CoChat
Sign Up
Cited by 6Seed Germination and PhysiologyPlant tissue culture and regenerationPlant Growth and Agriculture Techniques

Optimizing Water, Temperature, and Density Conditions for In Vitro Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Germination

Open access
Kende, Zoltán, Piroska, Petra, Szemők, Gabriella Erzsébet, Khaeim, Hussein, Sghaier, Asma Haj, Gyuricza, Csaba, Tarnawa, Ákos·2024·Plants
DOI 10.3390/plants13192776PMC PMC11478928
Open this paper in CoChat — free accountOpen PDF

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the optimal water, temperature, and density conditions, alongside antifungal treatments, for pea (Pisum sativum L.) germination in a laboratory setting, with implications for research, breeding, and microgreen production. Germination and early seedling growth were assessed across various temperatures (5 °C to 40 °C), water levels (0–14 mL per Petri dish), seed densities (5, 7, 9, and 11 seeds per Petri dish), and antifungal treatments (Hypo and Bordeaux mixture). The results indicated that optimal germination occurred between 15 °C and 25 °C, with peak performance at 25 °C. Water levels between 7 and 11 mL per 9 cm diameter Petri dish supported robust root and shoot development, while minimal water levels initiated germination but did not sustain growth. Five seeds per Petri dish was optimal for healthy development, whereas higher densities led to increased competition and variable outcomes. Antifungal treatments showed slight improvements in germination and growth, though differences were not statistically significant compared to controls. The study’s novelty lies in its holistic approach to evaluating multiple factors affecting pea germination, offering practical guidelines for enhancing germination rates and seedling vigor. These findings support efficient and resilient crop production systems adaptable to varying environmental conditions, contributing to sustainable agriculture and food security. Future research should explore these factors in field settings and across different pea cultivars to validate and refine the recommendations.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This laboratory study screened temperature, water volume, seed density, and antifungal treatments for pea (Pisum sativum L. 'Balltrap') germination and early seedling growth in Petri dishes. Optimal germination occurred at 20–30 °C (peak 25 °C) with 7–11 mL water per 9 cm dish and five seeds per dish, while antifungal treatments gave only non-significant improvements.

Key findings

  • Temperature: germination was fastest and most uniform at 20–30 °C; at 25 °C MGT was 2.36 days and AUC 1213.48 with 100% germination, versus 77.77% germination at 5 °C (MGT 7.90 days) and only 2.22% at 40 °C (AUC 27.96). Kruskal-Wallis tests showed significant temperature effects on MGT (χ²(2) = 30.74, p < 0.001), Timson's index (χ²(2) = 35.17, p < 0.001), and synchronization index (χ²(2) = 28.55, p < 0.001).
  • Water: no germination at 0 mL, 2.2% at 1 mL, rising to 93.3–100% between 8 and 14 mL; radicle length peaked near 10–12 mL (~14 cm), shoot length near 12 mL (~17 cm), and seedling length near 14 mL (~20 cm). Polynomial fits gave R² of 0.79, 0.92, and 0.88 for radicle, shoot, and seedling growth. The stated optimal range for dry mass and germination was 6.95–11.6 mL.
  • Density: five seeds per 9 cm dish gave the highest aggregated germination value (0.960 ± 0.127) and the most normal seedlings (0.940 ± 0.190); 11 seeds gave the lowest aggregated value (0.652 ± 0.327) with more radicle-only seedlings (0.436 ± 0.443). ANOVA showed no significant differences across densities (all NS).
  • Antifungal: Hypo gave the highest germination (100.0 ± 0.0) and seedling length (15.12 ± 2.37 cm) versus Bordeaux (97.78 ± 4.97%; 9.2 ± 2.86 cm) and control (93.33 ± 14.91%; 14.0 ± 7.95 cm), but all differences were non-significant. Bordeaux concentrations of 100–10,000 ppm significantly reduced radicle, shoot, and seedling lengths versus 1 ppm and control.

Methods

  • Five in vitro sub-experiments with pea cultivar 'Balltrap' (TKW 515.5 g) in 9 cm Petri dishes on filter paper, run in 2023–2024 at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences using an ICO105 climate chamber.
  • Germination test: 5–40 °C (8 temperatures), 9 seeds and 9 mL water per dish, 5 replications, 14 days, daily counts. Initial development test: 5–35 °C, measurements starting when ~80% of seedlings reached 0.5 cm plumule. Water experiment: 0–14 mL in 1 mL steps plus 19 TKW-based percentages (16.17–316.84%), 10-day incubation, dry weights after 65 °C oven drying. Density experiment: 5, 7, 9, and 11 seeds per dish with 9 mL water at 20 °C, 10 replications. Antifungal experiment: 3% Hypo and 1000 ppm Bordeaux sterilization, plus Bordeaux at 0–10,000 ppm in media, 10 replications at 20 °C.
  • Germination indices (TMGR, t50, MGT, uniformity, AUC, Timson's GEI, synchronization index) computed via four-parameter hill function and standard formulas; ANOVA with Fisher's LSD where normal, Kruskal-Wallis with Bonferroni and Mann-Whitney U where not; analysis in SPSS V27, RStudio, and Python.

Limitations

  • Stated by the authors: controlled laboratory conditions may not replicate field environments (soil moisture, light, microbial interactions); the study used a single cultivar ('Balltrap'), so results may vary with other cultivars; the authors call for field trials and multi-cultivar validation.
  • Evident from the text: the density experiment's methods section lists densities of "five, seven, nine, ten, and eleven seeds" while the results report only 5, 7, 9, and 11, an internal inconsistency; several germination indices (e.g., t50 at 40 °C) were unavailable because germination stopped; the antifungal results rest on non-significant differences, so the reported advantages of Hypo are not statistically supported.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.3390/plants13192776

Cites

50 of 50 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

7 of 12 cited sources checked · 3 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Premisecitation
    § 3.3. Effect of Seed Density on Pea · p. 18

    Higher seed densities can lead to increased competition for limited resources, resulting in reduced seedling growth and greater variability in germination outcomes.

    “Some studies [32,33] have shown that higher seed densities can lead to increased competition for limited resources, resulting in reduced seedling growth and greater variability in germination outcomes.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [32] Asik, 2020, Seeding Rate and Cultivar Impacts on Nutrient Uptake of Field Pea under Fertile Soil Condition, Chil. J. Agric. Res. source

      The Introduction states that competition for water, light, and nutrients increases with planting density and that plant growth tends to decrease. The Results and Discussion also report reduced shoot and branch numbers at higher seeding rates. The paper does not establish reduced seedling growth specifically or greater variability in germination outcomes; a search for germination, seedling emergence, and variability found no supporting passage. (LLM, conf=0.88)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [33] Prusiński, J., and Borowska, M. (2022). Effect of Planting Density and Row Spacing on the Yielding and Morphological Features of Pea (Pisum sativum L.). Agronomy, 12. source

      Section 3.1 (page unavailable) reports that higher pea planting density is associated with lower plant branching, and Section 3.3 reports fewer pods and less seed weight per pod at higher densities. These findings partly support an adverse effect of density, but the paper does not establish competition for limited resources as the cause or report reduced seedling growth or greater variability in germination outcomes. (LLM, conf=0.82)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Premisecitation
    § 3.1. Germination Experiment · p. 17

    Temperature is important in determining the duration and success of germination.

    “Some studies [28-30] have similarly highlighted the importance of temperature in determining the duration and success of germination.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [28] Maleki, 2024, The Seed Germination Spectrum of 486 Plant Species: A Global Meta-Regression and Phylogenetic Pattern in Relation to Temperature and Water Potential, Agric. For. Meteorol. source
    • cites [29] Seefeldt, 2002, Base Growth Temperatures, Germination Rates and Growth Response of Contemporary Spring Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Cultivars from the US Pacific Northwest, Field Crops Res. source
    • cites [30] Boyce, 1966, Heat and Moisture Transfer in Ventilated Grain, J. Agric. Eng. Res. source
  • Findingown data
    § 2.2. Initial Development Test · p. 9

    At 5°C, the mean shoot length was 0.18 ± 0.49 cm.

    “At 5 ◦ C, the mean shoot length was 0.18 ± 0.49 cm (min: 0.0 cm, max: 3.22 cm)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data
    § 2.5. Antifungal Experiment · p. 15

    Overall seedling length was significantly greater in the Hypo treatment (15.12 ± 2.37 cm) than in the Bordeaux solution (9.2 ± 2.86 cm) and the control (14.0 ± 7.95 cm).

    “The overall seedling length was significantly greater in the Hypo treatment (15.12 ± 2.37 cm) compared to the Bordeaux solution (9.2 ± 2.86 cm) and control (14.0 ± 7.95 cm).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data
    § 2.5. Antifungal Experiment · p. 15

    Radicle length was greatest in the Hypo treatment (9.88 ± 1.02 cm), compared with the Bordeaux solution (5.97 ± 1.29 cm) and the control (9.11 ± 5.27 cm).

    “The radicle length was also greatest in the Hypo treatment (9.88 ± 1.02 cm), indicating a significant positive effect on root growth compared to the Bordeaux solution (5.97 ± 1.29 cm) and control (9.11 ± 5.27 cm).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 8
  • May combine two claims. 41
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 2

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation
    § 3.2. Initial Development Test · p. 17

    Optimal temperature conditions are critical for the metabolic processes involved in seedling growth.

    “Some studies [3,15] have shown that optimal temperature conditions are critical for the metabolic processes involved in seedling growth.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [3] Dahl, 2012, Review of the Health Benefits of Peas (Pisum sativum L.), Br. J. Nutr. source

      The Protein section says environmental conditions may influence protein concentration in pea seeds, but it does not address optimal temperature or metabolic processes during seedling growth. Searches for those terms and for temperature, germination, and seedling growth found no supporting passage in our copy; page numbers were not available. (LLM, conf=0.76)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [15] Duchoslav, 2019, Variation in Wild Pea ( Pisum sativum subsp. elatius) Seed Dormancy and Its Relationship to the Environment and Seed Coat Traits, PeerJ source

      The Discussion (page unavailable) says temperature is a critical factor regulating seed dormancy and germination, and the Results report different germination responses under two temperature regimes. The paper does not establish an optimal temperature for metabolic processes involved in seedling growth; it studies seed germination rather than seedling growth. (LLM, conf=0.82)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation
    § 3.4. Effect of Antifungal Treatment on Pea Seeds · p. 18

    Antifungal treatments can influence seedling growth by mitigating fungal infections that impede seed germination.

    “Previous research like [25,34] has demonstrated that antifungal treatments can influence seedling growth by mitigating fungal infections that impede seed germination.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim2 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [25] Tarnawa, Á., Kende, Z., Haj Sghaier, A., Kovács, P., Gyuricza, C., and Khaeim, H. (2023). Effect of Abiotic Stresses from Drought, Temperature, and Density on Germination and Seedling Growth of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Plants, 12. source
    • cites [34] Wulff, 2012, Yucca schidigera Extract: A Potential Biofungicide against Seedborne Pathogens of Sorghum, Plant Pathol. source

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § Optimizing Water, Temperature, and Density Conditions for In Vitro Pea ( Pisum sativum L.) Germination · p. 1

    Minimal water levels initiated germination but did not sustain growth.

    “while minimal water levels initiated germination but did not sustain growth.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § 2.5. Antifungal Experiment · p. 15

    Germination percentage was similar across the 1 ppm, 10 ppm, 100 ppm, and 1000 ppm Bordeaux treatments (95.56 ± 9.94 to 100.0 ± 0.0) and slightly lower at 10,000 ppm (84.45 ± 14.91).

    “with the 1 ppm, 10 ppm, 100 ppm, and 1000 ppm treatments showing similar germination rates (95.56 ± 9.94 to 100.0 ± 0.0), and slightly lower in the 10,000 ppm treatment (84.45 ± 14.91 cm)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § 2.3. Water Amount Experiment · p. 11

    Polynomial regression of growth against water level gave R2 values of 0.79, 0.92, and 0.88 for radicle, shoot, and seedling growth, and R2 values of 0.35, 0.66, and 0.57 for their respective dry weights.

    “The polynomial regression trends indicate strong fits with R 2 values of 0.79, 0.92, and 0.88 for radicle, shoot, and seedling growth, respectively, and R 2 values of 0.35, 0.66, and 0.57 for their respective dry weights”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data
    § 2.3. Water Amount Experiment · p. 11

    Radicle dry weight showed a weak correlation with TKW-corrected water amount (R2 = 0.12).

    “Radicle dry weight showed a relatively weak correlation with TKW, with an R 2 value of 0.12.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § 2.5. Antifungal Experiment · p. 16

    There were significant differences among Bordeaux concentration treatments for radicle length, shoot length, and seedling length, but not for germination percentage.

    “The LSD values indicated significant differences among treatments for radicle length, shoot length, and seedling length but not for germination percentage (NS) (Table 7).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § 2.3. Water Amount Experiment · p. 11

    Seedling dry weight peaked between 8 mL and 10 mL at about 0.2 g (0.20 ± 0.02 g), with significant differences from 8 mL upwards.

    “Seedling dry weight peaked between 8 mL and 10 mL at about 0.2 g (0.20 ± 0.02 g), with significant differences observed from 8 mL upwards.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § 3.1. Germination Experiment · p. 16

    At 25 °C, the mean germination time was 2.36 days and the Timsons' Germination Energy Index peaked at 1213.48.

    “For instance, at 25 ◦ C, the MGT was just 2.36 days, and the GEI peaked at 1213.48, indicating vigorous germination.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § 2.2. Initial Development Test · p. 8

    At 35°C, the seeds germinated but did not grow the radicle over the 0.5 cm limit.

    “At 35 ◦ C, however, the seeds germinated but did not grow the radicle over the 0.5 cm limit”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § 2.5. Antifungal Experiment · p. 16

    Shoot length was highest at 1 ppm (7.49 ± 2.23 cm) and in the control (4.89 ± 2.83 cm) and lowest at 100 ppm and 1000 ppm (1.02 ± 1.33 cm and 0.92 ± 1.23 cm, respectively).

    “The shoot length followed a similar trend, being highest in the 1 ppm treatment (7.49 ± 2.23 cm) and control (4.89 ± 2.83 cm) and lowest in the 100 ppm and 1000 ppm treatments (1.02 ± 1.33 cm and 0.92 ± 1.23 cm, respectively).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § 2.3. Water Amount Experiment · p. 11

    Germination rate depended on water level: no germination at 0 mL, 2.2% at 1 mL, and rates of 93.3% to 100% between 8 mL and 14 mL.

    “The germination rate showed a marked dependence on water levels, with no germination at 0 mL, a 2.2% germination rate at 1 mL, and significant increases observed between 8 mL and 14 mL, where rates ranged from 93.3% to 100%”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § 3.1. Germination Experiment · p. 16

    Seeds germinated most rapidly and uniformly within the 20-30 °C range, where mean germination time was shortest and the Timsons' Germination Energy Index was highest.

    “Seeds germinated most rapidly and uniformly within the 20-30 ◦ C range, where the mean germination time (MGT) was the shortest, and the Timsons' Germination Energy Index (GEI) was the highest.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § 2.5. Antifungal Experiment · p. 15

    Shoot length was highest in the Hypo treatment (5.24 ± 1.51 cm), followed by the control (4.89 ± 2.83 cm) and the Bordeaux solution (3.24 ± 1.86 cm).

    “The shoot length was the highest in the Hypo treatment (5.24 ± 1.51 cm), followed by the control (4.89 ± 2.83 cm) and Bordeaux solution (3.24 ± 1.86 cm).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § 2.3. Water Amount Experiment · p. 11

    Shoot length peaked around 12 mL at about 17 cm (17.1 ± 0.8 cm at 12 mL), with significant increases from 6 mL upwards.

    “Similarly, shoot length peaked around 12 mL at about 17 cm (17.1 ± 0.8 cm at 12 mL), with significant increases noted from 6 mL upwards.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § 3.1. Germination Experiment · p. 16

    At 5 °C, germination was notably slow, with a maximum germination rate of 77.77% reached after 7.11 days.

    “At 5 ◦ C, the germination process was notably slow, with a maximum germination rate of 77.77% reached after 7.11 days.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § 2.5. Antifungal Experiment · p. 15

    Germination percentage was highest in the Hypo treatment (100.0 ± 0.0), followed by the Bordeaux solution (97.78 ± 4.97) and the control (93.33 ± 14.91).

    “the germination percentage was highest in the Hypo treatment (100.0 ± 0.0), followed by the Bordeaux solution (97.78 ± 4.97) and control (93.33 ± 14.91)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § 2.3. Water Amount Experiment · p. 11

    Seedling growth was most pronounced between 12 mL and 14 mL, reaching approximately 20 cm (20.2 ± 1.2 cm at 14 mL), with significant differences between water levels of 8 mL and higher.

    “Seedling growth was most pronounced between 12 mL and 14 mL, reaching approximately 20 cm (20.2 ± 1.2 cm at 14 mL), with significant differences observed between water levels of 8 mL and higher.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § 2.2. Initial Development Test · p. 9

    There were no significant differences in seedling lengths between 15 °C and 20 °C (p = 0.886), 15 °C and 25 °C (p = 0.565), and 20 °C and 25 °C (p = 0.333).

    “There were no significant differences in seedling lengths between 15 ◦ C and 20 ◦ C ( p = 0.886), 15 ◦ C and 25 ◦ C ( p = 0.565), and 20 ◦ C and 25 ◦ C ( p = 0.333), indicating these temperatures are statistically similar in their effects on growth.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given
    § 2.1. Germination Test · p. 5

    At 30°C, germination remained efficient but showed the first signs of thermal stress.

    “At 30 ◦ C, germination remained efficient but showed the first signs of thermal stress.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § Optimizing Water, Temperature, and Density Conditions for In Vitro Pea ( Pisum sativum L.) Germination · p. 1

    Antifungal treatments showed slight improvements in germination and growth, though differences were not statistically significant compared to controls.

    “Antifungal treatments showed slight improvements in germination and growth, though differences were not statistically significant compared to controls.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § 2.3. Water Amount Experiment · p. 11

    Shoot dry weight reached a maximum around 12 mL at about 0.2 g (0.20 ± 0.02 g), with significant increases from 6 mL upwards.

    “Shoot dry weight reached a maximum of around 12 mL at about 0.2 g (0.20 ± 0.02 g), showing significant increases from 6 mL upwards.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § 2.3. Water Amount Experiment · p. 11

    Radicle dry weight peaked at 7 mL at about 0.1 g (0.10 ± 0.01 g), then slightly decreased at higher water levels, with significant differences between 7 mL and higher water levels.

    “Radicle dry weight peaked at 7 mL around 0.1 g (0.10 ± 0.01 g), then slightly decreased at higher levels, with significant differences noted between 7 mL and higher water levels.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § 2.5. Antifungal Experiment · p. 16

    Seedling length was significantly greater at 1 ppm (17.06 ± 1.48 cm) than in other treatments, with the lowest lengths at 100 ppm, 1000 ppm, and 10,000 ppm (4.51 ± 2.09 cm, 4.54 ± 1.29 cm, and 4.79 ± 2.91 cm, respectively).

    “The seedling length was significantly greater in the 1 ppm treatment (17.06 ± 1.48 cm) compared to other treatments, with the lowest lengths observed in the 100 ppm, 1000 ppm, and 10,000 ppm treatments (4.51 ± 2.09 cm, 4.54 ± 1.29 cm, and 4.79 ± 2.91 cm, respectively).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data
    § 3.3. Effect of Seed Density on Pea · p. 18

    Five seeds per 9 cm Petri dish is the optimal density for healthy shoot and root growth / highest proportion of normal seedlings.

    “The results, displayed in Table 5, indicated that the placement of five pea seeds per Petri dish consistently resulted in the highest proportion of normal seedlings, suggesting optimal germination conditions.”
    • Also stated in: § 5. Conclusions · p. 22 · plain
      “Placing five seeds per 9 cm Petri dish was identified as the optimal density for healthy shoot and root growth.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § 3.2. Initial Development Test · p. 17

    Root growth responded positively to increased water up to a peak at 7 milliliters but declined beyond the optimal level.

    “Root growth responded positively to increased water up to a peak at 7 milliliters but declined beyond the optimal level.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § 3.3. Effect of Seed Density on Pea · p. 18

    The aggregated germination values were highest for the 5-seed density (0.960 ± 0.127) and lowest for the 11-seed density (0.652 ± 0.327).

    “The data from Table 5 demonstrate that the aggregated germination values, which account for the combined outcomes of different germination stages, were highest for the 5-seed density (0.960 ± 0.127) and lowest for the 11-seed density (0.652 ± 0.327).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § 3.4. Effect of Antifungal Treatment on Pea Seeds · p. 18

    The Hypo treatment achieved the highest germination percentage (100.0 ± 0.0), followed by the Bordeaux solution (97.78 ± 4.97) and the control (93.33 ± 14.91).

    “The Hypo treatment achieved the highest germination percentage (100.0 ± 0.0), followed by the Bordeaux solution (97.78 ± 4.97) and the control (93.33 ± 14.91).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § 5. Conclusions · p. 22

    Germination rates decreased significantly at temperatures below 15°C and above 25°C, with no germination observed at 35°C.

    “Germination rates decreased significantly at temperatures below 15 ◦ Cand above 25 ◦ C, with no germination observed at 35 ◦ C.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § 3.2. Initial Development Test · p. 17

    Within the 15-25°C range, seedlings showed robust growth, with mean radicle lengths of 8.48 ± 4.72 cm at 15°C, 8.07 ± 4.90 cm at 20°C, and 7.36 ± 5.03 cm at 25°C.

    “Within this range, seedlings showed robust growth, with mean radicle lengths of 8.48 ± 4.72 cm at 15 ◦ C, 8.07 ± 4.90 cm at 20 ◦ C, and 7.36 ± 5.03 cm at 25 ◦ C.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data
    § Optimizing Water, Temperature, and Density Conditions for In Vitro Pea ( Pisum sativum L.) Germination · p. 1

    Optimal germination occurred between 15°C and 25°C, with peak performance at 25°C.

    “The results indicated that optimal germination occurred between 15 ◦ C and 25 ◦ C, with peak performance at 25 ◦ C.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data
    § 2.2. Initial Development Test · p. 10

    Temperatures outside 15-25 °C, particularly 5 °C and 30 °C, resulted in significantly reduced growth, while at 35 °C and 40 °C the rate of development was negligible in the initial stage.

    “Temperatures outside this range, particularly at 5 ◦ C and 30 ◦ C, resulted in significantly reduced growth, while at 35 and 40 ◦ C the rate of development was negligible in the initial stage.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data
    § 2.1. Germination Test · p. 6

    Optimal germination occurs between 20°C and 30°C, where seeds exhibit rapid, vigorous, and uniform germination.

    “Optimal germination occurs between 20 ◦ C and 30 ◦ C, where seeds exhibit rapid, vigorous, and uniform germination.”
    • Also stated in: § 2.1. Germination Test · p. 7 · plain
      “Optimal germination occurs between 20 ◦ C and 30 ◦ C, where seeds exhibit the shortest mean germination time, highest germination energy (Timsons' Index), and lowest Germination Uncertainty, indicating rapid, vigorous, and uniform germination.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data
    § 2.4. Density Experiment · p. 15

    Placing five pea seeds per Petri dish consistently resulted in the growth of normal-sized shoots and roots, indicating optimal germination conditions.

    “Our findings suggest that the placement of five pea seeds per Petri dish consistently resulted in the growth of normal-sized shoots and roots, indicating optimal germination conditions.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data
    § 2.3. Water Amount Experiment · p. 11

    The optimal water potential for pea growth and dry weight accumulation lies between 8 mL and 14 mL, with even minimal levels such as 2 mL sufficient to initiate germination.

    “These findings suggest that the optimal water potential for pea growth and dry weight accumulation lies between 8 mL and 14 mL, with even minimal levels like 2 mL sufficient to initiate germination.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data
    § 2.4. Density Experiment · p. 15

    Higher seed densities do not significantly affect the overall germination percentage but may lead to variability in seedling growth characteristics.

    “while higher densities do not significantly affect the overall germination percentage, they may lead to variability in seedling growth characteristics.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation
    § 3.1. Germination Experiment · p. 17

    Optimal germination conditions for pea seeds are at 10-20°C.

    “which noted optimal germination conditions for pea seeds at 10-20 ◦ C.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [31] Sincik, 2004, Effect of Low Temperatures on the Germination of Different Field Pea Genotypes, Seed Sci. Technol. source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data
    § 2.5. Antifungal Experiment · p. 16

    Lower concentrations of antifungal agents (e.g., 1 ppm) promote better overall growth in germination rate, radicle length, shoot length, and seedling length, while higher concentrations (e.g., 10,000 ppm) tend to inhibit growth.

    “while lower concentrations of antifungal agents (e.g., 1 ppm) promote better overall growth in terms of germination rate, radicle length, shoot length, and seedling length, higher concentrations (e.g., 10,000 ppm) tend to inhibit growth.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § 3.3. Effect of Seed Density on Pea · p. 18

    Increased competition for resources such as water, light, and nutrients at higher seed densities adversely affects seedling development, leading to variable germination rates and reduced seedling quality.

    “This suggests that increased competition for resources such as water, light, and nutrients at higher seed densities adversely affects seedling development.”
    • Also stated in: § 5. Conclusions · p. 22 · plain
      “Higher densities, such as seven or nine seeds per dish, led to increased competition for resources, resulting in variable germination rates and reduced seedling quality.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductreasoning
    § 4.4. Density Experiment · p. 21

    Ten repetitions were conducted for each treatment group to decrease experimental error and improve the overall precision of the data.

    “To decrease experimental error and improve the overall precision of the data, 10 repetitions were conducted for each treatment group.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given
    § 3.1. Germination Experiment · p. 17

    The observed decline in performance at 35°C and the near failure at 40°C are consistent with the known effects of thermal stress on seed metabolism and enzyme activity.

    “The observed decline in performance at 35 ◦ C and the near failure at 40 ◦ C are consistent with the known effects of thermal stress on seed metabolism and enzyme activity.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data
    § 2.5. Antifungal Experiment · p. 16

    The Hypo treatment showed the most consistent positive effects across all measured parameters, suggesting its potential as a beneficial treatment to enhance germination and seedling development without significant inhibition of growth.

    “Hypo treatment showed the most consistent positive effects across all parameters, suggesting its potential as a beneficial treatment to enhance germination and seedling development without significant inhibition of growth.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § 3.3. Effect of Seed Density on Pea · p. 18

    Maintaining lower seed densities can enhance the uniformity and health of pea seedlings, potentially leading to better crop establishment and yield.

    “Maintaining lower seed densities can enhance the uniformity and health of pea seedlings, potentially leading to better crop establishment and yield.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation
    § 3.2. Initial Development Test · p. 17

    Water availability is a critical factor for seedling development, particularly under varying temperature conditions.

    “which demonstrated that water availability is a critical factor for seedling development, particularly under varying temperature conditions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [11] Smiri, 2009, Respiratory Metabolism in the Embryonic Axis of Germinating Pea Seed Exposed to Cadmium, J. Plant Physiol. source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § 3.2. Initial Development Test · p. 17

    Extreme temperatures can impair mitochondrial function and reduce energy production necessary for growth.

    “who noted that extreme temperatures can impair mitochondrial function and reduce energy production necessary for growth.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [14] Benamar, 2003, Membrane Integrity and Oxidative Properties of Mitochondria Isolated from Imbibing Pea Seeds after Priming or Accelerated Ageing, Seed Sci. Res. source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationnone given
    § 3.1. Germination Experiment · p. 17

    The controlled laboratory conditions may not fully replicate field environments, where additional factors such as soil moisture, light availability, and microbial interactions can also influence germination.

    “However, the controlled laboratory conditions may not fully replicate field environments, where additional factors such as soil moisture, light availability, and microbial interactions can also influence germination.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data
    § 3.1. Germination Experiment · p. 16

    Optimal germination of pea occurred between 20 °C and 30 °C, with the highest performance at 25 °C.

    “The results, shown in Figures 1 and 2, indicated that optimal germination occurred between 20 ◦ C and 30 ◦ C, with the highest performance observed at 25 ◦ C.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § 3.1. Germination Experiment · p. 17

    The results may vary with different cultivars or under different environmental conditions.

    “Furthermore, this study focused on a single pea cultivar, and the results may vary with different cultivars or under different environmental conditions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
48 of 48

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Optimal germination conditions for pea seeds are crucial for crop production, microgreens, and research, especially when resources are limited.

    “Optimal germination conditions for pea seeds are crucial for crop production, microgreens, and research, especially when resources are limited.”
1 of 1

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Reported 4.65 mL dry weights disagree with Table 4

    Major

    The TKW-water narrative gives shoot and seedling dry weights of 0.158 g and 0.258 g at 4.65 mL. Table 4 gives 0.09 g and 0.19 g, respectively.

  • Stated 12 mL shoot length disagrees with Table 3

    Major

    The results report a 17.1 cm shoot length at 12 mL, compared with 6.3 cm in Table 3.

  • Density conclusion claims significance despite nonsignificant results

    Major

    The conclusion says density significantly affects outcomes, while the density results and Table 5 report no significant differences for the measured columns.

  • Conflicting significance claims for 10 °C comparisons

    Major

    One passage exempts the 10 °C comparisons with 15 °C and 20 °C from significant differences; a later passage calls both comparisons significant.

  • Conclusion says no seeds germinated at 35 °C

    Major

    The germination results report 95.5% successful germination at 35 °C, whereas the conclusion says there was none.

  • Stated 10 mL radicle length disagrees with Table 3

    Major

    The water-experiment results give a radicle length of 13.8 cm at 10 mL; Table 3 gives 9.1 cm.

  • Reported 30 °C seedling lengths exceed the stated limit

    Minor

    The text says seedlings at 30 °C did not grow beyond 3 cm, but later reports a mean seedling length of 4.88 cm and a maximum of 13.33 cm.

  • Claimed 7 mL root-growth peak contradicts Table 3

    Minor

    The discussion says root growth peaks at 7 mL and declines thereafter. Table 3 instead reports a longer mean radicle at 14 mL than at 7 mL.

  • Table 4 seedling length does not equal its component lengths

    Minor

    At 1.55 mL, Table 4 reports a radicle length of 1.49 cm and a shoot length of 0.0 cm, but a combined seedling length of only 1.06 cm.

    Reported 1.06 · recomputed 1.49

  • Antifungal growth effects called significant despite nonsignificant test

    Minor

    The Hypo results describe significant effects on radicle and seedling length, but the same section says all Table 6 treatment differences were nonsignificant.

  • Nonsignificant p-value marked significant in Table 2

    Minor

    The 20 °C versus 25 °C comparison is marked with an asterisk at p = 0.333, although the text correctly describes that comparison as nonsignificant.

  • AUC described as peaking at 20 °C despite a higher value at 30 °C

    Minor

    The 20 °C AUC is called peak performance, but the reported AUC at 30 °C is higher.

  • Density methods specify five levels but results specify four

    Minor

    The methods list five seed quantities, including ten seeds per dish, while the density results list only four tested quantities and omit ten.

13 of 13

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Cited by

Still being checked.

Related

Authors
Kende, Z., Piroska, P., Szemők, G. E., Khaeim, H., Sghaier, A. H., Gyuricza, C., & Tarnawa, Á.
Affiliations
Magyar Agrár- és Élettudományi Egyetem (HU)
Corresponding author
Kende, Zoltán
ORCID
Venue
Plants
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2024-10-03
Volume
13
Issue
19
Pages
2776
ISSN
2223-7747 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.3390/plants13192776
PMC
PMC11478928
OpenAlex
W4403101671
Semantic Scholar
2acc0e1dcc05b95fdbe7a6889638ff565a0f4024
Cited by
6
References
50
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 1
FWCI
1.34
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Plants (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
  • New National Excellence Program of the Ministry of Culture and Innovation (ÚNKP-23-4)
  • National Research, Development and Innovation Fund, and the Research Excellence Program of the Hungarian University of Agricultural and Life Sciences (ÚNKP-23-4)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Plant Science › Seed Germination and Physiology
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Plant tissue culture and regeneration
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Soil Science › Plant Growth and Agriculture Techniques
Keywords
pea, Pisum sativum, seed germination, in vitro germination, temperature effects, water level, seed density, antifungal therapy, seedling growth, seedling vigor

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-25.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-25.

Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review