10.57647/j.jrs.2025.1501.08

Effect of facilitators on enhancement of seed germination, seedling growth and establishment in some plant species

  1. Rangeland Science, Department of Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Iran
  2. Department of Natural Resources, Water Management Research Center, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
  3. Watershed Management Science and Engineering, Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran
Effect of facilitators on enhancement of seed germination, seedling growth and establishment in some plant species

Received: 2023-03-29

Revised: 2024-05-20

Accepted: 2024-06-04

Published 2025-01-20

How to Cite

Rokhforoz, P., Ghorbani, A., Abbasi Khalaki, M., Moameri, M., Gharemahmoodli, S., & Hazbavi, Z. (2025). Effect of facilitators on enhancement of seed germination, seedling growth and establishment in some plant species. Journal of Rangeland Science, 15(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.57647/j.jrs.2025.1501.08

PDF views: 33

Abstract

Improper Seed Germination (SG) of plants is an undesirable factor in agriculture, pasture and rangeland restoration operations. Therefore, researchers are trying to examine different techniques to facilitate germination and improve seedling establishment. Facilitators play an important role in managing and improving growth processes, through accelerating SG. In this regard, the key aim of this study is to review different types of facilitators and their effects on the germination, growth, and establishment of plants. Results showed that: firstly, the most used method by various facilitators was seed pretreatment and secondly, most of the germination tests for nanoparticles have been done in laboratory environments. It is necessary to examine these facilitators in the field and natural environments to determine their real efficiency and effectiveness. Thirdly, it seems that the use of effective microorganisms is much more cost-effective than nanoparticles due to the ease of use in large areas, cheaper price and higher efficiency. The general positive effects of facilitators include improving environmental stress resistance, plant growth, surface coverage, root depth, root length, the fresh and dry weight of root, SG, crop quality, and yield. Their adverse effects also differ depending on the various characteristics of both facilitators and plants.

Keywords

  • Germination,
  • Facilitator,
  • Nanoparticles,
  • Microorganisms

References

  1. Abbasi Khalaki, M., Moameri, M., 2019. The use of effective microorganisms and potassium silicate nanoparticles facilitators in the development of Alopecurus textilis species growth traits. The first international conference and the fourth national conference on the protection of natural resources and environment. University of Mohaghegh Ardabili. (In Persian).
  2. Abbasi Khalaki, M., Ghorbani, A., Moameri, M., 2016. Effects of silica and silver nanoparticles on seed germination traits of Thymus kotschyanus in laboratory conditions. Journal of Rangeland Science. 6(3), 221–231. (In Persian).
  3. Abbasi Khalaki, M., Ghorbani, A., Esmali Ouri, A., Shokouhian, A.A. and Jafari, A., 2021. Some Facilitators Effects on Alfalfa and Sainfoin Growth in Restoration of Dry-Farming Lands (Study Area: Balekhlichay Watershed, Ardabil, Iran). ECOPERSIA, 9(1), 43-51.
  4. Abbasi Khalaki, M., Moameri, M., Ghorbani, A., Alagoz, S. M., Dolatabadi, N., Lajayer, B. A., and van Hullebusch, E. D. 2022. Effects, uptake and translocation of Ag-based nanoparticles in plants. In Toxicity of Nanoparticles in Plants (pp. 171-192). Academic Press.
  5. Abdellah, Y.A.Y., Shi, Z.J., Sun, S.S., Luo, Y.S., Yang, X., Hou, W.T. and Wang, R.L., 2022. An assessment of composting conditions, humic matters formation and product maturity in response to different additives: A meta-analysis. Journal of Cleaner Production, 366, p.132953.
  6. Agarwal, H., Kumar, S.V. and Rajeshkumar, S., 2017. A review on green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles–An eco-friendly approach. Resource-Efficient Technologies, 3(4), 406-413.
  7. Ahmad, B., Shabbir, A., Jaleel, H., Masroor, M., Khan, A., Sadiq, Y., 2018. Efficacy of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in modulating photosynthesis, peltate glandular trichomes and essential oil production and quality in Mentha piperita. Current Plant Biology, 13(1), 6–15.
  8. Albalasmeh, A.A., Mohawesh, O., Gharaibeh, M.A., Alghamdi, A.G., Alajlouni, M.A. and Alqudah, A.M., 2022. Effect of hydrogel on corn growth, water use efficiency, and soil properties in a semi-arid region. Journal of the Saudi Society of Agricultural Sciences, 21(8), 518-524.
  9. Allen, M.F., 2019. Belowground structure: a key to reconstructing a productive arid ecosystem. In The reconstruction of disturbed arid lands (pp. 113-135). Routledge.
  10. Amooaghaie, R., Tabatabaei, F., Ahadi, A.M., 2015. Role of hematin and sodium nitroprusside in regulating Brassica nigra seed germination under nano silver and silver nitrate stresses. Journal of Water and Soil Science, 113, 259–270.
  11. Anjitha, K.S., Sameena, P.P. and Puthur, J.T., 2021. Functional aspects of plant secondary metabolites in metal stress tolerance and their importance in pharmacology. Plant Stress, 2,100038.
  12. Anon, A., 1995. Effective microorganisms and their influence on vegetable production – a review. Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology, 88(4), 380-386.
  13. Antala, M., Sytar, O., Rastogi, A. and Brestic, M., 2019. Potential of karrikins as novel plant growth regulators in agriculture. Plants, 9(1), 43.
  14. Arora, S., Sharma, P., Kumar, S., Nayan, R., Khanna, P.K. and Zaidi, M.G.H., 2012. Gold-nanoparticle induced enhancement in growth and seed yield of Brassica juncea. Plant growth regulation, 66, 303-310.
  15. Ahmed, E.M., 2015. Hydrogel: Preparation, characterization, and applications: A review. Journal of advanced research, 6(2), 105-121.
  16. Atiyeh, R.M., Lee, S., Edwards, C.A., Arancon, N.Q. and Metzger, J.D., 2002. The influence of humic acids derived from earthworm-processed organic wastes on plant growth. Bioresource technology, 84(1), 7-14.
  17. Azarnivand, H., Sourib, M., Etemad, V., 2011. Effect of water stress on seed germination of Artemisia spicier and Artemisia fragrant. Desert, 12(1), 17-21. (In Persian).
  18. Azimi, R., Heshmati, G.A., Kavandi Habib, R., 2016. Evaluation of SiO2 nanoparticle effects on seed germination in Astragalus squarrosus. Journal Rangeland Science, 6(2), 135–143. (In Persian).
  19. Azimi, R., Jankju Borzelabad, M., Feizi, H., Azimi, A., 2014. Interaction of SiO2 nanoparticles with seed prechilling on germination and early seedling growth of tall wheatgrass (Agropyron elongatum). Polish Journal Chemical Technology. 16(3), 25–29.
  20. Bal, P.M., De Lange, A.H., Jansen, P.G. and Van Der Velde, M.E., 2008. Psychological contract breach and job attitudes: A meta-analysis of age as a moderator. Journal of vocational behavior, 72(1), 143-158.
  21. Bennett, A.J. and Whipps, J.M., 2008. Dual application of beneficial microorganisms to seed during drum priming. Applied soil ecology, 38(1), 83-89.
  22. Bilalis, D., Sidiras, N., Economou, G. and Vakali, C., 2003. Effect of different levels of wheat straw soil surface coverage on weed flora in Vicia faba crops. Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science, 189(4), 233-241.
  23. Bothe, H., Körsgen, H., Lehmacher, T., Hundeshagen, T., 1992. Differential effects of Azospirillum, auxin and combined nitrogen on growth of the roots of wheat. Symbiosis, 13, 167– 179.
  24. Boykov, I.N., Shuford, E., Zhang, B., 2018. Nanoparticle titanium dioxide affects the growth and micro RNA expression of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). Ecology, 111(3), 450–456.
  25. Brooker, R.W., Maestre, F.T., Callaway, R.M., Lortie, C.L., Cavieres, L.A., Kunstler, G., Liancourt, P., Tielbörger, K., Travis, J.M., Anthelme, F. and Armas, C., 2008. Facilitation in plant communities: the past, the present, and the future. Journal of ecology, (1), 18-34.
  26. Castiglione, M.R., Giorgetti, L., Geri, C., Cremonini, R., 2011. The effects of nano-TiO2 on seed germination, development and mitosis of root tip cells of Vicia narbonensis and Zea mays. Journal of Nanoparticle Research, 13(6), 2443–2449.
  27. Chakraborti, S., Bera, K., Sadhukhan, S. and Dutta, P., 2022. Bio-priming of seeds: Plant stress management and its underlying cellular, biochemical and molecular mechanisms. Plant Stress, 3, 100052.
  28. Dehkourdi, E.H., Mosavi, M., 2013. Effect of anatine nanoparticles (TiO2) on parsley seed germination (Petroselinum crispum) in vitro. Biological Trace Element Research, 155(2), 283–286.
  29. Dietz, K.J. and Herth, S., 2011. Plant nano toxicology. Trends in plant science, 16(11), 582-589.
  30. Dixon, K.W., Merritt, D.J., Flematti, G.R. and Ghisalberti, E.L., 2009. Karrikinolide–a phytoreactive compound derived from smoke with applications in horticulture, ecological restoration and agriculture. Acta Horticulturae, 81 (3), 155-170.
  31. El-Temsah, Y.S. and Joiner, E.J. 2010. Impact of Fe and Ag nanoparticles on seed germination and differences in bioavailability during exposure in aqueous suspension and soil. Environmental toxicology, 27(5), 42–49.
  32. Eskandarinasab, M., Rafeiolhossaini, M., Roshandel, P., Tadayon, M.R., 2019. Investigation of seed germination indices and anthocyanin content of Niger (Guizotia abyssinica) seedling under the effect of three nanoparticles. Iranian Journal of Seed Research, 5(2), 73–89. (In Persian).
  33. Farooq, M., Basra, S.M.A., Wahid, A., Khaliq, A. and Kobayashi, N., 2010. Rice seed invigoration: a review. Organic Farming, Pest Control and Remediation of Soil Pollutants: Organic farming, pest control and remediation of soil pollutants, 1(1), 137-175.
  34. Fazeli-Nasab, B., Sirousmehr, A.R. and Azad, H., 2018. Effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on essential oil quantity and quality in Thymus vulgaris under water deficit. Journal of Medicinal plants and By-product, 7(2), 125-133.
  35. Feizi, H., Kamali, M., Jafari, L., Moghaddam, P.R., 2013. Phytotoxicity and stimulatory impacts of nanosized and bulk titanium dioxide on fennel (Foeniculum vulgare). Chemosphere, 91(4), 506–511.
  36. Feng, Y., Cui, X., He, S., Dong, G., Chen, M., Wang, J., Lin, X., 2013. The role of metal nanoparticles in influencing arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi effects on plant growth. Environmental Science and Technology, l47 (16), 9496–9504.
  37. García, A.C., de Souza, L.G., Pereira, M.G., Castro, R.N., Garcia-Mina, J.M., Zonta, E., Lisboa, F.J., Berbara, R.L. 2016. Structure-property-function relationship in humic substances to explain the biological activity in plants. Scientific Report, 6(1), 87-98.
  38. García-López, J.I., Zavala-García, F. Olivares-Sáenz, E., Lira-Saldívar, R.H., Díaz Barriga-Castro, E., Ruiz-Torres, N.A., Ramos-Cortez, E., Vázquez-Alvarado, R. and Niño-Medina, G. 2018. Zinc oxide nanoparticles boosts phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of Capsicum annuum L. during germination. Agronomy, 8(10), 215.
  39. Ghebrehiwot, H.M., Kulkarni, M.G., Szalai, G., Soós, V., Balázs, E. and Van Staden, J., 2013. Karrikinolide residues in grassland soils following fire: Implications on germination activity. South African Journal of Botany, 88, 419-424.
  40. Guo, J., Shi, W., Wen, L., Shi, X. and Li, J. 2020. Effects of a super-absorbent polymer derived from poly-γ-glutamic acid on water infiltration, field water capacity, soil evaporation, and soil water-stable aggregates. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, 66(12), 1627-1638.
  41. Javaid, A. and Bajwa, R., 2011. Effect of Effective microorganism application on crop growth, yield, and nutrition in Vigna radiata. Wilczek in different soil amendment systems. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 42(17), 2112-2121.
  42. Kamali, N., Sadeghipour, A., Soori, M., 2017. Investigating the toxicity effects of nano Fe3O4 on germination and early growth of Agropyron desertorum and Agropyron elongatum. Journal of Rangeland, 11(3), 321-330. (In Persian).
  43. Khaleda, L., Kim, M.G., Kim, W.Y., Jeon, J.R., Cha, J.Y., 2017. Humic acid and synthesized humic mimic promote the growth of Italian ryegrass. Journal of the Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science, 37(3), 242-247.
  44. Kumar, V., Guleria, P., Kumar, V., Yadav, S.K., 2013. Gold nanoparticle exposure induces growth and yield enhancement in Arabidopsis thaliana. Environmental Science Articles - Science Research, 461, 462–468.
  45. Lal, R., 2016. Feeding 11 billion on 0.5 billion hectare of area under cereal crops. Food and Energy Security, 5(4), 239-251.
  46. Lamsal, K., Kim, S-W., Jung, J.H., Kim, Y.S., Kim, K.S., Lee, Y.S., 2011. Inhibition Effects of Silver Nanoparticles against Powdery Mildews on Cucumber and Pumpkin. Microbiology Journal, 39, 26-32.
  47. Levesque, J., 2013. Managing Diversity in Pakistan: Nationalism, Ethnic Politics and Cultural Resistance [review essay]. South Asia Multidisciplinary Academic Journal, 1, 1-18.
  48. Meng, Y., Shuai, H., Luo, X., Chen, F., Zhou, W., Yang, W. and Shu, K., 2017. Karrikins: regulators involved in phytohormone signaling networks during seed germination and seedling development. Frontiers in plant science, 7, 2021.
  49. Meyer, S.E., Monsen, S.B., 2004. Habitat-correlated variation in mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentate) seed germination patterns. Journal of Ecology, 72, 739-742.
  50. Mitra, D., Mondal, R., Khoshru, B., Shadangi, S., Mohapatra, P.K.D. and Panneerselvam, P., 2021. Rhizobacteria mediated seed bio-priming triggers the resistance and plant growth for sustainable crop production. Current Research in Microbial Sciences, 2, 100071.
  51. Moameri, M., Abbasi Khalaki, M., 2019. Capability of Secale montanum trusted for phytoremediation of lead and cadmium in soils amended with nano-silica and municipal solid waste compost. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 26(1), 24315–24322.
  52. Moameri, M., Alijafari, E., Abbasi Khalaki, M., Ghorbani, A., 2018. Effects of Nan priming and bio priming on growth characteristics of Onobrychis sativa under laboratory conditions. Journal of Rangeland, 12(1), 101–111. (In Persian).
  53. Mosavi, S.E., Omidi, H. and Latifi, S.A. 2021 Effect of seed pretreatment with auxin on germination, growth and pigmentation indices of radish seedling (Raphanus sativus) under salinity stress. Journal of Seed Research, 11(38), 1-9. (In Persian).
  54. Mowa, E., Maass, E., 2012. The Effect of sulphuric acid and effective micro-organisms on the seed germination of Harpagophytum procumbens South African. Journal of Botany, 83, 193-199.
  55. Muscolo, A., Sidari, M., Nardi, S., 2013. Humic substance: Relationship between structure and activity. Deeper information suggests univocal findings. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 129, 57-63.
  56. Nair, J.J., Munro, O.Q., Pošta, M., Papenfus, H.B., Beier, P. and Van Staden, J. 2013. X-ray crystallographic structure determination of the smoke-derived karrikin KAR3. South African journal of botany, 88, 107-109.
  57. Najaf Disfani, M., Mikhak, A., Kassaeec, M.Z., Magharid. A.H., 2016. Effects of nano Fe/SiO2 fertilizers on germination and growth of barley and maize. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, 63(6), 817–826.
  58. Namasivayam, S.K.R., Chitrakala, K., 2011. Ecotoxicological effect of Lecanicillium lecanii (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) based silver nanoparticles on growth parameters of economically important plants. Journal of Biopesticides. 4(1), 97–101.
  59. Nayak, N., Sar, K., Sahoo, B.K. and Mahapatra, P., 2020. Beneficial effect of effective microorganism on crop and soil-a review. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 9(4), 3070-3074.
  60. Nezami, H., Khazaei, R., Boroumand Rezazadeh, Z., Hosseini. A., 2010. Effect of drought stress and defoliation on sunflower (Helianthus annuus) in controlled conditions. Desert, 12(2), 99-104. (In Persian).
  61. Oladosu, Y., Rafii, M.Y., Arolu, F., Chukwu, S.C., Salisu, M.A., Fagbohun, I.K., Muftaudeen, T.K., Swaray, S. and Haliru, B.S., 2022. Superabsorbent polymer hydrogels for sustainable agriculture: A review. Horticulturae, 8(7), 605.
  62. Olle, M., Williams, I., 2015. The influence of effective microorganisms on the growth and nitrate content of vegetable transplants. Journal of Advanced Agricultural Technologies, 2(1), 25-28.
  63. Parande, H. and Mirza, M., 2011. Comparison of nano Fe chelate with Fe chelate effect on growth parameters and antioxidant enzymes activity of Ocimum basilicum. New Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Journal, 1(4), 89-98.
  64. Raliya, R., Tarafdar, J.C., 2013. ZnO nanoparticle biosynthesis and its effect on phosphorous-mobilizing enzyme secretion and gum contents in cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba). Agricultural Research, 2(1), 48–57.
  65. Ramezani, F., Shayanfar, A., Tavakkol Afshari, R., Rezaee, K., 2014. Effect of silver, nickel, zinc and zinc–copper nanoparticles on germination, seedling establishment and enzyme activity of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) seed. Iranian Journal of Field Crop Science, 45(1), 107. (In Persian).
  66. Rayne, N. and Aula, L., 2020. Livestock manure and the impacts on soil health: A review. Soil Systems, 4(4), 64.
  67. Rezvani, N., Sorooshzadeh, A., 2014. Effect of nano-silver on root and bud growth of saffron in flooding stress condition. Saffron Agronomy and Technology, 2(1), 91–104. (In Persian).
  68. Risse, L.M. and Faucette, B., 2009. Food waste composting: Institutional and industrial applications. University of Georgia. 2009, 1189, 1–8.
  69. Ryals. A.J, Cleary. A.M, Seger., C.A., 2015. Recall versus familiarity when recall fails for words and scenes: The differential roles of the hippocampus, perirhinal cortex, and category-specific cortical regions. Brain Research Bulletin, 14(92), 72–91.
  70. Sadeghi, H., Khani, K., 2013. Determining the best concentration of tea compost as a potential method to maximize the growth of two species of Salsola tomentosa and Artemisia aucher in dry areas. Journal of Iranian Agricultural Research. 31)2(, 1-12.
  71. Saha, A., Sekharan, S. and Manna, U., 2020. Superabsorbent hydrogel (SAH) as a soil amendment for drought management: A review. Soil and Tillage Research, 204, p.104736.
  72. Sairam, R.K. and Srivastava, G.C., 2002. Changes in antioxidant activity in sub-cellular fractions of tolerant and susceptible wheat genotypes in response to long term salt stress. Plant Science, 162(6), 897-904.
  73. Sarkar, D., Rakshit, A., Al-Turki, A.I., Sayyed, R.Z. and Datta, R., 2021. Connecting bio-priming approach with integrated nutrient management for improved nutrient use efficiency in crop species. Agriculture, 11(4), 372.
  74. Sharma, P., Bhatt, D., Zaidi, M.G.H., Saradhi, P.P., Khanna, P.K. and Arora, S., 2012. Silver nanoparticle-mediated enhancement in growth and antioxidant status of Brassica juncea. Applied biochemistry and biotechnology, 167:2225-2233.
  75. Siddiqui, M.H., Al-Whaibi, M.H., Faisal, M., Al Sahli, A.A., 2014. Nano-silicon dioxide mitigates the adverse effects of salt stress on Cucurbita pepo. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 33(11), 2429-2437.
  76. Sunmonu, T.O., Kulkarni, M.G. and Van Staden, J., 2016. Smoke-water, karrikinolide and gibberellic acid stimulate growth in bean and maize seedlings by efficient starch mobilization and suppression of oxidative stress. South African Journal of Botany, 102, 4-11.
  77. Torney, F., Trewyn, B.G., Lin, V.S.Y., Wang, K., 2007. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles deliver DNA and chemicals into plants. Nature Nanotechnology, 2(5), 295–300.
  78. Wu, L., Liu, M. and Liang, R., 2008. Preparation and properties of a double-coated slow-release NPK compound fertilizer with superabsorbent and water-retention. Bioresource technology, 99(3), 547-554.
  79. Yuan, J., Chen, Y., Li, H., Lu, J., Zhao, H., Liu, M., Nechitaylo, G.S. Glushchenko, N.N., 2018. New insights into the cellular responses to iron nanoparticles in Capsicum annuum. International Journal of Scientific Reports, 8(1), 1–9.
  80. Zandonadi, D.B., Canellas, L.P., Façanha, A.R., 2007. Indolacetic and humic acids induce lateral root development through a concerted plasmalemma and tonoplast H+ pumps activation. Planta, 225, 1583-1595.
  81. Zangooei Nasab, S.h., Emami, H., Astaraei, A.R., Yari, A.R., 2013. Effects of stockosorb hydrogel and irrigation intervals on some soil physical properties and growth of Haloxylon seedling. Journal of Soil Management and Sustainable Production, 3(1), 167-182 (In Persian).
  82. Zhang, X., Ervin, E.H. and LaBranche, A.J., 2006. Metabolic defense responses of seeded bermudagrass during acclimation to freezing stress. Crop science, 46(6), 2598-2605.
  83. Zhang, Y., Tian, X., Zhang, Q., Xie, H., Wang, B. and Feng, Y., 2022. Hydrochar-embedded carboxymethyl cellulose-g-poly (acrylic acid) hydrogel as stable soil water retention and nutrient release agent for plant growth. Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, 7(2), 116-127.
  84. Zmeeva, O.N, Daibova, E.B, Proskurina, L.D., Petrova, L.V., Kolomiets, N.E., Svetlichnyi, V.A., Lapin, I.N., Kosova, N.I., 2017. Effects of silicon dioxide nanoparticles on biological and physiological characteristics of Medicago sativa notho subsp. Varia (Martyn) in natural agroclimatic conditions of the subtaiga zone in Western Siberia. Bio NanoScience, 7(1), 672–679.
  85. Zydlik, P., Zydlik, Z. 2008. Impact of biological effective microorganisms preparations on some physico-chemical properties of soil and the vegetative growth of apple-tree rootstocks. Nauka Przyroda Technologies, 2(1), 1-8.