Search Results (1,114)

To investigate the effects of micro-nanoplastics (MNPs) on spinach seed germination and sprout growth, this study employed polyvinyl chloride micro-nanoplastics (PVC-MNPs) as the treatment factor. Six concentration gradients were established under two cultivation conditions—hydroponic and soil. Two spinach cultivars grown in different seasons—the winter cultivar cv. xinbofeit and the autumn cultivar cv. connaught—were evaluated for germination characteristics, sprout morphology, and antioxidant capacity. Results indicated that low to moderate PVC-MNP concentration (1–100 mg/L in hydroponics or 0.1–1.0% in soil) moderately promoted seed germination and seedling growth, with cv. Xinbofeit exhibiting stronger stress tolerance. Conversely, high concentrations (200 mg/L in hydroponic or 2.0% in soil) inhibited germination and root development in both cultivars and induced oxidative stress responses. Principal component analysis identified germination rate, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD) activities as key response indicators. Significant inter-cultivar differences and cultivation method dependencies were observed: cv. xinbofeit showed higher sensitivity to elevated PVC-MNPs level, whereas cv. connaught demonstrated greater overall stress resistance. This study demonstrates that micro-nanoplastics exert a dual effect on spinach seed germination and sprout growth, with low to moderate concentrations promoting growth, while high concentrations inhibit development and induce oxidative stress. Moreover, significant differences in response were observed among different cultivars, highlighting the complex risks of micro-nanoplastics in agricultural ecosystems and their cultivar-dependent impacts. Full article

Seed germination is a key determinant of wheat seed quality, strongly affected by genetic potential, weather conditions during production, and storage duration. Although numerous studies have investigated seed viability, little is known about how the interaction between annual climatic variability and storage length affects long-term germination performance of winter wheat. The objective of this study was therefore to assess the influence of weather conditions and storage period on germination energy and germination of 50 Croatian winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars released between 1947 and 2010. The experiment was conducted over five consecutive production years (2013/2014–2017/2018). Seeds of each cultivar were reproduced under standardized field conditions, harvested annually, and stored under identical controlled conditions (5 °C, 30–35% RH). Germination energy (first count, day 4) and total germination (final count, day 8) were evaluated according to ISTA protocols. The results revealed significant effects of both production year and cultivar on germination performance. Seeds produced in 2016/2017 exhibited the highest germination (96.21%), which was ~15% higher than the lowest rate observed in 2013/2014 (80.48%). Germination energy of 2013/2014 seeds was 23% lower compared to 2015/2016 and 2016/2017. Unexpectedly, seeds stored for only one year (2017/2018 production) showed lower germination (90.92%) than those stored for two (96.21%) or three years (95.01%), likely due to excessive rainfall (>100% above average) during seed maturation in 2018 that impaired seed quality. Several cultivars, including Una, Tonka, Žitarka, and Kuna, consistently maintained high germination rates (>94%) even after five years of storage, demonstrating strong physiological stability and long-term viability. These findings underline the combined importance of weather conditions during seed production and storage duration for seed longevity. In practical terms, cultivars with proven stability may be recommended for long-term storage and reliable field performance. Future research should extend germination assessment to additional vigor indices (e.g., germination synchrony, vigor index, abnormal seedlings) and explore genetic mechanisms underlying superior seed longevity in modern wheat breeding. Full article

Tea tree seeds are highly sensitive to dehydration and cannot be stored for extended periods, making surface defect detection crucial for preserving their germination rate and overall quality. To address this challenge, we propose Cgc-YOLO, an enhanced YOLO-based model specifically designed to detect small-scale and complex surface defects in tea seeds. A high-resolution imaging system was employed to construct a dataset encompassing five common types of tea tree seeds, capturing diverse defect patterns. Cgc-YOLO incorporates two key improvements: (1) GhostBlock, derived from GhostNetV2, embedded in the Backbone to enhance computational efficiency and long-range feature extraction; and (2) the CPCA attention mechanism, integrated into the Neck, to improve sensitivity to local textures and boundary details, thereby boosting segmentation and localization accuracy. Experimental results demonstrate that Cgc-YOLO achieves 97.6% mAP50 and 94.9% mAP50–95, surpassing YOLO11 by 2.3% and 3.1%, respectively. Furthermore, the model retains a compact size of only 8.5 MB, delivering an excellent balance between accuracy and efficiency. This study presents a robust and lightweight solution for nondestructive detection of tea seed defects, contributing to intelligent seed screening and storage quality assurance. Full article

Soil salinization critically threatens global agricultural productivity by impairing plant growth and soil fertility. This study investigated the potential of a consortium, comprising Acinetobacter calcoaceticus DP25, Staphylococcus epidermidis DP28, and Enterobacter hormaechei DP29, to enhance the saline–alkali tolerance of alfalfa and improve soil properties. The experiments comprised five germination treatments (saline control, each strain alone, consortium) and three pot treatments (non-saline control, saline control, consortium). Under saline–alkali stress, co-inoculation with the consortium significantly (p < 0.05) increased alfalfa seed germination rates, emergence rates, and biomass (shoot and root dry weight), while promoting root development. Physiological analyses revealed that the bacterial consortium mitigated stress-induced damage by enhancing photosynthetic efficiency, chlorophyll content, and antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT)), while decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Moreover, the inoculant improved osmoprotectant accumulation (soluble sugars, soluble proteins, and proline) and modulated soil properties by reducing pH and electrical conductivity (EC), while elevating nutrient availability and soil enzyme activities. Correlation and principal component analyses (PCA) confirmed strong associations among improved plant growth, physiological traits, and soil health. These findings demonstrate that the bacterial consortium effectively alleviates saline–alkali stress in alfalfa by improving soil health, offering a sustainable strategy for ecological restoration and improving agricultural productivity in saline–alkali regions. Full article

Direct seeding is considered a versatile and cost-effective approach to forest regeneration; however, its broader application is limited by low seedling survival rates and species-specific regeneration requirements, which often necessitate site preparation. We investigated the emergence, survival, and growth of Korean ash (Fraxinus chinensis subsp. rhynchophylla (Hance) A.E.Murray) seedlings regenerated by direct seeding over six years following two site preparation treatments—scarification and mixing—to determine appropriate site preparation methods for direct seeding and to assess the effects of site preparation treatments on soil, understory vegetation, and seedling growth. Additionally, the seed germination, shoot and root lengths, and biomass of the seedlings were investigated over 50 days in a growth chamber using soils from each site preparation treatment to examine early-stage growth responses. Both scarification and mixing treatments enhanced seed germination and seedling establishment. Seedling emergence rates were similar between the treatments; however, the seedling mortality and the height and coverage of competing understory vegetation were significantly greater at the scarification treatment than at the mixing treatment during the first year (p < 0.05). Both treatments reduced minimum winter soil temperatures during the first two years, with frost heaving identified as a primary cause of early seedling mortality. From the second year onward, seedling growth was significantly greater in the mixing treatment (p < 0.05), which also more effectively suppressed competing vegetation. A shallow depth mixing treatment (<5 cm) is recommended for direct seeding of Korean ash, as it reduces frost heaving damage and facilitates seedling survival and growth by minimizing understory competition. Full article

Modern agriculture requires effective and sustainable tools to enhance crop performance while minimizing the environmental impact. In this context, the application of fungal-derived bioactive compounds directly onto seeds represents a promising alternative. In this study, tomato seeds (Solanum lycopersicum) were subjected to mycopriming treatment using two fungal extracts obtained from the mycelium and culture filtrate of Talaromyces ruber. Two independent greenhouse trials were conducted to assess germination dynamics, morphometric traits, and physiological parameters (chlorophyll content, flavonol index, and anthocyanin index). Although germination rates were not significantly affected, root development was consistently enhanced by the treatments compared with the control group in both experiments. In contrast, no clear improvement was observed in shoot growth or leaf physiological parameters. Overall, the application of T. ruber extracts via seed priming proved to be a feasible strategy to stimulate early-stage root development in tomatoes, potentially contributing to improved seedling vigor and agronomic performance. These findings support the potential use of fungal extracts as practical tools for improving seedling quality in commercial nursery production. Full article

Biological control serves as a crucial strategy for crop disease management. The biocontrol potential and plant growth-promoting effects of the strain YTBTa14 were investigated. Genetic sequencing confirmed YTBTa14 as Pseudomonas chlororaphis, which exhibited broad-spectrum antifungal activity against multiple pathogens affecting grapevine, apple, cherry, and wheat. YTBTa14 significantly enhanced the growth of wheat and grapevine, specifically increasing wheat seed germination rates and improving root and coleoptile development. In grapevine plant, significant increases in root length, stem length, and fresh weight were observed. The strain demonstrated robust adaptability and stable antagonism under varying sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations, pH levels, and temperatures. YTBTa14 modulated plant hormone levels, elevating the content of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellins (GA), and cytokinins (CTK). Furthermore, it effectively stimulated the production of key plant defense enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT). Pretreatment of grape leaves with YTBTa14 triggered plant cell defense response and upregulated the expression of defense-related genes PR1 (pathogenesis-related protein 1) and PAL1 (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase 1), thereby mitigating the severity of downy mildew disease and inducing systemic resistance. These findings demonstrate that YTBTa14 is a highly promising candidate for development as a multifunctional agricultural biocontrol agent. Full article

Phyllostachys edulis is a vital bamboo resource in China, known for its economic benefits and ecological functions. However, under natural conditions, its seed germination rate is very low. Exogenous gibberellin (GA) directly supplements endogenous GA levels, while paclobutrazol (PAC) is an inhibitor of GA biosynthesis that can prevent seed germination. Preliminary experiment indicated that a treatment of 50 mg/L GA₃ markedly enhanced the germination rate of P. edulis seeds, whereas 50 μmol/L PAC had an opposite function. To study the exogenous GA₃ effects on the seed germination of P. edulis, seeds were soaked in ddH₂O (CK), Gibberellic acid 3 (GA₃), and PAC solutions for 24 h, respectively. Then, we analyzed and compared the physiology, biochemistry, and transcriptome at different germination stages. The results demonstrated that exogenous GA₃ treatment significantly reduced the contents of starch and soluble protein while increasing the levels of soluble sugar by inducing the activities of β-amylase and protease, respectively. In addition, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), polyphenol (PPO), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were enhanced to eliminate ROS during seed germination under exogenous GA₃ treatment compared to CK and PAC treatments. Moreover, the endogenous levels of GA₃ and JA were found to be higher in exogenous GA₃-treated seeds than those in CK and PAC-treated seeds. Furthermore, RNA-seq results revealed that the expressions of 10 related genes are consistent with the observed physiological changes. In summary, exogenous GA₃ effectively accelerated the seed germination of P. edulis by influencing storage reserves, antioxidant enzymes activity, and endogenous hormone through the coordinated transcriptional regulation of related genes. These findings provide novel insights into the regulation mechanisms of exogenous GA₃ on the seed germination of P. edulis. Full article

This study employed a pot experiment to compare the effects of varying application rates of chili straw biochar on seed germination and seedling growth of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivated in electrolytic manganese residue (EMR) and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. We aimed to provide a theoretical basis for vegetation restoration and manganese pollution control at EMR disposal sites. Our results indicated that while chili straw biochar did not affect the seed germination rate, it significantly enhanced the germination energy. In addition, treatment with 5% biochar significantly increased the germination index. Biochar application increased alfalfa seedling height (6.13 cm in the control group vs. 6.63–7.20 cm in the treated groups). Concurrently, the aboveground fresh biomass significantly increased by 49–77% compared to the control. Additionally, biochar application elevated chlorophyll content and reduced malondialdehyde content in alfalfa leaves. Correlation analysis revealed that the primary mechanisms underlying biochar-mediated improvement in seed germination and seedling growth involved enhancing the organic matter, available nitrogen, and available phosphorus content in the EMR, while decreasing the available manganese content. Overall, the application of 5% biochar in EMR optimally improved alfalfa plant growth and development. Full article

The anaerobic co-digestion of agricultural residues emerges as a promising strategy for energy recovery and nutrient recycling within circular agricultural systems. This study aimed to optimize co-digestion parameters for vinegar residue (VR) and cattle manure (CM) using an orthogonal experimental design. Three key variables were investigated which are the co-substrate ratio (VR to CM), feedstock-to-inoculum (F/I) ratio, and total solids (TS) content. Nine experimental combinations were tested to evaluate methane yield, feedstock degradation, and digestate characteristics. Results showed that the optimal condition for methane yield comprised a 2:3 co-substrate ratio, 1:2 F/I ratio, and 20% TS, achieving the highest methane yield of 267.84 mL/g volatile solids (VS) and a vs. degradation rate of 58.65%. Digestate analysis indicated this condition generated the most nutrient-rich liquid digestate and solid digestate, featuring elevated N, P, and K concentrations, acceptable seed germination indices (GI), and moderate humification levels. While total nutrient content did not meet commercial organic fertilizer standards, the digestate is suitable for direct land application in rural settings. This study underscores the need to balance energy recovery and fertilizer quality in anaerobic co-digestion systems, providing practical guidance for decentralized biogas plants seeking to integrate waste treatment with agricultural productivity. Full article

To improve the separation efficiency of chili seeds, heat treatment on the adhesion between the seeds, peel, and embryo seat was studied. This study was conducted to explore the separation effect of heat treatment on chili seeds based on different temperature conditions. Firstly, the physical properties and thermal properties parameters of the materials (chili seed, peel, and embryo seats) were measured. These physical data were imported into ANSYS 2022 software to carry out a thermal steady-state simulation experiment. And the effects on seed activity were studied with different temperature conditions. The results indicated that it can effectively reduce the adhesion force between seeds, fruit peels, and embryo seats at 120 °C for 60 s. The maximum thermal stresses of the chili peel, seed, and embryo seat were 3.687 MPa, 0.878 MPa, and 0.662 MPa, respectively. At the same time, the germination rate of seeds under this treatment condition remained above 80%, ensuring the high activity of the seeds. This study provided a theoretical basis for the separation technology of chili seeds, and it was expected to bring practical guidance for the efficient utilization and extraction of chili seeds. Full article

Drought stress poses a significant threat to tree growth, making the development of drought-resistant species essential for ecological restoration. WRKY transcription factors are critical regulators of plant drought responses; however, the role of WRKY22 in the woody species Populus ussuriensis K. remains unclear. In this study, the PuWRKY22 gene was cloned from P. ussuriensis via homologous cloning and was found to be highly expressed in leaves and responsive to abscisic acid (ABA) signaling. Subcellular localization confirmed that PuWRKY22 is a nuclear protein. Using fluorescein enzyme complementation assays, PuWRKY22 was shown to bind specifically to W-box cis-elements, indicating its function as a transcriptional regulator. Under ABA and osmotic (sorbitol) stress, the seed germination rate, root growth, and biomass of tobacco and Populus davidiana × Populus bolleana strains overexpressing PuWRKY22 were significantly increased. Additionally, these overexpressed strains exhibited a reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and a decrease in membrane lipid peroxidation. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that PuWRKY22 activates expression of the ABA receptor gene Ptr.PYL4 (Potri.006G104100.v4.1), which regulates stomatal closure to minimize water loss. Consistent with this, stomatal observations and photosynthetic measurements demonstrated that PuWRKY22 enhances drought tolerance by protecting photosystem II and preserving chlorophyll content. Collectively, this study elucidates the molecular mechanism by which PuWRKY22 enhances drought resistance in woody plants through ABA signaling, providing a foundation for breeding drought-tolerant forest species. Full article

Monitoring the development of greenhouse crops is essential for optimising yield and ensuring the efficient use of resources. A system for monitoring hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivation under greenhouse conditions using computer vision has been developed. This system is based on open-source automation software installed on a single-board computer. It integrates various temperature and humidity sensors and surveillance cameras, automating image capture. Hemp seeds of the Tiborszallasi variety were sown. After germination, plants were transplanted into pots. Five specimens were selected for growth monitoring by image analysis. A surveillance camera was placed in front of each plant. Different approaches were applied to analyse growth during the early stages: two traditional computer vision techniques and a deep learning algorithm. An average growth rate of 2.9 cm/day was determined, corresponding to 1.43 mm/°C day. A mean MAE value of 1.36 cm was obtained, and the results of the three approaches were very similar. After the first growth stage, the plants were subjected to water stress. An algorithm successfully identified healthy and stressed plants and also detected different stress levels, with an accuracy of 97%. These results demonstrate the system’s potential to provide objective and quantitative information on plant growth and physiological status. Full article

The rational design of functional and sustainable polymers is central to addressing global environmental challenges. In this context, unmodified lignin derived from Sarkanda grass (Tripidium bengalense), an abundant agro-industrial lignocellulosic byproduct, was systematically investigated as a natural polymeric adsorbent for the remediation of aqueous media contaminated with heavy metals. The study evaluates lignin’s behavior toward nine metal(loid) ions: arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, nickel, lead, and zinc. Adsorption performance was systematically investigated under static batch conditions, optimizing key parameters, with equilibrium and kinetic data modeled using established isotherms and rate equations. Surface characterization and seed germination bioassays provided supporting evidence. Unmodified Sarkanda grass lignin demonstrated effective adsorption, exhibiting a clear preference for Cu(II) followed by other divalent cations, with lower capacities for As(III) and Cr(VI). Adsorption kinetics consistently followed a pseudo-second-order model, indicating chemisorption as the dominant mechanism. Thermodynamic studies revealed spontaneous and endothermic processes. Bioassays confirmed significant reduction in aqueous toxicity and strong metal sequestration. This work positions unmodified Sarkanda grass lignin as a bio-based, low-cost polymer platform for emerging water treatment technologies, contributing to circular bioeconomy goals and highlighting the potential of natural polymers in sustainable materials design. Full article

Halophytes are salt-tolerant plants with ethnomedicinal value and growing potential in food and cosmetics; their adaptability to extreme conditions makes them promising candidates for sustainable agriculture and crop development in salt-affected areas. In vitro plant tissue culture further supports this by enabling resilient plant production in the face of climate and food security challenges. In this study, in vitro cultures of two medicinal halophytes from the genus Plantago (P. coronopus and P. crassifolia) were established to optimize their micropropagation protocol. Seed germination percentages, growth parameters, micropropagation rates, rooting efficiency, and physiological condition were evaluated. Growth media (modified MS medium) differed in the type of cytokinin. The seed germination efficiency was monitored at weekly intervals for 8 weeks, and other growth parameters were evaluated in 6- and 12-week cultures. Differences in both the rate and efficiency of in vitro germination between the two species were observed, with approximately 73% germination reached by P. coronopus and 47% by P. crassifolia after 4 weeks, and 80% and 53% after 8 weeks, respectively. The addition of 0.5 mg dm⁻³ kinetin plus 0.5 mg dm⁻³ IAA (indole acetic acid) proved to be effective in promoting growth in P. coronopus, resulting in longer plantlets and higher multiplication rates, while the addition of meta-topolin (mT) was a better stimulator of shoot and root growth in P. crassifolia. The highest multiplication coefficient, 6.22 for P. coronopus and 4.90 for P. crassifolia, was obtained on the P1 medium for both species. Importantly, medium with mT also had a stimulating effect on rooting in both species over the long term (12-week culture). The developed PTC enables efficient propagation and trait selection in halophytes, supporting sustainable large-scale production of the studied Plantago species, and facilitating future research on salt stress tolerance. Full article