The Reproduction and Germination of Limosella aquatica

Quantitative data are furnished respecting the seed productionand germination of Limosella aquatica, which is shown to havea large reproduction potential like other species of intermittentlyavailable habitats, despite its small assimila-tory surface.A tentative estimate of the seed output of the rarer diploidspecies L. subtdata suggests that this may be only about one-sixththat of the tetraploid L. aquatica. Features described indicatespecialization primarily to dispersal by water, and submergedcapsules readily dehisce. Germination, which may occur within3 days, is shown to be quasi-simultaneous in bright light underwhich over 90 per cent may be attained but a very small percentagewere found able to germinate in dim light. Experimental evidenceis provided that indicates the presence of an inhibitor in theseeds the amount of which may, it is suggested, vary from seedto seed in a normal manner. As with other ‘mud species’the seedling develops a zone of supporting ‘prop hairs’around the base of the radicle. The markedly intermittent occurrence of the species is attributablemainly to the irregular incidence of the requisite environmentalconditions.     

Changes in RNA and Protein Metabolism Associated with Alterations in the Germination Efficiency of Sunflower Seeds

Precise knowledge of seed quality after harvest and during storageis of particular importance for seed producers. We analyseddifferent sunflower seed lots (Helianthus annuusL.) characterizedby extremes of germination ability. We used RNA analysis tostudy possible changes in gene expression in seeds unable togerminate. Total RNA content was very small in dry seeds showinga low germination ability. Capacity for total RNA synthesisat the onset of imbibition was also reduced in these seeds.In addition, correlations were found between these parametersand germination ability at 19 °C. We demonstrated a highcorrelation between the amount of total RNA in the dry seed,the capacity of RNA synthesis at the onset of imbibition andthe seed moisture content at the time of the harvest. The abilityof dry seed mRNAs to be translatedin vitrowas also reduced andseven polypeptides, from stored mRNAs, were characteristic ofthe cotyledons from high germinability seeds. Germination canthus be affected at several levels including membrane, enzymaticand nucleic acid deteriorations. Gene expression; germination ability; Helianthus annuusL.; marker; protein; RNA; seed; sunflower     

Energy-Level Model for Isothermal Seed Germination

We have been successful in building an energy-level model thatdescribes seed germination. We used the autocatalytic reactionrate equation to fit the germination rate for seed germination.The two parameters [A]₀ and [F]₀ were found by fitting the integratedgermination rate equation to the data. The values of [A]₀ and[F]₀ obey the Arrhenius equation and give activation energiesfor the second and third stage of the four-compartmental modelof seed germination. The thermodynamics of isothermal seed germinationis proposed and the enthalpy, entropy, and free energy are calculatedfor the transition from state A to state F. The time delay isa function of temperature and it leads to a rate constant thatcan be used to get the activation energy for the total germinationprocess. We believe the model is universal. It fits alfalfa(Medicago sativa), turnip (Brassica rapa), and lettuce (Lactucasativa) seeds. Key words: Seed germination, thermodynamics, kinetics, Arrhenius, energy-level model     

Protein Synthesis During Rehydration, Germination and Seedling Growth of Naturally and Precociously Matured Soybean Seeds (Glycine max)

Soybean seeds [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] synthesize de novo andaccumulate several non-storage, soluble polypeptides duringnatural and precocious seed maturation. These polypeptides havepreviously been coined ‘maturation polypeptides’.The objective of this study was to determine the fate of maturationpolypeptides in naturally and precociously matured soybean seedsduring rehydration, germination, and seedling growth. Developingsoybean seeds harvested 35 d after flowering (mid-development)were precociously matured through controlled dehydration, whereasnaturally matured soybean seeds were harvested directly fromthe plant. Seeds were rehydrated with water for various timesbetween 5 and 120 h. Total soluble proteins and proteins radio-labelledin vivo were extracted from the cotyledons and embryonic axesof precociously and naturally matured and rehydrated seed tissuesand analyzed by one-dimensional PAGE and fluorography. The resultsindicated that three of the maturation polypeptides (21, 31and 128 kDa) that had accumulated in the maturing seeds (maturationpolypeptides) continued to be synthesized during early stagesof seed rehydration and germination (5–30 h after imbibition).However, the progression from seed germination into seedlinggrowth (between 30 and 72 h after imbibition) was marked bythe cessation of synthesis of the maturation polypeptides followedby the hydrolysis of storage polypeptides that had been synthesizedand accumulated during seed development. This implied a drasticredirection in seed metabolism for the precociously maturedseeds as these seeds, if not matured early, would have continuedto synthesize storage protein reserves. Glycine max (L.) Merr, soybean, cotyledons, maturation, germination/seedling growth     

Anaesthetic Enhancement of Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. Seed Germination: Possible Membrane Involvement

Taylorson, R. B. 1988. Anaesthetic enhancement of Echinochloacrus-galli (L.) Beauv. seed germination: possible membrane involvement.—J.exp. Bot 39: 50–58. Dormant E. crus-galli seeds can be stimulated to germinate bycontact with solutions of several anaesthetic-like substances.The order of activity was n-pentanol > benzyl alcohol >n-butanol > n-propanol > ethanol. 2-propanol is nearlyinactive. The relative activity of the substances as germinationstimulants is closely related to their membrane-buffer partitioncoefficients in a manner similar to their effectiveness as anaestheticsin animals. Thus, n-pentanol is a more active stimulant of germinationthan ethanol and its increased effectiveness is correlated witha higher membrane-buffer partition coefficient Similarly, ananaesthetic that stimulated germination (n-propanol) causedgreater leakage of electrolytes, U.V. absorbing substances andamino acids from E. crus-galli seeds than a substance that wasnot active as a germination stimulant (2-propanol). In animals,action of anaesthetics can be prevented by application of externalpressure, an argument for membrane action. Action of n-propanolin stimulating germination can be similarly prevented by pressurein E. crus-galli seeds. The several lines of evidence supporta membrane action for anaesthetic-like substances in seeds and,accordingly, a membrane site as the locus of seed dormancy. Key words: Anaesthetics, germination, membranes     

Quantal Response of Seed Germination in Brachiaria humidicola, Echinochloa turnerana, Eragrostis tef and Panicum maximum to Photon Dose for the Low Energy Reaction and the High Irradiance Reaction

Various daily photon doses (daily net number of photons perunit area), provided by varying both photon flux density andphotoperiod, were applied to dormant seed populations of fourgraminaceous species tested for germination in alternating-temperatureregimes on filter papers moistened with either water or a solutionof potassium nitrate. In all four species germination was dependentupon daily photon dose, the product of photon flux density andduration, and quantified by linear relations between the probitof percentage germination and the logarithm of the daily photondose determined by probit analysis. Photon flux density andphotoperiod only influenced germination indirectly as factorsof daily photon dose, except in Echinochloa turnerana (Domin)J.M. Black at high daily photon doses where lower germinationwas observed in continuous light than in 8 h d^–1 photoperiod.The low energy reaction, in which increasing dose promotes seedgermination, was observed in Echlnochloa turnerana and Eragrostistef(Zucc.) Trotter but not in the populations of Brachiariahumidicola (Rendle) Schwcickerdt and Panicum maximum Jacq. usedin this study. The high irradiance reaction, in which increasingthe photon dose reduces germination, was, however, observedin all four species. In Eragrostis tef potassium nitrate influencedthe response of seed germination to light, but in the remainingspecies its influence on this relationship was either additive(Panicum maximum) or nil (Brachiaria humidicola and Echinochloaturnerana) in the alternating-temperature regimes used in thisstudy. The implications of the quantal response to photon dosefor devising optimal light regimes to be applied in laboratorytests intended to maximize seed germination are discussed. Key words: Light, seed germination, seed dormancy, grasses     

Seed Storage and Germination and Seedling Proliferation in Taro, Colocasia esculenta (L) Schott

Taro seeds maintained under c. 40 per cent r.h. and 22 ±2°C retained higher viability than those stored under otherexperimental conditions. Germination was more than 60 per centon a number of defined and undefined media. Rates above 80 percent were obtained on a greenhouse potting mix or its extractor distilled water with filter paper as a support. When maintainedin the dark, seedlings cultured in vitro on one of several definedmedia etiolated and produced atypical, elongated internodeswhich resemble those of vining aroids. Plantlets which developedat their nodes were removed and raised to maturity. Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott, taro, seed storage, seed germination, seedling proliferation     

Salt and Mineral Nutrient Levels in Fruits of Two Strand Species, Cakile maritima and Arctotheca populifolia, with Special Reference to the Effect of Salt on the Germination of Cakile

Nutrient and salt (NaCI) levels were examined in fruits of twostrand species, Cakile maritima and Arctotheca populifolia,collected near Perth, Western Australia. Nutrient levels inseeds of C. maritima and achenes of A. populifolia were relativelyhigh when compared to those in seeds of Australian native speciesor introduced crop plants, despite the very low nutrient statusof the strand habitat. The high levels of organic and essentialinorganic nutrients in seeds would be of especial value in seedlingestablishment. The upper seed of the two-segmented fruit ofCakile was heavier than the lower seed, but both seeds had verysimilar levels of nutrients. Concentrations of N, P, and micronutrientswere very much higher in seeds of Cakile and Arctotheca thanin other parts of the fruit. Cakile leaves had similar levelsof N and P to seeds, but higher levels of micronutrients, especiallyNa and Cl. In Cakile, concentration ratios for Na levels inleaves, silicule and seeds were 359: 74: 1 respectively, thosefor Cl were 200: 30: 1, suggesting very restricted loading ofNa and Cl into the phloem stream destined for fruits, and selectiveuptake by developing embryos. Cakile seeds germinate within their fruit segments, and levelsof NaCl in recently-matured fruits would be high enough to suppressgermination. The top segment of the fruit had a higher concentrationof NaCl than the bottom, and it is likely that this is responsiblefor the lower germination of seeds within top segments. Theliterature on seed dormancy in Cakile is reviewed briefly, andit is concluded that salt levels in the fruit wall and strandsoil are the major determinants of dormancy in Cakile seeds. Cakile maritima, Arctotheca populifolia, germination, sodium chloride, mineral nutrient levels, micronutrients, macronutrients     

Water Relations of Beetroot Seed Germination: I. Microbial Factors, with Special Reference to Laboratory Germination

Laboratory test results obtained with two seed lots of the cultivarDetroit Globe have shown: (1) 8 ml of water in a 9-cm diameterpetri-dish are excessive for good germination of 25 two-seededclusters, either natural or ‘rubbed’, which germinatewell in 3 ml of water. (2) Some of this depression in germinationis due to a ‘direct’ effect of the excessive water-supply.(3) But the benefit from either surface sterilization or theuse of aureomycin, a bacteriostatic antibiotic, indicates thatsome of the depression of germination in the presence of excesswater is the result of bacterial colonization of the seed clusters.The excess water effect can also be mitigated by preliminary‘rubbing’ of the seed clusters, presumably by removalof some of the bacterial inoculum, provided that the rubbingprocess itself does not injure the seeds. (4) There is goodevidence that the bacteria depress the germination of the seedsby competing with them for oxygen. (5) The effect of the bacterialpopulation on germination in excess water can be aggravatedby preliminary washing of the seed clusters. This is probablydue to a delicate equilibrium between the bacteria and at leastpart of the fungal population of the seeds which when retainedmay produce an antibacterial substance; but the water-solublephenolic acids contained in the seed clusters may also be involved:at high concentrations these inhibit germination, but they mayalso depress bacterial activity, even at lower than germination-inhibitingconcentrations. (6) Fungicides aggravate the depression of germinationon over-wet paper in the laboratory, but are of value in thefield. (7) There is evidence that different limiting factorsmay operate on different seed lots and care must be taken notto generalize from results obtained from a limited number ofseed samples.     

Seed Germination and Seedling Growth in Sopubia delphinifolia - a Hemi-root Parasite: Germination Requirements

Requirements for seed germination (emergence of radicle) andseedling formation (emergence of both radicle and cotyledons)of a hemi-root parasite Sopubia delphinifolia were studied inthe absence of any host stimulus, in Petri dish and asepticcultures. Both water washing in trickling tap water as wellas cold treatment were effective in inducing/stimulating germinationand seedling formation in the light. Although ethrel, an ethylenereleasing compound, stimulated radicle emergence it inhibitedthe emergence of the cotyledons. Light was found to be essentialfor germination; none of the growth substances could replacethe light requirement. Light responses seem to be mediated throughthe phytochrome system. The results indicate that the emergenceof the radicle, its further growth into the root and the emergenceof cotyledons are controlled by different factors. Sopubia delphinifolia, hemi-root parasite, seed germination requirements, pretreatment, seedling formation     

Seed Mass and Germination Behaviour in Populations of the Dune-building Grass Leymus arenarius

The individual mean seed (caryopsis) mass of 34 natural populationsof Leymus arenarius widely distributed in Iceland and one eachfrom Scotland and England showed a six-fold variation. Phenotypicplasticity was a factor in the variation between populationsin different environments but there was also likely to havebeen genetic differentiation. Heavy-seeded populations tendedto come from early successional sites, where they also producedlonger spikes and more seeds per spike. Individual seed masswas also very variable on spikes within populations and withinspikes; lighter seeds were found consistently in the lower thirdof the spike and in the florets distal to the rachis in thespikelets. Germination was examined using the powerful methods of SurvivalAnalysis. There were striking asymptotic relationships betweenseed mass and germination: an inverse relationship between mediangermination time and seed mass and a positive relationship betweentotal germination percentage and seed mass. Samples from small-seededpopulations typically achieved half the total germination oflarge-seeded ones, with up to ten-fold longer median germinationtimes. Similar trends emerged from analysis of large- and small-seededspikes within populations and large- and small-seeded floretswithin spikelets. Natural stands of Leymus arenarius are harvested on a largescale in Iceland for sowing in reclamation programmes to combatunstable and eroding sands. The harvest period is short andsusceptible to autumn gales and grazing. Mean individual seedmass would provide a rapid and reliable measure of seed quality,in terms of rapid germination and high germination rate. Standsshould not be selected for harvest unless the individual seedmass averaged for whole spikes is at least 5 mg and such standsare most likely to be found in early-successional dune sites.Copyright1995, 1999 Academic Press Leymus arenarius, lymegrass, seed mass, germination, population differentiation, sand stabilization, dune succession, Survival Analysis     

Involvement of Endomannanase in the Control of Tomato Seed Germination under Low Temperature Conditions

The cause of differences in germination rates in a cold-toleranttomato line (PI341988), a control line (UC82B), and six progenylines stemming from crosses and backcrosses between the twoparent lines was investigated. Pursuant to earlier work showingthat differences in germination ability at 12°C are dueto the barrier imposed by the endosperm layer, we analysed theactivity of cell-wall-hydrolysing enzymes extracted from theselines. A significant increase in endomannanase activity wasfound in plant line PI341988 prior to germination at 12°C.Extracts of PI341988 seeds that had imbibed at either 12 or25°C exhibited higher endomannanase activity than theircounterparts from plant line UC82B. Moreover, a positive relationshipwas found between germination ability at low temperature andendomannanase activity in the six progeny lines. Analysis ofendomannanase activity in sub-regions of the seed indicatedthat the increase in activity prior to germination was higherin the micropylar endosperm cap than in the rest of the seed.Exogenous application of mannanase originating from soil-bornebacteria increased germination rates under both moderate andlow temperature conditions. Cellulase (endo-1,4-ß-glucanase)activity was also found to be higher in plant line PI341988.However, the activity of this enzyme probably increases aftergermination and it is therefore not considered as a key enzymecontrolling germination at low temperatures.Copyright 1995,1999 Academic Press Lycopersicon esculentum, tomato, seed germination, cell wall     

Accelerating Strawberry Seed Germination by Fungal Infection

Germination of strawberry seed was accelerated by natural andartificial infections of Ulocladium charatarum and other fungi,including the Arthrinium state of Apiospora montagnei and aCladosporium sp. Germination was variously promoted by fungiboth in light and darkness, on damp filter paper, water andmalt agar plates and on horticultural compost. Germinated seedlingswere apparently undamaged by these infections, although whencultured on malt agar the seedlings were overgrown by the fungus.Several other fungi promoted germination, but three of themlater killed the seedlings. Germination of seed of all threecultivars that were tested was promoted by fungal infectionwhich probably promoted germination by hastening breakdown ofthe seed coat. Strawberry, Fragaria ananassa Duch., germination, fungus     

Photoinhibition of Seed Germination in Mediterranean Maritime Plants

Photoinhibition of seed germination was shown for Allium staticiforme,Brassica tournefortii, Cakile maritima and Otanthus maritimus,all plant species inhabiting sandy coasts of the MediterraneanSea. Germination of A. staticiforme was found to be typicallyMediterranean in regard to its temperature range (>0–20°C), while B. tournefortii germinated optimally at intermediatetemperatures (15–25 °C). Light sensitivity was morepronounced in the latter species and 50 % inhibition of seedgermination was obtained with photon flux densities of approximately0.1 and 0.015 mol m^–2 d^–1 in A. staticiforme andB. tournefortii, respectively. However, the slopes of the regressionlines of germination plotted against the logarithm of whitelight flux density are similar in both species. From monthlyexperiments performed under fluctuating conditions of temperatureand light, simulating the elimate of Athens throughout the year,optimal germination response peaked in ‘winter’conditions for A. staticiforme, while a bimodal pattern wasobserved for B. tournefortii (maxima at the warm ends of therainy season). In contrast to the other plants, a fifth speciestested, Crithmum maritimum, showed an absolute light requirement,probably related to the rocky habitats of the species; the optimumgermination period coincided with the rainy season. Pot experimentswith seeds of the five species buried at various depths confirmedthat maximum emergence is favoured by shallow depths (0.5–1cm). It is concluded that seed germination in maritime plantsof the Mediterranean rim is mediated by a photoinhibition mechanismwhich can be considered an adaptation strategy against surfaceseedling establishment at the harsh, sandy or shingle, sea coasthabitats. Allium staticiforme, Brassica tournefortii, Cakile maritima, sea rocket, Crithmum maritimum, rock samphire, Otanthus maritimus, ton-weed, seed germination, light, photoinhibition, phytochrome, seedling emergence     

Effects of Chemicals Often Regarded as Germination Stimulants on Seed Conditioning and Germination of Witchweed (Striga asiatica)

Gibberellin A₃ (GA₃), kinetin and zeatin promoted germinationof conditioned witchweed (Striga asiatica [L.] Kuntze) seedssimilar to dl-strigol and a natural stimulant from corn rootexudates. GA₃ promoted germination only with scarified seeds.However, these regulators, as well as dl-strigol and naturalstimulants, inhibited the conditioning of seeds and their subsequentgermination. On the other hand, abscisic acid induced 74% germinationof conditioned seeds but had no effect on seed conditioning.Other chemicals such as sucrose, NaNO₃, vitamin B₁, L-methionine,nicotinamide, indoleacetic acid and colchicine had no apparenteffect on seed conditioning, while sucrose, L-methionine andinositol induced about 30 % germination of conditioned seeds.Seeds generally required either a longer conditioning time ora higher terminal dl-strigol concentration to eliminate anyinhibition of seed conditioning induced by a compound. dl-Strigol, germination stimulation, parasitic plants, seed conditioning, seed germination, Striga asiatica (L.) Kuntze, weed control, growth regulating substances     

Mapping the Microenvironment for Seed Germination in the Field

Gaps in the canopy have a major influence upon the microenvironmentfor seed germination in natural vegetation. Two methods formeasuring gaps in grasslands are described. The first uses afield-portable instrument for mapping R/IR ratios under thecanopy, and the second employs infrared photography and imageanalysis to measure gaps from above. The methods are illustratedwith results from an experiment in which grazing sheep are theprinciple influence upon the structure of the grass canopy.Results of both methods show that the effects of current andpast grazing regimes may be detected in the canopy structureof the grassland. Seeds of Geranium dissection sown into gapsof different sizes showed greater establishment in small gaps(1–2 cm²) than under a closed canopy Canopy gap, germination, grassland, grazing, Geranium dissectum     

Viability Testing of Orchid Seed and the Promotion of Colouration and Germination

This study reports the ability of Fusarium to induce orchidseed colouration and germination. The in vitro bioassay germinationtest, using a Fusarium isolate from the protocorm of Cypripediumreginae, was compared with standard chemical procedures of triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) and acid fuchsin (AC) for testingseed viability. With Cypripedium reginae, Cypripedium parviflorumand Platanthera grandiflora, the efficiency of the bioassaywas similar to that of the TTC and AC procedures. However, thebioassay was more appropriate for estimating embryo viabilityafter a prolonged seed pretreatment (more than 2 h) in 10% sodiumhypochlorite, a surface sterilant often used to enhance germinationof terrestrial species. We also obtained in vitro Cypripediumreginae seed germination induction and protocorm formation bythe same Fusarium isolate. This is the first confirmation ofBernard's early reports that orchid fusaria could stimulateseed germination (Bernard N. 1990.Révue Généralede Botanique12 : 108–120). However, the importance ofthe non-mycorrhizal Fusarium fungus in promoting germinationseems to be relatively minor compared to that of specificRhizoctoniaorchid mycorrhizas. Our results are discussed in light of thecurrent North American strategy on orchid conservation methodswhich proposes the use of symbiotic germination.Copyright 2000Annals of Botany Company Orchid, Cypripedium, Platanthera, seed, Fusarium, bioassay, staining, viability, germination, protocorm, mycorrhiza     

Subcuticular Secretion by Cactus Seeds Improves Germination by Means of Rapid Uptake and Distribution of Water

We report a formerly unknown mechanism in seeds which improvesgermination under relatively dry conditions. During seed developmentof several South American cacti, epidermal cells produce proteinaceousmaterial that appears to pass through ectodesmata in the outercell wall and which accumulates under the cuticle. Once moistened,this secretory layer readily absorbs water and distributes itover the seed surface. It thus improves water uptake and ensuresgermination with the minimum amount of available water, whichmay be advantageous in (semi-)arid regions. In experiments withseeds ofEchinopsis thionantha(Speg.) Werd. andGymnocalyciumgibbosum(Haw.) Pfeiff. under water stress, intact seeds tookup significantly more water and germinated better than seedsfrom which the hydrophilous layer had been artificially removed. Cactaceae; seeds; ectodesmata; imbibition; germination     

Dormancy in Dioscorea: Range, Duration and Timing of High-Temperature Treatment in Germination Inhibition of D. tokoro Seeds

The effects of temperature on induction and release of high-temperatureinhibition in seed germination of Dioscorea tokoro Makino, amonocotyledonous summer perennial of the temperate zone of EastAsia, were investigated. Germination was increasingly inhibitedwith elevation of temperature over 23°C and lengtheningof its duration. The low temperature limit for germination inhibitiondecreased with lengthening of the duration of high temperature.The most sensitive phase for high temperature was 1–2days after the start of imbibition at 20°C. The germination inhibition by high temperature was reversedby chilling at 5°C, which is the optimum temperature forbreaking the natural dormancy (primary dormancy) of this seed.This showed that the high-temperature inhibition of germinationdoes not cause mortal damage but only secondary dormancy (induceddormancy). Seeds from a cold climate (Miyagi Pref.) responded rather quicklyto both high temperature and chilling compared to seeds froma warm climate (Kagoshima Pref.). The responsiveness to hightemperature and chilling of D. tokoro seed may affect the germinationtime under natural conditions. (Received October 22, 1982; Accepted January 14, 1983)     

Comparative Requirement for Endogenous Ethylene during Seed Germination

Requirement for endogenous ethylene during seed germinationof the following ten species was determined: Lycopersicon esculentumMill, (tomato), Allium cepa L. (onion), Avena fatua L., dormantpure line AN-51 (wild oats), Cucumis sativus L. (cucumber),Sinapis arvensis L. (wild mustard), Tagetes erecta L. (marigold),Raphanus sativus L. (radish), Triticum aeslivum L. (wheat),Catharanthus roseus L. (periwinkle), and Phaseolus aureus L(mung bean). Experiments were done under controlled conditionssuited for the germination of each species. Criteria used todetermine the need for endogenous ethylene were: (i) temporalrelationship between ethylene production and seed germination;(ii) parallel inhibition of ethylene synthesis and seed germinationby L-