The initiation of radicle growth during seed germination may be driven by solute accumulation and increased turgor pressure, by cell wall relaxation, or by weakening of tissues surrounding the embryo. To investigate these possibilities, imbibition kinetics, water contents, and water (Psi) and solute (psi(s)) potentials of intact muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) seeds, decoated seeds (testa removed, ...

From a biomechanical perspective, the completion of seed (and fruit) germination depends on the balance of two opposing forces: the growth potential of the embryonic axis (radicle-hypocotyl growth zone) and the restraint of the seed-covering layers (endosperm, testa, and pericarp). The diverse seed tissues are composite materials which differ in their dynamic properties based on their distinct ...

In order to evaluate effect of salinity on germination and early seedling growth of lentils a laboratory experiment was conducted at Biotech Research Center of the University of Zabol, in 2011. The experimental design was a completely randomized with five NaCl solution, together with seven replicates. The seeds were germinated in Petri dishes, on with 10 mL of either double-distilled water (con...

Endo-beta-mannanase (EC 3.2.1.78) is involved in hydrolysis of the mannan-rich cell walls of the tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) endosperm during germination and post-germinative seedling growth. Different electrophoretic isoforms of endo-beta-mannanase are expressed sequentially in different parts of the endosperm, initially in the micropylar endosperm cap covering the radicle tip and s...

The objective of this paper was to evaluate the effect of nitric oxide (NO) as a protecting agent of sesame seeds submitted to different concentrations of cadmium. The treatments were: water (control), water increased by sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and other treatments regarding the concentrations of cadmium increased by SNP. The following determinations were done: germination, first count of ge...

BOA (2-benzoxazolinone) is a potent phytotoxin present in several graminaceous crops such as rye, maize and wheat. Due to its wide range of phytotoxicity, it is considered as a potential pesticide. A study was conducted to explore the impact of BOA on the radicle and plumule elongation of mung bean (Phaseolus aureus) and associated changes in the macromolecular content - proteins and carbohydra...

Orobanche crenata is a holoparasitic plant that is potentially devastating to crop yield of legume species. Soil temperature and humidity are known to affect seed germination, however, the extent of their influence on germination and radicle growth of those of O. crenata is largely unknown. In this work, we studied the effects of temperature, water potential (Ψt) and the type of water stress (m...