Search Results (307)

Germination is widely recognized as an effective strategy to enhance the nutritional quality and reduce anti-nutritional factors in plant foods. This study evaluated the impact of germination on Cruciferous vegetables (family Cruciferae or Brassicaceae) broccoli and kale by assessing changes in proximate composition, macro- and microelement profiles, total and individual polyphenols, phytic acid content, antimicrobial activity, and structural characteristics using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Small- and Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS/WAXS) analyses. Germination significantly increased protein content (30.33% in broccoli sprouts and 30.21% in kale sprouts), total phenolic content (424.40 mg/100 g in broccoli sprouts and 497.94 mg/100 g in kale sprouts), and essential minerals, while reducing phytic acid levels in both species (up to 82.20%). Antimicrobial effects were matrix-dependent, being detected in broccoli and kale seed powders, while no inhibitory activity was observed for the corresponding sprout powders under the tested conditions. FTIR spectra indicated notable modifications in functional groups related to carbohydrates, proteins, and phenolic compounds, while SAXS analysis revealed structural reorganizations at the nanoscale. Overall, germination improved the nutritional and phytochemical quality of broccoli and kale while decreasing anti-nutritional compounds, highlighting its potential to enhance the health-promoting value of Brassica sprouts. Full article

Plasma-activated water (PAW) has gained attention across agricultural, medical, cosmetic, and sterilization fields due to its production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS). Although PAW has been primarily explored for seed germination and sterilization in agriculture, its role as a nutrient source and physiological regulator remains less understood. In this study, PAW generated by a surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) system contained approximately 1000 ppm nitrate (NO₃⁻) and was designated as PAW1000. Diluted PAW solutions were applied to sprout crops—wheat (Triticum aestivum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), radish (Raphanus sativus), and broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica)—grown under hydroponic and soil-based conditions. PAW100 and PAW200 treatments enhanced growth, increasing fresh biomass by up to 26%, shoot length by 22%, and root length by 18%, depending on the species. In silico analysis identified nitrogen-responsive transcripts among several autophagy-related genes. Consistent with this, fluorescence microscopy of Arabidopsis thaliana GFP-StATG8 lines revealed increased autophagosome formation following PAW treatment. The growth-promoting effect of PAW was diminished in atg4 mutants, indicating that autophagy contributes to plant responses to PAW-derived ROS and RNS. Together, these findings demonstrate that diluted PAW generated by SDBD enhances biomass accumulation in sprout crops, and that autophagy plays a regulatory role in mediating PAW-induced physiological responses. Full article

Introduction: A 3D endothelial spheroid model expressing mosaic gain-of-function KRAS mutations was established to further understand the molecular changes associated with sporadic brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Methods: Repellent 96-well U-bottom plates were seeded with human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells and resultant spheroids transduced with recombinant adeno-associated virus expressing KRAS^G12V. Spheroids were monitored using live-cell imaging for extended culture periods. Results: In the early growth period, KRAS^G12V expression increased spheroid growth rates and enhanced spheroid sprouting on gel matrices consistent with known AVM characteristics. With extended culture, novel endothelial characteristics were observed. KRAS^G12V-expressing spheroids displayed dynamic blebbing associated with the formation of rounded, hypertrophic cells disposed to engage in spheroid escape. These cells displayed reduced cell–cell adherence with rapid plasma membrane blebbing characteristic of amoeboid-like migration and mesenchymal-to-amoeboid transition. Spheroid growth and blebbing were reversed with MEK and mTOR inhibitors; Rho/ROCK inhibition specifically targeted the blebbing phenotype. Conclusions: Endothelial spheroids expressing KRAS^G12V exhibit characteristic features associated with abnormal vessel development in brain AVMs as well as novel phenotypes not previously observed in 2D monolayers. The ability to extend culture periods in this simple 3D model may allow further phenotypic exploration of important AVM driver mutations. Full article

This study evaluated the effect of different sprouting methods on the morphological traits, pigmentation, and bioactive compound content of radish sprouts (Raphanus sativus L.). The following four sprouting techniques were compared: tray (T), sprouter (S), jar (J5–J20), and tank (R5–R20), varying in seed density and aeration conditions. The results demonstrated that the sprouting method significantly influenced growth parameters and phytochemical profiles. Sprouts produced using the tray (T) and sprouter (S) methods exhibited the highest mass and lowest dry matter content, reflecting favorable hydration and aeration. Sprouter-grown sprouts were particularly rich in chlorophyll (47.6 mg/100 g DW) and ascorbic acid (11.36 mg/100 g DW), indicating optimal photosynthetic and antioxidant metabolism. Tray-grown sprouts showed the highest polyphenol (919.8 mg GAE/100 g DW) and anthocyanin (217.0 mg C3G/100 g DW) concentrations, suggesting enhanced synthesis of secondary metabolites under mild abiotic stress. A comparative assessment using a three-point scale confirmed that sprouter, tray, and low-density tank methods provided the most favorable nutritional and sensory attributes. Overall, both technological factors and genetic background determine the nutritional quality of radish sprouts, offering practical guidance for optimizing sprout production and developing functional foods. Full article

Sprouts are gaining popularity among consumers worldwide due to their high nutritional properties. A comparative evaluation of novel and environmentally friendly pre-sowing seed treatment techniques was conducted to enhance wheat sprout production. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF), cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), and high-pressure processing (HP) at 200 and 600 MPa were applied on durum wheat seeds for 3 and 10 min. The above techniques, along with ozonation (OZ), were also applied for 3 and 10 min for the “activation” of water that was used for immersion of the wheat seeds. Seed germination percentage, root and shoot length, and seedling dry weight were the measurements for the comparative evaluation of 21 treatments of seeds growing in Petri dishes. The results indicated that CAP, PEMF, and OZ treatments had positive effects on wheat sprout production, while prolonged exposure to HP processing appeared to stress the seeds. Overall, the multiple comparisons of four processing technologies, applied by two methods and at two exposure times, could be a benchmark study for further understanding the response of seeds in pre-sowing techniques. Full article

This study presents an optimized Real-Time Detection Transformer (RT-DETRv2) deep learning model for the automated assessment of Tartary buckwheat germination and evaluates the influence of soaking and ultrasonic pretreatments on the germination ratio. Model optimization revealed that image chip size critically affected performance. The 512 × 512-pixel chip size was optimal, providing sufficient image context for detection and achieving a robust F1-score (0.9754 at 24 h, tested with a ResNet-101 backbone). In contrast, smaller chips (e.g., 128 × 128 pixels) caused severe performance degradation (24 h F1 = 0.3626 and 48 h F1 = 0.1211), which occurred because the 128 × 128 chip was too small to capture the entire object, particularly as the elongated and highly variable 48 h sprouts exceeded the chip dimensions. The optimized model, incorporating a ResNet-34 backbone, achieved a peak F1-score of 0.9958 for 24 h germination detection, demonstrating its robustness. The model was applied to assess germination dynamics, indicating that 24 h of treatment with 0.1% CaCl₂ and ultrasound enhanced total polyphenol accumulation (6.42 mg GAE/g). These results demonstrate that RT-DETRv2 enables accurate and efficient automated germination monitoring, providing a promising AI-assisted tool for seed quality evaluation and the optimization of agricultural pretreatments. Full article

Sandbur [Cenchrus longispinus (Hack.) Fernald] is a major invasive weed in the agro-pastoral ecotone of northern China. It propagates via seeds encased in spiny burs. Each bur encloses a pair of seeds, and the larger M-type seeds germinate first, functioning as pioneer plants, while smaller P-type seeds remain dormant. Thus, the rapid germination of M-type seeds is pivotal for population sustenance. In this study, we investigated the transcription response involved in the germination of C. longispinusus M-type seeds during four stages (drying, imbibition, exposure, and sprouting). A total of 24,399 DEGs were identified by comparing two consecutive germination stages, with most DEGs found in the imbibition stage. GO enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in substance metabolic and regulatory processes. Correspondingly, KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that the functions of DEGs were significantly concentrated in secondary metabolite synthesis pathways, as well as substance and energy metabolic pathways. Notably, the expression of starch-and-sugar metabolism-related genes increased as germination progressed. Additionally, ABA synthesis-related genes were notably downregulated, while those regulating ABA catabolism were significantly upregulated. Moreover, GA synthesis-related genes were activated, especially in the imbibition stage, with nine GA20ox genes highly expressed. These research findings help us gain a deeper understanding of the seed germination mechanism of C. longispinus. Full article

Submergence stress is a major constraint in direct-seeded rice production. This study investigated the effect and biochemical mechanism of sprouting, a traditional agronomic practice, on improving submergence tolerance in rice. Our findings demonstrate that sprouting is an effective seed treatment that significantly enhances the plant’s ability to withstand flooding. Specifically, 48 h sprouting increased shoot height and root length by 163% and 423%, respectively, in the YLYJ48 variety under 6-day submergence. Sprouting upregulated the activity of glutathione reductase (GR) and the expression of its related genes, thereby significantly promoting the biosynthesis of glutathione (GSH). GSH content in seeds increased from 64.86 µg g⁻¹ FW (0 h) to 83.00 µg g⁻¹ FW (48 h) in HZ, and from 82.14 to 92.52 µg g⁻¹ FW in YLYJ48. This process provides critical antioxidant protection for seedlings to implement a rapid “escape strategy,” ultimately enhancing their submergence tolerance. Functional verification showed that seed soaking with exogenous GSH (0.1%) effectively improved submergence tolerance by increasing antioxidant reserves. Exogenous GSH treatment elevated shoot height by approximately 50% in both HZ and YLYJ48 varieties under submergence. Field trials further demonstrated that exogenous GSH application significantly enhanced seedling establishment rates by 30–35% and improved seedling growth traits under submergence tolerance stress across multiple rice varieties. This study reveals part of the mechanism by which sprouting enhances submergence tolerance by influencing glutathione metabolism, offering practical strategies for flood-resilient direct-seeded rice cultivation. Full article

The study investigates whether water extracts from industrial hemp inflorescences influence the germination and early growth of hull-less oilseed pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.), with the hypothesis that industrial hemp extracts may act as a biostimulant, enhancing growth, biomass, and bioactive compound accumulation in pumpkin seedlings. Fully developed and healthy inflorescences of industrial hemp were harvested, dried, ground into powder, filtered, and diluted to concentrations of control (water), 1.0%, 2.5%, and 5.0% for the seed germination bioassay. Morphological, growth parameters, and bioactive compounds of the hull-less oilseed pumpkin sprouts were determined. Total germination rate was not affected with industrial hemp inflorescent water extracts, while sprout vigor index and biomass increased at 2.5 and 5.0% of the extract applied. The average root length of hull-less oilseed pumpkin sprouts was 14.19 cm, the stem length was 5.45 cm, and the fresh mass of the sprouts was 14.10 g per plant. Water extracts of 2.5 and 5.0% significantly (p ≤ 0.001) increased stem length by more than double, and the sprouts’ fresh mass by about 35% compared to the control. The average Chl a (chlorophyll), Chl b, Chl a + b, and Car (carotenoids) content was on average 0.161, 0.115, 0.268, and 0.136 mg g⁻¹ FW, respectively, and were significantly affected compared to the control. The highest total phenol (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC) were determined for hull-less oilseed pumpkin sprouts at 1.0% of water extract (100.21 µg QC/1 g tissue and 0.02 µg GA/1 g tissue, respectively). Low absolute values are consistent with the early seedling stage, where secondary metabolism is underdeveloped. The antioxidant activity was determined with the FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) method and a significant influence (p ≤ 0.05) of industrial hemp inflorescence water extracts on antioxidant activity of pumpkin sprouts was observed, which significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased on all treatments compared to the control, by 36% on average, with no significant differences among different concentrations of water extracts. Overall, industrial hemp inflorescence water extracts have a positive influence on the observed parameters, supporting the potential use of industrial hemp inflorescence water extracts as a biostimulant for hull-less oilseed pumpkin. Full article

Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach to enhance agricultural productivity; in this context, the effects of nanoparticles (NPs) on plants depend strongly on their size, composition, and concentration. We evaluated the influence of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and silver-doped titanium dioxide (Ag-TiO₂) nanoparticles on seed germination, early growth, metabolite production, and antioxidant responses in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Nanoparticles were synthetized via sol–gel; titanium isopropoxide was used as precursor and isopropanol as organic solvent, silver nitrate was used as dopant. Seeds were treated with nanoparticle suspensions at 0, 1, 5, 10, and 15 ppm. Morphological parameters (germination rate, radicle length, fresh weight, leaf morphology, and chlorophyll index), total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS assays) were evaluated. Results showed a concentration-dependent response in morphological characteristics. TiO₂ promoted radicle elongation at 10 ppm (16%) and increased chlorophyll index along all concentrations (from 7% to 17%) but inhibited leaf growth at both 1 and 15 ppm (from 49% to 59%). In contrast, Ag-TiO₂ enhanced germination percentage by up to 95% and phenolic accumulation at 5 and 15 ppm (p < 0.05), although leaf length was consistently reduced across all concentrations (from 11% to 17%). Flavonoid levels increased by up to 116% at concentration of 15 ppm (p < 0.05). Antioxidant activity exhibited a contrasting pattern: TiO₂ reduced radical scavenging capacity when applied at 10 and 15 ppm, against the control group, from 48.62% to 17.72% and 13.96%, respectively, while Ag-TiO₂ maintained the antioxidant capacity when applied at 1 ppm. These findings suggest that nanoparticles in fact influence the germination process and have a noticeable effect on the morphological characteristics of alfalfa’ sprouts. Full article

The irrigation of crops with As-enriched water, along with the use of agrochemicals and mining, are considered the main source of accumulation of this element in arable land and thus, in plants. The aim of this study is to analyze the responses of As at five different concentrations, in the germination of seeds of tomato (Solanum lycoperisum), through measuring the morphological variables (root, shoot and total length), phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, arsenic content and phytochemical profile of the sprouts. After 12 days, 89.16% germinated. According to the germination variables of Germination percentage, Germination rate, Mean germination time, Seed vigor index and percent of phytotoxicity, treatment 0.8 ppm shows a better performance in comparison with the rest. The stem, root and total length showed differences with control at 0.8 and 5 ppm. Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in the sprouts among treatments showed a potential range of hormesis between 0.8 and 2 ppm. Treatment 5 ppm showed the worse performance. The sprouts showed that the accumulation of As increased with the concentration of the treatment. The behavior of the variables measured suggest the activation of a stress response in the sprout causing positive effects such as growth enhancing, faster and better germination process and more production of molecules of biochemical interest. The opposite of the latter were also found. These findings provide an insight into the development of seeds under As contamination in irrigation water. Full article

Iodine has an essential role in the human body; however, its insufficiency is still a challenge. Therefore, the search for new strategies to increase iodine intake in the daily diet is fully justified, with sprouts as a preferred and interesting candidates for biofortification. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the effect of different methods of iodine enrichment of legume sprouts (yellow lupine, lentil, red and white clover, and common vetch) as well as to identify the most promising species for iodine bioaccumulation. The iodine content in mineralized sprout extracts was determined using the Sandell–Kolthoff method. Watering seeds, previously soaked in water (1 day), with a 6.5 mg/L potassium iodide solution (7 days) revealed to be the most effective fortification model, achieving the highest iodine concentrations in all tested species, with white clover being the best accumulator (1026.7 ± 60.4 µg I/100 g fresh weight) of this component. In turn, the greatest changes in biomass were observed in red clover (even up to 250% of the control). Iodine biofortification of legume sprouts could be effective; nevertheless, further research in this area is required. Full article

Microbial contamination is the main safety concern of sprouts and seeds are the major source. High concentrations of sanitizers (>10,000 mg/kg) are recommended for effective sanitation. Microbubble (MB) was reported to elevate sanitizer efficacy. Hence, MBs combined with disinfectants, chlorine dioxide (ClO₂, 500 ppm), and slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW, 250 ppm), were used to inactivate Salmonella Typhimurium on alfalfa seeds. After fulfilling MBs for 10 min, alfalfa seeds were washed in 10 L of water for 10, 20, or 30 min. Compared with untreated seeds, S. Typhimurium reductions obtained by SAEW-MBs (SMBs) and ClO₂-MBs (CMBs) for 20 min were 3.8 and 3.3 log CFU/g, respectively. Conversely, the 20 min treatments of SAEW and ClO₂ only obtained reductions of 0.9 and 1.1 log CFU/g, respectively. More surface ruptures on the seeds treated with CMBs were observed under a scanning electron microscope compared with the ones treated by water and ClO₂ only. No adverse effects on the seed germination rate and the weight yield of sprouts were observed when treated with CMBs for 20 min. An MB device with capacity of 100 L was assembled and achieved reductions of 3.9 and 3.2 log CFU/g of natural microbes and S. Typhimurium, respectively, after 20 min CMB washing. Additionally, an MB device at 250 L was assembled and achieved 3.0 log CFU/g reduction in natural microbes. This study demonstrated that MBs enhanced the efficacy of disinfectants and could be applied in industrial-scale operations. Full article

Clavibacter michiganensis causes significant crop losses in tomatoes, and the disease may be transferred by plant seeds. This study evaluates the efficacy of Photodynamic Inactivation (PDI) with a water-soluble hypericin derivative, developed as a complex with polyvinylpyrrolidone (high hypericin-loaded PVP, HHL-PVP), as a decontamination strategy for tomato seeds. HHL-PVP was chosen for its overall stability, as the complex remains stable in solution for over 950 days, maintains its absorption capacity after illumination with 200 J·cm⁻², and produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) even at concentrations as low as 1 µM. PDI against C. michiganensis with 5 μM HHL-PVP, 10 min drug to light interval (DLI), and illumination with red light (600–700 nm, 100 J·cm⁻²) exceeded the antimicrobial effect of a 99.9% reduction in liquid culture. Increasing the DLI to 24 h did not alter the photokilling effect. A 14 h light/10 h dark cycle in white light (118 J·cm⁻²) with 0.3 µM HHL-PVP inhibited the growth of C. michiganensis by more than 6 log₁₀ steps, indicating that HHL-PVP has a stable and long-lasting photokilling effect. The combination of HHL-PVP with potassium iodide (KI, 100 mM) completely eradicated C. michiganensis in liquid culture with red and white light, indicating KI’s role in enhancing phototoxicity. Tomato seed photodynamic decontamination using 1.0 µM HHL-PVP activated by 200 J·cm⁻² white light inactivated >5 log₁₀ of C. michiganensis, without diminishing sprouting. An addition of 100 mM KI increased the percentage of sprouted seedlings and inactivated 100% of bacteria. These results demonstrate that HHL-PVP-mediated PDI combined with KI could be highly effective as a preventative strategy in tomato protection against C. michiganensis. Full article

Compatible fungal partners of orchids can significantly enhance seed germination and increase seedling establishment under both in vitro and in situ conditions. This study isolated 14 Tulasnella isolates from five-year-old potted plants of three D. officinale cultivars. Three phylogenetically representative strains (Dca122, Dca222, and Dca113) and two additional orchid mycorrhizal fungus (OMFs, ML01 and Pi) were selected to evaluate their effects on D. officinale seed germination and seedling development in vitro, and subsequent seedling growth under greenhouse conditions. All five OMFs supported seed germination and seedling development in vitro. Notably, Dca113, Pi, and ML01 exhibited the most pronounced effects, producing protocorms 3–4 times larger in volume than controls. By day 25, 37.54%, 37.34%, and 42.6% of protocorms developed cotyledons with these isolates, respectively. Furthermore, after 120 days, ML01 and Dca113 treatments yielded 35.6% and 30.68% autotrophic seedlings with fully differentiated roots. Under greenhouse, ML01, Pi, and Dca122 significantly enhanced fresh weight accumulation, plant height, and stem node number in potted seedlings. In contrast, Dca222 primarily stimulated sprouting tillers and adventitious root formation. Our results demonstrate that the mycorrhizal effectiveness of OMFs from different hosts varies significantly in D. officinale. ML01 and Dca113 are ideal candidates for reintroduction programs due to their strong promotion of seed germination and rapid formation of rooted seedlings. ML01 proved the most effective OMF for enhancing growth in potted seedlings, while Dca222 demonstrated potential for co-inoculation strategies. Full article