حسين محمد كعيم

Q1 Abstract This study aimed to determine the optimal water, temperature, and density conditions, alongside antifungal treatments, for pea (Pisum sativum L.) germination in a laboratory setting, with implications for research, breeding, and microgreen production. Germination and early seedling growth were assessed across various temperatures (5 °C to 40 °C), water levels (0–14 mL per Petri dish), seed densities (5, 7, 9, and 11 seeds per Petri dish), and antifungal treatments (Hypo and Bordeaux mixture). The results indicated that optimal germination occurred between 15 °C and 25 °C, with peak performance at 25 °C. Water levels between 7 and 11 mL per 9 cm diameter Petri dish supported robust root and shoot development, while minimal water levels initiated germination but did not sustain growth. Five seeds per Petri dish was optimal for healthy development, whereas higher densities led to increased competition and variable outcomes. Antifungal treatments showed slight improvements in germination and growth, though differences were not statistically significant compared to controls. The study’s novelty lies in its holistic approach to evaluating multiple factors affecting pea germination, offering practical guidelines for enhancing germination rates and seedling vigor. These findings support efficient and resilient crop production systems adaptable to varying environmental conditions, contributing to sustainable agriculture and food security. Future research should explore these factors in field settings and across different pea cultivars to validate and refine the recommendations.

Q1 Abstract Abiotic variables are crucial for seed germination and seedling development. In the present work, we attempted to determine the optimal conditions (temperature, water, seed density, and fungal growth) for sunflower seed development (Helianthus annus L. Larissza). The germination of sunflower seeds was investigated under controlled conditions at eight consistent temperatures: 5 °C, 10 °C, 15 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C, 30 °C, 35 °C, and 40 °C. For the water test, there were 12 water levels based on one-milliliter intervals and 18 water levels based on thousand kernel weight (TKW). In addition, four seed densities (6, 8, 10, and 12) and two antifungal application techniques (sterilization and growing medium) were examined. The results showed that temperature has a significant effect on seed germination, germination timing, and seedling development. Temperatures between 15 and 35 degrees Celsius were optimal for germination, with 25 degrees Celsius being the optimal temperature for significant germination and seedling development. Beginning at 0.6 mL, or 125% of the TKW, sunflower seeds can germinate under a wide range of water availability. The optimal range for seedling development (8.2–11.4) is wider than the optimal range for dry matter accumulation, which is 5.8–8.2 mL or 1000–1625% of the TKW. The finding that a density of 10 to 12 seeds per 9 cm Petri dish demonstrates the most exceptional values is advantageous for future research and breeding projects, particularly when seeds are scarce. Seed priming is a more effective antifungal application technique than other techniques.

Q1 Abstract Seed germination and seedling growth are highly sensitive to deficit moisture and temperature stress. This study was designed to investigate barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) seeds’ germination and seedling growth under conditions of abiotic stresses. Constant temperature levels of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 °C were used for the germination test. Drought and waterlogging stresses using 30 different water levels were examined using two methods: either based at 1 milliliter intervals or, on the other hand, as percentages of thousand kernel weight (TKW). Seedling density in a petri dish and antifungal application techniques were also investigated. Temperature significantly impacted germination time and seedling development with an ideal range of 15–20 °C, with a more comprehensive range to 10 °C. Higher temperatures reversely affected germination percentage, and the lower ones affected the germination and seedling growth rate. Germination commenced at 130% water of the TKW, and the ideal water range for seedling development was greater and more extensive than the range for germination, which means there is a difference between the starting point for germination and the seedling development. Seed size define germination water requirements and provides an objective and more precise basis suggesting an optimal range supply of 720% and 1080% of TKW for barley seedling development. A total of 10 seeds per 9 cm petri dish may be preferable over greater densities. The techniques of priming seeds with an antifungal solution (Bordóilé or Hypo) or antifungal application at even 5 ppm in the media significantly prevented fungal growth. This study is novel regarding the levels and types of abiotic stresses, the crop, the experimental and measurement techniques, and in comparison to the previous studies

Q1 Abstract The seed germination and seedling growth of rapeseed are crucial stages in plant life, especially when facing abiotic stresses. In the present work, the effects of water and temperature on seed germination and seedling growth were investigated in a rapeseed crop (Brassica napus L.). The plants were examined under different temperature levels (5 °C, 10 °C, 15 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C, 30 °C, and 35 °C) and water levels (twenty-nine levels based on either one-milliliter intervals or as a percentage of the thousand-kernel weight (TKW)). Moreover, planting densities and antifungal application techniques were investigated in the study. The findings demonstrated substantial variations between all the growth parameters investigated at all the tested temperatures, and 20 °C was considered the optimum within a broad range of 15–25 °C. Water availability plays a significant role in germination, which can be initiated at 0.65 mL, corresponding to 500% of the TKW. The method of TKW is a more accurate aspect of water application because of the consideration of the seed weight and size. The optimal water range for the accumulation of dry weight, 3.85–5.9 mL (2900–4400% of TKW), was greater than that required for seedling growth, 1.45–3.05 mL (1100–2300% of TKW). Twenty to twenty-five seeds per 9 cm Petri dish exhibited the most outstanding values compared to the others, which provides an advantage in breeding programs, especially when there are seed limitations. Seed priming is a more effective antifungal application strategy. These data can be incorporated into future rapeseed germination in vitro studies, breeding programs, and sowing date predictions.

Nitrogen (N) is one of the most essential nutrients affecting the yield and quality of maize (Zea mays L.). A field experiment was conducted at the experimental plot of the Department of Agronomy, The Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Hungary, to investigate the effect of nitrogen fertilisation on the yield and quality of maize. The experimental site included four observation plots with a net of 2 × 5 m size. Four N levels of T1, T2, T3, and T4 were sprayed at indicated plants in four replications according to treatment viz. 0, 50, 100, and 150 kg N ha-1. Nitrogen application in general does not significantly affect maize yield, its components, or grain quality. However, out of the four N treatments, the optimal N application between 50-100 kg N ha-1 potentially increased the yield, also the total expression of protein and starch contents in maize can be achieved with the right amount of N fertiliser, indicating that the treatment could produce a high grain yield as well as high protein and starch contents. Good N fertilising practice will boost the maize's nutritional value and make it more significant in the agriculture in the future. In addition, more research and assessment are essential to acquire the most benefit from the effect of optimal N application on maize yield and quality, and the findings could be beneficial to researchers and growers.

Q1 Abstract Temperature and moisture are essential factors in germination and seedling growth. The purpose of this research was to assess the germination and growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seeds under various abiotic stressors. It was conducted in the Agronomy Institute of the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gödöllő, Hungary. Six distinct temperature levels were used: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 °C. Stresses of drought and waterlogging were quantified using 25 water levels based on single-milliliter intervals and as a percentage based on thousand kernel weight (TKW). Seedling density was also tested. Temperature significantly influenced germination duration and seedling development. 20 °C was ideal with optimal range of 15 °C to less than 25 °C. Germination occurred at water amount of 75% of the TKW, and its ideal range was lower and narrower than the range for seedling development. Seed size provided an objective basis for defining germination water requirements. The current study established an optimal water supply range for wheat seedling growth of 525–825 percent of the TKW. Fifteen seeds within a 9 cm Petri dish may be preferred to denser populations.

Q1 Abstract Germination and seedling development are essential stages in a plant’s life cycle, greatly influenced by temperature and moisture conditions. The aim of this study was to determine maize (Zea mays L.) seeds’ germination and seedling development under various abiotic stresses. Eight different temperature levels, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 °C, were used. Drought and waterlogging stresses were tested using 30 water levels based on one-milliliter intervals and as percentages of thousand kernel weight (TKW) at 20 and 25 °C. Seedling density and the use of antifungals were also examined. Temperature significantly affected germination duration and seedling growth, and 20 °C was found to be ideal with an optimal range of less than 30 °C. Germination occurred at 25% of the TKW. The optimal water range for seedling growth was higher and broader than the range for germination. Seed size assisted in defining germination water requirements and providing an accurate basis. The present research established an optimum water supply range of 150–325% of the TKW for maize seedling development. A total of 6 seeds per 9 cm Petri dish may be preferable over greater densities. The technique of priming seeds with an antifungal solution before planting was observed to have a better effect than applying it in the growth media.

In wheat, Triticum aestivum L., tiller production and survival determine final spike number and play very important roles in grain yield formation. This field trial aimed to investigate the genetic and physiological basis of tillers production and its effect on grain yield components. The growth patterns of wheat were controlled by water stress and catalytic stress with fertilizers and treatment time for different varieties. Tillers numbers were decline in most of the planted wheat varieties, which led to a slight reduction in the final grain yield. Wheat with lower tillers numbers intended to produce a higher quantity of grain yield. They also are efficient in water and fertilizer usage. Water stress presents no effect on grain yield in the main stem and also on plants with limited tillers number. 87% to 100% of the wheat grain is produced by the main stem and T1 and T2. Wheat varieties that produce limited tillers are capable of achieving relatively high yield in drought conditions and less fertilization without sacrificing optimal yield under optimum conditions. This because of the heavier grains, rather than increasing the number of tillers. This coincides with a statistical increase in the ratio of protein and water consumption. Fertilizers, especially nitrogen, play a key role in tillers formation if they applied at the right time. Farmers can utilize nitrogen application time according to what they desire in their field if there want more or fewer tillers formation with consideration to the quality of grain yield. © 2020 Plant Archives. All rights reserved.

Abstract Drought and salinity is a constraint to sustainable agricultural production and is likely to further increase. Many adaptations and mitigation strategies are required to cope with these stresses and to meet the desired production. This two years field study aims to investigate the best alternative water quality for agricultural purposes to face water shortage and to find out the most salinity tolerant wheat cultivars under different resources of irrigation water conditions using tolerance and sensitivity parameters. Five wheat varieties were grown: Rasheed, Bahooth22, Latifa, Abha99 and Tamoze2 and irrigated with four different aquatic qualities: fresh river water, well water, treated sewage water and drainage water with three replicates. Tolerance of cultivar (TOL), yield index (YI), yield stability index (YSI), stress tolerance index (STI) and stress susceptible index (SSI) were tested. Vegetative and yield parameters significantly increased under sewage water irrigation compared to fresh river water and decreased highly under well water and moderately under drainage water. Sewage water significantly resulted in the highest mean of grain yield (601.0 g.m-2) and well water had the least (460.8 g.m-2) and (590.0 and 515.7 g.m-2) under fresh river water and drainage water, respectively. Tamoze2 resulted in the highest grain yield under different aquatic qualities. It is the most tolerable cultivar since it had the highest STI (1.632) and the least SSI(0.024) values. Yield reduction in Tamoze cultivar irrigated with well water (the most salinized water) was the least (7.3%). Sewage water metals are within the permitted natural limits that do not cause soil and plant pollution.Either of well water and drainage water can be used for sustainable agriculture purposes along with tolerant varieties under successful soil management and exchange irrigation system when the availability of fresh river water.

Abstract Damping-off disease, caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani, is one of the most important diseases of cucumber plant and causes significant yield losses. R. solani possess some characters, such as wide host range and unlimited survival in soil, that make it as pathogen one of the most difficult agents to control. Therefore, the research for finding a biocontrol agent against this disease will be valuable. Two species of mycorrhizal fungi Glomus mosseae and Glomus clarum were evaluated against R. solani on cucumber plants. Mycorrhiza inoculated plants with both species showed a significant reduction in disease severity (DS), 21% and 25%, respectively, whereas the disease severity was 65% for non-inoculated plants. Furthermore, the effects of mycorrhizal fungi were evaluated on growth parameters of cucumber plants. Plants inoculated with both species of mycorrhizal fungi showed a significant increase in both shoot dry weight and root dry weight compared with noninoculated plants. It is concluded that both mycorrhiza species could be an important tool to control some soil-borne pathogens, increase plant nutrients absorption and increase resistance to abiotic stresses.

Abstract The effects of different concentrations of sewage water (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) on soil chemical properties and growth performance, biomass and nutrient accumulation of maize (Zea mays) and barley (Hordeum vulgare) crops grown under nursery conditions were examined for couple successive seasons. The study conducted according to the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. Maximum growth was observed in the 50, 75 and 100% concentration of sewage water application. Biomass (g/plant) and plant height (cm) and dry weight (g/plant) of the maize and barley seedlings treated with sewage water (50%) showed a significant increase over the control. The electrical conductivity of soil increases with an increase in the concentration of sewage for both seasons. It increased significantly at the concentration of 100% as compared to the control treatment. Soil interaction value remains close to the equivalence point and does not significantly affected. At the 75 and 100% concentration of sewage water, the accumulation of heavy metals increases. However, all these metals are within the permitted natural limits and do not reach the critical or toxic limits that cause soil and plant pollution.