Optimization of Germination Inhibitors Elimination from Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Seeds of Different Maturity Classes

Abstract

Endogenous inhibitors have a crucial effect on the success of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) seed germination. The strength of this effect changes during seed maturation, and washing away these inhibitors can facilitate germination. Investigation of various washing factors such as water-to-seed ratio, stirring time, and speed of stirring on a mixed-maturity lot of sugar beet seeds revealed the significant effect of the interaction of all factors. Seeds with different maturity classes, from the same lot, were washed using procedures determined from the first experiment. Statistical analysis of the germination data of the washed seeds showed a significant difference in mean germination time depending on maturity class. Washing seeds of different maturity classes with 40 mL of water per gram of seed improved the germination performance of maturity classes 2 and 5, compared with 20 mL water per gram of seed. The UV absorbance of inhibitors washed from seeds differed between maturity classes. The change in seed moisture content during the washing process is another factor altered by the extent of seed development, and this variation in water uptake may reflect the pericarp structure of seed in different maturity classes. The findings in this manuscript highlight the importance of optimizing the pre-treatment procedures in accordance with the individual seed lot.

Impact of sugar beet seed priming using the SMP method on the properties of the pericarp

“…At the same interval time, the low level of vigour increased the pericarp water content and decreased the water content in the seeds, whereas in the case of the water potential, the low vigour of the seeds was associated with the lower water potential value of the pericarp and seeds. Relationship between fruits water absorption and fruit maturity was also shown by Snyder [34] and Salini and Boelt [32] who observed a higher water content in immature fruits. The water content and water potential of the pericarp and seeds were correlated by the electrical conductivity of the aqueous extracts.…”

From Emergence to Flowering: Four Beet (Beta vulgaris ssp.) Cultivars’ Phenological Response to Seed Priming

“…Seeds of each cultivar were washed separately by soaking in water, using a magnetic stirrer for aeration. The washing process lasted 4 h and 40 mL sterile distilled water per gram of seed was used, with a stirring speed of 400 rpm [44]. Seeds were dried back to their initial weight overnight in a laminar flow hood to become ready for the priming procedure.…”

The Use of Multispectral Imaging and Single Seed and Bulk Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Characterize Seed Covering Structures: Methods and Applications in Seed Testing and Research

“…This process alters the outer surface structure of sugar beet seed [2]. MSI can detect changes in surface color and reflectance during maturation in sugar beet seed [62], and the study verified a concomitant increase in the content of phenolic compounds. Removal of the pericarp by polishing is another approach for the removal of inhibitory compounds.…”