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Germination and seedling growth of soybean (Glycine maxL.) cv. Williams were examined on paper towels pre-moistened with a range of saline solutions (germination: 0–500 mMolal NaCl; seedling growth: 0–330 mMolal NaCl). The Na+, K+and Ca2+concentrations in the embryonic axis immediately before germination and in the seedling 3.5 d after germination were measured. Germination decreased at NaCl concentrations of 330 mMolal (81% germination) and above. At 420 mMolal NaCl, only 40% of seeds germinated, and at 500 mMolal NaCl there was no germination. Seedling growth rate decreased drastically with increasing salinity. At 220 mMolal NaCl, seedling growth rate had declined to 5% of the control, whereas at 330 mMolal NaCl seedling growth was almost zero 3–4 d after germination. Thus, soybean seeds were more tolerant of salinity in the germination than in the seedling phase. The results suggest that the greater tolerance of salinity during the germination phase might, in part, be the result of a lower sensitivity to high tissue Na+concentrations. Germination (40%) was possible at a tissue Na+concentration in the embryonic axis of 9.3 mg g FW-1, whereas seedling growth was completely inhibited at a tissue Na+concentration of 6.1 mg g FW-1. Germination at higher tissue Na+concentrations was associated with higher K+and Ca2+concentrations in the embryo axis, compared with growing seedlings, suggesting that these ions may protect the seeds in the pre-germination phase against salinity.

The present study was conducted to preserve the microbial quality of chicken breast during storage time by using sodium alginate active coating solutions incorporated with different natural antimicrobials including Lemon Verbena (Le) and clove essential oils (Cl) which were added individually and in combination as well as packaging in Modified Atmosphere (M) (65% CO 2 , 30% N 2 , and 5% O 2) and in ambient atmosphere (A). The samples were stored in refrigeration condition for 15 days and were analyzed for total viable count, Enterobacteriaceae count, lactic acid bacteria count, Pseudomonas spp. count, psychrotrophic count, and yeast and mold count, as well as pH, TBA, TVN, and sensory analyses at 5-day intervals. After 15 days of storage it was found that coating with sodium alginate containing 0.5% of Cl and 0.5% Le in modified atmosphere packaging is the most effective combination in lowering aerobic mesophilic bacteria, Pseudomonas, Psychrotrophic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, mold, and yeast. Results indicated that Le 0.5 C 0.5 M had the lowest pH (5.76) after 15 days. Lipid oxidation increased rapidly after 5 days of storage all treatments while 2 | MATERIAL S AND ME THODS 2.1 | Materials Dried leaves of A. citriodora and dried flowers of buds of S. aromaticum were purchased from, local markets in Gorgan, Iran and the species were identified in Golestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Educational Center. Sodium alginate was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (Sigma-Aldrich Chemical Co. St. Louis, USA). All culture media were purchased from Merck (Merck, Darmstadt, Germany). All other chemicals used were of analytical grade and were provided by Merck Chemical Co.

The goal of this study was to evaluate concentrations of nanosized TiO 2 at 0, 5, 20, 40, 60 and 80 mg L -1 with bulk TiO 2 for possible stimulatory effects on wheatgrass seed germination and early growth stage. After 14 days of seed incubation, germination percentage improved by 9% following exposure to 5 ppm nanosized TiO 2 treatment comparing to control. Similar positive effects occurred in terms of germination value and mean daily germination. Application of bulk TiO 2 particles in 80 ppm concentration greatly decreased the majority of studied traits. Therefore phytotoxicity effect observed on wheatgrass seedling by application of bulk TiO 2 particles in 80 ppm concentration. Exposure of wheatgrass seeds to 5 ppm nanosized TiO 2 and bulk and nanosized TiO 2 at 60 ppm obtained the lowest mean germination time but higher concentrations did not improve mean germination time. In general, there was a positive response by wheatgrass seed to some concentrations of nanosized TiO 2 . Usage of nanoparicles in order to improve germination and establishment of range plant in adverse environments similar to rangeland could be possible.

Considering the consumer demand for natural food preservatives, researchers have been attempting to identify alternative natural and safe sources of edible antioxidants and antimicrobials [2]. Various antimicrobial compounds are found in nature, which are mostly involved in providing defense against numerous microorganisms.