Seed Dormancy,Germination and Storage Behavior of Magnolia wilsonii (Magnoliaceae), an Endangered Plant in China

In this paper, we measured the embryo morphology and size of Magnolia wilsonii seeds. And the effects of temperature, stratification, KNO3 and soaking on seed dormancy and germination were studied. Seeds were desiccated to different moisture content, and then stored at 4℃ and -20℃ for 100 d. The effects of desiccation and storage temperature on seed viability of M. wilsonii were analyzed. The results showed that the underdeveloped embryos of Mwilsonii seeds needed cold stratification to achieve physiological afterripening. The favorable temperature for germination of Mwilsonii seeds was 25/20℃. Cold stratification and GA3 could effectively overcome dormancy of Mwilsonii seeds. Therefore, Mwilsonii seeds have morphophysiological dormancy. About 5350% of seeds could survive in the moisture content of 539%. After 100 d storage at -20℃, all seeds in different moisture contents died. However, after 100 d storage at 4℃, 76% of seeds survived. Thus, Mwilsonii seeds exhibited intermediate seed storage behavior. The optimum storage environments was dry or moist storage at 4℃.     

三药槟榔种子休眠与萌发的研究

对三药槟榔种子休眠和萌发的基本特性进行研究,结果表明种子的休眠属于综合休眠;种壳对种子 萌发的抑制作用不是由于其对水分透过的限制,而是种皮的机械束缚和透气性差;种子还需要一段低温的生 理后熟过程才能解除休眠。种子经0．2％的高锰酸钾溶液浸泡15 min,0．3％亚硝酸钠和0．2％的硝酸钾溶液 浸种24℃后,发芽速度均显著加快,以0．3％亚硝酸钠处理效果为最佳。种子在15、4℃和室温(昼24～32 ℃／夜18～24℃)三种不同温度下贮藏60 d后,在4℃贮藏的种子发芽情况最好。种子不耐脱水,采用硅胶脱 水,含水量降低至22％以下,种子活力显著降低。     

Seed development in the rare cold desert sand dune shrub Eremosparton songoricum and a comparison with other papilionoid legumes

No study has yet been carried out on seed development in a cold desert sand dune papilionoid legume. Thus, our primary aims were to (i) monitor seed development in the cold desert sand dune species Eremosparton songoricum from the time of pollination to seed maturity, and (ii) compare seed development in this species with that in other species of papilionoid legumes. Fruit and seed size, mass and seed moisture content, and seed imbibition, germination, desiccation tolerance and water retention during development (pollination to seed maturity) were monitored in the papilionaceous shrub E. songoricum in the Gurbantunggut Desert of northwest China. The duration of seed development was 40 days. Seeds reached physiological maturity 28 days after pollination (DAP), at which time 58% of them germinated and they had developed desiccation tolerance. Seeds became impermeable 36–40 DAP, when their moisture content was about 10%. The final stage of maturation drying occurred via loss of water through the hilum. The developmental stages and their timing (DAP) in seeds of E. songoricum are generally similar to those reported for other papilionaceous legumes with a water‐impermeable seed coat (physical dormancy). In general, the developmental features of seeds with water‐impermeable coats at maturity do not appear to be specific to habitat or phylogeny.     

Seed germination traits of desert perennials

While understanding that seed germination is crucial for ecological restoration activities, the seed traits of desert perennials are understudied. We experimentally determined germination traits of 43 species from 14 families from Hummock grasslands in the Great Sandy Desert, Australia. We defined morphological and physiological seed traits of framework species required for restoration and investigated the effects of fire and temperature on seed germination. We classified dormancy and explored the effect of Karrikinolide, a fire cue derived from smoke, on germination. Seeds of 38 (88%) out of 43 species were dormant: 13 (30%) with physical and 25 (58%) with physiological dormancy. Karrikinolide promoted seed germination of 9 (21%) species across all life-forms except trees, and widened the range of germination temperatures and increased germination rate of one species. Although high germination percentages were obtained over a wide temperature range, germination rate was affected by temperature. Non-dormant seeds and seeds pre-treated to overcome physical dormancy germinated quickly, with times to 50% germination of 1–5 days. Dormancy class differed between life-forms and families. Fast germination of non-dormant seeds is a trait that allows seeds to germinate during short periods of moisture availability. An absence of under-developed embryos is consistent with the global trends for hot deserts. A response to Karrikinolide shows that seed germination is related to a fire cue. These results will inform land managers of effective seed pre-treatments prior to seed broadcasting for restoration, and information on seed germination temperatures and rates will improve the understanding of when and where seeds could germinate in restored sites.     

濒危植物西康玉兰种子休眠、萌发及贮藏特性

研究了西康玉兰(Magnolia wilsonii)种胚的形态大小,温度、层积、硝酸钾、浸种处理和GA_3对种子休眠及萌发的影响.通过将种子脱水至不同含水量和在两种温度(4℃和一20℃)下贮藏100 d后测其生活力,分析各处理对西康玉兰种子活力的影响.结果表明:西康玉兰种子胚尚未分化完全,需经过低温层积完成生理后熟;低温层积和GA3可打破种子休眠.种子最适萌发温度为25/20℃.由此推测,西康玉兰种子具有形态生理休眠特性.西康玉兰种子当含水量降至5.39%,存活率为53.50%.不同含水量的种子贮藏在-20℃条件下,100 d后种子全部死亡;但在4℃下含水量为10.31%的种子存活力高达76%.因此,西康玉兰种子极可能属于中间性种子,其适宜贮藏环境为4℃下的干藏或湿藏.     

Different plant provenance same seed tolerance to abiotic stress: implications for <Emphasis Type="Italic">ex situ</Emphasis> germplasm conservation of a widely distributed coastal dune grass (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Uniola paniculata</Emphasis> L.)

Preservation of genetic diversity within germplasm repositories represents an important tool for plant conservation. However, seeds must tolerate extreme levels of post-harvest desiccation and cold to realize benefits of ex situ storage. Factors including local climate and habitat impact expression of desiccation and freezing tolerance especially for widely distributed species. Our aim here was to understand the influence of a latitudinal gradient on seed desiccation and cryo-freezing tolerance. We sampled mature U. paniculata seeds from two geographically and genetically distinct populations then examined seed-water relations and germination following desiccation via equilibrium drying assays (0.5 to 91% RH; ?797 to ?12.9 MPa). Germination ability after drying and subsequent cryo-freezing treatments (?196?°C, 1 to 1440 min) was also evaluated. Seeds of both populations displayed similar reverse sigmoid moisture sorption isotherms characteristic of desiccation tolerant tissues. Furthermore, initial seed water potential (?63 and ?90 MPa) was considerably lower than the lethal limit (?20 MPa) identified for desiccation sensitive tissues. Final germination (range 58–93%) and temporal patterns differed significantly between populations following desiccation and cryo-freezing stress, but these germination responses were similar to initial germination. A higher proportion of non-germinated, yet viable seeds remained for the northern compared to southern population. Location does influence germination response, but differential germination is related to seed dormancy rather than desiccation or cryo-freezing sensitivity. Ex situ conservation of U. paniculata is therefore feasible across the latitudinal gradient studied here.     

顽拗性竹柏种子的贮藏特性

文章对竹柏(Podocarpus nagi)种子的脱水耐性和贮藏特性进行了研究,结果表明:竹柏种子成熟时初始含水量约为(35±0.7)%,种子对脱水敏感,其最低安全含水量约为(16.86±0.73)%,具有顽拗性种子的典型特征;湿藏和半干藏都可以作为短期保存竹柏种子的方法,且以4℃保存优于15℃保存,但不管种子含水量如何,零下低温保存对竹柏种子都是致命的;半干藏法保存实验中,未进行脱水处理的种子(对照)在4℃贮藏6个月,种子萌发率没有发生明显下降,但贮藏期延长到9个月时,临界含水量的种子萌发力保存最高;不管贮藏介质的含水量高低,也无论贮藏在4℃还是15℃,湿藏种子在9个月的贮藏期内萌发率均没有明显的降低,但当贮藏到12个月时,15℃湿藏种子的萌发率显著高于4℃贮藏的种子,但15℃湿藏的种子在贮藏到3个月时即发现种子在贮藏期间萌发,且随着贮藏介质含水量的升高和贮藏期的延长,萌发的种子增多;竹柏的离体胚经过2 h硅胶快速脱水至含水量7%后再冷冻即可获得90%以上的融后存活率,且超低温保存1年的离体胚解冻后,与只保存1周的存活率没有明显差异,表明超低温长期保存竹柏种子是可行的。本研究可以为进一步探究顽拗性种子的短期贮藏和长期保存提供理论基础和基础资料。     

Seed dormancy in alpine species

In alpine species the classification of the various mechanisms underlying seed dormancy has been rather questionable and controversial. Thus, we investigated 28 alpine species to evaluate the prevailing types of dormancy. Embryo type and water impermeability of seed coats gave an indication of the potential seed dormancy class. To ascertain the actual dormancy class and level, we performed germination experiments comparing the behavior of seeds without storage, after cold-dry storage, after cold-wet storage, and scarification. We also tested the light requirement for germination in some species. Germination behavior was characterized using the final germination percentage and the mean germination time. Considering the effects of the pretreatments, a refined classification of the prevailing dormancy types was constructed based on the results of our pretreatments. Only two out of the 28 species that we evaluated had predominantly non-dormant seeds. Physiological dormancy was prevalent in 20 species, with deep physiological dormancy being the most abundant, followed by non-deep and intermediate physiological dormancy. Seeds of four species with underdeveloped embryos were assigned to the morphophysiologial dormancy class. An impermeable seed coat was identified in two species, with no additional physiological germination block. We defined these species as having physical dormancy. Light promoted the germination of seeds without storage in all but one species with physiological dormancy. In species with physical dormancy, light responses were of minor importance. We discuss our new classification in the context of former germination studies and draw implications for the timing of germination in the field.     

Recalcitrancy and a new kind of epicotyl dormancy in seeds of the understory tropical rainforest tree Humboldtia laurifolia (Fabaceae, Ceasalpinioideae)

We report a new kind of seed dormancy and identify the storage behavior category for an important understory rainforest tree that also is used as an ornamental. While studying seed dormancy of Fabaceae species in Sri Lanka, we observed a considerable delay in emergence of the plumule following radicle emergence in Humboldtia laurifolia. Because epicotyl dormancy has not been reported in Fabaceae, we undertook a detailed morphological study of seed germination in this species. Our aims were to document desiccation tolerance/intolerance and epicotyl dormancy in seeds of H. laurifolia. Drying and low temperature storage were used to evaluate storage behavior of the seeds and imbibition, germination, and seed coat anatomy to categorize seed dormancy in two seed collections. Plumule development before its emergence and effects of light and temperature on plumule emergence were monitored. All seeds that were dried to 15% moisture content or stored at -1°C lost viability. Plumules began to grow 20 ± 5 d from radicle emergence and emerged after 40 ± 3 d. Dark and high illuminance further delayed plumule emergence. Seeds are recalcitrant and have a hitherto unreported kind of epicotyl dormancy, for which we propose the formula .     

Dormancy Breaking and Storage Behavior of Garcinia cowa Roxb. (Guttiferae) Seeds: Implications for Ecological Function and Germplasm Conservation

The dormancy breaking and storage behavior of Garcinia cowa Roxb. seeds were investigated.The seeds of G. cowa had 8-11 months dormancy in their natural habitat. Seeds were matured and dispersed at the end of the rainy season (mid-late August to late September) and were scatter-hoarded by rodents as food for winter after the seeds had fallen to the ground. Seedlings often emerged in the forest during the rainy season (May to August) the following year. Intact seeds of G. cowa failed to germinate after being sown at 30 ℃ for 120 d and the mean germination time (MGT) of seeds cultured in a shade (50% sunlight)nursery was 252 d. The most effective method of breaking dormancy was to remove the seed coat totally,which reduced the MGT to 13 d at 30 ℃. Germination was also promoted by partial removal of the seed coat (excising the hilum and exposing the radicle) and chemical scarification (immersion in 1% H2O2 for 1 d).Unscarified seeds take up water rapidly in the first 96 h, but water was absorbed by the outside seed coat,without penetrating through it. The moisture content (MC) of G. cowa seeds was high (50% in fresh weight)at shedding. The seeds could tolerate desiccation to some extent, until the MC reached approximately 40%;below that, the viability decreases rapidly and all seeds died at approximately 17% of MC. Seed viability decreased rapidly when seeds were chilled at 4 ℃; germination was 2% after storage for 1 week. Even stored at 10 ℃, seeds began to be damaged after 4 weeks. Seed storage for 1 yr revealed that in both dry (relative humidity (35 ± 5)%) and moist (wet sand) storage conditions, seed viability declined, but germination percentages for seeds stored under moist conditions are better than for seed stored under dry conditions.Because of their low tolerance to desiccation, marked chilling sensitivity and relatively short lifespan, G.cowa seeds should be classified into the tropical recalcitrant category. The ecological implications of dormant recalcitrant seeds and cues on storing recalcitrant seeds were discussed.     

木波罗种子脱水敏感性与膜脂过氧化的研究

刚采收的木波罗种子含水量为５８．６％。随着含水量下降,种子的发芽率和发芽指数迅速下降,种子对脱水非常敏感,是典型的顽拗性种。自然脱水时,种子胚轴和子叶中超氧物歧化酶的活性先上升,然后下降,丙二醛和脂质氢过氧化物的含量显著增加。其脱水敏感性的原因可能是当种子脱水时,植物酶ＳＯＤ的活性下降,膜脂过氧化作用加强,从而使膜的结构和功能受到破坏,种子生活力丧失。     

A role for fruit structure in seed survival and germination of Swartzia langsdorffii Raddi beyond dispersal

• Diaspore structure has been hypothesised to play a role in seed viability and/or germination of recalcitrant seeds, especially for Swartzia langsdorffii. Thus, this work aims to (i) investigate the in situ contribution of pericarp and aril on seed viability and germination, and (ii) identify morphoanatomical traits of S. langsdorffii diaspores that allow its desiccation‐sensitive seeds to remain viable.
• The role of the pericarp and aril in seed survival and germination was investigated by placing the whole fruit, whole seeds (arillate seed) and bare seeds (without aril) in soil in the forest understorey, assessing germination, emergence, dead, firm and predated seeds, and water content of pericarps, arils and seeds. Correlation analysis was performed between environmental variables and physiological parameters. Histochemical features of diaspores were also investigated.
• Pericarp water content fell after several months, while the aril maintained its water content. Seeds did not lose water even without the presence of the pericarp and aril. However, presence of the pericarp promoted seed water content, viability and germination long after dispersal. The embryo had a thickened outer periclinal cell wall.
• Pericarp and aril are not essential to prevent water loss in seeds, but do help to retain seed moisture, favouring viability maintenance and promoting germination during the rainy season. Morphoanatomical features of seeds are suggested as main factors that reduce water loss. Survival of these desiccation‐sensitive seeds upon dispersal during the dry season appears to be facilitated by multiple diaspore features that prevent viability loss.

     

What affects the desiccation tolerance threshold of Brazilian Eugenia (Myrtaceae) seeds?

Desiccation sensitive (DS) seeds are shed at high water contents (WC) and metabolically active, but WC thresholds vary broadly among species even in the same genus. Eugenia is an important ecological genus that has high occurrence in several Brazilian morphoclimatic domains. In this study, we assessed seed desiccation tolerance of five Eugenia species collected in specific meteorological conditions. We reported the species geographical ranges and verified the rainfall and temperature of species sites in the year prior to seed collection. We also assessed initial WC, seed germination and vigor and seedling growth upon desiccation. Eugenia uniflora was the widest spread among the five species, while E. astringens was the most restricted. In this specific study, widespread species showed a higher WC threshold than restricted species. In the same way, the WC of fresh seeds was not correlated to the desiccation tolerance threshold. Seed desiccation tolerance was species dependent and correlated with the environmental status of seed collection sites. Wetter and warmer conditions were correlated to the E. uniflora higher DS threshold. Low rainfall and temperature corresponded to a lower desiccation sensitivity of E. astringens seeds. Seeds of the five species lost half viability between 0.44 and 0.25 g H₂O g DW^??1 and after 65–270 h of desiccation. Our results indicate that abiotic factors impact plant populations during the seed production season and can drive seed desiccation tolerance threshold and physiological behavior. These results should be taken into account in ex-situ plant conservation programs and tropical species management.

     

Are fungi important for breaking seed dormancy in desert species? Experimental evidence in Opuntia streptacantha (Cactaceae)

Seeds of Opuntia spp. have physiological dormancy; they need a period of after-ripening to break dormancy, and the embryos have low growth potential. We evaluated the combined effects of seed age and presence of fungi on the testa on germination of Opuntia streptacantha, an abundant species in the Chihuahuan Desert (Mexico), assuming that older seeds have broken seed dormancy and fungi can reduce mechanical resistance to germination. In a preliminary experiment, we found no germination of 9-year-old (1998) and freshly collected (2007) seeds. However, we obtained 67% and 27% germination from 9-year-old and fresh non-sterilized seeds, respectively, and found fungi growing on the testa of all germinated seeds. Two fungal strains were isolated and identified using ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence analysis: Penicillium chrysogenum and Phoma sp. In a second experiment, we inoculated seeds with strains of P. chrysogenum and Phoma sp., as well as Trichoderma koningii and binucleate Rhizoctonia (Gto17S2), to evaluate their ability to break seed dormancy. Seeds inoculated with P. chrysogenum, Phoma sp. and T. koningii had higher germination than controls for both seed ages, but germination was higher in older seeds. Scanning electron microscopy showed that these fungi eroded the funiculus, reducing its resistance. Binucleate Rhizoctonia did not lead to germination and controls had almost no germination. Our results strongly indicate that fungi are involved in breaking seed dormancy of O. streptacantha, and that the effect of fungi on seeds is species-specific.     

The Effect of Chilling and Moisture Status on the Germination, Desiccation Tolerance and Longevity ofAesculus hippocastanumL. Seed

Effects of 2 °C chilling on the threshold moisture contentsand water potentials for various physiological processes wereestimated forAesculus hippocastanumL. seed. Seed harvested atthe time of maximum seed fall exhibited a dual response to drying:partial drying from near 50% to 32–40% moisture contentprogressively increased germination percentage (at 16 °C)up to various peak values; further desiccation was detrimental,confirming that the seeds are ‘recalcitrant’. Themoisture content for optimum germination was increased by atleast 10% as the chilling period was raised from 0 to 9 weeks.A negative linear relationship was found between log₁₀mean timeto germinate and probit final germination, regardless of pre-treatment,indicating that partial desiccation and chilling are interchangeablein promoting germination of hydrated seed. For nearly fullyhydrated seeds, increasing the chilling period from 6 to 26weeks increased the viability-loss onset point for desiccationinjury from near 40% to about 48% moisture content without alteringthe drying rates of seed tissues. Extending moist chilling invarious seed lots from 0 to 26 weeks decreased subsequent longevityat 16 °C. For 26-week-chilled seeds longevity (the periodto lose one probit of germination) differed above and belowa threshold moisture content of 48%. It remained constant inthe moisture-content range 48–38%, but increased progressivelyas moisture content was raised above 48%. This threshold moisturecontent coincided with the value above which chilled seed pre-germinatedin storage. The results indicate that post-harvest desiccationand chilling alter the water relations of various physiologicalprocesses and a schematic summary is presented which relatesthe results to an axis water sorption isotherm.Copyright 1998Annals of Botany Company Aesculus hippocastanumL., horse chestnut, chilling, moisture content, water potential, desiccation tolerance, longevity, recalcitrant seed, embryo axis, maturation, germination.     

9种形态生理休眠的种子脱水对萌发和胚胎生长的影响

9种形态生理休眠的种子脱水对萌发和胚胎生长的影响 在具有形态生理种子休眠(MPD)的物种中，吸胀种子脱水对胚胎生长和萌发的影响鲜为人知。我们研究了9种不同MPD水平的种子对脱水的反应。对每个物种进行对照实验，使种子永久保持水化并暴露在最佳层积-培养顺序中以促进胚胎生长。同时也开展了室温条件下脱水中断种子层积处理1个月的实验。研究结果显示，具有非深度简单MPD的白藤铁线莲(Clematis vitalba)和高山茶藨子(Ribes alpinum)的胚生长 和种子活力均不受干燥影响，但干燥使高山茶藨子的萌发力下降了16%。具有深度简单上胚轴MPD的黄 水仙(Narcissus pseudonarcissus)种子在不同的胚生长阶段呈现脱水耐受性，但其萌发力略有下降。具有不同 MPD复杂水平的物种对脱水的反应更为多变：具有中度复杂MPD的Delphinium fissum亚种与具有深度复杂MPD的峨参(Anthriscus sylvestris)和熊根芹(Meum athamanticum)，具有脱水耐受性。与之相反，具有非深度复杂MPD的鹅莓(Ribes uva-crispa)、中度复杂MPD的Lonicera pyrenaica和深度复杂MPD的Chaerophyllum aureum，脱水后萌发力下降。虽然具有MPD简单水平的种子能够具备脱水耐受性，但一些具有复杂水平MPD的种子也具有很高的耐受性。因此，脱水不诱导胚生长后期的次生休眠。9种植物中大多数的吸胀种子的脱水耐受性可能表征其对地中海地区气候变化的适应性。     

羊草种子休眠机制及破除方法研究

羊草种子休眠程度深、发芽率低是限制栽培利用的重要因子.采用不同破除羊草种子休眠的方法,测定各处理对种子萌发的影响,以探索破除羊草种子休眠的有效途径.结果显示:(1)刺破种皮的裸种子较完整种子的萌发率、吸水速率、生活力分别由对照的6%、63%、0%显著增加到60%、86%、94%.(2)完整羊草种子分别用清水浸种1 d、30% NaOH浸种80 min、清水浸种1 d后用30% NaOH浸种60min其萌发率由6%分别显著提高到36%、60%、84%,而各浓度赤霉素处理完整种子其萌发率较对照均无显著变化. (3)采用清水浸种1 d后用30% NaOH处理60 min,再施加200 μg/g GA3综合处理,可使羊草完整种子的发芽率由6%提高到91%,接近其种子生活力94%.研究表明,羊草种子的稃与种皮不影响种子水分的吸收,但影响种子对GA3的吸收、不同程度地阻碍大分子物质的渗入、限制羊草种子内部萌发抑制物的渗出,从而引起种子休眠;分析认为稃和种皮以及种子内部萌发抑制物质是引起羊草种子休眠的主要原因.     

黄皮种子脱水敏感性与脂质过氧化作用

黄皮种子自然脱水时,种子的发芽率和发芽指数迅速下降;种子浸泡液的电导率和可溶性物质的量大大增加;线粒体膜和质膜ATPase的活性下降;种子中SOD活性先上升,然后下降;脂质过氧化产物MDA和脂质氢过氧化物的量大大增加。DDC、MDA和Fe2 促进脂质过氧化作用,降低种子生活力;ASA和甘露醇对脂质过氧化有抑制作用,提高种子生活力。     

贵州毕节喀斯特地区优势植物种子萌发特性初步研究

对采自贵州毕节地区的11种植物的种子萌发特性进行了初步研究,结果表明：①盐肤木、火棘、化香、云贵金丝桃与白栎种子在4周之内能够萌发;除云贵鹅耳枥胚坏死之外（萌发实验前后对种子进行解剖）,其他5种植物的种子都未萌发,处于不同的休眠状态。②盐肤木、化香、云贵金丝桃的种子光照时的萌发率远高于黑暗时的萌发率,具有显著差异,尤其是云贵金丝桃,因此3种植物种子均属于喜光性种子;而火棘与白栎种子有无光照都可以萌发,而且萌发率没显著差异,因此属于光不敏感或光中性种子。③盐肤木、云贵金丝桃的种子在30℃较高温条件下萌发最好;白栎、火棘种子在15℃、20℃低温条件下萌发更好;化香种子萌发温度既不能低于20℃也不能高于25℃。④刺异叶花椒种子吸水率高达85%,胚包埋在胚乳之中非常微小、未分化,因此可以初步判定属于形态休眠或者形态生理休眠;而平枝荀子、西域旌节花、云南旌节花种子吸水率都在20%以上,胚长/种子长都超多1/2,并且胚已发育完全,应属于生理休眠;小果蔷薇种子吸水率约27%,胚长/种子长都达2/3,并且通过对种子的解剖发现胚还未发育,应属于形态生理休眠。     

Seed banking of terrestrial orchids: evaluation of seed quality in Anacamptis following 4‐year dry storage

• Good‐quality dry seeds of some orchids have the potential to survive for decades under conventional seed bank conditions, but further research is needed to fill existing gaps in knowledge regarding seed behaviour under long‐term dry storage. The objectives of this study were to evaluate germination ability on two asymbiotic culture media with different nitrogen source; to assess seed desiccation tolerance needed for the storage at sub‐zero temperatures; and to study the effects of dry storage at low temperature.
• Asymbiotic seed germination tests of four Anacamptis species were carried out to evaluate the effects of different culture media, dehydration and dry storage on germination ability. Viability of 4‐year‐stored seeds was assessed by means of the tetrazolium test.
• Generalised linear model (GLM) analysis detected significant effects (P < 0.01) of the species, medium and storage time on total germination, while dehydration did not significantly affect it. Except for A. palustris, germination percentage was minimum after 1‐month storage and increased with longer storage periods. Tetrazolium viability tests detected high percentages of viable seed (>90%) following 4‐year storage in three out of four species.
• Seeds of the four Anacamptis species proved to be desiccation tolerant and have orthodox storage behaviour. The consequence of these findings is of interest to practical conservation approaches for orchids in seed‐banking. The results highlight the importance of multiple assessments of seed quality, both viability and germination, to understand seed storage behaviour.