<i>Capsicum annuum</i> L. var. <i>glabriusculum</i> is a semi-domesticated species of economic importance; however, its establishment in commercial plantations has been hampered by the low germination and emergence rates of its seeds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the fruit ripening stage on seed germination and seedling emergence in <i>C. annuum</i> var. <i>glabriusculum</i>. Seeds were extracted from fruits with six different ripening stages. The evaluated traits were the germination and emergence percentages, germination and emergence rates, and 17 physical traits of the seeds. According to the results, seeds extracted from red, orange, and pinto fruits presented better germination and seedling emergence percentages (85, 86, and 82% and 95, 93, and 94%, respectively). A principal component analysis showed that some differences in the physical traits of the seed were associated with the fruit ripening stages and seed development. A canonical discriminant analysis showed a high correlation between the fruit ripening stages and the physical and physiological characteristics of the seed, allowing the formation of four groups. The fruit ripening stages (pinto, orange, and red) influence the germination of the seeds and the emergence of the seedlings of <i>C. annuum</i> L. var. <i>glabriusculum</i>, so obtaining seeds from physiologically ripe fruits allows for obtaining seeds of better quality.

Plastic pollution is a global concern due to its adverse environmental effects. Plastic production and consumption have continued to rise and are expected to double by 2050. Plastic disposal and degradation produce small particles of plastic—less than 5 mm—that can accumulate, infiltrate, or travel through soil, air, water, plants, and the environment. Healthy soil is a system in sync with good physical, chemical, and biological properties capable of supporting life. There is enough research to show the effects of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments; however, much is unclear about the effects of MPs on soil and food systems. To address this knowledge gap, two replicated germination experiments were conducted under a controlled environment in a germination chamber at the Water School Lab, Florida Gulf Coast University. The objective of this study was to determine the germination percentage (GP), mean germination time (MGT) and germination index (GI) of alfalfa seeds (<i>Medicago sativa</i>-VNS (variety not stated)) when germinated under two types of MP-treated soils: (1) fiber-fill plastic (FF) at 0.2% and 1% concentration and (2) plastic packaging (PP) at 0.2% and 1% concentration. The experiments were conducted in the germination chamber for 30 days at optimum germination temperatures of 25/18 °C day/night, with a 12-h photoperiod. The physical (texture, structure), chemical (pH, EC, moisture content (MC), and biological (microorganisms count) properties of the soil were analyzed in the laboratory to understand the impact of MPs on soil properties. In conclusion, our research shows MPs have minimal impacts on germination. Soil pH and MC (moisture content) decreased while EC increased across all treatments, and soil texture was negligibly altered. Microbial communities grew significantly across all treatments, showing that MPs can stimulate bacterial growth.

Seeds are exposed to various physical and biological stress during germination. Water uptake plays a major role in germination as it determines the permeability of the seed coat. To enhance seed coat permeability during germination, various technologies have been adopted. Among them, cold plasma technology has emerged as a developing and environmentally sustainable physical seed treatment method. Cold plasma, a non-destructive method using partially ionized gas with reactive species, offers benefits such as seed disinfection, pathogen elimination, enhanced seed metabolism and improved germination. However, challenges related to adaptability, cost-effectiveness and standardization remains. Ongoing research is needed to optimize its use for various seed types and conditions. Addressing these challenges requires continuous research and development to optimize cold plasma treatment for various seed types and environmental conditions. This paper provides the underlying mechanisms of cold plasma effects on seeds, highlighting its potential to expertise seed treatment practices for sustainable agriculture. Thus, cold plasma technology points as a promising avenue for enhancing seed quality, disease management and crop productivity in agriculture. By standardizing various treatments with cold plasma, it is possible to meet the challenges of the 21st century thereby minimizing the environmental impact and pave the way for sustainable agriculture, while making it efficient for commercial scale.

The article provides information on the results of a study on the volume of physical parameters of seeds obtained from seed fruits when growing squash varieties Orbita and Viridi from seedlings and non-seedlings, their germination energy and germination. The aim of the research is to establish the influence of seedling and seedless methods of cultivation of squash in different terms on the qualitative characteristics of seeds. According to the results of measurements of seeds of courgette varieties Orbita and Viridi in longitudinal and cross sections, it was found that when grown by seedling method seeds are longer (Orbita – 19.05 mm, Viridi – 14.04 mm), wider (Orbita – 9.33 mm, Viridi – 8.30 mm) and thicker (Orbita – 2.98 mm, Viridi – 2.40 mm). It was found that the highest germination energy (81%) and high seed germination (98%) were possessed by seeds of the variety Orbita grown on 1 April, and those of the variety Viridi grown by the seedling method on 1 April and 10 April (energy-79% and germination 97%). Seeds obtained from the seedling less method also had relatively high germination energy 78–79% and germination 97%.

Pulses is the common term that refers to the edible seeds of the legume plant. Pulses belong to the family Fabaceae and include various crops like blackgram, green gram, peas, beans and lentils etc. They are cultivated primarily for human consumption, livestock forage and silage. Pulses are of great economic and environmental importance as they contribute to the soil ecosystem by fixing nitrogen and have high fibre and protein content. Pulses are considered as an essential source of plant-based protein. The primary disadvantage of pulse crops is their decreased productivity. The low productivity of pulse crops can be attributed to several factors. Amongst them, the hard seed coat is a significant factor. Cost-effective seed invigoration treatments are recommended to overcome the above problem in commercial seed production centres. Seed invigoration techniques are becoming more popular to increase the planting value of pulse crops and boost seed vigour. In this review, various physical treatments for pulse seeds, viz., Hot water treatment, scarification, magnetictreatment, plasma treatment and irradiation treatment, are discussed for the adoption of techniques to overcome the hardness of seed coat and boost productivity in pulse crop. Amongst all the treatments, plasma treatment is considered eco-friendly and induces germination by breaking dormancy associated with the seed coat of pulse crop.

ABSTRACT Wild lentil genotypes are a valuable resource for genetic diversity, but their scientific study and utilization in breeding programs have been hampered by traits such as crossability barriers and seed dormancy. To make wild lentil genotypes more accessible for further exploration, we investigated the effect of different seed scarification techniques plus the abscisic acid (ABA) analog, ABA‐1019 on breaking dormancy and seed germination release in seven lentil genotypes and 54 accessions (lines). Dormancy was alleviated by scarification with or without the addition of chemical substances but germination release was dependent on lentil genotypes/accessions and seed coat manipulations. ABA‐1019 functions as an antagonist to native ABA, thereby blocking the ABA‐induced delay in germination. ABA‐1019 significantly increased germination and seedling emergence rates compared to the water and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) controls. DMSO increased germination rates and indices in some lentil genotypes compared to water control. ABA‐1019 also had a positive effect on shortening the time to germination, emergence, and flowering, which is of particular interest when developing inbred populations or advancing lines to increase homogeneity. Our results indicate that combinational (physical and physiological) dormancy exist in some lentil accessions.

<i>Parrotia subaequalis</i>, an endangered plant unique to China, is highly valued for its significant ecological and ornamental value. The specific type of seed dormancy in this species has not been clearly reported, which limits its natural regeneration and artificial propagation, posing a challenge to its conservation and sustainable use. To address this, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the seed dormancy mechanism of <i>P. subaequalis</i> and explored various methods to break dormancy, including cold and warm stratification, after-ripening, seed coat removal, and hormone soaking. Our analysis of the seeds’ physical properties, water absorption patterns, seed coat structure, embryo development, and endogenous inhibitors revealed that <i>P. subaequalis</i> seeds exhibit complex characteristics of physical and non-deep physiological dormancy. Experimental results showed that soaking the seeds in gibberellin (GA₃) followed by seed coat removal effectively promoted germination. The optimal GA₃ concentration for germination was 800 mg·L⁻¹. Additionally, cold and warm stratification and after-ripening treatments significantly increased the germination percentage. These findings provide important technical support for dormancy release and seedling growth, which is crucial for the artificial propagation and population recovery of <i>P. subaequalis</i>.

Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina. Facultad de Agronomía. Departamento Académico de Fitotecnia | Esta investigación consistió en tres ensayos con el objetivo de describir y evaluar las características físicas del fruto, las características físicas y características germinativas de la semilla de cuatro genotipos de cacao (Theobroma cacao L.), los cuales fueron CCN – 51, UF – 613, CSI – 95 y CMP – 15, provenientes de Tingo María, específicamente del caserío Isla Huayranga, de la finca del agricultor Saulo Vela. Los tres ensayos se realizaron en el Laboratorio de Semillas del Departamento Académico de Fitotecnia de la Facultad de Agronomía – UNALM. Para el análisis estadístico se usó el Diseño Completamente al Azar (DCA) y para la comparación de medias se usó la prueba de Tukey. El ensayo 1: Características físicas del fruto consistió en la evaluación de cuatro descriptores morfológicos cualitativos, observándose que la forma del fruto fue del tipo angoleta, la forma del ápice fue variable, la constricción basal fue entre suave e intermedio y la rugosidad de la cáscara fue entre intermedia y áspera; y, 14 características físicas, las cuales presentaron diferencias estadísticas altamente significativas, sobresaliendo el genotipo CCN – 51. El ensayo 2: Características físicas de la semilla consistió en la evaluación nueve características físicas, las cuales presentaron diferencias estadísticas altamente significativas, sobresaliendo los genotipos ICS – 95 y UF – 613. El ensayo 3: Características germinativas de la semilla consistió en la evaluación del peso de la semilla, largo de la radícula de la semilla, porcentaje de germinación y del índice de (IVG) velocidad de germinación. El genotipo CMP – 15 destacó por obtener el 100 % de germinación en el cuarto día de evaluación, al igual que su IVG que fue de 25; además, presentó el mayor largo de radícula, 48.75 mm. | This research consisted of three trials with the objective of determining and evaluating the physical characteristics of the fruit, the physical characteristics and germination characteristics of the seed of four cocoa genotypes (Theobroma cacao L.), which were CCN – 51, UF – 613, CSI – 95 and CMP – 15, from Tingo María, specifically from the Isla Huayranga hamlet, from the farm of the farmer Saulo Vela. The three trials were carried out in the Seed Laboratory of the Academic Department of Plant Science of the Faculty of Agronomy – UNALM. For the statistical analysis, the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used and for the comparison of means the Tukey test was used. Essay 1: Physical characteristics of the fruit consisted of the evaluation of four qualitative morphological descriptors, observing that the shape of the fruit was of the neck type, the shape of the apex was variable, the basal constriction was between smooth and intermediate and the roughness of the shell was between intermediate and rough; and 14 physical characteristics, which presented highly significant statistical differences, standing out the genotype CCN - 51. Essay 2: Physical characteristics of the seed consisted of the evaluation of nine physical characteristics, which presented highly significant statistical differences, standing out the genotypes ICS - 95 and UF - 613. Essay 3: Germination characteristics of the seed consisted of the evaluation of the weight of the seed, length of the seed radicle, germination percentage and the germination speed index (IVG). The CMP – 15 genotypes stood out for obtaining 100% germination on the fourth day of evaluation, as well as its IVG, which was 25; in addition, it had the longest radicle length, 48.75 mm.

Adansonia digitata L. is a large tree with diverse socioeconomic and ecological benefits in the dryland ecosystems. Despite its significance, the natural habitat and its survival are under threat, particularly manifested by the poor regeneration and lack of juvenile individuals. Domestication and cultivation of this key species requires understanding of its seed germination ecology. This study characterizes the fruit morphology, examines seed quality parameters and determines the best pre-sowing treatments for optimum seed germination of Adansonia digitata. The International Seed Test Association’s (ISTA) standards were used for the seed quality parameter tests. Further, the germination experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications of five pre-sowing treatments (control, H2SO4, nicking, cold water and hot water). Adansonia digitata from the Metema provenance exhibit variations in the fruit morphological traits with mean values of 20.11 ± 3.24cm length, 10.71 ± 1.49cm width, 316.8 ± 112.17g weight, 123.03 ± 53.61g seed weight, 30.49 ± 11.25g pulp weight, and 194.43 ± 102.53 seeds per fruit. Furthermore, the viability, purity, and moisture content of Adansonia digitata seeds were 94 ± 0.02%, 95.5 ± 0.71% and 5.63 ± 0.11%, respectively. Regarding the thousands seed weight, 1978–1995 seeds were contained in a kilogram of pure Adansonia digitata seed. Thus, from 1875 to1919, seedlings could be produced from one kilogram of pure A. digitata seeds. The germination trial revealed that Adansonia digitata seeds have a strong dormancy problem, depicted by no (0%) germination in 45 days with the controlled group and 3.75 ± 2.5% with the cold water pre-sowing treatment. Statistically significant variation (P = 0.001) was observed in Adansonia digitata seed germination percentage, germination index, germination mean time, and germination period among the tested pre-sowing treatments. Nicking resulted in the highest germination (91.25 ± 4.8%), followed by H2SO4 (85 ± 5.8%) and hot water pre-sowing treatment (35 ± 4.1%). However, the cold water pre-sowing treatment gave the lowest germination result. Generally, the study highlighted the strong physical dormancy of Adansonia digitata seeds, which resulted from the hard seed coat. Hence, nicking is recommended as the best pre-sowing treatment for enhanced germination of Adansonia digitata. The findings of the current study have implications for the conservation and domestication efforts of this tree species and consequently, for the promotion of its ecological and economical benefits.

<i>Eryngium foetidum</i> is a promising crop for diversifying agriculture and supporting sustainable development through nutrient-rich unconventional foods. However, limited knowledge about its seed viability and post-harvest management hinders its commercial scalability. This study explored the effects of post-harvest resting treatments on seed quality and vigor, assessing seeds from whole plants, aerial parts, floral spikes, and umbels after 7 and 14 days of resting. Key metrics included seed yield, purity, moisture content, germination, and vigor were assessed. Results showed that seeds retained on whole plants achieved the highest physical purity (72.2%). Seeds that rested for 7 days exhibited higher germination rates (59%), faster germination (mean germination time of 17 days), and improved seedling establishment (70% emergence) compared to seeds that rested for longer durations. These outcomes highlight the importance of specific post-harvest conditions for optimizing assimilate redistribution enhancing seed quality and seedling performance. This research bridges a critical gap in post-harvest management knowledge for <i>E. foetidum</i>, offering practical insights to improve cultivation practices and promote its adoption as a strategic crop. The findings align with global efforts to advance sustainable and innovative agroecosystems. Further studies under diverse environmental conditions and harvest times are recommended to validate these results and support large-scale implementation.