Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Objective 1 - Identifying key factors involved in the enhancement or loss of seed quality. Seed development through post-harvest losses in storage. Specific topics include seed development, desiccation tolerance, and aging in storage.

AZ (Yadegari)

We continued our efforts in understanding the regulatory mechanisms that control accumulation of storage proteins and starch during mid to late stages of endosperm development in maize (Zea mays). Development of the cereal endosperm involves cell differentiation processes that enable nutrient uptake from the maternal plant, accumulation of storage products and their utilization during germination. We set out to use the previously studies Opaque-2 (O2) bZIP transcription-factor protein, a major regulator of storage protein gene expression in maize, as an opening to dissect further these regulatory programs. We mapped in vivo binding sites of O2 in B73 endosperm, and compared the results with genes differentially expressed in B73 and B73o2. We identified 186 putative direct O2 targets and 1,677 indirect targets, encoding a broad set of gene functionalities. Examination of the temporal expression patterns of O2 targets revealed at least two distinct modes of O2-mediated gene activation. Two O2-activated genes, bZIP17 and NAKED ENDOSPERM2 (NKD2), encode transcription factors, which can in turn co-activate other O2-network genes with O2. NKD2 (with its paralog NKD1) was previously shown to be involved in regulation of aleurone development. Collectively, our results has provided insights into the complexity of the O2-regulated network and its role in regulation of endosperm cell differentiation and function. We plan to further characterize the functions of some of the key downstream target genes of O2 during the next reporting period.

CA (Bradford)

Elevated seed moisture content due to insufficient drying is the major cause of seed deterioration, particularly in humid environments. When applied to food grains and commodities, drying and packaging (termed the “dry chain”) has the potential to greatly reduce postharvest loss and improve food safety by preventing accumulation of fungal toxins (e.g., aflatoxin) in storage. We reviewed this field and described methods and strategies to dry and package seeds and commodities, particularly in humid regions (Bradford et al., 2018). We have developed a number of tools and methods to monitor seed/commodity moisture content and to use desiccant-based drying followed by hermetic packaging to preserve seed viability and commodity quality. The potential economic impact of implementing these methods for onion seed in Nepal was assessed through surveys of value chain actors (Timsina et al., 2017).

We developed methods to analyze single-seed respiratory data obtained through the ASTEC Q2 instrument using population-based threshold models. This quantitative analysis of the respiratory characteristics of seed populations enables labor-efficient monitoring of seed quality and new insights into seed germination, vigor, enhancement and aging. In 2017-2018, we worked with a seed technology company and the Indiana Crop Improvement Association to test the applicability to corn (Zea mays) vigor testing and subsequent seed performance in the field. Individual seed respiration rates could potentially replace the cold test as a vigor assessment, and efforts are being made to scale up the analysis system for greater throughput.

FL (Perez)

We evaluated the seed viability and initial germination potential of Harperocallis flava, Linum arenicola, Rudbeckia mollis and Uniola paniculata. We collected data on the germination ecology and phenology, response to thermal and desiccation stress, and viability maintenance following storage. Our data indicated that H. flava produces abundant viable seeds with high germination potential (≥ 65%) in the lab. However, germination and seedling establishment in the field is highly reduced (ca. 1%). Seeds germinated readily in sterile culture (≥ 85%). Seeds of L. arenicola also display high levels of viability (≥ 85%) and germination occurs readily at lower constant temperatures (ca. 15°C). Seeds of R. mollis display mass-based separation following aging stress, with germination (i.e. rate and percentage) exceeding observations for larges seeds. Uniola paniculata seeds stored for more than seven years seem to deteriorate in storage as displayed by low (≤ 25%) and delayed germination (> 21 d). Our data indicates that contrary to anecdotes, seeds of H. flava germinate readily in the lab and that recruitment, while limited in our experiments, does occur in the field. Seeds of L. arenicola display a low temperature optimum for germination. We also need to recognize intra-specific seed size as a factor contributing to loss of viability following aging stress. Finally, we need to re-evaluate post-harvest seed handling methods for U. paniculata seeds.

KY (Downie)

The molecular mechanisms by which seed vigor is lost and which eventually leads to seed death is of considerable importance to those involved in seed production for crop establishment. We have reviewed evidence in support of Job’s Rule (Dirk and Downie, 2018) postulating that, of all components of the proteome, it is those proteins directly involved in translation that are most crucial to maintain in the functional state if the seed is to survive.

During seed development, seed quality (or lack of it) is orchestrated. To understand the global purview of a transcription factor important for setting up the capacity to dehydrate ChIP Seq of ABA INSENSITIVE3 (ABI3) was performed and then further investigated with an RNA Seq experiment (Tian et al. 2018). One of the largest categories directly regulated by ABI3 is the LATE EMBRYOGENESIS ABUNDANT proteins.

VA (Welbaum)

We are studying fundamental aspects of A. citrulli-cucurbit interactions to elucidate the bacterial determinants that mediate host preferential association towards different cucurbits (crops in the family Cucurbitaceae). The specific objectives of this research are to: (1) to investigate the susceptibility of different cucurbit species to Group I and II strains of A. citrulli under field conditions during seed production; (2) to assess the contribution of type III effectors and other virulence factors to A. citrulli virulence and host preference in cucurbit fruit tissues and seeds; and (3) to characterize the mechanism of action of selected type III effectors and find sources of resistance.

Objective 2 - Eliminating seed dormancy as a constraint during seed production and germination in agronomic seed production and ecological/biomass seed establishment. Pre-mature sprouting in cereals and other species and the identification dormancy mechanisms to manipulate germination.

CA (Brandford)

Germination of lettuce (LACTUCA SATIVA) seeds is inhibited at warm temperatures (thermoinhibition). This can reduce crop stand establishment for warm-season plantings. We previously identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) associated with thermoinhibition of germination in lettuce and subsequently demonstrated that it was due to expression of a gene in the abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthetic pathway (LsNCED4). In cooperation with colleagues at UC Davis, we further demonstrated that mutations in this gene effected using gene editing via CRISPR/Cas9 enabled lettuce seeds to germinate at higher temperatures (Bertier et al., 2018). This should permit incorporation of this high temperature germination trait into existing lettuce cultivars without extensive backcrossing to tolerant lines. Targeting of LsNCED4 can also be used as a selectable marker for the successful action of gene editing in lettuce.

KY (Downie)

The debate concerning whether raffinose or raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFO) assist seed viability or vigor has raged since the discovery of these soluble sugars. A further contentious issue is the role RFO may play in drought tolerance. Using Zea mays (maize) as a model we have demonstrated that raffinose biosynthetic capacity enhances the seed vigor of both maize and Arabidopsis and positively impacts survival during drought. An unexpected twist in Arabidopsis is the apparent increase in stomatal density in plants devoid of galactinol. A further intriguing result was the heightened sensitivity of the guard cells to drought in plants with more galactinol, potentially linked to greater ABA sensitivity (Li et al. 2018).

SD (Gu)

Continued work on cloning and molecular characterization of the seed dormancy loci qSD12. New experiments were conducted to characterize qSD12. 1) Molecular characterization of the qSD12 underlying genes SD12a, SD12b and SD12c for cellular localizations. GFP-fusion proteins were detected in both nucleus and cytoplasm for SD12a and only in the nucleus for SD12b, but were not detectable in both nucleus and cytoplasm for SD12c. 2) Molecular characterization for interactions between each pair of SD12a, SD12b and SD12c by bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) analysis. Preliminary data showed an interaction between SD12a and SD12c in nucleus. 3) Reverse genetic analysis of SD12a by an RNAi-mediated gene silencing approach. This experiment was combined with an on-going project to develop a transgene-mitigation strategy. The gene silencing effect on seed dormancy was evaluated in an F3 population. And 4) started an experiment to determine if qSD12 is involved in an epigenetic control of seed dormancy. Genetic materials prepared for this research were advanced for two generations in a greenhouse. Two experiments were conducted for qSD7-2. One experiment was to collect linkage disequilibrium data to evaluate an association of qSD7-2 with flowering time. Data analysis for this experiment has been completed. The other experiment was to determine the epistasis of qSD7-2 with a candidate gene for qSD10. This experiment was continued to the next year. 

Objective 3 - Enhancing seed vigor and germination in agronomic and other species for improved stand establishment. The emphasis of this objective is on post-harvest technologies.

FL (Perez)

We investigated the germination ability of fresh Linum arenicola seeds at various simulated seasonal temperatures. We collected germination percentage data showing that alternating temperatures delayed germination of L. arenicola seeds by about one month compared to constant temperatures. Similarly, germination did not exceed about 35%. However, germination occurred rapidly (within 14 days) at constant temperatures. Final germination exceeded 50% at constant temperatures. These results indicate that enhanced germination cueing of L. arenicola seeds occurs at constant rather than alternating temperatures. Likewise, temperatures above 25°C seem inhibitory to germination. Seeds of L. arenicola may exhibit physiological dormancy.

KY (Downie)

In so far as Arabidopsis thaliana is a “native species” somewhere, we have reported on a feedback mechanism whereby the transcription of a gene encoding an F-BOX protein responsible for degradation of the bHLH transcription factor PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR1 (PIF1) upon illumination is down-regulated by the transcription factor, assisting in phytochrome-mediated light signaling in both the completion of germination and hypocotyl elongation (Majee et al. 2018). We have elucidated the fate of PIF1 in various light environments illustrating how the transcription of a variety of transcripts encoding enzymes involved in GA production/degradation are indirectly influenced by PIF1’s presence (Dirk et al. 2018).

The following stocks have been released to the Arabidopsis Biological Resource Center: CS71627, CS71628, CS71629, CS71630, CS71631, CS71632, CS71633, CS71634, CS71635, CS71636, CS71637, CS71638, CS71639, CS71640, CS71641, CS71642, CS71643, CS71644, CS71645, CS71646, CS71647, CS71648, CS71649, CS71650, CS71651, CS71652, CS71653, CS71654.

KY (Geneve)

During the reporting period, the revision of the ninth edition of the reference text “Hartmann and Kester’s Plant Propagation: Principles and Practices was completed. Continued research with industrial hemp seed has resulted in submission of a manuscript describing the impact of temperature on seed germination and the recent completion of a solid matrix and osmotic seed priming protocol.

NY (Taylor)

Systemic seed treatment uptake into soybean and corn seeds during imbibition has not been investigated over a broad range of application rates. The objectives of this study were to investigate application dosage rates on uptake, to assess the role of the seed coat on uptake and determine the dosage for greatest uptake efficiency. The model fluorescent tracer compound, coumarin 120, 7-Amino-4-methylcoumarin was applied as a seed treatment in the range of 0.01 to 20.0 mg g^-1 seed to study the dose effects on seed uptake of corn lines ‘OH7B’ and ‘B73’, and soybean varieties ‘TMG 312RR’, ‘IAR 1902’, and a blacked-seeded ‘V12-1223’. The uptake by two lines of corn seeds and three varieties of soybean seeds showed a dose dependent process that was described by an exponential model of Y =  (r² ³ 0.93), where y₀ is the uptake limit. In general, there was a large increase in seed uptake as dosage increased, followed by a saturated state at higher dosages. The uptake limit (y₀) differed between the two corn lines and the three soybean varieties. The maximum uptake efficiency or recovery of applied coumarin 120 was at 0.1 mg g^-1. The pericarp/testa of both corn lines and the testa of black-seeded soybean variety ‘V12-1223’, attenuated the uptake in comparison with decoated seeds of each line/variety. Results from this study have implications on the effect of application rate on seed treatment efficacy and phytotoxicity.

Systemic uptake of organic compounds from roots to leaves follows a Gaussian distribution in relation to the lipophilicity, as measured by the log Kow. Quantification of compound uptake with different lipophilicity, and applied as a seed treatment that diffused through the seed coat into the embryo during imbibition has not been reported. The objective of this investigation was to quantify the uptake of nonionic compounds into seeds of soybean and corn. A series of fluorescent piperonyl amides were synthesized and a novel combinatorial pharmacokinetic technique was developed that provided a range of compounds from log Kow 0.02 to 5.7. Seeds were treated with a mixture of amides, imbibed and compounds chemically extracted and quantified by HPLC using a fluorescence detector. The maximum uptake efficiency of the applied amide mixture from whole soybean and corn seeds was 67% at log Kow 2.9, and 43% at log Kow 3.4, respectively. The critical partition coefficient for uptake for both species was Kow. Seeds were dissected and separated as soybean embryo and testa, and corn internal tissues (embryo + endosperm) or seed covering layers (pericarp + testa), and >75% of the amides were found in the soybean embryo or corn internal tissues compared to the covering layers at log Kow

OH (Jourdan)

The Ornamental Plant Germplasm Center’s seed research efforts emphasize areas that relate to seed quality, germination, and long-term storage of North American native wild species. We have been working primarily with seeds of perennial species of Phlox that have presented significant challenges in terms of production, germination and potential for storage.  During this reporting period we have examined various parameters that help define the quality of our seed lots.  The first parameter was to describe the viability in seed lots of different species after optimization of the Tetrazolium test.  We estimated viability by TZ in 11 Phlox taxa and found the viability to range from 48% – 85%.  However, germination tests for any seed lot seldom exceeded 50% and most commonly was noted in the 10-20% range.  The most consistent problem was the extensive development of fungi on the seeds; analysis of such fungi indicated they were species of Alternaria, Epicoccum, Fusarium and Phoma.  The potential origin and significance of these different fungi is being assessed to establish more effective control strategies.  Exposure of seed to Gibberellic acid did not result in a significant enhancement in germination;  however, isolated embryos from mature seeds of the different taxa germinate readily when placed on 1% agar, indicating that the dormancy in these seeds is most likely non-deep physiological dormancy imposed by the seed coverings, including the residual endosperm.  These observations indicate that seed storage and longevity in perennial species of Phlox may be problematic and suggest that germplasm preservation of these taxa may be more effective with a clonal strategy using in-vitro maintained material.

OR (Chastain)

Field trials were conducted on the effects of trinexapac-ethyl plant growth regulator (PGR) and nitrogen on seed development in orchardgrass.  Nitrogen increases the size of the canopy source and the amount of source materials available for seed filling while PGRs increase the preferential partitioning of source materials to seed.  The effects of the PGR and N on the rate of seed growth, the length of the seed filling period, seed set, the rate of progress toward seed maturity, and seed number and seed weight were measured.  Seed weight was greatest in proximal spikelet positions regardless of treatment.  Seed weight was greater with increased N than in the untreated control.  Seed moisture content (SMC) is the most reliable indicator of seed maturity and harvest timing in grass seed crops.  The problem is that the most widely adopted SMC testing methodologies are slow and as a result, it is difficult to make timely harvest decisions.  A portable near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIR) device was field tested as a rapid alternative to the oven test for determination of SMC in perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, and orchardgrass seed crops.  Daily testing of SMC began when the experimental crops were at BBCH 69 and continued through seed development until harvest.  Seed was collected by stripping 30 spikes or panicles into airtight containers from each species until ready for NIR determination of SMC in the field or by laboratory air-oven method.  In perennial ryegrass, NIR determination of SMC over the course of seed development was strongly related to the oven method.  The SMC values provided by NIR also showed a good relationship with the oven method in orchardgrass.  Differences in SMC measurement were observed in tall fescue; the relationship of NIR SMC to oven SMC in turf-type tall fescue was similar to other species but NIR SMC in forage-type tall fescue was more variable in relation to oven SMC.  Spring agronomic practices including PGR, foliar fungicides, and nitrogen had no influence on NIR determination of SMC compared to untreated controls. 

TX (Leskovar)

Assisted in the organization and convened the VIII International Symposium on Seed, Transplant and Stand Establishment of Horticultural Crops, as part of the XXX International Horticultural Congress, International Society of Horticultural Sciences (ISHS). The conference held in Istanbul, Turkey on August 12-16, brought 80 attendees from 22 different countries and had 39 presentations on topics of seed biology, technology, dormancy, vigor, grafting, seed systems, storage and delivery, mechanization and grafting. A technical 1-day tour depicted onion seed production, onion drying systems, and vegetable transplant nurseries.

In terms of research, a study in onion seeds showed that exogenous application of ethylene promoted fine root development and overall root surface area. A follow up onion transplant study evaluated stand establishment strategies (seedling density, planting times, cultivars) to optimize growth, yield and quality. Another tomato transplant study showed the benefits of a soil bio-stimulant (based on humic substances) on root and shoot growth responses. Conversely, the application of 1-MCP to pepper and tomato transplants exposed to heat stress had inconsistent growth responses, which varied greatly with genotypes. The group has initiated studies to phenotype tomato grafted roots using a ground-penetrating radar to facilitate the screening or rootstocks.

VA (Welbaum)

Standardized seed germination tests used by seed labs is conducted under controlled conditions, usually on moist paper substrates at optimum temperatures.  We have developed a new laboratory analysis system called Lab FieldÔ to provide more realistic seed germination testing using soils controlled at realistic field planting temperatures.  This system provides a more accurate assessment of viability by subjecting seeds to biotic stresses encountered in a field.  The Lab FieldÔ was created by welding thin vertical aluminum strips to the face of a thermogradient table while adding micro-irrigation, drainage and LED grow lights, to create a soil environment that can be adjusted to mimic a wide range of field conditions in a laboratory (https://www.jove.com/video/54647/a-gusseted-thermogradient-table-to-control-soil-temperatures-for).  This allows for realistic seed testing that more accurately predicts how seeds will perform in crop production fields. 

Agehara, S. and D.I. Leskovar. 2017. Growth suppression by exogenous abscisic acid and uniconazole for prolonged marketability of tomato transplants in commercial conditions. HortScience 52(4):605-611. doi: 10.21273/HORTSCI11518-16

Agehara, S. and D.I. Leskovar. 2018. Optimizing spray application rates of abscisic acid for height control of jalapeño transplants. Acta Hortic. 1204, 235-242 DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2018.1204.31
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2018.1204.31

AL-Amery, M., Geneve, R.L., M.F. Sanches, P.R. Armstrong, E.B. Maghirang, C. Lee, R.D. Vieira, and D.F. Hildebrand. 2018. Near-infrared spectroscopy used to predict seed germination and vigour in soybean seed lots. Seed Science Research 1–8   https://doi.org/10.1017/S0960258518000119

Anderson, N., Chastain, T.G., Garbacik, C. J.  2017. Irrigation and Plant Growth Regulator Effects on White Clover Seed Crops. Tampa, Florida: 2017 International Annual Meeting Abstracts. ASA, CSSA, SSSA.

Anderson, N., Sullivan, C., Chastain, T. G., Garbacik, C. J. 2017. Examining Possible Benefits of Plant Growth Regulator Mixtures in Tall Fescue Seed Crops. 2016 Seed Production Research Report at Oregon State University, USDA-ARS Cooperating (vol. Ext/CrS 153, pp. 1-4). Corvallis, Oregon: OSU Department of Crop and Soil Science.

Anderson, N., Chastain, T. G., Garbacik, C. J. 2017. Can Urease Inhibitors Increase Seed Yield in Grass Seed Crops?. Pergamino, Argentina: 9th International Herbage Seed Group Conference.

Bertier, L., Ron, M., Huo, H., Bradford, K.J., Britt, A.B., Michelmore, R.W. 2018. High-resolution analysis of the efficiency, heritability, and editing outcomes of CRISPR/Cas9-induced modifications of NCED4 in lettuce (Lactuca sativa). G3: Genes Genomes Genetics 8: 1513-1521.

Bradford, K.J., and Chrispeels, M.J. 2018. Plant propagation by seeds and vegetative processes. In, M.J. Chrispeels, P. Gepts, ed., Plants, Genes and Agriculture. Sustainability through Biotechnology, Sinauer Associates, Oxford University Press, Sunderland, MA, pp. 268-292.

Bradford, K.J., Dahal, P., Van Asbrouck, J., Kunusoth, K., Bello, P., Thompson, J., Wu, F. 2018. The dry chain: reducing postharvest losses and improving food safety in humid climates. Trends in Food Science & Technology 71: 84-93

Chastain, T.G., C.J. Garbacik, and W.C. Young III.  2017.  Tillage and establishment system effects on annual ryegrass seed crops.  Field Crops Res. 209:144-150.

Davies, F. T. Jr., R. L. Geneve and S. B. Wilson. 2018.  Hartmann and Kester’s Plant Propagation:  Principles and Practices.  Boston: Prentice-Hall.  Ninth edition.

Dirk, L.M.A., and Downie, A.B. 2018. An examination of Job’s rule: Protection and repair of the proteins of the translational apparatus in seeds. Seed Science Research. In press.

Dirk, L.M.A., Majee, M., Kumar, S., Downie, A.B. 2018. PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR1 interactions leading to the completion or prolongation of seed germination. Plant Signaling and Behavior. In Press.

Duval, A.S., T.G. Chastain, C.J. Garbacik, and D.J. Wysocki.  2017.  Nitrogen affects seed production characteristics in yellow mustard (Sinapis alba L.).  Agron. J. 109:995-1004.

Garbacik, C. J., Anderson, N., Chastain, T. G. 2017. Investigation into a new SDHI Fungicide for Stem Rust Control in Perennial Ryegrass Seed Crops. Pergamino, Argentina: 9th International Herbage Seed Group Conference.

Geneve, R.L. and S.T. Kester. 2018. Morphophysiological dormancy in Heptacodium. Seed Science Research 1-5 https://doi.org/10.1017/S0960258518000053

Geneve, R.L., C.C. Baskin, J.M. Baskin, K.M.G. Jayasuriya, and  N.S. Gama-Arachchige. 2018. Functional morpho-anatomy of water gap complexes in physically dormant seed. Seed Science Research 1-6 https://doi.org/10.1017/S0960258518000089

Goreta Ban, S., Selak, G.V., and D.I. Leskovar. 2017. Short- and long-term responses of pepper seedlings to ABA exposure. Scientia Horticulturae 225, 243-251.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2017.06.047

Gu, X.-Y., W. Pipatpongpinyo, L. Zhang, Y. Zhou, H. Ye, J. Feng. 2018. Two contrasting patterns and underlying genes for co-adaptation of seed dormancy and flowering time in rice. Scientific Reports (In press)

Leskovar, D.I. and Othman, Y. 2018. Efficacy of 1-methylcyclopropene in promoting shoot growth of tomato transplants. Acta Hortic. 1204, 229-234 DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2018.1204.30
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2018.1204.30  

Li, T., Zhang, Y., Liu, Y., Li, X., Gu, L., Dirk, L.M.A., Downie, A.B., Ruan, Y.-L., Wang, J., Wang, G., Zhao, T. 2018. Regulation of Drought Stress Tolerance By Manipulation of Raffinose Metabolism in Maize And Arabidopsis. Molecular Plant. Under review.

Macias-Leon, MA. and D.I. Leskovar. 2017. Plant growth regulator effects on germination and root traits of ‘Lambada’ and ‘Don  Victor’ onion cultivars. HortScience 52(12):1759–1764. 2017. doi: 10.21273/HORTSCI12473-17

Majee, M., Kumar, S., Kathare, P.K., Wu, S., Gingerich, D., Nayak, N.R., Salaita, L., Dinkins, R., Martin, K., Goodin, M., Dirk, L.M.A., Lloyd, T.D., Zhu, L., Chappell, J., Hunt, A.G., Vierstra, R., Huq, E., and Downie, A.B.. 2018. A KELCH F-BOX Protein Positively Influences Seed Germination by Targeting PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR1. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science U.S.A. 115 (17) E4120-E4129.

Morad, M., Chastain, T. G., Anderson, N., Garbacik, C. J. 2017. Trinexapac-ethyl Timing and Rate Effects on Crimson Clover Seed Production. 2016 Seed Production Research Report at Oregon State University, USDA-ARS Cooperating (vol. Ext/CrS 153, pp. 49-51). Corvallis, Oregon: OSU Department of Crop and Soil Science.

Pipatpongpinyo W. 2018. Map-based cloning and molecular characterization of the seed dormancy 10 locus in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Dissertation, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD.

Qin, K. and D.I. Leskovar. 2018. Lignite-derived humic substances modulate pepper and soil-biota growth under water deficit stress. Journal Plant Nutrition and Soil Science (1-9) DOI: 10.1002/jpln.201800078

Saucedo‐Alderete, R.O., Eifert, J.D., Boyer, R.R., Williams, R.C., Welbaum, G.E. 2018. Cetylpyridinium chloride direct spray treatments reduce Salmonella on cantaloupe rough surfaces. Journal of Food Safety e12471 https://doi.org/10.1111/jfs.12471

Saucedo‐Alderete, R.O., Eifert, J.D., Boyer, R.R., Williams, R.C., Welbaum, G.E. 2017. Delmopinol hydrochloride reduces Salmonella on cantaloupe surfaces. Food Science & Nutrition 6:373-380.

Shinohara, T. Martin, E.A., and D.I. Leskovar. 2017. Ethylene regulators influence germination and root growth of globe artichoke seedlings exposed to heat stress conditions. Seed Science and Technology, 45, 1-12.

Tian, R., Wang, F., Zheng, Q., Affri Gnago Epse Niza, V.M., Downie, A.B., and Perry, S.E. 2018. Direct and Indirect Targets of the Arabidopsis Seed Transcription Factor ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE3. Molecular Plant. Under review.

Timsina, K.P., Bradford, K.J., Dahal, P., Shivakoti, G.P., Kunusoth, K., Van Asbrouck, J., Bajracharya, J., Pandey, I.R. 2017. Potential impacts of desiccant-based drying and hermetic storage on the value chain for onion seeds in Nepal. J. Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies. 8(2): XX

Wu, J., Goodrich, K.M., Eifert, J.D., Jahncke, M.L., O’keefe, S.F., Welbaum, G.E., Neilson, A.P. 2018, Inhibiting pathogens Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Listeria monocytogenes using extracts from traditional medicine Chinese gallnut, pomegranate peel, Baikal skullcap root, and forsythia fruit. Open Agriculture 3:163-170.

Yang, D., S. A. G. Avelar, A. G. Taylor. 2018. Systemic seed treatment uptake during imbibition by corn and soybean. Crop Science: 58, 2063-2070.

Yang, D., S. Donovan, B. C. Black, L. Cheng and A. G. Taylor. 2018. Relationships between compound lipophilicity on seed coat permeability and embryo uptake by soybean and corn. Seed Science Research. 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1017/S096025851800017X