Examinations on biology of germination
of the Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-Graecum L.)

- Sándor Makai - Judit Balatincz - Veronika Pócza -

Pannon University of Agricultural Sciences
Mosonmagyaróvár, Hungary

Introduction and literary review

Although Hungary has advantageous oecological basis and comparative benefits in crop cultivation exploitation of these advantages hit against several difficulties. Decrease of biological basis, high rate of concentration of crops, decreasing of biological redundancy and reduction of expenditure needed for quality good production are the main problems. Maintenance of fertility of our soils are endangered by the drastic reduction of the rate of legumes and papillonaceae (pea, medic, etc.) and by the lack of reasonable usage of organic and artificial fertilisers.

The alteration of sowing structure appears as an urgent task in which papillonaceae and legumes have 15-18% instead of the present 10%. Increasing of niche of papillonaceae is reasoned by their green crop value and the atmospheric Nitrogen fixing ability of N-fixing bacteria which is utilised by the plants in good efficiency.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) which belongs to these plants might be one of those species which supports the fertility of soils and widening of biodiversity by exploring of its valuable features. Óvári-4 fenugreek species resulted from our improvement work gained state qualification in 1994 and its complex factorial production has been worked out.

As well as oncern production the up-to-date agrotechnique requires sowing seeds with choice quality. The biological and economical value defining features are divided into two groups by the scientific literature: 1.) features of species (heredital characteristics), 2.) features determined by the examination laboratory (purity, germination ability, vitality, physical condition, identity of species and order, degree of humidity, weight of thousand seeds, germ number, hectolitre weight, density, class).

From among these features in our research works the germination ability has been examined. We have been searching for such factors which basically influence the germination and vitality of fenugreek in given cultivating and agrotechnological circumstances.

One of our important duties was to know for how long the fenugreek seed keeps germination ability.

Determination of germination influencing factors has economical importance although there are only a few data about it in literature.

Since fenugreek is hardly known in Hungary a short botanical introduction and the definition of its economical importance by our results and literature are needed.

According to SOÓS taxonomy (1963) fenugreek belongs to subkingdom of Trigonella angiospermae, Ist branch of class of dicotelydons, order of legumes, family of papillonaceae. In most of the dispensatories seed of fenugreek with short breeding season (110-120 days) and springtime sowing is a legal drug under the name of Fenigraeci semen. It contains alkaloids, cholin, mucilage, fatty oils, proteins and vitamin C. Besides these in the seed of fenugreek sapogenins mainly diosgenin (according to our examinations its value is 1%) also can be found which is a basic agent of oral contraceptives. The German Dispensatory (DAB 6, DAB 9) recognises the aromatic, carminative, antihelmitic, tonic and aphrodisiac effects of fenugreek. Antidiabetic (hypoglycaemic) effect of fenugreek seed is also proved.

As a spice its seed is an important component of Curry powders but it is also used in Chatney and Sambhar spice-mixtures. In Egypt and Ethiopia the bread, in Northern-Africa many spices are seasoned with fenugreek. Fenugreek seed is also applied in seasoning and colouring cheeses.

In the Ancient Time Roman people used fenugreek as green and dried fodder-crop and utilised it in the forage of horses and cattles. Fenugreek can be cultivated as papillonaceous component of annual fodder-crop mixtures. Fenugreek can be applied to the production of green flour. Due to its high sugar content fenugreek can be ensiled by itself and is equipollent with medick. Dried fenugreek is valuable fodder of horses, improves the taste and quality if mixed with straw.

Fenugreek drilled in seed and after-seed is a perfect green manure plant. Its Nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Rhisobium meliloti) fixes cca. 70-90 kg/ha Nitrogen (according to Paul Lees,1981 this value is 283 kg/ha). Fenugreek sowed under adequate moisture sprouts very quickly -without dormancy- covers and protects the soil until the early frost. Due to its high sugar content and its kumarin odour spreading at great distances the studied plant is one of the favourite fodder-crop of brown hares and deers (decoy plant). It is a perspective plant of the green fallow. Because of its drought-resistance fenugreek may play role in the utilisation of disadvantageous fields (Berényi, 1998.).

As green crop fenugreek meets the requirements given by the most particular cultures.

Besides heredital factors the sowing seed characteristics and quality of fenugreek is decisively influenced by the ecological circumstances during breeding season. All over these harvest, storage and handling of sowing seeds are also functions of seed quality.

Materials and methods

Experimental circumstances were insured by our laboratory for the examination of germination of Óvári-4 fenugreek with different generation in 1997. For the same germination circumstances the common norm of International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) and the International Standardizer Organisation (NSO) were considered -applicable germination medium, temperature and other conditions.

Our experiments started in 4 repetitions with 19 samples on 4th of October, 1997 -with the generation of year 1997 going back to year 1988.

The weight of thousand cleaned seeds was measured in the case of all samples. 400 seeds of every sample were germinated in 100-100 repetition. Germination was performed between two papers at temperature 20^oC in accordance with standards. Evaluation was made on the 4th and 6th days.

Intrinsic values were studied in compliance with modes generally accepted and defined by standards.

Authenticity of the experiment was proved by significant difference calculated by analysis of variance. Those experiments were studied whose treatments had significant difference and which differences could reasonably be accepted. In the present case the greatest difference -which could be accepted as experimental fault- was calculated to 5% probability level. If the variance between two treatment means was bigger than the calculated 5% SD the difference between the two treatments was proved.

Results

The results of germination of Óvári-4 fenugreek of 1988-97 are summarized in Table 1.

Table 1.:
Results of germination of Trigonella foenum-graecum (in germination %)

On the point of germination crude protein and raw fat content of fenugreek species were determined among the valuable intrinsic values (Table 2.).

The crude protein conent of studied samples was between 29.75-35.20%. The lowest value was measured in the case of sample of year 1994 while the sample of year 1996 showed the highest crude protein conent (this sample had the haviest weight of thousand seeds:27.88g).

Proteins occured in seeds are enzyme-proteins or N-sources of the developing germ. Hydrolysis of storage proteins is catalized by proteases while the smaller units are decomposed to amino-acids by peptidase. Only a part of amino-acids is metabolised in storage-tissues they are principally translocated in the germ. Some formed amino-acids are deaminated and ketoacids are used up in respiration (Bevers, 1968).

Stored fats (seed-lipids) are mainly triglicerids but the quantity of sterol-esters can be significant. Both types of compounds go through specific changes and are utilised during germination. As the result of lipase activity triglicerids are hydrolysed to glycerine and fatty acids. This primary action is followed by quick transformations: some lipids are power sources, and substrate of respiration directly in the storage-tissue, big amount of lipids are transformed to saccharose and translocated in the developing germ. When talking about the oil-saccharose transformation we have to point out that developing of both lipase which catalyses the hydrolysis of oils and special cell organelles which play role in oil-saccharose transformation (glioxisomes) are under hormonal control. During germination giberellinic acid (100pm) generally increases the decomposition and utilisation of all lipid and triglicerid components (Bhatia et al., 1974).

Table 2.:
Intrinsic values of (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

Decomposition of lipids in storage-tissues provides the power requirements of synthetic processes. The role of oil-saccharose transformation is to support the germ with carbon and power sources. Synthesis of membrane lipids is the basis of both the developing of new cell membranes and quickening of metabolism. Thus at the beginning of germination there is an intense lipid biosynthesis, first the synthesis of free fatty acids and then the synthesis of phospholipids are increased.

From among the environmental factors which influence germination, moisture, mean annual temperature and sunny hours are shown according to the data of Meteorological Station of Mosonmagyaróvár in Table 3.

Table 3.:
Metheorological data (April-September)

Table 4.:
Summarized values

Table 5.:
Values of correlation

Figures numbered 1-4. shows the relations between germination and different environmental factors and the connection between the results of germination and the intrinsic values.

Figure 1.: Connection between germination and moisture

Figure 2.: Relation between germination and sum of temperature

Figure 3.: Relation between germination and temperature

Figure 4.: Intrinsic value of germination

Discussion and summary

Evaluating of data of table showing correlations such close relation which could basically influence the germination of fenugreek was not found.

The closest connection could be shown between the percentage of germination and sum of temperature as it was proved by Markunsin et al (1974) while studying seed quality.

With one exception (year of 1996) positive correlation was found between moisture fallen in breading season and the germination ability of fenugreek. This establishment proves our earlier theory that cultivation of valuable seeding plants should be under irrigation and optimal water-supply.

Prosperous moisture supply had positive effect also on the crude protein content of fenugreek.

Decrease of germination percentage -mainly in the year of 1996- could be resulted from Micro-organisms (e.g.: Fusarium, Helminthosporium, Septoria etc.) occurring on the surface or inner part of seeds what appeared under lab conditions because the temperature and humidity of laboratory were advantageous to these micro-organisms.

Relation between measured intrinsic values (crude protein, raw fats) and germination could not be found.

Determination of those factors of the enzyme activity which may basically influence the results of germination is necessary to know the complete mechanism of germination of fenugreek. Specially the examination of enzyme activity and intrinsic value of seeds of the two best years (1991 and 1997) has to be done.

Evaluating our examinations it can be established that the germination ability of fenugreek seed longs for two years when its ability for germination decreases significantly. (This latest establishment is proven by the evaluation of the results of our latter research programme.)

During long time storing seeds get old but such physiological changes also can occur if seeds are stored for short time but under inadequate circumstances (e.g.: higher temperature and relative humidity). In relation of decreasing of vigour a lot of biochemical alterations occur. These changes are connected to the degradation of membranes of one or two cell organelles. Effluxion of sugars and amino acids what can be accurately measured is supposedly resulted from the increased permeability of cell membranes (Szabó et al.,1980). Species of year 1998 have lost their germination ability totally.

References

Beevers, L. 1968.: protein degradation and proteolic activity in the cotyledons of germinating pea seeds (Pisum sativum). Phytochemistry 7. pp. 1937-1839
Berényi B. 1998.: Introduction of new species of plants to Hungarian agriculture. 2nd Conference on Progress in Plant Sciences from Plant Breeding to growth Regulation, 15-17th of June 1998, Mosonmagyaróvár, Hungary
Bhatia, I. S.-Singh, I. P.-Sukhija, P. S. 1974.: Lipids in berseem seed (Trifolium alexandrium) during germination as affected by giberellic acid and maleic hydrazid. Physiol. Plant. 30. pp.288-290
Chen, D.-Osborne, D. 1970.: Hormones in the translational control of early germination in wheat embryos. Nature 226. pp.1157-1160
Fournier, P. 1972.: Trigonelle. Les quatre flores de la france pp.2303-2305
Makai S.-Pécsi S.-Kajdi F. 1988.: Pazitnik gretchesky - novaya zernobobovaya kultura. Sbornik nauchnüh troodov. BSHA Gorky, 2/4. pp.42-45.
Makai S.-Pécsi S.-Kajdi F. 1996.: Growing and utilisation of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-greacum). Lippay János Tudományos napok. Medicinal Plant Section, Budapest, Hungary
Markusin, N. M. 1974.: Zavisimosty posevnih katchestv semyan ot meteorologitcheskih faktorov v tchetvortom y pyatom periodah vegetatcii ozimoj pshenitce. Shelektciya y shemenovodstva. 28. pp.95-101.
Paul, L. 1981.: Fenugreek: A crop that could bring a rise in food supply and a fall in population growth. World farming, September/October pp.14-18.
Soó R. 1966.: A magyar flóra és vegetáció kézikönyve. Akadémia kiadó, Budapest, Hungary
Szabó L. Gy.-Bartodeiszky A.-Czimber Gy.-Elekes P.-Gáspár S.-Paál H.-Papp E.-Pozsár B. 1980.: A magbiológia alapjai. Akadémia kiadó, Budapest, Hungary

A görögszéna (Trigonella foenum -graecum L.) csírázásbiológiai vizsgálatai

Összefoglaló

A görögszéna értékes tulajdonságokkal rendelkező növényünk, mely hozzájárul a biodiverzitás bővüléséhez. Magja nem csak mint gyógytermék alapanyaga, hanem mint speciális aromák előállításának forrása is. Takarmány- és zöldtrágyanövényként történő felhasználása perspektívikus, de a talajtermékenység fenntartásában is jelentős szerepet kaphat.

1997-ben kísérleteket folytattunk a PATE Mezőgazdaságtudományi Karának Növénytermesztési Tanszékén abból a célból, hogy megállapítsuk a görögszéna csírázását befolyásoló külső és belső tényezőket. A csíráztatási vizsgálatokat 19 mintával, 4 ismétlésben végeztük. A magminták az Óvári-4 görögszéna fajta fajtafenntartási törzsanyagaiból származtak 9 évre (1989-1997) vonatkozóan.

Vizsgáltuk az ökológiai tényezők (csapadék, hőmérséklet, hőösszeg) és a beltartalmi értékek (zsír-és fehérjetartalom), az ezermagtömeg hatását a csírázásra. Legszorosabb összefüggést a hőmennyiség és a fehérjetartalom vonatkozásában mutattunk ki. Vizsgálatainkból megállapítottuk, hogy a görögszéna csírázóképességét biztonsággal három évig őrzi meg, ez idő után csírázóképessége jelentősen romlik.

Summary

Determination of germination influencing factors has economical importance although there are only a few data about it in literature. Since fenugreek is hardly known in Hungary a short botanical introduction and the definition of its economical importance by our results and literature are needed. Experimental circumstances were insured by our laboratory for the examination of germination of Óvári-4 fenugreek with different generation in 1997. For the same germination circumstances the common norm of International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) and the International Standardizer Organisation (NSO) were considered -applicable germination medium, temperature and other conditions.

Our experiments started in 4 repetitions with 19 samples on 4^th of October, 1997 -with the generation of year 1997 going back to year 1988. With one exception (year of 1996) positive correlation was found between moisture fallen in breading season and the germination ability of fenugreek. This establishment proves our earlier theory that cultivation of valuable seeding plants should be under irrigation and optimal water-supply.

Determination of those factors of the enzyme activity which may basically influence the results of germination is necessary to know the complete mechanism of germination of fenugreek. Specially the examination of enzyme activity and intrinsic value of seeds of the two best years (1991 and 1997) has to be done.

Kulcsszavak: papillionoideae, fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), biodiversity, germination, crude protein content, oecological factors.