Texture of cooked germinated brown rice subjected to freeze-thaw treatment and its improvement by magnetic field treatment.

This study aimed to investigate the textural changes of cooked germinated brown rice (GBR) during freeze-thaw treatment and propose a strategy for enhancing its texture using magnetic field (MF). Seven freeze-thaw cycles exhibited more pronounced effects compared to 7 days of freezing, resulting in increases in GBR hardness by 85.59 %-164.36 % and decreases in stickiness by 10.34 %-43.55 %. Water loss, structural damage of GBR flour, and starch retrogradation contributed to the deterioration of texture. MF mitigated these effects by inhibiting the transformation of bound water into free water, reducing water loss by 0.39 %-0.57 %, and shortening the phase transition period by 2.0-21.5 min, thereby diminishing structural damage to GBR flour and hindering starch retrogradation. Following MF treatment (5 mT), GBR hardness decreased by 21.00 %, while stickiness increased by 45.71 %. This study elucidates the mechanisms through which MF enhances the texture, offering theoretical insights for the industrial production of high-quality frozen rice products.

C1-FDX is required for the assembly of mitochondrial complex I and subcomplexes of complex V in Arabidopsis.

C1-FDX (Complex I-ferredoxin) has been defined as a component of CI in a ferredoxin bridge in Arabidopsis mitochondria. However, its full function remains to be addressed. We created two c1-fdx mutants in Arabidopsis using the CRISPR-Cas9 methodology. The mutants show delayed seed germination. Over-expression of C1-FDX rescues the phenotype. Molecular analyses showed that loss of the C1-FDX function decreases the abundance and activity of both CI and subcomplexes of CV. In contrast, the over-expression of C1-FDX-GFP enhances the CI* (a sub-complex of CI) and CV assembly. Immunodetection reveals that the stoichiometric ratio of the α:ß subunits in the F1 module of CV is altered in the c1-fdx mutant. In the complemented mutants, C1-FDX-GFP was found to be associated with the F' and α/ß sub-complexes of CV. Protein interaction assays showed that C1-FDX could interact with the ß, γ, δ, and ε subunits of the F1 module, indicating that C1-FDX, a structural component of CI, also functions as an assembly factor in the assembly of F' and α/ß sub-complexes of CV. These results reveal a new role of C1-FDX in the CI and CV assembly and seed germination in Arabidopsis.

Assessment of the Potential Phytotoxicity of Chlorpyrifos in the Wetland Macrophyte Bidens laevis (L.).

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) has been used worldwide, but its possible negative effects on macrophytes have been scarcely studied. The main goal of the present work was to assess the potential phytotoxic effects of CPF on different stages (seed and seedling) of the wetland macrophyte Bidens laevis. During the germination of seeds, stimulation of radicle growth at low concentrations of CPF (10 µg/L) and inhibition of its elongation at 80 µg/L CPF were observed. In seedlings, concentrations ≤ 160 µg/L CPF did not exhibit adverse effects on growth after 7 days of exposure, despite the decrease of photosynthetic pigments and carotenoids observed at 40 µg/L CPF compared to the control. Environmentally relevant concentrations of CPF altered neither oxidative stress biomarkers nor pigment contents in seedlings exposed for 48 h, suggesting CPF would be non-toxic to B. laevis in natural scenarios.

Physiological and gene expression response mechanisms of dehydration process in Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J. Presl seeds.

BACKGROUND: A critical factor in the storability of recalcitrant seeds is their moisture content (MC), but its effect on the viability of Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J. Presl (C. cassia) seeds is not fully understood. METHODS AND RESULTS: Measured the germination rate, starch and soluble sugar content, and transcriptome of 8 seed samples with different MC obtained by low-temperature drying method. It was found that the germination rate was significantly negatively correlated with MC. The lethal MC was around 15.6%. During the dehydration process, there was a significant increase in the content of soluble sugars and starch. Transcriptome analysis was performed on CK, W3, W6 showed a total of 62.78 Gb of clean data. Among the 30,228 Unigenes, 28,195 were successfully annotated. In the three comparative groups (CK and W3, CK and W6, W3 and W6), 6,842, 7,640, and 11,628 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained, respectively. These DEGs were found to be involved in a variety of metabolic pathways, including carbon metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, starch and sucrose metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and nucleotide and amino sugar metabolism. A total of 1,416 common genes were identified among all three comparison groups. Furthermore, among all the DEGs, a total of 71 transcription factor families were identified, with the C2H2 transcription factor family having the highest number of genes. CONCLUSIONS: This ground-breaking study sheds light on the physiological response and gene expression profiles of C. cassia seeds after undergoing dehydration treatment, which will provide valuable insights for further research and understanding of this process.

Water‒soil-air‒plant mutual feedback mechanism under the application of red bed composite polymers.

Red bed composite polymers composed of weathered red bed soil, adhesive materials, and water-retaining materials have been applied as a new type of material for environmental restoration. However, the promotion and application of this material has been limited by a lack of understanding of its action mechanism in environmental restoration. The objective of this study is to innovatively propose a water‒soil-air‒plant mutual feedback mechanism based on this material. Therefore, water‒soil-air‒plant mutual feedback tests were conducted in this study under 3 initial water contents and 10 red bed composite polymers ratios. Key parameters, namely, water content, soil conductivity, pH, temperature, O2 and CO2 contents, pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) germination number and plant height were monitored and analyzed. As the results, a mutual feedback mechanism driving water retention, soil consolidation, air retention, and plant rooting was revealed under the application of red bed composite polymers. And, suitable environments and optimal compositions for this material are proposed. The study results provide a theoretical basis for the large-scale application of red bed composite polymers.

Copper mitigates salinity stress by regulating water status, photosynthetic pigments and ion homeostasis and increases the yield of Eggplant (Solanum melongena).

Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is moderately sensitive to salinity. Seed priming and exogenous supplementation are technique that enhances germination, growth, and crop yield by overcoming salt stress. Therefore, this study was designed to understand the role of seed priming and copper (Cu) supplementation in modulating salt tolerance in eggplant. When exposed to salt stress, eggplant seedlings showed significantly higher Na+ content, an increased Na/K ratio, prolonged mean germination time, higher relative water loss, more days to flower bud initiation and first flowering, along with decreased germination rate, growth factors, water content, photosynthetic pigments, ionic contents (K+, Ca2+, Mg2+), and yield. The results demonstrated that the germination rate, final germination percentage, germination index, germination energy, and seed vigor index significantly improved, while the mean germination time decreased in Cu-primed seeds. The results also revealed that Cu supplementations increased seedling traits, leaf water content, photosynthetic pigment contents, ionic contents (K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+), and yield while decreasing the contents of Na+, and Na/K ratio, mean germination time, relative water loss, days to flower bud initiation, and days to 1st flowering under salt stress. Germination of seeds, seedlings growth traits, plant water status, plant pigments, yield, and ionic contents with the NaCl and Cu treatments were found to substantially interact with each other according to both hierarchical clustering and PCA. Overall, Cu seed priming and exogenous supplementation emerged as a promising strategy to enhance salt tolerance and promote germination, growth, and yield by regulating water status, photosynthetic pigments, and ion homeostasis in eggplant seedlings under NaCl stress. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of Cu-mediated stress alleviation in eggplant, with implications for sustainable crop production in saline environments.

Physio-biochemical mechanism of melatonin seed priming in stimulating growth and drought tolerance in bread wheat.

Drought stress (DS) adversely affects a plant's development and growth by negatively altering the plant's physio-biochemical functions. Previous investigations have illustrated that seed priming with growth regulators is an accessible, affordable, and effective practice to elevate a plant's tolerance to drought stress. Melatonin (MT) is derived from the precursor tryptophan and can improve germination, biomass, and photosynthesis under stress conditions. The current study examined the effect of melatonin seed priming on two wheat cultivars (Fakhar-e-Bhakkar and Akber-19) cultivated under severe drought conditions (35% FC). There were 6 levels of melatonin (i.e., M0 = control, M1 = 1 mg L- 1, M2 = 2 mg L- 1, M3 = 3 mg L- 1, M4 = 4 mg L- 1 and M5 = mg L- 1) which were used for seed priming. Our results confirmed that seed priming with M2 = 2 mgL- 1 concentration of MT alleviates the negative effects of DS by boosting the germination rate by 54.84% in Akber-19 and 33.33% in Fakhar-e-Bhakkar. Similarly, leaf-relative water contents were enhanced by 22.38% and 13.28% in Akber-19 and Fakhar-e-Bhakkar, respectively. Melatonin pre-treatment with 2 mgL- 1 significantly enhanced fresh and dry biomass of shoot and root, leaf area, photosynthetic pigments, osmoprotectants accumulation [total soluble proteins (TSP), total free amino acids (TFAA), proline, soluble sugars, glycine betaine (GB)] and lowered the amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production by elevating antioxidants [Ascorbic acid, catalase (CAT), Phenolics, peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)] activity under drought stress (DS). Meanwhile, under control conditions (NoDS), the melatonin treatment M1 = 1 mgL- 1 effectively enhanced all the growth-related physio-biochemical attributes in both wheat cultivars. In the future, more investigations are suggested on different crops under variable agroclimatic conditions to declare 2 mgL- 1 melatonin as an efficacious amendment to alleviate drought stress.

Characterization and analysis of a Commiphora species germinated from an ancient seed suggests a possible connection to a species mentioned in the Bible.

A seed recovered during archaeological excavations of a cave in the Judean desert was germinated, with radiocarbon analysis indicating an age of 993 CE- 1202 calCE. DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis identified the seedling as belonging to the angiosperm genus Commiphora Jacq., sister to three Southern African Commiphora species, but unique from all other species sampled to date. The germinated seedling was not closely related to Commiphora species commonly harvested for their fragrant oleoresins including Commiphora gileadensis (L.) C.Chr., candidate for the locally extinct "Judean Balsam" or "Balm of Gilead" of antiquity. GC-MS analysis revealed minimal fragrant compounds but abundance of those associated with multi-target bioactivity and a previously undescribed glycolipid compound series. Several hypotheses are offered to explain the origins, implications and ethnobotanical significance of this unknown Commiphora sp., to the best of our knowledge the first identified from an archaeological site in this region, including identification with a resin producing tree mentioned in Biblical sources and possible agricultural relationship with the historic Judean Balsam.

Seed priming with graphene oxide improves salinity tolerance and increases productivity of peanut through modulating multiple physiological processes.

Graphene oxide (GO), beyond its specialized industrial applications, is rapidly gaining prominence as a nanomaterial for modern agriculture. However, its specific effects on seed priming for salinity tolerance and yield formation in crops remain elusive. Under both pot-grown and field-grown conditions, this study combined physiological indices with transcriptomics and metabolomics to investigate how GO affects seed germination, seedling salinity tolerance, and peanut pod yield. Peanut seeds were firstly treated with 400 mg L⁻¹ GO (termed GO priming). At seed germination stage, GO-primed seeds exhibited higher germination rate and percentage of seeds with radicals breaking through the testa. Meanwhile, omics analyses revealed significant enrichment in pathways associated with carbon and nitrogen metabolisms in GO-primed seeds. At seedling stage, GO priming contributed to strengthening plant growth, enhancing photosynthesis, maintaining the integrity of plasma membrane, and promoting the nutrient accumulation in peanut seedlings under 200 mM NaCl stress. Moreover, GO priming increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, along with reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to salinity stress. Furthermore, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) of peanut seedlings under GO priming were mainly related to photosynthesis, phytohormones, antioxidant system, and carbon and nitrogen metabolisms in response to soil salinity. At maturity, GO priming showed an average increase in peanut pod yield by 12.91% compared with non-primed control. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that GO plays distinguish roles in enhancing seed germination, mitigating salinity stress, and boosting pod yield in peanut plants via modulating multiple physiological processes.

Stabilization of dimeric PYR/PYL/RCAR family members relieves abscisic acid-induced inhibition of seed germination.

Abscisic acid (ABA) is the primary preventing factor of seed germination, which is crucial to plant survival and propagation. ABA-induced seed germination inhibition is mainly mediated by the dimeric PYR/PYL/RCAR (PYLs) family members. However, little is known about the relevance between dimeric stability of PYLs and seed germination. Here, we reveal that stabilization of PYL dimer can relieve ABA-induced inhibition of seed germination using chemical genetic approaches. Di-nitrobensulfamide (DBSA), a computationally designed chemical probe, yields around ten-fold improvement in receptor affinity relative to ABA. DBSA reverses ABA-induced inhibition of seed germination mainly through dimeric receptors and recovers the expression of ABA-responsive genes. DBSA maintains PYR1 in dimeric state during protein oligomeric state experiment. X-ray crystallography shows that DBSA targets a pocket in PYL dimer interface and may stabilize PYL dimer by forming hydrogen networks. Our results illustrate the potential of PYL dimer stabilization in preventing ABA-induced seed germination inhibition.

Unraveling the Impacts of Germination on the Volatile and Fatty Acid Profile of Intermediate Wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) Seeds.

Intermediate wheatgrass (IWG) is a promising perennial grain explored for mainstream food applications. This study investigated the effects of different germination temperatures (10, 15, and 20 °C) and durations (2, 4, and 6 days) on IWG's volatile and fatty acid (FA) profiles. A method using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) was optimized through response surface design to extract the volatile compounds, achieving ideal extraction conditions at 60 °C for 55 min. Multiple headspace extraction (MHE) was used for volatile compound quantification. Fifty-eight compounds were identified and quantified in IWG flour, mainly alcohols, aldehydes, hydrocarbons, terpenes, esters, organic acids, and ketones. The main FAs found were linoleic acid (C18:2), oleic acid (C18:1), palmitic acid (C16:0), and linolenic acid (C18:3). Principal component analysis showed a direct correlation between volatile oxidation products and FA composition. Germination at 15 °C for 6 days led to a reduced presence of aldehydes and alcohols such as nonanal and 1-pentanol. Therefore, optimized germination was successful in reducing the presence of potential off-odor compounds. This study provides valuable insights into the effects of germination on IWG flour, showing a way for its broader use in food applications.

Effects of combined ultrasound and calcium ion pretreatments on polyphenols during mung bean germination: Exploring underlying mechanisms.

Mung beans were pretreated with a combination of ultrasonic and calcium ion to enhance the polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity during germination. Changes in polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity during germination, along with underlying mechanisms, were investigated. Both single ultrasound and combined ultrasound-Ca2+ pretreatments significantly increased the polyphenol content and enhanced the antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05) of mung beans depending on germination period. Among 74 polyphenolic metabolites identified in germinated mung beans, 50 were differential. Notably, 23 of these metabolites showed a significant positive correlation with antioxidant activity. Ultrasound pretreatment promoted flavonoid biosynthesis, whereas ultrasound-Ca2+ pretreatment favored the tyrosine synthesis pathway. Polyphenol composition and accumulation changes were mainly influenced by metabolic pathways like flavonoid, isoflavonoid, anthocyanin, and flavone/flavonol biosynthesis. The results suggest that ultrasound alone or combined with calcium ion pretreatments effectively enhance mung bean polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity during germination.

PCP-bε is a novel positive regulator of pollen germination in Arabidopsis thaliana.

small cysteine-rich peptides play essential roles in different stages of the plant reproductive process. Pollen germination is a prerequisite for double fertilization and is directly related to seed formation and crop yield. However, the small cysteine-rich peptides that are involved in pollen germination remain to be identified. In this study, identification and phylogenetic analysis of PCP-Bε genes in sequenced Brassicaceae show that pollen coat protein B-class protein PCP-Bε gene is widespread in Arabidopsis and its high relatives, but lost in some Brassica species. Expression analyses display that AtPCP-Bε gene is expressed in Arabidopsis pollen. Arabidopsis PCP-Bε knockout mutants are generated by CRISPR/Cas9, Phenotypic analyses show that the absence of AtPCP-Bε obviously impairs in vitro pollen germination, but has no influence on pollen tube growth, which demonstrates that AtPCP-Bε is a novel positive regulator of pollen germination. It is speculated that AtPCP-Bε should interact with the receptor from pollen to perform its function. These findings are useful for further analysis on the molecular mechanism of pollen germination.

Enhancing wheat growth and nutrient content through integrated microbial and non-microbial biostimulants.

This study focused on two aspects: to develop a selected functionally competent bacterial community, and its integrated with biostimulant humic acid and seaweed extract which was validated to enhance wheat growth and nutrient content. Wheat and maize-associated bacterial isolates (92) were screened for Plant Growth-Promoting traits (PGPts-72) and Community-Forming traits (CFts-66). 46 isolates possessed both kinds of traits, of which 20 isolates were chosen based on high Bonitur scale ratings. Based on metabolic diversity, growth rate, and compatibility, 11 isolates were grouped to make a synthetic microbial community (SM). Non-microbial biostimulants, humic acid (HA) and seaweed extract (SWE) were used, and 0.2% HA and 1% SWE were found to be optimal for bacterial and plant growth. SM integrated each with 0.2% HA and 1% SWE, leading to products SynBio1 (SM + HA) and SynBio2 (SM + SWE). Under microcosm study, SynBio1 and SynBio2 improved germination by 90.10% and 83.80%, respectively. SynBio1 increased chlorophyll content by 40.5 SPAD units, root length by 15.7%, and shoot length by 18.4%. Field level validations revealed that SynBio1 increased plant height by 15.76%, root length by 27.16%, and flag leaf length by 21.35% compared to the control. The grain yield with SynBio1 was 40.41% higher than that of the control. Macro and micronutrient analysis of seeds treated with SynBio1 showed significant improvements. These findings demonstrate the potential of integrating microbial communities with biostimulants, and they pave the way for developing novel bioinoculants for sustainable agriculture and promoting a healthier environment.

Exogenous metabolite application is a potential strategy for expanding the use of direct rice seeding with the aim of reducing seeding costs.

Rice is a staple food for over half of the global population, necessitates efficient and cost-effective production methods to ensure food security. However, direct seeding of rice often encounters challenges due to adverse environmental conditions, resulting in increased seeding costs. In this study, we analyzed the germination and physiological data of sixty-six rice varieties under cold and submergence conditions. Our results demonstrate that selecting rice varieties with superior germination capacity in these adverse conditions can improve germination rates by 39.43%. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of two contrasting varieties revealed potential regulatory mechanisms involving hormonal pathways and the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway. Furthermore, we found that the exogenous application of specific metabolites provides a cost-effective seed enhancement strategy for varieties with poor germination capacity. These findings suggest that combining suitable variety selection with seed enhancement treatments can significantly reduce seeding costs in rice production. This research offers valuable insights for developing resilient rice varieties and cost-effective seeding strategies, potentially contributing to improved rice cultivation practices and enhanced global food security.

Seasonal dynamics of seed dormancy and germination in the weed Diplachne fusca.

Background: Understanding the reproductive biology of weeds is crucial for managing them effectively. Diplachne fusca (Poaceae) is a widely distributed weed species that poses significant challenges to agricultural productivity. Nevertheless, it remains unclear how the soil seed bank of D. fusca responds to environmental shifts, and whether a dormancy cycle is present in this species. Methods: We investigated how seed dormancy in D. fusca is broken and how it responds to natural environmental changes. The impact of incubation temperature, light exposure, cold stratification at 4 °C, and gibberellic acid (GA3) on seed germination/dormancy-break was investigated, along with assessing seasonal changes in germinability through monthly excavation and laboratory incubation of buried seeds over 2 years. Results: Results indicated that newly ripened seeds of D. fusca were dormant, with germination facilitated by GA3, cold stratification, and after-ripening at ambient room conditions. Exposure to darkness inhibited germination. Seasonal patterns of germination were observed, with peak germination occurring in cooler months and a marked decline during the hot summer months. After 2 years of being buried, approximately 40% of the seeds remained viable. Conclusion: In summary, seeds of D. fusca exhibit non-deep physiological dormancy and maintain a persistent soil seed bank. Seeds buried in the soil undergo a yearly dormancy/non-dormancy cycle. This dormancy cycle prevents seed germination and seedling emergence in autumn, which boosts the survival of seedlings in less favorable seasons, yet it also makes it more challenging to eradicate this weed.

Natural antioxidants: salinity atenuators and bio-stimulants.

Salinity limits the growth and productivity of crops, to reverse these effects, natural pigments with antioxidant bioactivity can be studied, such as turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and paprika (Capsicum annum L.). Therefore, it aimed to evaluate turmeric and paprika as possible saline stress attenuators and biostimulants during germination and initial development of smooth lettuce seedlings. In the laboratory, the seeds were treated for 1 hour with a solution of paprika and turmeric at doses 0 (negative control), 1, 2, 3 and 4 g L-1, and placed on a substrate with saline solution of sodium chloride 4 g L-1 (-0,4 Mpa), and a positive control, composed of dry seeds arranged in a substrate moistened with distilled water. Physiological quality analysis were carried out, and for the dose that showed the best result (4 g L-1), the treated seeds were grown in a greenhouse, and received weekly applications via foliar with a 4 g L-1 solution for turmeric and paprika. After the crop cycle, morphometric analyzes were performed. The turmeric and paprika solutions were analyzed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to identify the presence of bioactive substances. The turmeric doses were not efficient in overcoming the effects of salinity on seeds and seedlings, which was attributed to the low solubility of turmeric in water. Paprika, although it did not provide the biostimulant effect, was efficient in attenuating the effects of excess salt, at a concentration of 4 g L-1, promoting increases in physiological quality. In HPLC, a very low signal response was noted in relation to samples composed of turmeric and paprika solutions, indicating a low percentage of soluble compounds, which compromises bioactivity, and leads to the need for further analyses using surfactants and/or other solvents with which there is greater affinity.

Seed priming with Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jolis extract macroalgae in soybean.

Seed priming with biostimulant for soybean is a promising practice contributing positively to the physiological quality and vigor of seedlings, but there are little studies regarding protocols of bioinputs, such as Ascophyllum nodosum L. seaweed extract. We aimed to evaluate the effect of doses of A. nodosum macroalgae in seed priming and its impact on germination and seedling vigor of soybean. Seeds were subjected to priming with A. nodosum extract (ANE) at doses of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mL kg seed-1 during 15 min. Priming with ANE did not influence the first count and seed germination. Soybean seedlings from priming with 5 mL kg-1 ANE showed higher growth and shoot and root dry biomass. We observed increase 18% for shoot dry matter with priming of 5 mL kg-1 ANE compared to untreated seeds. The responses were variable for the emergence speed index in function ANE and did not influence the photochemical processes in photosystem II. Seed priming with ANE contributed in higher chlorophyll index. ANE showed a biostimulant effect on soybean seedlings, providing better growth and biomass characteristics, being promising in seed priming, but further studies are suggested in order to increase information regarding its use protocol for soybean.

Potentials of invasive Bidens pilosa, Conyza bonariensis and Parthenium hysterophorus species based on germination patterns and growth traits.

Invasive alien species drive extensive ecological changes and cause unexpected risks worldwide. Perceptive germination requirements and the growth function of invasive species are crucial for understanding their invasion and subsequent dissemination in various environmental conditions. Therefore, the germination response of invasive Conyza bonariensis, Parthenium hysterophorus, and Bidens pilosa of Asteraceae family were examined under alternating temperature regimes and some environmental factors. The prevailing germination ability occurs highest at moderate-temperature regimes at 20/30°C attained by 94.83% (C. bonariensis) and at 20/25 SS by 96.28% (P. hysterophorus) and high-temperature regimes at 25/30°C reached 92.94% (B. pilosa) respectively. The half germination percentage (G50) was -0.406 MPa and 2878.35 ppm (B. pilosa), -0.579 MPa and 2490.9 ppm (C. bonariensis), and-0.32 MPa and 2490.8 ppm (P. hysterophorus) affected by osmotic pressure and salt stress (NaCl) respectively. The highest growth plasticity characteristics were identified in total dry mass attained at 0.968 (C. bonariensis), 0.985 (B. pilosa) and 0.957 (P. hysterophorus) respectively. The relative growth, net assimilation and plasticity index appeared higher in both B. pilosa, and C. bonariensis than P. hysterophorus in the invaded area. In conclusion, germination and growth traits are precisely functional factors that correlate to invasion success under stressed conditions, and zones, and also lead to successful control plans for invasive species and ecological protection.

Water restriction alters seed bank traits and ecology in Atlantic Forest seasonal forests under climate change.

The soil seed bank (SSB) is one of the key mechanisms that ensure the perpetuity of forests, but how will it behave in the scenarios projected for the future climate? Faced with this main question, still little explored in seasonal tropical forests, this study evaluated the germination, ecological attributes, and functional traits of the SSB in a seasonal forest in the Atlantic Forest. Forty-eight composite samples of the SSB were collected from 12 plots, distributed across four treatments, each with 12 replicates. The samples were placed in two climate-controlled greenhouses, establishing two environments of controlled climatic conditions, both with two levels of water, as follows: Cur: current scenario without water restriction; Cur_WR: current scenario with water restriction; RCP8.5: future scenario without water restriction; RCP8.5_WR: future scenario with water restriction. The germinants were identified, and their ecological attributes and functional traits were obtained. Leaf area and biomass production, differences in abundance, richness, and diversity were evaluated, along with analysis of variance to assess the interaction between water levels and scenarios. All ecological attributes and functional traits evaluated drastically decreased in the future projection with water restriction, with this restriction being the main component influencing this response. The increased temperature in the future scenario significantly raised water consumption compared to the current scenario. However, persistent water restrictions in the future could undermine the resilience of seasonal forests, hindering seed germination in the soil. Richness and abundance were also adversely affected by water scarcity in the future scenario, revealing a low tolerance to the projected prolonged drought. These changes found in the results could alter the overall structure of seasonal forests in the future, as well as result in the loss of the regeneration potential of the SSB due to decreased seed viability and increased seedling mortality.

Resumo O banco de sementes do solo (SSB) é um dos principais mecanismos que garantem a perpetuidade das florestas, mas como ele se comportará nos cenários projetados para o clima futuro? Diante dessa questão principal, ainda pouco explorada em florestas tropicais sazonais, este estudo avaliou a germinação, atributos ecológicos e traços funcionais do SSB em uma floresta sazonal na Mata Atlântica. Quarenta e oito amostras compostas do SSB foram coletadas de 12 parcelas, distribuídas em quatro tratamentos, cada uma com 12 réplicas. As amostras foram colocadas em duas estufas com controle climático, estabelecendo dois ambientes de condições climáticas controladas, ambos com dois níveis de água, conforme segue: Cur: cenário atual sem restrição hídrica; Cur_WR: cenário atual com restrição hídrica; RCP8.5: cenário futuro sem restrição hídrica; RCP8.5_WR: cenário futuro com restrição hídrica. Os germinantes foram identificados e seus atributos ecológicos e traços funcionais foram obtidos. Área foliar e produção de biomassa, diferenças na abundância, riqueza e diversidade foram avaliadas, juntamente com análise de variância para avaliar a interação entre níveis de água e cenários. Todos os atributos ecológicos e traços funcionais avaliados diminuíram drasticamente na projeção futura com restrição hídrica, sendo essa restrição o principal componente influenciando essa resposta. O aumento da temperatura no cenário futuro elevou significativamente o consumo de água em comparação com o cenário atual. No entanto, a restrição hídrica persistente no futuro pode comprometer a resiliência das florestas sazonais, dificultando a germinação de sementes no solo. Riqueza e abundância também foram adversamente afetadas pela escassez de água no cenário futuro, revelando uma baixa tolerância à seca prolongada projetada. Essas mudanças encontradas nos resultados podem alterar a estrutura geral das florestas sazonais no futuro, além de resultar na perda do potencial de regeneração do SSB devido à diminuição da viabilidade das sementes e ao aumento da mortalidade das plântulas.