University of Guilan Iranian Journal of Seed Sciences and Research 2476-3780 12 3 2025 09 23 Application of the Triangle Area Model in Predicting Hydrotime Coefficient: Quantifying Seed Germination of Shirazi Thyme (Zataria multiflora Boiss.) in Response to Moisture Potentials Application of the Triangle Area Model in Predicting Hydrotime Coefficient: Quantifying Seed Germination of Shirazi Thyme (Zataria multiflora Boiss.) in Response to Moisture Potentials 1 11 9455 10.22124/jms.2025.9455 FA Nafiseh Khalili Ph.D Student of Crop Ecology, Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran MohammadReza Jahansooz Professor, Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran Mostafa Oveisi Associate Professor, Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran Journal Article 2025 10 14 Understanding the moisture requirements of seed germination is essential for predicting ecological distribution and for the domestication and cultivation of medicinal plant species. In this study, germination of Shirazi thyme (Zataria multiflora) seeds was evaluated under different osmotic potential levels (0, −0.2, −0.4, −0.6, −0.8, and −1 MPa), and germination was recorded daily for 21 days. The Triangle Area Model (TAM) was used to estimate hydrotime parameters. Subsequently, the Weibull model was fitted to the hydrotime data to predict cumulative germination. Bradford’s hydrotime model was also applied to predict cumulative germination and to compare its performance with that of TAM. Based on the model evaluation results, the TAM model, with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.92, a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.11, and an Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) of -3317, demonstrated higher efficiency and accuracy in predicting the seed germination of Zataria multiflora compared to the Bradford model, which had an R² of 0.90, an RMSE of 0.14, and an AIC of -3047. The parameter estimates of the TAM model indicated a maximum germination percentage of 81%, a base water potential of -0.81 MPa, and an optimal water potential of 0.0003 MPa. In contrast, the Bradford model predicted a mean base water potential of -0.66 MPa with a standard deviation of 0.16. Overall, TAM, through its practical parameters for estimating seed moisture requirements such as base and optimal water potentials and maximum germination provided more accurate predictions with minimal bias and demonstrated strong performance in modeling germination responses of Shirazi thyme to varying moisture levels. The satisfactory accuracy and robustness of TAM highlight its potential for estimating germination moisture parameters in plant species. Understanding the moisture requirements of seed germination is essential for predicting ecological distribution and for the domestication and cultivation of medicinal plant species. In this study, germination of Shirazi thyme (Zataria multiflora) seeds was evaluated under different osmotic potential levels (0, −0.2, −0.4, −0.6, −0.8, and −1 MPa), and germination was recorded daily for 21 days. The Triangle Area Model (TAM) was used to estimate hydrotime parameters. Subsequently, the Weibull model was fitted to the hydrotime data to predict cumulative germination. Bradford’s hydrotime model was also applied to predict cumulative germination and to compare its performance with that of TAM. Based on the model evaluation results, the TAM model, with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.92, a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.11, and an Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) of -3317, demonstrated higher efficiency and accuracy in predicting the seed germination of Zataria multiflora compared to the Bradford model, which had an R² of 0.90, an RMSE of 0.14, and an AIC of -3047. The parameter estimates of the TAM model indicated a maximum germination percentage of 81%, a base water potential of -0.81 MPa, and an optimal water potential of 0.0003 MPa. In contrast, the Bradford model predicted a mean base water potential of -0.66 MPa with a standard deviation of 0.16. Overall, TAM, through its practical parameters for estimating seed moisture requirements such as base and optimal water potentials and maximum germination provided more accurate predictions with minimal bias and demonstrated strong performance in modeling germination responses of Shirazi thyme to varying moisture levels. The satisfactory accuracy and robustness of TAM highlight its potential for estimating germination moisture parameters in plant species.

https://jms.guilan.ac.ir/article_9455_274da4ca6f7b13db87d83d9010bb664f.pdf

University of Guilan Iranian Journal of Seed Sciences and Research 2476-3780 12 3 2025 09 23 Effect of different seed priming with symbiotic fungi, humic acid and zinc oxide on improving seedling traits of rice (Oryza sativa L.) at early growth stages Effect of different seed priming with symbiotic fungi, humic acid and zinc oxide on improving seedling traits of rice (Oryza sativa L.) at early growth stages 13 28 9411 10.22124/jms.2025.9411 FA Seyed Ahmad Mokhtari Reykandeh Ph.D. Student in Crop Physiology, Faculty of Crop Sciences, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran Hemmatollah Pirdashti Professor, Faculty of Crop Sciences, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran Zahra Nouri Akandi Assistant Professor, Faculty of Crop Sciences, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran Hedayatollah Karimzadeh Soureshjani Assistant Professor, Faculty of Crop Sciences, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran Mohammad Yaghoubi Khanghahi Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy Journal Article 2025 10 10 Weak seed vigor, root damage during transplanting, and high sensitivity to environmental stresses are among the most critical constraints in the initial establishment of rice. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different seed priming treatments on improving seedling traits of rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. 'Hashemi') at Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, using a completely randomized design with three replications. The priming treatments consisted of 16 levels: a control, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO), symbiotic fungi (Trichoderma longibrachiatum [FTL] and T. atroviride [FTA]), humic acid (HA), as well as dual, triple, and quadruple combinations of these agents. The fungi were cultured in a liquid potato dextrose broth (PDB) medium. After two weeks, when vegetative growth peaked, a suspension with a concentration of 10⁸ colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL) was prepared. Concentrations of 100 ppm were used for both HA and ZnO. Seedlings were sampled at 5, 15, 25, and 35 days after sowing (DAS). Measured morphological traits included root and shoot length (RL and SL), root-to-shoot length ratio (R:S), root and shoot dry weight (RDW and SDW), root-to-shoot dry weight ratio (RDW:SDW), and total dry weight (TDW). Results indicated that among the different priming treatments, ZnO application had the most significant effect on RDW and TDW, which increased by 23.50% and 28.55%, respectively, compared to the control. The combined treatment of ZnO+FTL+FTA+HA yielded the highest SDW (81 mg per plant), representing an increase of approximately 39% over the control. Integrated priming methods, particularly those containing ZnO, significantly enhanced RL (by approximately 2–7.5%) and SDW (by approximately 7–39%). In conclusion, the findings demonstrate the positive impact of combining symbiotic fungi, HA, and ZnO, suggesting this as an effective strategy for improving rice growth and establishment during the early growth stages. Weak seed vigor, root damage during transplanting, and high sensitivity to environmental stresses are among the most critical constraints in the initial establishment of rice. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different seed priming treatments on improving seedling traits of rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. 'Hashemi') at Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, using a completely randomized design with three replications. The priming treatments consisted of 16 levels: a control, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO), symbiotic fungi (Trichoderma longibrachiatum [FTL] and T. atroviride [FTA]), humic acid (HA), as well as dual, triple, and quadruple combinations of these agents. The fungi were cultured in a liquid potato dextrose broth (PDB) medium. After two weeks, when vegetative growth peaked, a suspension with a concentration of 10⁸ colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL) was prepared. Concentrations of 100 ppm were used for both HA and ZnO. Seedlings were sampled at 5, 15, 25, and 35 days after sowing (DAS). Measured morphological traits included root and shoot length (RL and SL), root-to-shoot length ratio (R:S), root and shoot dry weight (RDW and SDW), root-to-shoot dry weight ratio (RDW:SDW), and total dry weight (TDW). Results indicated that among the different priming treatments, ZnO application had the most significant effect on RDW and TDW, which increased by 23.50% and 28.55%, respectively, compared to the control. The combined treatment of ZnO+FTL+FTA+HA yielded the highest SDW (81 mg per plant), representing an increase of approximately 39% over the control. Integrated priming methods, particularly those containing ZnO, significantly enhanced RL (by approximately 2–7.5%) and SDW (by approximately 7–39%). In conclusion, the findings demonstrate the positive impact of combining symbiotic fungi, HA, and ZnO, suggesting this as an effective strategy for improving rice growth and establishment during the early growth stages.

https://jms.guilan.ac.ir/article_9411_1495e178fcb4f5d9d607425dddfecccb.pdf

University of Guilan Iranian Journal of Seed Sciences and Research 2476-3780 12 3 2025 09 23 Effect of Priming Treatments on Seed Germination Traits of Salsola rigida Populations Effect of Priming Treatments on Seed Germination Traits of Salsola rigida Populations 29 42 9414 10.22124/jms.2025.9414 FA Shahrzad Tebyanian MSc student, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran HamidReza Asgari Associate Professor, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran Farzaneh Bahadori Research Assistant Professor, Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Semnan, Iran Mohammad Kia Kianian Assistant Professor, Faculty of Desert Study, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran Maryam Shahbazi Associate Professor, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran Journal Article 2025 11 13 In arid and semi-arid regions, soil salinity is one of the most critical factors limiting seed germination and plant growth. The application of techniques such as seed priming can play a significant role in enhancing the germination capacity of native salt-tolerant plants. This study aimed to investigate the effects of seed priming with sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium nitrate (KNO₃) solutions on the germination characteristics and early growth of Salsola rigida. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD) with NaCl and KNO₃ treatments at three concentrations (50, 100, and 150 mM), along with distilled water as a control. Seeds from six different populations were collected, disinfected, and subjected to moist stratification prior to priming treatments. Laboratory experiments were performed using a germinator. Measured germination indices included germination percentage, seedling length, seed vigor index, cumulative germination speed, and mean germination time. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 27). The results indicated that seed priming with NaCl and KNO₃, particularly at concentrations of 100 and 150 mM NaCl, significantly improved the germination traits and early growth of various Salsola rigida populations. The 100 mM NaCl treatment in population 240 increased the germination percentage to 70% and the cumulative germination speed to 17.40. The highest mean seedling length was observed under the 150 mM NaCl treatment in population 240 (23.4 mm) and population 106 (24.47 mm). The seed vigor index for population 240 with 100 and 150 mM NaCl treatments was recorded at 1337 and 1332, respectively. These results demonstrate that priming not only increases seed germination but also strengthens seedling growth and vigor. Therefore, it can be used as a practical and low-cost method to improve the establishment success of salt-tolerant plants in arid and semi-arid regions. Furthermore, intra-specific population diversity plays a crucial role in the plant's ability to cope with stresses and pests. In arid and semi-arid regions, soil salinity is one of the most critical factors limiting seed germination and plant growth. The application of techniques such as seed priming can play a significant role in enhancing the germination capacity of native salt-tolerant plants. This study aimed to investigate the effects of seed priming with sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium nitrate (KNO₃) solutions on the germination characteristics and early growth of Salsola rigida. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD) with NaCl and KNO₃ treatments at three concentrations (50, 100, and 150 mM), along with distilled water as a control. Seeds from six different populations were collected, disinfected, and subjected to moist stratification prior to priming treatments. Laboratory experiments were performed using a germinator. Measured germination indices included germination percentage, seedling length, seed vigor index, cumulative germination speed, and mean germination time. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 27). The results indicated that seed priming with NaCl and KNO₃, particularly at concentrations of 100 and 150 mM NaCl, significantly improved the germination traits and early growth of various Salsola rigida populations. The 100 mM NaCl treatment in population 240 increased the germination percentage to 70% and the cumulative germination speed to 17.40. The highest mean seedling length was observed under the 150 mM NaCl treatment in population 240 (23.4 mm) and population 106 (24.47 mm). The seed vigor index for population 240 with 100 and 150 mM NaCl treatments was recorded at 1337 and 1332, respectively. These results demonstrate that priming not only increases seed germination but also strengthens seedling growth and vigor. Therefore, it can be used as a practical and low-cost method to improve the establishment success of salt-tolerant plants in arid and semi-arid regions. Furthermore, intra-specific population diversity plays a crucial role in the plant's ability to cope with stresses and pests.

https://jms.guilan.ac.ir/article_9414_d4105316d82f671a2feef91def453e05.pdf

University of Guilan Iranian Journal of Seed Sciences and Research 2476-3780 12 3 2025 09 23 Evaluation of seed coating treatments on germination characteristics of Camelina Camelina sativa L. soheil cultivar under salinity stress Evaluation of seed coating treatments on germination characteristics of Camelina Camelina sativa L. soheil cultivar under salinity stress 43 52 9415 10.22124/jms.2025.9415 FA Zeynab Sabouhei MSc student of Seed Science and Technology, Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Akram Rostamipour PhD Graguated in Seed Science and Technology, Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Reza Tavakkol Afshari Professor, Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Journal Article 2025 10 19 This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of seed coating on the germination characteristics of Camelina sativa cultivar Sohail under salt stress conditions during the years 2022 and 2023 at the Seed Laboratories of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad and Razavi Seed and Seedling Institute. The experiment was designed as a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replications. The treatments included seed coating with humic acid, superabsorbent polymer (acrylic acid) liquid, micro-elements, gibberellic acid, and their various combinations, along with salt stress at four levels (0, 150, 180, 210 mM). Germination traits, including germination percentage, germination speed, root length, shoot length, and seedling dry weight, were evaluated. The results showed that seed coating treatments had a significant effect on seedling growth traits. The control treatment (without coating) showed the highest germination percentage (95.66%). The superabsorbent polymer treatment exhibited the highest root length (1.69 cm) and shoot length (1.02 cm), and compared to the micro-elements treatment, it resulted in a 94.59% increase in root length and a 50% increase in seedling dry weight. Under salt stress conditions, distilled water showed the highest germination percentage (93.42%) and root length (2.93 cm), while with increasing salt levels, especially at 210 mM, the germination percentage decreased to 40%. Overall, polymer coating and its combination with humic acid improved growth indices under salt stress and positively affected seed germination percentage. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of seed coating on the germination characteristics of Camelina sativa cultivar Sohail under salt stress conditions during the years 2022 and 2023 at the Seed Laboratories of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad and Razavi Seed and Seedling Institute. The experiment was designed as a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replications. The treatments included seed coating with humic acid, superabsorbent polymer (acrylic acid) liquid, micro-elements, gibberellic acid, and their various combinations, along with salt stress at four levels (0, 150, 180, 210 mM). Germination traits, including germination percentage, germination speed, root length, shoot length, and seedling dry weight, were evaluated. The results showed that seed coating treatments had a significant effect on seedling growth traits. The control treatment (without coating) showed the highest germination percentage (95.66%). The superabsorbent polymer treatment exhibited the highest root length (1.69 cm) and shoot length (1.02 cm), and compared to the micro-elements treatment, it resulted in a 94.59% increase in root length and a 50% increase in seedling dry weight. Under salt stress conditions, distilled water showed the highest germination percentage (93.42%) and root length (2.93 cm), while with increasing salt levels, especially at 210 mM, the germination percentage decreased to 40%. Overall, polymer coating and its combination with humic acid improved growth indices under salt stress and positively affected seed germination percentage.

https://jms.guilan.ac.ir/article_9415_035020bc3f2eb4a7d3e26f0f3fb72f08.pdf

University of Guilan Iranian Journal of Seed Sciences and Research 2476-3780 12 3 2025 09 23 Exploiting Seed and Soil Microbiomes: Innovations for Enhancing Crop Resilience and Productivity Exploiting Seed and Soil Microbiomes: Innovations for Enhancing Crop Resilience and Productivity 53 64 9416 10.22124/jms.2025.9416 FA Parisa Sharifi Research Assistant Professor, Seed and Plant Certification and Registration Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran Nima Khaledi Research Assistant Professor, Seed and Plant Certification and Registration Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran Journal Article 2025 10 21 The seed microbiome comprises a diverse assemblage of beneficial microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, which inhabit either the internal tissues (endophytes) or the external surfaces (epiphytes) of plant seeds. These microorganisms play pivotal roles in seed germination, early seedling development, nutrient acquisition, and the enhancement of plant resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses. In recent years, seed biopriming has emerged as one of the most efficient biological strategies for the targeted modulation and engineering of the seed microbiome. By promoting the early establishment of beneficial microorganisms, this approach enhances rhizosphere microbiome stability and improves plant resilience. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the composition, origin, and complex interactions of the seed microbiome with soil and the host plant, and critically examines recent advances in technologies such as seed biopriming, seed coating, multi-omics approaches, and synthetic microbial communities. Evidence from recent studies indicates that the rational design of the seed microbiome can increase crop productivity by 10–20% while reducing dependence on chemical inputs. The integration of seed microbiome engineering with climate-smart agriculture and genome-editing technologies offers a promising framework for the development of resilient bio-based seeds and for ensuring food security under changing climatic conditions. The seed microbiome comprises a diverse assemblage of beneficial microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, which inhabit either the internal tissues (endophytes) or the external surfaces (epiphytes) of plant seeds. These microorganisms play pivotal roles in seed germination, early seedling development, nutrient acquisition, and the enhancement of plant resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses. In recent years, seed biopriming has emerged as one of the most efficient biological strategies for the targeted modulation and engineering of the seed microbiome. By promoting the early establishment of beneficial microorganisms, this approach enhances rhizosphere microbiome stability and improves plant resilience. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the composition, origin, and complex interactions of the seed microbiome with soil and the host plant, and critically examines recent advances in technologies such as seed biopriming, seed coating, multi-omics approaches, and synthetic microbial communities. Evidence from recent studies indicates that the rational design of the seed microbiome can increase crop productivity by 10–20% while reducing dependence on chemical inputs. The integration of seed microbiome engineering with climate-smart agriculture and genome-editing technologies offers a promising framework for the development of resilient bio-based seeds and for ensuring food security under changing climatic conditions.

https://jms.guilan.ac.ir/article_9416_390b7293a6fcec71a9c5bf4e0473c09f.pdf

University of Guilan Iranian Journal of Seed Sciences and Research 2476-3780 12 3 2025 09 23 Evaluation of seed priming with salycilic acid on salt stress tolerance during germination and seedling growth stages of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Brivio hybrid) Evaluation of seed priming with salycilic acid on salt stress tolerance during germination and seedling growth stages of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Brivio hybrid) 66 80 9428 10.22124/jms.2025.9428 FA Reza Rezvani Ph.D. Student of Crop Physiology Department of Plant Production, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad Kavous, Iran. Abbas Biabani University of Gonbad Kavoos Zahra Taghizadeh Tabari Ph.D. in Crop Ecology and Postdoctoral Researcher, Iran National Science Foundation (INSF), Tehran, Iran. Masoumeh Naeemi Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Production, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad Kavous, Iran. Journal Article 2025 10 23 The germination is crucial for the early growth and establishment of the plant and the seed priming technique, by inducing physiological and biochemical changes, prepares seed for effective germination prior to placement the planting medium. This study, conducted in 2025, aimed to assess the influence of salycilic acid pretreatment on the germination indices and growth parameters of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under salt stress. Two experiments, one in the laboratory and the other in a greenhouse, were performed using a factorial design based on a completely randomized design with three replications at the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University. The experimental factors included salicylic acid priming at four concentrations (0, 2, 2.5, and 3 mg/l-1) and salinity at five levels (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 mM NaCl). The results of a 14-day germination test under laboratory conditions indicated that seed priming with salicylic acid under salt stress conditions, in comparison to the control, resulted in enhancements in germination and growth traits of tomato plants, including germination percentage and rate, seedling length, dry weight, seed vigor index, and the contents of chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll. The highest germination rate (8.22 seeds per day) and seedling vigor index (9.80) were observed in the treatment with 3 mg/l-1 salicylic acid under without saline conditions. In the greenhouse experiment, application of salicylic acid for five weeks after sowing tomato seeds in seedling trays enhanced growth traits, including plant dry weight and chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophyll content. The interaction between salicylic acid and salinity indicated that the application of this compound, particularly at concentrations of 2.5 and 3 mg/l-1, mitigated the negative effects of salt stress on total chlorophyll content, such that no significant changes were observed at salinity levels up to 60 mM NaCl. In conclusion priming tomato seeds with salicylic acid, as a cost-effective, accessible, and practical approach, can enhance plant tolerance to salt stress and contribute to the sustainability of tomato production in saline soils, which account for approximately 25% of Iran's arable lands. The germination is crucial for the early growth and establishment of the plant and the seed priming technique, by inducing physiological and biochemical changes, prepares seed for effective germination prior to placement the planting medium. This study, conducted in 2025, aimed to assess the influence of salycilic acid pretreatment on the germination indices and growth parameters of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under salt stress. Two experiments, one in the laboratory and the other in a greenhouse, were performed using a factorial design based on a completely randomized design with three replications at the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University. The experimental factors included salicylic acid priming at four concentrations (0, 2, 2.5, and 3 mg/l-1) and salinity at five levels (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 mM NaCl). The results of a 14-day germination test under laboratory conditions indicated that seed priming with salicylic acid under salt stress conditions, in comparison to the control, resulted in enhancements in germination and growth traits of tomato plants, including germination percentage and rate, seedling length, dry weight, seed vigor index, and the contents of chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll. The highest germination rate (8.22 seeds per day) and seedling vigor index (9.80) were observed in the treatment with 3 mg/l-1 salicylic acid under without saline conditions. In the greenhouse experiment, application of salicylic acid for five weeks after sowing tomato seeds in seedling trays enhanced growth traits, including plant dry weight and chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophyll content. The interaction between salicylic acid and salinity indicated that the application of this compound, particularly at concentrations of 2.5 and 3 mg/l-1, mitigated the negative effects of salt stress on total chlorophyll content, such that no significant changes were observed at salinity levels up to 60 mM NaCl. In conclusion priming tomato seeds with salicylic acid, as a cost-effective, accessible, and practical approach, can enhance plant tolerance to salt stress and contribute to the sustainability of tomato production in saline soils, which account for approximately 25% of Iran's arable lands.