Effects of salinity levels and seed mass on germination in Australian species of Frankenia L. (Frankeniaceae)

Halophyte species demonstrate differing levels of salt tolerance. Understanding interspecific variation to salinity levels is of value from both the scientific perspective, which includes the identification of traits associated with salinity tolerance, as well as from an applied perspective, which includes identifying plant species for specific salinity restoration and remediation projects. This paper investigates the effects of salinity on germination of 12 Australian species of the plant genus Frankenia L. (Frankeniaceae). We use saline solutions that corresponded to the average soil–water salinity concentrations in the arid zones of inland Australia. These solutions consisted of 10 mM calcium chloride, 30 mM magnesium sulphate, and 450 mM sodium chloride. The aims of our study were: (1) to investigate the germination (germination rates, germination success) of Frankenia seeds to four salinity levels (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%), (2) to test for possible interaction effects between seed mass, germination, and salinity, and (3) to examine the effect of salinity levels on the inhibition of germination and/or seed damage. Species varied in their salt tolerance for germination rates and success. Species with larger seeds had higher germination rates and germination success for high salinity levels. Several species did not germinate well at any salinity level. Finally, no seeds were adversely affected by exposure to high salinity levels pre-germination. There is potential for including some Frankenia species in remediation and revegetation projects in areas affected by salinity, and also as garden plants in saline regions.     

Ultrastructural features associated with secretion in the salt glands of Frankenia grandifolia (Frankeniaceae) and Avicennia germinans (Avicenniaceae)

Using stereological procedures, a detailed analysis was made from thin section electron micrographs of secreting and nonsecreting salt glands of Frankenia grandifolia (Cham. and Schlecht) and Avicennia germinans (L.) Stem. In F. grandifolia secretory cells, vacuolar volume significantly decreased, while the volume of endoplasmic reticulum increased in secreting glands. Numerous minivacuoles were predominantly located along the periphery of secreting secretory cells, some in apparent fusion with the plasma membrane. No difference was found in mitochondrial volume in the secretory cells between secreting and nonsecreting glands. In A. germinans, there was a significant decrease in vacuolar volume in secreting secretory cells. The volume of the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria also increased in these cells. However, no evidence of mini-vacuolar fusion with the plasma membrane was observed. These results indicate that the physical process of secretion may differ between F. grandifolia and A. germinans; in both, however, the ultrastructural observations support the contention that specific structural parameters are correlated with the process of secretion.     

Effects of High Temperature and Water Stress on Seed Germination of the Invasive Species Mexican Sunflower

Mexican sunflower is native to Mexico and Central America and was introduced into China early last century. Now it has widely naturalized and is exhibiting increasing invasiveness in South China. As this species often dominates bare ground, a habitat characterized by extreme fluctuation in temperature and water, it is reasonable to hypothesize that it has special adaptations to high temperature and water stress. Using laboratory experiments to simulate these stresses, this study investigated the response of Mexican sunflower seed germination to temperature and water stress, and compared these responses with those previously reported for another invasive, bamboo piper, which is confined to relatively cool and moist habitats in Xishuangbanna. As expected, Mexican sunflower seeds exhibited higher tolerance to these stresses than bamboo piper. Germination of Mexican sunflower seeds was highest at 15–30°C, but significant numbers of seeds germinated and formed seedlings at 10°C and 35°C, at which no bamboo piper seeds formed seedlings, indicating a wider temperature range for germination than the latter. Roughly half the seeds survived 240 h continuous heat treatment and up to 15 h daily periodical heat treatment at 40°C, while bamboo piper seeds were mostly killed by these treatments. About 20% of Mexican sunflower but no bamboo piper seeds germinated after heat treatment for 30 min at 80°C. Germination was completely inhibited in bamboo piper seeds at -0.6 mPa, while 20–60% of Mexican sunflower seeds germinated depending on PEG or NaCl as osmoticum. This higher tolerance in Mexican sunflower seeds accords with its stronger invasiveness in this area. This comparison between two plant invaders demonstrates that invasiveness is not an all-or-nothing situation, and that adaptation to local habitats is a critical determinant of successful invasiveness for an alien plant.     

Phytochrome and Seed Germination: VI. Phytochrome and Temperature Interaction in the Control of Cucumber Seed Germination

Phytochrome control of cucumber seed germination is temperature-dependent. A prolonged exposure to radiation from broad spectrum far red sources (Pfr/P = 0.05 to 0.07) prevents germination at temperatures below 20 C. Above 20 C there is no inhibition and it appears as if there is an escape from phytochrome control. However, radiation from a monochromatic, narrow band 730 nanometer source (Pfr/P < 0.02) inhibits germination at temperatures above 20 C. This result supports the idea that, even at high temperatures, Pfr is responsible for the activation of germination. After 4 days of exposure to far red, a short red irradiation is quite effective in promoting germination if temperatures during the dark incubation periods are maintained below 20 C; red becomes effective at temperatures above 20 C. Promotion of germination will take place at a temperature of 25 C or higher without red irradiation. Again, we have an apparent escape from phytochrome control at high temperatures. However, if higher temperatures are used for only short periods, 2 to 6 hours, in combination with short red irradiation, one can demonstrate that activation of germination at high temperatures is still dependent on phytochrome. Phytochrome is probably destroyed during prolonged exposure to far red. Thus, the subsequent short red irradiation establishes levels of Pfr which may not be sufficient to promote germination at low temperatures but are probably adequate at high temperatures.     

Effects of Temperature and dl-Strigol on Seed Conditioning and Germination of Witchweed (Striga asiatica)

Seed conditioning and germination in witchweed (Striga asiatica(L.) Kuntze) were temperature-dependent. With higher conditioningtemperatures, shorter conditioning time was required for germinationwith terminal dl-strigol (strigol) treatment at 30 °C. Maximumgermination (80–100%) was obtained by conditioning inwater at 20, 25, 30 and 35 °C for 14, 7, 5 and 3 d, respectively,and terminally treating with 10^–6 M strigol at 30 °C.Seeds conditioned in 10^–8 M strigol instead of water germinatedmuch less with the same terminal strigol treatment. Generally,conditioning was slower when seeds were conditioned in strigolrather than water. The reduction in germination rate by pretreatmentin strigol or pretreatment at low temperatures could be overcomeby increasing the terminal strigol concentration in the germinationtest. Conditioned seeds did not germinate at 10 and 15 °Cwith a terminal 10^–6 M strigol treatment but yielded closeto maximum germination at 25, 30 and 35 °C with the sameterminal strigol treatment. To obtain maximum germination, boththe minimum conditioning temperature and the minimum germinationtemperature for conditioned seeds were 20 °C. Factors suchas conditioning time, and strigol concentration and temperatureduring conditioning and/or germination determine whether seedsremain in the conditioning phase or shift to a germination phase. dl-Strigol, germination stimulation, parasitic plants, seed conditioning, seed germination, Striga asiatica, temperature, weed control     

The Interaction of Coumarin and Temperature in the Germination of Lettuce Seed

Dormancy was induced in lettuce seed by exposing to coumarin during imbibition. The level of dormancy which is imposed is dependent on the temperature during germination, coumarin being ineffective below 20°C. At 25°C there is marked interaction between coumarin and this temperature, and the response of the seed. It was shown by exposing treated seeds to temperature regimes involving periods at 25°C and 10°C. that the action of coumarin can be explained more readily by concluding that the events which are affected are cell elongation and division. There is also evidence that the coumarin is metabolised more rapidly at 25°C, and that the effectiveness of the coumarin in the experiments cited depends on its presence at the time when embryo growth is initiated. The mode of action of coumarin is unknown.     

盐分和温度对盐节木种子萌发的影响

采用多因素交叉试验设计,探讨了不同盐分类型、盐分浓度以及温度对盐节木(Halocnemum strobilaceum)种子萌发的影响。结果表明:15~25℃范围是盐节木种子萌发的最适温度范围,5~15℃和25~35℃的变温不利于种子萌发;最适温度下,单盐和土盐浓度分别小于0.96%和0.6%(电导率小于9.375dS/m)时可促进种子萌发,当浓度分别高于0.96%和0.6%(电导率大于9.375dS/m)时,单盐处理下的种子萌发率随浓度升高而降低,土盐处理下的种子萌发率随浓度升高表现为先升高后下降,但2种盐处理下的平均种子萌发率差异不显著(P>0.05),非最适温度下,2种盐处理下的平均种子萌发率差异显著(P<0.05)。由此得出:盐分浓度和温度是影响盐节木种子萌发的关键因素,土盐对种子萌发的抑制作用较单盐的小。     

Effects of Salinity and Temperature on Seed Germination in a Japanese Endangered Halophyte Triglochin maritimum (Juncaginaceae)

Triglochin maritimum (Juncaginaceae). Germination tests were carried out at three salinity levels (0,200,400 mM NaCl in which seeds were exposed to increasing- or decreasing temperatures. Effects of moist-chilling pretreatment (stratification) in 0,200 and 400 mM NaCl on seed germination at 0,200 and 400 mM NaCl, respectively, were also examined. Under the highest salinity condition (400 mM NaCl), no germination was observed. The seeds germinated very well (88%) in fresh-water after 5-month moist-chilling pretreatment. Longer moist-chilling pretreatment resulted in higher germination percentages. Moist chilling pretreatment in 0,200 and 400 mM NaCl for 5 month enhanced germination percentages to 10% (in 400 mM NaCl) –88% (in 0 mM NaCl). Received 10 December 1998/ Accepted in revised form 8 October 1999     

Impact of Temperature on Seed Germination of Pedicularis verticilata (Scrophulariaceae)

Within recent years, Pedicularis verticilata L. have invaded in Bayanbulak grassland of XinJiang, and such invasion which is threatening grassland quality of livestock grazing in this region. Seed germinations of this species wereexamined based on six temperature treatments: constant temperature( treatment 1, 28℃; treatment 2, from17 to 20℃; treatment 3, from 9 to 16℃ ); alternative temperature ( treatment 4, 9.66, 10.21, 0.15 and - 0.83℃; treatment 5, 14.76, 20.9, 6.31 and 4.01℃; treatment 6, 26.17、29.58、5.19 and 0.75℃). The experiments results showed: 1) Germination rate were higher in alternative temperature than in constant temperature and the germination trend showed an uni-modal patterns; 2) Germination rate and germination index were lower in higher or lower temperature; 3) Germination rate and germination index under the alternatively changed temperatures (average temperature of the latter half on May in this region recorded as 14.76, 20.9, 6.31 and 4.01℃) was the highest, respectively 76.9% and 18.1. Therefore, it is suggested that, the late May might be the also the important time period to prevent this species from invading native grassland.     

光温对3种醉鱼草属植物种子萌发的影响

密蒙花、七里香和大序醉鱼草3种醉鱼草的种子细小,千粒重仅12～58 mg,但形态有差异,可以进行种类区分.种子充分吸水后,在20～25℃条件下于5～10 d内就能迅速萌发,15 d时发芽率达到75%以上.光照强度21.6～32.4μmol·m-2·s-1和光照时间12～16 h·d-1均可显著提高七里香种子的发芽率,但光照抑制密蒙花种子萌发,而对大序醉鱼草种子萌发没有明显影响.种子苗移栽后3～5 d,真叶转绿,90%的幼苗可形成健壮植株.     

温度对轮叶马先蒿种子发芽的影响

为遏止轮叶马先蒿（Pedicularis verticilata L．）对新疆巴音布鲁克草原畜牧业的发展的威胁。开展了恒温和变温条件下轮叶马先蒿种子发芽试验,共设计了6个处理。结果表明：1）变温条件下的种子发芽率优于恒温,各处理每日种子发芽数目的变化均表现为先升高后下降。2）较高和较低温度下,发芽率和发芽指数均较低。3）在5月下半月变温（14．76,20．9,6．31和4．01℃）条件下,种子发芽率和发芽指数最高,分别为76．9％和18．1。因此,5月下半月是遏止本地入侵种轮叶马先蒿扩散的关键时期。     

3种锦鸡儿种子萌发对温度和水分的响应

对本地种白毛锦鸡儿（Caragana licentiana）和甘蒙锦鸡儿(Caragana opulens)以及外来种中间锦鸡儿（Caragana intermedia）种子进行了室内和野外萌发试验。结果表明,白毛锦鸡儿种子最适萌发温度为20℃,5℃时种子不萌发,甘蒙锦鸡儿最适萌发温度为10-20℃,在5℃和30℃时萌发率显著低于其它温度下的萌发率,中间锦鸡儿种子最适萌发温度为15-30℃,5℃下的萌发率为8.5%。室内萌发试验和野外萌发试验都表明白毛锦鸡儿种子萌发的速度缓慢,这体现在达到最大萌发率需要的时间长,萌发速度慢,且有4.0%的硬实种子,甘蒙锦鸡儿种子萌发的速度快,无硬实种子,高温下萌发受到一定的抑制。中间锦鸡儿种子在高温下萌发率高,速度快。启运白毛锦鸡儿种子萌发的最低土壤含水量为1.25%,甘蒙锦鸡儿和中间锦鸡儿的分别为3.75%和2.50%。白毛锦鸡儿种子萌发需要的土壤含水量低,种子萌发慢,且有小部分硬实种子,这可能是白毛锦鸡儿适应特殊环境的对策之一。     

Seed Germination Biology of the Narrowly Endemic Species Lesquerella stonensis (Brassicaceae)

Abstract Lesquerella stonensis (Brassicaceae) is an obligate winter annual endemic to a small portion of Rutherford County in the Central Basin of Tennessee, where it grows in disturbed habitats. This species forms a persistent seed bank, and seeds remain viable in the soil for at least 6 years. Seeds are dormant at maturity in May and are dispersed as soon as they ripen. Some of the seeds produced in the current year, as well as some of those in the persistent seed bank, afterripen during late spring and summer; others do not afterripen and thus remain dormant. Seeds require actual or simulated spring/summer temperatures to come out of dormancy. Germination occurs in September and October. Fully afterripened seeds germinate over a wide range of thermoperiods (15/6–35/20°C) and to a much higher percentage in light (14 h photoperiod) than in darkness. The optimum daily thermoperiod for germination was 30/15°C. Nondormant seeds that do not germinate in autumn are induced back into dormancy (secondary dormancy) by low temperatures (e.g., 5°C) during winter, and those that are dormant do not afterripen; thus seeds cannot germinate in spring. These seed dormancy/ germination characteristics of L. stonensis do not differ from those reported for some geographically widespread, weedy species of winter annuals and thus do not help account for the narrow endemism of this species.     

珍稀濒危植物距瓣尾囊草种子散布及萌发特性

采用野外调查和室内实验相结合的方法,对距瓣尾囊草(Urophysa rockii)种子散布途径、散布方式和种子萌发特性进行初步研究.结果表明:距瓣尾囊草种子千粒重为0.6684±0.0038 g,以果实和种子为扩散单元进行扩散,具有自体扩散和水媒扩散两种方式.温度对距瓣尾囊草种子萌发有显著影响,20℃为最适萌发温度,发芽率达67.78％.低温(4℃)层积可有效提高种子发芽率和发芽势,随层积天数增加,发芽率和发芽势增加,但层积30 d和40 d发芽率和发芽势无显著性差异.光照和黑暗对种子萌发的影响差异不显著,光照不是其种子萌发的必需条件.实验证明,与用湿砂做发芽基质相比,用滤纸做发芽基质,其发芽率和发芽势均比前者高,因此滤纸是距瓣尾囊草种子萌发实验中更为适宜的发芽基质.     

Interaction Between Cryopreservation, Rewarming Rate and Seed Humidification on the Germination of Two Spanish Endemic Species

The effects of humidification, storage in liquid nitrogen (1or 30 d) and rewarming rate on seed germination were studiedin two Spanish endemics. Humidification resulted in higher germinationpercentages only in the species with hard covers, especiallyin slowly rewarmed seeds. In an experiment lasting 21 weeks,seeds stored in liquid nitrogen were removed for 10 min eachweek to mimic the withdrawal of samples from a seed bank; thishad no effect on germination.Copyright 1998 Annals of BotanyCompany Centaurea hyssopifolia,Limonium dichotomum, cryopreservation, cypsela, endemics, germination, humidification, seeds.     

Lettuce Seed Germination: Interaction between Auxin and 2-Chloroethanephosphonic acid (Ethrel)

Auxins (NAA, IAA) inhibited the seed germination of lettuce cv. Cabbage. The auxin-indueed inhibition of seed germination could be overcome if 2-chlorethanephosphonic acid (CEPA, ethrel) or kinetin was added simultaneously. Thus ethylene can also modulate the action of endogenous inhibitors in seed germination.     

贮藏温度和种子含水量对洋葱种子发芽率的影响

贮藏温度低于15℃时,温度对洋葱种子发芽率影响变小,种子含水量低于8.8%时,其衰老过程变慢,高含水量种子在高温下贮存,衰老过程加快,含水量为100%和13%的种子在25℃下贮存分别不到5个月和2个月就失去商品性。     

种皮和环境温度对橡胶树种子萌发的影响

在人工气候箱控制的条件下,研究了种皮和环境温度对橡胶树(Hevea brasiliensis)种子萌发的影响.结果表明,种皮对橡胶树种子的吸水和萌发具有明显的机械限制作用;去除种皮后种子萌发速率加快,萌发指数增大,但萌发率从83.8%下降到47.8%,幼苗活力指数从332.3下降到187.9.15℃以下的温度明显推迟种子萌发,且萌发率下降.去除种皮后的种仁萌发率、萌发指数和幼苗活力指数均随着温度的升高而增大;有种皮种子的萌发率、萌发指数和幼苗活力指数分别在20℃(94.7%)、30℃(1.86)和25℃(374.4)时最大,而萌发速率系数随着温度的升高先增大后减小.在橡胶树栽培和胶园建设中,可利用种皮对种仁水分散失的限制作用以及对低温的不敏感性,有效延长橡胶树种子的贮藏时间,提高萌发率和籽苗质量.     

Modelling the Effects of Water Stress and Temperature on Seed Germination of Radish and Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.) and radish (Raphanus sativus L.) are considered as important vegetables with potential for national and international markets due to their sugars, vitamins and minerals. This study arranged, therefore, to simultaneously investigate the effect of temperature (T) and water potential (ψ) on seed germination (SG) of these plants using two hydrothermal time (HTT) models and to determine cardinal Ts and base water potential (ψ_b(50)) for both species. The results indicated that SG of both species was more affected by ψ than T (p ≤ 0.001). At Ts below an optimum temperature (T_o) the ψ_b(50) was constant (− 0.582 and − 0.760 MPa for radish and cantaloupe, respectively) and then increased linearly by 0.0481 and 0.0446 MPa °C⁻¹ as T increased above T_o (as thermoinhibition) until 0 MPa at the ceiling temperature (T_c), respectively. As the first report, however, we observed that the T at which ψ_b(50) begins to change was the same here (that is, T_d = T_o), when determined by either model for both species. This result suggests that the assumption in Rowse and Finch-Savage’s model (T_d is often less and or very close to T_o) may be invalid in some cases. For both species, the base temperature (T_b) and T_o were not affected by ψ and were constant while there was an exception only for T_c for which the value declined with decreasing ψs (more negative). In general, the estimated T_b, T_o and T_c were 9.64, 21.3 and 33.0 °C for radish and 11.8, 28.3 and 45.7 °C for cantaloupe in the control condition (ψ = 0 MPa), respectively. The HTT models used here and their parameters, each with strengths and weaknesses, can be used as a predictive tool in both cantaloupe and radish SG simulation models. However, at first, we need to select an appropriate HTT model based on SG behavior of plant species and then use the best model for quantifying the response of SG across Ts and ψs.