UDMH in typical soil (yellow-brown soil, red soil, and black soil) matrices was explored, the environmental fate and toxicity of UDMH were presented by simulation calculation, and the phytotoxicity was evaluated by germination assay in the present study. The results showed that the adsorption performance of red soil, yellow-brown soil, and black soil for UDMH increased sequentially by integrating the findings from kinetic and thermodynamic studies. A highly significant correlation between the physicochemical and adsorption parameters for various soil matrices indicated a considerable impact of soil physicochemical properties on the adsorption behavior of UDMH in soils. The environmental fate simulation calculation indicated that UDMH and its transformation products were prone to being dissolved in soil water and migrating; however, once these compounds were present in the surface layer of dry soil, severe ecological and environmental pollution would occur. Based on a thorough evaluation of the toxicity parameters, formaldehyde dimethylhydrazone has been identified as demonstrating the most pronounced environmental toxicity profile, thus warranting prioritized attention. The results of a germination assay demonstrated that more than 100 mg·kg⁻¹ of UDMH in the soil would lead to strong phytotoxicity to plants, and more than 200 mg·kg⁻¹ of UDMH would significantly affect the early germination of seeds. Hence, this research provided helpful insights and theoretical support for the environmental fate and remediation of UDMH. Full article

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is among the most economically significant and nutritionally valuable vegetable crops grown globally. However, fungal diseases such as Early Blight caused by Alternaria alternata are a major factor limiting yield and fruit quality in tomato production. This study investigates the biocontrol potential of locally isolated rhizobacterium Pseudomonas yamanorum against A. alternata, the causal agent of early blight in tomato, under both in vitro and in planta conditions. In vitro assays demonstrated significant antifungal activity; in the dual confrontation assay, P. yamanorum (10⁸ CFU/mL) reduced A. alternata mycelial growth by 68.7%, while spore germination was inhibited by 88.7%. In planta trials demonstrated that plants treated with P. yamanorum (10⁷ CFU/mL) alone exhibited the lowest disease severity (2.5). The treatments also significantly enhanced plant growth, with shoot length reaching 45 cm versus 26 cm in infected controls. Biochemical analyses revealed increased catalase (94.84 units mg⁻¹ protein min⁻¹), peroxidase (5.83), and ascorbate peroxidase (67.01) activities in treated plants. Total polyphenol and protein contents also increased (0.81 mg/g and 15.82 mg/g, respectively). Furthermore, P. yamanorum treatments maintained fruit quality parameters such as firmness (3.13), sugar content (6.43 °Brix), and juice yield (55.88%), while reducing malondialdehyde (2.02 µmol/g Dry Weight) and electrical conductivity (0.59 mS/cm). These findings highlight P. yamanorum as a promising biocontrol agent and plant growth-promoting bacteria that improve disease resistance, which can be combined with salicylic acid to further enhance crop vigor and fruit quality under biotic stress. Full article

Apples and tomatoes are among the most consumed products all over the world, as well as the natural juices prepared from each of them. The large quantities of resulting by-products should be reused in various directions within the circular economy. In this study, apple and tomato pomaces were tested as potential biofertilizers for agricultural crops. To this end, aqueous extracts of apple pomace and tomato pomace were prepared in two concentrations (0.05% and 0.5%) and used to treat wheat caryopses and sprouts. The following were evaluated: mitotic index, genotoxic index, caryopses germination rate, and wheat sprout growth. The biotic response of wheat to treatments with the apple and tomato pomace extracts consisted of reduced mitotic activity, i.e., cytotoxicity, and the formation of genetic abnormalities, i.e., genotoxicity. The cytotoxicity and the genotoxicity were reflected at the macro level in phytotoxic effects, manifested by a reduction in the germination rate of caryopses and a decrease in the length of wheat roots and shoots. Physiological parameters were positively correlated with the mitotic index and negatively correlated with the genotoxic index. The obtained results point us not to recommend the use of unprocessed apple and tomato pomaces as biofertilizers, but, on the contrary, as bioherbicides. Full article

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a vital global forage crop. Transgenic technology promises enhanced yield and quality, but requires rigorous environmental risk assessment, particularly regarding pollen-mediated gene flow, for which standardized protocols are lacking. Based on an optimized in vitro culture medium, this study developed a method to assess alfalfa pollen viability. Using a single-factor experimental design, key assessment parameters were established at 1/4/8 h and 20/30/40 °C. A comparative analysis revealed no significant difference (p > 0.05) in pollen viability between the transgenic line SA6-8 and its non-transgenic parent “ZM-1” within this evaluation system. This result indicates that the genetic modification did not impact the pollen viability of SA6-8. By establishing this in vitro germination-based pollen viability assessment system and comparatively analyzing pollen viability between transgenic alfalfa and its non-transgenic parent under diverse environmental conditions, our approach provides crucial insights for optimizing transgenic alfalfa planting strategies and strengthening biosafety review protocols. Full article

The Sporulation-Inspired Optimization Algorithm (SIOA) is an innovative metaheuristic optimization method inspired by the biological mechanisms of microbial sporulation and dispersal. SIOA operates on a dynamic population of solutions (“microorganisms”) and alternates between two main phases: sporulation, where new “spores” are generated through adaptive random perturbations combined with guided search towards the global best, and germination, in which these spores are evaluated and may replace the most similar and less effective individuals in the population. A distinctive feature of SIOA is its fully self-adaptive parameter control, where the dispersal radius and the probabilities of sporulation and germination are dynamically adjusted according to the progress of the search (e.g., convergence trends of the average fitness). The algorithm also integrates a special “zero-reset” mechanism, enhancing its ability to detect global optima located near the origin. SIOA further incorporates a stochastic local search phase to refine solutions and accelerate convergence. Experimental results demonstrate that SIOA achieves high-quality solutions with a reduced number of function evaluations, especially in complex, multimodal, or high-dimensional problems. Overall, SIOA provides a robust and flexible optimization framework, suitable for a wide range of challenging optimization tasks. Full article

Pearl millet is primarily grown under rainfed conditions in Sub-Saharan Africa. Early droughts are prevalent in the Sahel region, where pearl millet is widely cultivated, and they severely impact pearl millet growth and productivity by affecting plant stand and reducing plant density in the field. Consequently, genetic improvement for early drought tolerance is a promising strategy to enhance productivity in these regions. This study aims to identify pearl millet lines that are tolerant to water stress at the seedling stage by assessing various water-stress-tolerance traits. Two hundred pearl millet inbred lines were screened for drought tolerance by inducing water stress with polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000) in the laboratory. The experiment was repeated in the greenhouse using pot screening. The experimental design was an alpha lattice with 10 entries × 20 blocks in two replications. Four treatments (0 g/L, 115 g/L, 235 g/L, 289 g/L) were applied in the laboratory: one control and three concentrations of PEG 6000. Control and stress were applied in the greenhouse. Data were collected on germination rate and growth parameters, including root and seedling length, leaf length and width, and chlorophyll content. Results revealed significant differences among the pearl millet inbred lines under both drought and well-watered conditions. The inbred lines IP-16403 and IP-18062 were the most tolerant in both the greenhouse and laboratory. Water stress significantly reduced plant growth, although an increase in root length was observed in some lines. The number of days to 50% emergence was positively and strongly correlated with survival time (+0.45), while leaf width was negatively correlated with survival time (−0.29) and water stress tolerance (−0.37). The drought-tolerant and drought-susceptible pearl millet inbred lines identified in this study provide valuable genetic resources for enhancing pearl millet productivity in arid and semi-arid environments, especially in the face of unpredictable climate variability. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable waste management practices has prompted interest in the land application of paper sludge as an alternative to landfilling and incineration. This study evaluates the environmental potential of paper sludge derived from recycled hygienic paper production by investigating its effects on soil respiration, seed germination, and seedling development. A comprehensive set of respirometric tests using the OxiTop^® system assessed microbial activity in soil amended with various concentrations of paper sludge (1–100%). Concurrently, bioassays using Lepidium sativum L. and Pisum sativum L. seeds examined the phytotoxicity and physiological response during germination. The results show that low to moderate sludge concentrations (1–20%) stimulated microbial activity and enhanced germination parameters, with a germination index (GI) up to 150% at 1%. However, higher concentrations (>40%) led to oxygen depletion, microbial stress, and decreased plant growth, indicating potential phytotoxicity and the need for application thresholds. For certain intermediate concentrations (e.g., 30–40%), a delay of approximately 21 days before sowing is recommended to allow microbial communities to stabilize and avoid initial stress conditions for plants. This study demonstrates that controlled application of paper sludge in soil systems can serve as a viable and sustainable disposal method, supporting circular economy principles and reducing the environmental burden of paper industry by-products. Full article

Postharvest blue mold in apples, caused by Penicillium expansum, leads to fruit decay and patulin (PAT) contamination, incurring major economic and health risks. This study developed a composite biocontrol agent (BCA) by co-cultivating three antagonistic yeasts (Meyerozyma caribbica, Metschnikowia zizyphicola, and Pichia rarassimilans). Mixed-culture conditions and protective additives formulation were optimized via response surface methodology. Optimal biomass production was achieved with a 1:2:3 (v/v/v) yeast ratio in medium containing sucrose (12.49 g/L), yeast extract powder (13.3 g/L), K₂HPO₄ (0.88 g/L), and NaCl (0.95 g/L) under pH 7.0, 1% total inoculum concentration, 24 °C, and a 60 h incubation. The liquid BCA formulation, stabilized with 0.27% gum arabic, 0.49% Tween-80, and 0.079% ascorbic acid, maintained high viability (9.15 log10 CFU/mL after 7 days). In vivo/in vitro trials all demonstrated that the composite BCA rapidly colonized, suppressed P. expansum infection, and significantly delayed pathogen spore germination and hyphal growth. Furthermore, the BCA effectively degraded 10 μg/mL PAT within 24–42 h in various fruit juices with minimal adverse effects on juice quality parameters. Storage at −20 °C preserved the highest bioactivity (7.93 × 10⁸ CFU/mL after 5 months). This optimized composite yeast formulation provides an efficient, eco-friendly strategy for integrated apple postharvest blue mold and PAT detoxification. Full article

This study reports on green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs), focusing on their physicochemical characterization, photocatalytic properties, and agricultural applications. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis revealed a mean hydrodynamic diameter of 337.3 nm and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.400, indicating moderate polydispersity and nanoparticle aggregation, typical of biologically synthesized systems. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) showed predominantly spherical particles with an average diameter of ~28 nm, exhibiting slight agglomeration. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed the elemental composition of zinc and oxygen, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis identified a hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure with a dominant (002) plane and an average crystallite size of ~29 nm. Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy displayed a distinct near-band-edge emission at ~462 nm and a broad blue–green emission band (430–600 nm) with relatively low intensity. The ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis) absorption spectrum of the synthesized ZnONPs exhibited a strong absorption peak at 372 nm, and the optical band gap was calculated as 2.67 eV using the Tauc method. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed both similarities and distinct differences to the pigeon extract, confirming the successful formation of nanoparticles. A prominent absorption band observed at 455 cm⁻¹ was assigned to Zn–O stretching vibrations. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis showed that raw pigeon droppings contained no Zn signals, while their extract provided organic biomolecules for reduction and stabilization, and it confirmed Zn²⁺ species and Zn–O bonding in the synthesized ZnONPs. Photocatalytic degradation assays demonstrated the efficient removal of pollutants from sewage water, leading to significant reductions in total dissolved solids (TDS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total suspended solids (TSS). These results are consistent with reported values for ZnO-based photocatalytic systems, which achieve biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels below 2 mg/L and COD values around 11.8 mg/L. Subsequent reuse of treated water for irrigation yielded promising agronomic outcomes. Wheat and barley seeds exhibited 100% germination rates with ZnO NP-treated water, which were markedly higher than those obtained using chlorine-treated effluent (65–68%) and even the control (89–91%). After 21 days, root and shoot lengths under ZnO NP irrigation exceeded those of the control group by 30–50%, indicating enhanced seedling vigor. These findings demonstrate that biosynthesized ZnONPs represent a sustainable and multifunctional solution for wastewater remediation and agricultural enhancement, positioning them as a promising candidate for integration into green technologies that support sustainable urban development. Full article