University of Kurdistan

Seed priming is a widely used pre-germination technique that enhances sprouting efficiency, synchrony, and the initial development of plantlets, particularly under suboptimal environmental conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different seed priming treatments on the germination, growth, and yield performance of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) through a series of laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments conducted during the 2024 cropping season. The laboratory experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications. Treatments included potassium nitrate (5% w/w), potassium chloride (1% w/w), zinc sulfate (6% w/w), gibberellic acid (30mg.kg⁻¹), polyethylene glycol 6000 (10% v/v), salicylic acid (200mg. L⁻¹), humic acid (54mg. L⁻¹), hydropriming (distilled water), and a non-primed control. The same treatments were evaluated in a greenhouse trial (CRD with four replications) and a field trial (randomized complete block design with three replications). The overall results of the first experiment showed that treatments of potassium chloride, hydropriming, potassium nitrate, and gibberellic acid had positive effects on the germination characteristics of quinoa seeds. The greenhouse experiment also clearly demonstrated the superiority of potassium chloride and gibberellic acid treatments. In the field experiment, salicylic acid and potassium chloride treatments led to the highest economic yield. Based on the combined results of the experiments in this study, priming quinoa seeds with potassium chloride and salicylic acid is recommended.

Plant sexual reproduction involves highly structured and specialized organs: stamens (male) and gynoecium (female, containing ovules). These organs synchronously develop within protective flower buds. Investigating ovules and pollen is crucial for understanding aspects of fertility and sterility in plants. Research on their development and embryogenesis plays a significant role in determining the taxonomic relationships of various species. Paraffin-embedding associated to examination with light microscope showed the development of ovules and pollen grains in Camelina sativa, a key oilseed crop. The findings indicated that the anthers exhibit tetrasporangiate characteristics, with the anther wall consisting of the epidermis, mechanical layer, transitional layer, and tapetum. The microsporogenesis type is simultaneous and microspore tetrads arrange in tetrahedral tetrads. Scanning electron microscope observations showed that mature pollen grains have a tricolporate aperture and are medium-sized, with microreticulate exine ornamentation on the pollen wall. The gynoecium is characterized as bicarpellate, and the ovule in its mature state is classified as amphitropous and bitegmic. The meiosis division of megasporocytes yields a linear tetrad formation. The eight-nucleate embryo sac following the Polygonum type pattern. With a broader systematic perspective, these embryological and palynological features demonstrate evolutionary conservatism within the Brassicaceae, with minor distinctions potentially representing adaptive changes.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine whether the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism was associated with injury rate and recovery time from non-contact muscle injuries in youth academy players and professional soccer players.MethodsThe ACTN3 rs1815739 genotype was identified in 76 male soccer players (22 professional, 27 U19 and 27 U17) from a top-level French soccer club. Over three consecutive competitive seasons (2020/21 to 2022/23), the players were prospectively monitored. The club’s medical staff systematically recorded all injuries sustained during soccer exposure. Injury incidence was calculated based on total soccer exposure, and return-to-play time (RTT) for each injury was determined by the medical staff. A total of 312 injuries were documented, including 144 non-contact muscle injuries. Injury incidence rates (IRs) and rate ratios (RRs) were compared across player genotypes, both overall and within each category, using Poisson or negative binomial regression models with exposure time as an offset. RTT was analyzed by genotype using the Kruskal–Wallis test.ResultsOverall genotype distribution was RR, 52.6%; RX, 30.3%; and XX, 17.1%. Across all players, XX carriers had the highest injury incidence (8.54 [6.54–10.39]/1000 h) followed by RX players (6.65 [5.39–7.91]/1000 h) and RR players (5.15 [4.35–5.95]/1000 h), although these differences did not reach statistical significance. The RRs for XX compared with RR players was 1.66 (95% CI: 0.85–3.23, p = 0.140), indicating a non-significant tendency toward higher incidence in XX players. However, RTT differed significantly among genotypes (p = 0.007), with median [IQR] values of 13 [10, 16] days for RR, 16 [14, 22] days for RX, and 18 [13, 19] days for XX. Subgroup analyses showed that RTT differences were significant in U17 players (p = 0.004), with XX requiring longer recovery (23 days) compared to RR players (11 days). However, these genotype-related differences in RTT were not significant among professional soccer players.ConclusionThe ACTN3 R577X polymorphism was associated with recovery characteristics following non-contact muscle injuries in soccer players. Specifically, players with the XX genotype required significantly longer return-to-play times, a pattern evident in youth academy players but not in the professional group.