A method to improve the germination rate of chili seeds
By disinfecting and sterilizing the chili seeds, and then soaking them in a solution of melatonin and brassinolide, the dormancy problem of the small chili seeds was solved, and the germination rate and germination potential were significantly improved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- YUNNAN AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
- Filing Date
- 2024-01-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-17
AI Technical Summary
The seeds of small chili peppers exhibit dormancy during traditional cultivation, resulting in an unsatisfactory germination rate.
Chili seeds were treated twice with a melatonin solution and a brassinolide solution after disinfection and sterilization. The specific steps included soaking the seeds in a 0.5 wt.% sodium hypochlorite solution for 15–25 minutes, soaking them in clean water for 3–5 hours, and then soaking them in a 25–175 μmol/L melatonin solution and a 0.01%–0.13% brassinolide solution at 25–35℃ for 1.5–2.5 hours respectively.
It significantly improved the germination rate of chili seeds, especially the germination rate of small red chili seeds, with a germination rate of up to 95.4% and a germination potential of over 80%.
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of chili cultivation technology, specifically relating to a method for improving the germination rate of chili seeds. Background Technology
[0002] Small red chili (Capsicum frutescens L.) is a plant belonging to the Solanaceae family and the Capsicum genus. It is one of Yunnan's characteristic economic crops, possessing high nutritional and medicinal value. In recent years, with increasing public concern about food safety and growing domestic and international market demand, small red chili, as a natural and healthy agricultural product, has become increasingly popular among consumers. However, in the traditional cultivation process of small red chili, a considerable number of varieties exhibit dormancy, resulting in unsatisfactory seed germination rates.
[0003] Seed dormancy refers to the phenomenon where seeds, which should exhibit signs of vitality within a predetermined timeframe, fail to germinate normally under expected environmental conditions conducive to germination. Exploring and seeking effective ways to break seed dormancy, enhance the vigor of chili pepper seeds, and improve their germination rate is a pressing technical problem that needs to be solved in this industry. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a method that can effectively break seed dormancy and improve the germination rate of chili seeds.
[0005] This invention provides a method for improving the germination rate of chili seeds, comprising the following steps:
[0006] The disinfected and sterilized chili seeds were first soaked in a melatonin solution.
[0007] The chili seeds after the first soaking were subjected to a second soaking using brassinolide solution.
[0008] Preferably, the chili peppers include small red chilies.
[0009] Preferably, the chili seeds are chili seeds that are plump and well-developed after impurities have been removed.
[0010] Preferably, the disinfection and sterilization step includes: soaking the millet pepper seeds in a 0.5 wt.% sodium hypochlorite solution for 15-25 minutes.
[0011] Preferably, before the first soaking, the method further includes: soaking the disinfected chili seeds in clean water for 3 to 5 hours.
[0012] Preferably, the concentration of the melatonin solution is 25–175 μmol / L.
[0013] Preferably, the concentration of the brassinolide solution is 0.01% to 0.13%.
[0014] Preferably, the first soaking time is 1.5 to 2.5 hours and the temperature is 25 to 35°C.
[0015] Preferably, the second soaking time is 1.5 to 2.5 hours and the temperature is 25 to 35°C.
[0016] Beneficial effects
[0017] This invention sterilizes and disinfects chili seeds, reducing the destructive effects of pathogens. Soaking the sterilized and disinfected seeds in a mixture of melatonin solution and brassinolide solution in sequence effectively breaks the dormancy of chili seeds, thereby improving the germination rate of chili seeds, especially the germination rate of small chili seeds. Detailed Implementation
[0018] This invention provides a method for improving the germination rate of chili seeds, characterized by comprising the following steps:
[0019] The disinfected and sterilized chili seeds were first soaked in a melatonin solution.
[0020] The chili seeds after the first soaking were subjected to a second soaking using brassinolide solution.
[0021] In this invention, the chili peppers preferably include small red chilies; the chili pepper seeds are preferably plump and well-developed seeds after impurities have been removed. This invention optimizes the quality of chili pepper seeds through seed selection.
[0022] This invention disinfects and sterilizes chili seeds. The disinfection and sterilization steps include: soaking the chili seeds in a 0.5 wt.% sodium hypochlorite solution for 15-25 minutes, more preferably soaking them in the 0.5 wt.% sodium hypochlorite solution for 20 minutes; preferably, rinsing the chili seeds 5-6 times with sterile water after disinfection and sterilization; this invention first uses a disinfectant to sterilize and disinfect the chili seeds, then rinses them with clean water, which effectively removes residual bacteria and disinfectant from the seeds, reducing the destructive effect of bacteria.
[0023] Before sterilizing and disinfecting chili seeds, the present invention preferably involves drying the chili seeds. This drying process preferably includes: sun-drying the chili seeds at 25–35°C for 4–7 days, or drying the chili seeds at 25–35°C for 2–3 days. This drying process effectively removes moisture from the chili seeds, further improving their germination rate.
[0024] After disinfection and sterilization, the present invention preferably soaks the disinfected and sterilized chili seeds in clean water. In the present invention, the soaking time in clean water is preferably 3 to 5 hours, more preferably 4 hours.
[0025] After soaking in clean water, the present invention performs a seed soaking process on chili seeds. In this invention, the seed soaking includes a first soaking of the disinfected chili seeds using a melatonin solution and a second soaking of the chili seeds after the first soaking using a brassinolide solution.
[0026] In this invention, the concentration of the melatonin solution is preferably 25-175 μmol / L, more preferably 75-125 μmol / L, and even more preferably 100 μmol / L; the first soaking time is preferably 1.5-2.5 h, and even more preferably 2 h; the first soaking temperature is preferably 25-35 °C.
[0027] In this invention, the concentration of the brassinolide solution is preferably 0.01% to 0.13%, more preferably 0.03% to 0.09%, and even more preferably 0.05%; the second soaking time is preferably 1.5 to 2.5 hours, and even more preferably 2 hours; the second soaking temperature is preferably 25 to 35°C.
[0028] This invention optimizes the concentrations of melatonin solution and brassinolide solution for soaking chili seeds, effectively breaking seed dormancy and further improving seed germination rate.
[0029] After soaking, the present invention preferably germinates the soaked chili seeds until the chili seeds show white sprouts; the germination temperature is preferably 30°C, and the germination humidity is preferably 70% to 80%.
[0030] To further illustrate the present invention, the following detailed description of a method for improving the germination rate of chili seeds provided by the present invention is provided in conjunction with embodiments, but these should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0031] In this invention, unless otherwise specified, all embodiments and preferred embodiments mentioned herein can be combined to form new technical solutions; all technical features and preferred features mentioned herein can be combined to form new technical solutions; percentage (%) or parts refer to weight percentage or parts relative to the composition; the components involved or their preferred components can be combined to form new technical solutions.
[0032] Example 1
[0033] Seed selection: Screen the small red chili seeds to remove impurities and shriveled seeds, and select well-developed small red chili seeds for later use.
[0034] Drying: Under natural conditions, the selected chili pepper seeds are sun-dried at 25-35℃ for 6 days to obtain dried chili pepper seeds;
[0035] Sterilization and disinfection: Place the dried chili seeds in a 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution and soak for 20 minutes;
[0036] Cleaning: Remove the millet pepper seeds that have been soaked in disinfectant and place them in a filter. Rinse them 5-6 times with sterile water.
[0037] Soaking in water: Soak the millet pepper seeds in water for 4 hours;
[0038] Seed soaking: Soak the soaked chili pepper seeds in a 100 μmol / L melatonin solution for 2 hours at room temperature (25–35°C); then soak the chili pepper seeds in a 0.05% brassinolide solution for 2 hours at room temperature (25–35°C).
[0039] As for the germination box, germinate at 30℃ until the chili seeds show white sprouts.
[0040] Example 2
[0041] The dried chili seeds from Example 1 were processed in the same way as in Example 1, except that the concentration of the melatonin solution was 25 μmol / L.
[0042] Example 3
[0043] The dried chili seeds from Example 1 were processed in the same way as in Example 1, except that the concentration of the melatonin solution was 50 μmol / L.
[0044] Example 4
[0045] The dried chili seeds from Example 1 were processed in the same way as in Example 1, except that the concentration of the melatonin solution was 75 μmol / L.
[0046] Example 5
[0047] The dried chili seeds from Example 1 were processed in the same way as in Example 1, except that the concentration of the melatonin solution was 125 μmol / L.
[0048] Example 6
[0049] The dried chili pepper seeds from Example 1 were processed in the same way as in Example 1, except that the concentration of the melatonin solution was 150 μmol / L.
[0050] Example 7
[0051] The dried chili pepper seeds from Example 1 were processed in the same way as in Example 1, except that the concentration of the melatonin solution was 175 μmol / L.
[0052] Example 8
[0053] The dried chili seeds from Example 1 were processed in the same way as in Example 1, except that the concentration of the brassinolide solution was 0.01%.
[0054] Example 9
[0055] The dried chili seeds from Example 1 were processed in the same way as in Example 1, except that the concentration of the brassinolide solution was 0.03%.
[0056] Example 10
[0057] The dried chili seeds from Example 1 were processed in the same way as in Example 1, except that the concentration of the brassinolide solution was 0.07%.
[0058] Example 11
[0059] The dried chili seeds from Example 1 were processed in the same way as in Example 1, except that the concentration of the brassinolide solution was 0.09%.
[0060] Example 12
[0061] The dried chili seeds from Example 1 were processed in the same way as in Example 1, except that the concentration of the brassinolide solution was 0.11%.
[0062] Example 13
[0063] The dried chili pepper seeds from Example 1 were processed in the same way as in Example 1, except that the concentration of the brassinolide solution was 0.13%.
[0064] Comparative Example 1
[0065] The dried chili seeds from Example 1 were processed in the same way as in Example 1, except that the chili seeds were not soaked in a chemical solution, but were soaked in clean water for 8 hours.
[0066] Comparative Example 2
[0067] The dried chili pepper seeds from Example 1 were treated in the same way as in Example 1. The only difference was that in the seed soaking process, the seeds were first soaked in a 100 μmol / L melatonin solution at room temperature of 25–35°C for 2 hours, and then soaked in water for 2 hours. The brassinolide solution was not used for soaking.
[0068] Comparative Example 3
[0069] The dried chili seeds from Example 1 were processed in the same way as in Example 1, except that the chili seeds were soaked in water for 6 hours in the water soaking stage; and in the chemical soaking stage, melatonin solution was not used, but a 0.05% brassinolide solution was used to soak the seeds at room temperature of 25-35°C for 2 hours.
[0070] Test Example 1
[0071] 500 seeds of small red chili peppers treated in Examples 1 to 13 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 were taken as samples for germination rate experiments.
[0072] Small red chili pepper seeds were germinated under conditions of 28–30℃, 70–90% humidity, darkness, and sufficient oxygen. A statistical survey was conducted to detect the germination rate and other parameters of 500 small red chili pepper seeds in each group. The number of germinated seeds per day was recorded, and the germination rate and germination potential were calculated. The results are shown in Table 1.
[0073] Table 1. Results of Germination Rate and Germination Potential Detection
[0074]
[0075]
[0076] In Table 1, the germination rate is the proportion of seeds with a sprout length exceeding half the length of a chili pepper seed at 15 days of germination; the germination potential is the proportion of seeds with a sprout length exceeding half the length of a chili pepper seed at the germination to peak germination period (8 days of germination) to the total number of seeds.
[0077] As can be seen from the data in Table 1, the germination rate of seeds in Comparative Example 1 was only 28.4%, and the germination rates of seeds in Comparative Examples 2 and 3 were both below 60%, while the germination rate of seeds in Example 1 reached 95.4%. It is evident that compared with soaking seeds in water or soaking chili pepper seeds alone in melatonin solution or brassinolide solution, the germination rate of chili pepper seeds soaked in melatonin and brassinolide solutions in this invention can be significantly improved, and the melatonin solution or brassinolide solution produced a synergistic effect; different concentrations of brassinolide solution have an impact on the germination rate of chili pepper seeds.
[0078] In Examples 1-7, after soaking chili pepper seeds in water for 4 hours, they were soaked in melatonin solutions of concentrations of 100 μmol / L, 25 μmol / L, 50 μmol / L, 75 μmol / L, 125 μmol / L, 150 μmol / L, and 175 μmol / L at room temperature (25-35°C) for 2 hours, respectively. Then, they were soaked in a 0.05% brassinolide solution at room temperature (25-35°C) for another 2 hours. The germination rate of the chili pepper seeds initially increased and then decreased with increasing melatonin solution concentration, reaching its highest value at a melatonin solution concentration of 100 μmol / L. This indicates that a suitable concentration of melatonin solution combined with a 0.05% brassinolide solution can break the dormancy of chili pepper seeds and promote germination. Specifically, when the melatonin solution concentration was in the range of 75-125 μmol / L, the germination rate was higher than 90%, and the germination potential was greater than 80%.
[0079] In Examples 1 and 8-13, chili pepper seeds were soaked in water for 4 hours, then in a 100 μmol / L melatonin solution at room temperature (25-35°C) for 2 hours. They were then soaked in brassinolide solutions at concentrations of 0.05%, 0.01%, 0.03%, 0.07%, 0.09%, 0.11%, and 0.13% at room temperature (25-35°C) for 2 hours, respectively. The results showed that the germination rate of the chili pepper seeds initially increased and then decreased with increasing brassinolide solution concentration, reaching its highest value at a 0.05% concentration. This indicates that a 100 mol / L melatonin solution combined with an appropriate concentration of brassinolide solution can break the dormancy of chili pepper seeds and promote germination. Specifically, when the brassinolide solution concentration was in the range of 0.03%-0.09%, the germination rate was higher than 90%, and the germination potential was greater than 80%.
[0080] In conclusion, soaking seeds in melatonin solution and brassinolide solution can break the dormancy of chili pepper seeds and greatly improve their germination rate.
[0081] Although the above embodiments have provided a detailed description of the present invention, they are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. People can obtain other embodiments based on these embodiments without creative effort, and these embodiments all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A method for improving the germination rate of chili seeds, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The disinfected and sterilized chili seeds were first soaked in a melatonin solution. The chili seeds after the first soaking were subjected to a second soaking using a brassinolide solution. The concentration of the melatonin solution is 75~125 μmol / L; The concentration of the brassinolide solution is 0.03%~0.09%; The first soaking time is 2 hours; The second soaking time is 2 hours; The disinfection and sterilization steps include: soaking the millet pepper seeds in a 0.5 wt.% sodium hypochlorite solution for 15-25 minutes; Before the first soaking, the process also includes: soaking the disinfected and sterilized chili seeds in clean water; The soaking time in clean water is 3-5 hours; The temperature for the first soaking is 25~35℃; The second soaking temperature is 25~35℃.
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The chili pepper in question is a small red chili pepper.
3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The chili seeds mentioned are chili seeds that are plump and well-developed after impurities have been removed.