The inheritance of seed color in a resynthesizedBrassica napus line No. 2127-17 including a new epistatic locus

Yellow seed is an important trait inBrassica napus. To know the genet ic basis of yellow seed color inBrassica napus, we carried out genetic studies by using conventional genetics analyses. The conventional genetics was studied in generations (F1 F2 reciprocal F2, BC1, and F23) ofB. napus derived from crosses between a yellow-seeded (No. 2127-17) and nine different black-seeded parents. The results indicated that seed color was mainly controlled by the maternal genotype but influenced by the interact ion between the maternal and endosperm and/or embryonic genotypes. In the combinations which included black-seeded lines SW0780, 94560, 94545 and 1141B, the yellow seed is partially dominant over black with two or three dominance epistasis ratio. A dominant yellow-seeded gene Y which exhibits epistatic effects on the two independent dominant black-seeded genes B and C was ident ified in DH line No. 2127-17. These observations are in agreement with our previous reports. But in the rests, including the crosses with HS No.4, HS No. 3, XY No. 15, 94570 and ZS No. 10, the black seed color was dominant over yellow seed color. The inheritance of this trait in the segregating populations fits the model of a digenic dominance epistasis or triplicate dominance epistasis. A new locus was identified and designated as D: the dominant gene D for black seed color inhibits the dominant gene Y. Therefore, in combination with the Y, B and C, we found that the seed color was influenced by at least four genes. Identifying seed color genes and defining their inheritance should further our understanding of yellow seed color trait and facilitate development of new and better yellow-seeded cult ivars ofBrassics napus.     

Inheritance of seed coat color genes in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica napus</Emphasis> (L.) and tagging the genes using SRAP,SCAR and SNP molecular markers

Seed coat color inheritance in Brassica napus was studied in F₁, F₂, F₃ and backcross progenies from crosses of five black seeded varieties/lines to three pure breeding yellow seeded lines. Maternal inheritance was observed for seed coat color in B. napus, but a pollen effect was also found when yellow seeded lines were used as the female parent. Seed coat color segregated from black to dark brown, light brown, dark yellow, light yellow, and yellow. Seed coat color was found to be controlled by three genes, the first two genes were responsible for black/brown seed coat color and the third gene was responsible for dark/light yellow seed coat color in B. napus. All three seed coat color alleles were dominant over yellow color alleles at all three loci. Sequence related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) was used for the development of molecular markers co-segregating with the seed coat color genes. A SRAP marker (SA12BG18388) tightly linked to one of the black/brown seed coat color genes was identified in the F₂ and backcross populations. This marker was found to be anchored on linkage group A9/N9 of the A-genome of B. napus. This SRAP marker was converted into sequence-characterized amplification region (SCAR) markers using chromosome-walking technology. A second SRAP marker (SA7BG29245), very close to another black/brown seed coat color gene, was identified from a high density genetic map developed in our laboratory using primer walking from an anchoring marker. The marker was located on linkage group C3/N13 of the C-genome of B. napus. This marker also co-segregated with the black/brown seed coat color gene in B. rapa. Based on the sequence information of the flanking sequences, 24 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified between the yellow seeded and black/brown seeded lines. SNP detection and genotyping clearly differentiated the black/brown seeded plants from dark/light/yellow-seeded plants and also differentiated between homozygous (Y2Y2) and heterozygous (Y2y2) black/brown seeded plants. A total of 768 SRAP primer pair combinations were screened in dark/light yellow seed coat color plants and a close marker (DC1GA27197) linked to the dark/light yellow seed coat color gene was developed. These three markers linked to the three different yellow seed coat color genes in B. napus can be used to screen for yellow seeded lines in canola/rapeseed breeding programs.     

Qualitative inheritance of rind pattern and flesh color in watermelon

Watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai var. lanatus] is a diverse species, with fruits of different sizes, shapes, rind patterns, and flesh colors. This study measured the inheritance of novel rind phenotypes and verified the genetics of white, red, salmon yellow, and canary yellow flesh colors. For each of the 11 crosses, six generations (P(a)S1, P(b)S1, F1, F2, BC1P(a), and BC1P(b)) were produced to form 11 families. Three new genes were identified and designated as follows: Scr for the scarlet red flesh color of Dixielee and Red-N-Sweet, Yb for the yellow belly (ground spot) of Black Diamond Yellow Belly, and ins for the intermittent stripes of Navajo Sweet. The inheritance of the C gene for the canary yellow flesh color was verified as single dominant, and a new inbred type line was developed possessing that gene. Aberrations in the segregation of red, white, and salmon yellow flesh colors were recorded, raising questions on the inheritance of these traits. Finally, the spotted phenotype from Moon and Stars was combined with light green and gray rind patterns for the development of novel cultivars with distinctive rind patterns.     

Development of SRAP,SNP and Multiplexed SCAR molecular markers for the major seed coat color gene in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica rapa L.</Emphasis>

Seed coat color inheritance in B. rapa was studied in F(1), F(2), F(3), and BC(1) progenies from a cross of a Canadian brown-seeded variety 'SPAN' and a Bangladeshi yellow sarson variety 'BARI-6'. A pollen effect was found when the yellow sarson line was used as the maternal parent. Seed coat color segregated into brown, yellow-brown and bright yellow classes. Segregation was under digenic control where the brown or yellow-brown color was dominant over bright yellow seed coat color. A sequence related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) marker linked closely to a major seed coat color gene (Br1/br1) was developed. This dominant SRAP molecular marker was successfully converted into single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and sequence characterized amplification region (SCAR) markers after the extended flanking sequence of the SRAP was obtained with chromosome walking. In total, 24 SNPs were identified with more than 2-kb sequence. A 12-bp deletion allowed the development of a SCAR marker linked closely to the Br1 gene. Using the five-fluorescence dye set supplied by ABI, four labeled M13 primers were integrated with different SCAR primers to increase the throughput of SCAR marker detection. Using multiplexed SCAR markers targeting insertions and deletions in a genome shows great potential for marker assisted selection in plant breeding.     

Genetic control and identification of QTLs associated with visual quality traits of field pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Visual quality of field pea (Pisum sativum L.) is one of the most important determinants of the market value of the harvested crop. Seed coat color, seed shape, and seed dimpling are the major components of visual seed quality of field pea and are considered as important breeding objectives. The objectives of this research were to study the genetics and to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with seed coat color, seed shape, and seed dimpling of green and yellow field peas. Two recombinant inbred line populations (RILs) consisting of 120 and 90 lines of F(5)-derived F(7) (F(5:7)) yellow pea (P. sativum 'Alfetta' × P. sativum 'CDC Bronco') and green pea (P. sativum 'Orb' × P. sativum 'CDC Striker'), respectively, were evaluated over two years at two locations in Saskatchewan, Canada. Quantitative inheritance with polygenic control and transgressive segregation were observed for all visual quality traits studied. All 90 RILs of the green pea population and 92 selected RILs from the yellow pea population were screened using AFLP and SSR markers and two linkage maps were developed. Nine QTLs controlling yellow seed lightness, 3 for yellow seed greenness, 15 for seed shape, and 9 for seed dimpling were detected. Among them, five QTLs located on LG II, LG IV, and LG VII were consistent in at least two environments. The QTLs and their associated markers will be useful tools to assist pea breeding programs attempting to pyramid positive alleles for the traits.     

欧报春（Primula vulgaris）不同花色与色素关系及花色遗传初步分析

为了掌握欧报春各花色遗传规律服务于良种生产,通过对欧报春各色花进行色素吸收光谱和薄层层析分析,进行不同花色杂交研究,分析了欧报春各色花所含色素类型及各花色遗传规律。结果显示欧报春群体含多种花色素,单株也可含有多种花色素,形成多变的粉色、红色及蓝色花。黄色深浅主要由类胡萝卜素含量决定。白色对粉色及黄色为隐性遗传,黄色、粉色为显性遗传并有数量遗传特征,黄色与粉色独立遗传。蓝色为多基因控制的隐性遗传,并具有数量遗传特征。     

Yellow mutant of the Neotropical green lacewing Chrysoperla externa: trait inheritance and predator performance

The Neotropical green lacewing Chrysoperla externa (Hagen) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) is a key predator of various small soft‐bodied pest species. Chrysopidae species are known as ‘green lacewings’ due to their overall green body coloration. However, yellow mutant individuals were observed emerging from our lacewing rearing colony. Thus, the mode of inheritance of the yellow trait was studied and the hypothesis of an autosomal recessive allele for yellow color was tested using hybridization and backcrossing techniques. Furthermore, the possible implications of this color variation on specific life‐history characteristics of C. externa and the predation rates of each morph were evaluated. In both yellow and green morphs, basic life‐history characteristics were monitored, including time to hatching and viability of eggs, duration, and viability of larval and pupal stages, emergence rate and survivorship of adults, and fecundity and longevity of females. The yellow and green morphs were indistinguishable with respect to all life‐history traits evaluated and the predation rate of their larvae. Crossing experiments revealed the yellow color to be caused by a homozygous recessive allele, without sex‐linked expression. We conclude that the allele for yellow color is occurring at high frequency in the laboratory colony, supporting the existence of a genetic polymorphism for body ground color.     

Pigmented Soybean (Glycine max) Seed Coats Accumulate Proanthocyanidins during Development

The dominant I gene inhibits accumulation of anthocyanin pigments in the epidermal layer of soybean (Glycine max) seed coats. Seed-coat color is also influenced by the R locus and by the pubescence color alleles (T, tawny; t, gray). Protein and RNA from cultivars with black (i,R,T) and brown (i,r,T) seed coats are difficult to extract. To determine the nature of the interfering plant products, we examined seed-coat extracts from Clark isogenic lines for flavonoids, anthocyanins, and possible proanthocyanidins by thin-layer chromatography. We show that yellow seed-coat varieties (I) do not accumulate anthocyanins (anthocyanidin glycosides) or proanthocyanidins (polymeric anthocyanidins). Mature, black (i,R,T) and imperfect-black (i,R,t) seed coats contained anthocyanins, whereas mature, brown (i,r,T) and buff (i,r,t) seed coats did not contain anthocyanins. In contrast, all colored (i) genotypes tested positive for the presence of proanthocyanidins by butanol/ HCl and 0.5% vanillin assays. Immature, black (i,R,T) and brown (i,r,T) seed coats contained significant amounts of procyanidin, a 3[prime],4[prime]-hydroxylated proanthocyanidin. Immature, black (i,R,T) or brown (i,r,T) seed-coat extracts also tested positive for the ability to precipitate proteins in a radial diffusion assay and to bind RNA in vitro. Imperfect-black (i,R,t) or buff (i,r,t) seed coats contained lesser amounts of propelargonidin, a 4[prime]-hydroxylated proanthocyanidin. Seed-coat extracts from these genotypes did not have the ability to precipitate protein or bind to RNA. In summary, the dominant I gene controls inhibition of not only anthocyanins but also proanthocyanidins in soybean seed coats. In homozygous recessive i genotypes, the T-t gene pair determines the types of proanthocyanidins present, which is consistent with the hypothesis that the T locus encodes a microsomal 3[prime]-flavonoid hydroxylase.     

褐色种皮大豆与其黄色种皮衍生亲本的表型及基因型比较

大豆种皮色在从野生大豆到栽培大豆的选择过程中逐渐由黑色变成黄色,是重要的形态标记,因此,大豆种皮色相关基因的研究无论是对进化理论研究还是育种实践都具有非常重要的意义。利用褐色种皮J1265-2大豆及其衍生亲本黄色种皮大豆J1265-1为材料,通过SSR引物扩增片段,检验遗传背景的异同,同时对控制种皮的候选基因GmF3’H进行扩增和测序分析。结果表明,褐色种皮和黄色种皮材料不仅用161对SSR分子标记检测没有发现差异,其褐色种皮候选基因GmF3’H的编码区及起始密码子上游1465 bp序列也是一致的。因此,证明褐色种皮J1265-2大豆与其衍生亲本黄色种皮大豆J1265-1为近等基因系,其控制褐色种皮的基因型与已报道的基因型不同。     

一种花色突变雄性不育油菜的发现

在甘蓝型油菜杂交种C022(其母本为由3对基因控制育性的隐性细胞核雄性不育系9012A)不育株开放受粉的后代中,发现一种稀有的黄白双色嵌合花瓣的甘蓝型油菜突变体991S。其具有3个形态特征:(1)4片花瓣每片中央均为条带状黄色色斑,而两侧为白色,为嵌合双色花瓣;(2)4片花萼也可发生中间条带状白化;(3)目前只在不同群体的雄性不育株中出现,与同源的黄色花不育株形态相似,植株纤细矮小,花器也较小,花瓣较为平整,雌蕊弯曲,雄蕊退化,花药干缩。通过对其材料来源及后代花色表型分析,初步认为黄白双色性状由可局部表达的隐性白化基因控制。     

Generation means analysis of climbing ability in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Climbing common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes have among the highest yield potential of all accessions found in the species. Genetic improvement of climbing beans would benefit from an understanding of the inheritance of climbing capacity (made up of plant height [PH] and internode length [IL] traits). The objective of this study was to determine the inheritance of climbing capacity traits in 3 crosses made within and between gene pools (Andean x Andean [BRB32 x MAC47], Mesoamerican x Mesoamerican [Tío Canela x G2333], and Mesoamerican x Andean [G2333 x G19839]) using generation means analysis. For each population, we used 6 generations (P(1), P(2), F(1), F(2), BC(1)P(1), and BC(1)P(2)) that were evaluated at 2 growth stages (40 and 70 days after planting). Results showed the importance of additive compared with the dominant-additive portion of the genetic model. Broad-sense heritabilities for the traits varied from 62.3% to 85.6% for PH and from 66.5% to 83.7% for IL. The generation means analysis and estimates of heritability suggested that the inheritance of PH and IL in climbing beans is relatively simple.     

Inheritance of resistance to wheat yellow rust at adult plant stage

In order to investigate on inheritance and gene action for resistance to yellow rust, the resistant line C.B227 was crossed with the susceptible variety Avocet. Parents (P1 and P2) and the resulting F1, F2 and F3 generations were planted in a randomised complete block design with two replications in the field. The plants were inoculated with 70E0A⁺ pathotype of yellow rust in the research station of Gharakhil, Iran, and evaluated for resistance at adult plant stage. Disease severity and infection type of flag leaf were recorded for each single plant and final coefficient of infection was calculated. The results of weighted ANOVA indicated that the difference among the generations was significant (p?<?0.01) for the trait final infection type. Generation mean analysis showed that dominant effect was more important than additive one. The degree of dominance indicated the presence of complete dominance. Additive, dominance and epistasic additive?×?additive [i] effects were important in genetic control of resistance. The results of generation variance analysis were consistent with generation mean analysis.     

Inheritance of some Mendelian factors in intra- and interspecific crosses between Setaria italica and Setaria viridis

Summary The inheritance of seed coat color, pericarp color, polyphenoloxidase activity and bristle, glume, collar, and leaf-base anthocyanic colorations was investigated using intra- and interspecific crosses between Setaria italica and S. viridis. The results were compared to inheritance results obtained by previous authors. In most cases, the inheritance is simple (one or two loci) and data from different crosses (intra- and interspecific) and from different authors can be compared. Two sets of two characters were found to share common loci: the polyphenoloxidase locus is one of the loci responsible for seed coat color, and bristle and glume color are determined by the same two loci. The evolutionary significance of these results is discussed.     

Linking frugivores to the dynamics of a fruit color polymorphism

Although fruit color polymorphisms are a widespread phenomenon, the role of frugivores in their maintenance is unknown. Selection would require that frugivores interact differentially with fruit color morphs to alter their relative fitnesses, but such a pattern has yet to be demonstrated. In a 3-yr field study, the interactions of ants and birds with Acacia ligulata, an Australian shrub with a red/yellow/ orange aril color polymorphism, were examined. Bird species fell into three feeding guilds: seed dispersers, seed predators, and aril thieves; ant species acted either as seed dispersers or aril thieves. While there was no evidence of morph bias in ants, in some years birds fed more frequently on the yellow and orange morphs. Based on patterns of seedling survival and juvenile recruitment in seed deposition sites, bird seed dispersers increased the fitness of yellow and orange morphs (relative to red) in some populations, but decreased their relative fitness in others. Bird seed predators uniformly reduced relative fitness of yellow and orange morphs, while bird aril thieves had unknown effects. Altogether, consumer biases produced spatiotemporal variability in the relative fitness of A. ligulata color morphs, a pattern qualitatively consistent with maintenance of the polymorphism.     

Inheritance of seed color and molecular markers linked to the seed color gene in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica juncea</Emphasis>

Seed color inheritance in Brassica juncea was studied in F₁, F₂ and BC₁ populations. Seed color was found under the control of the maternal genotype, and the brown-seeded trait was dominant over the yellow-seeded trait. Segregation analysis revealed that one pair of major genes controlled the seed coat color. To develop markers linked to the seed color gene, AFLP (amplified fragments length polymorphism) combined with BSA (bulk segregant analysis) technology was used to screen the parents and bulks selected randomly from an F₂ population (Wuqi yellow mustard × Wugong mustard) consisting of 346 individuals. From a survey of 512 AFLP primer combinations, 15 AFLP markers located on either side of the gene were identified, and the average distance between markers was 2.59 cM. P11MG15 was a cosegregated marker, and the closest markers (P03MC08, P16MC02 and P11MG01) were at a distance of 0.3, 0.3 and 0.7 cM from the target gene, respectively. In order to utilize the markers for breeding of yellow-seeded varieties, four AFLP markers, P11MG01, P15MG15, P09MC12 and P16MC02 were successfully converted into SCAR (sequence characterized amplified region) markers. The seed color trait controlled by the single gene together with the available molecular markers will greatly facilitate the future breeding of yellow-seeded varieties. The markers found in the present study could accelerate the step of map-based cloning of the target gene.     

Influence of celestial light on visual and olfactory behavior of seed chalcids (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae)

When the alfalfa [Bruchophagus roddi (Gussakovsky)], clover [Bruchophagus gibbus (Boheman)], and trefoil seed chaldds (TSC) [Bruchophagus platypterus (Walker)] were exposed to yellow, white, green, and purple painted polyethylene vials perforated by four small holes, only the latter species had a color preference, and that was for yellow, the color of its host flower. When TSC were exposed to green and yellow targets 5 h after sunrise, they preferred yellow targets but not 1 h after sunrise. The possibility of a circadian response was eliminated because different sequences of light-dark regimes prior to the test did not change the results. When TSC were exposed only to yellow targets, half of which had trefoil flowers hidden within, females preferred targets with flowers. When an identical test was conducted but with green instead of yellow targets, the preference for targets with flowers disappeared. In a four-choice test, TSC preferred yellow targets with or without flowers to green targets with or without flowers. Thus, TSC displayed an olfactory response only when the color yellow was present. In unfiltered skylight females preferred baited targets when the test began 3 h before or 1 h after solar noon but not 4 h before or 2 h after solar noon. Chalcids did display an olfactory preference 4 h before solar noon when a Polaroid filter was used to filter skylight and provide an east-west but not a north-south E-vector. When Helmholtz coils were used to apply a magnetic field that canceled or changed the direction of the earth's magnetic field, olfactory preference disappeared because the applied magnetic field changed TSC perception of the E-vector. In effect, TSC must perceive yellow in the presence of an east-west E-vector to display an olfactory preference to a choice of odors. We believe this is the first report that the E-vector of celestial light can influence olfactory and visual behavior of an insect.     

Marker-assisted genotype analysis of bulb colors in segregating populations of onions (Allium cepa)

Bulb color in onions (Allium cepa) is an important trait whose complex inheritance mechanism involves epistatic interactions among major color-related loci. Recent studies revealed that inactivation of dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) in the anthocyanin synthesis pathway was responsible for the color differences between yellow and red onions, and two recessive alleles of the anthocyanidin synthase (ANS) gene were responsible for a pink bulb color. Based on mutations in the recessive alleles of these two genes, PCR-based markers for allelic selection were developed. In this study, genotype analysis of onions from segregating populations was carried out using these PCR-based markers. Segregating populations were derived from the cross between yellow and red onions. Five yellow and thirteen pink bulbs from one segregating breeding line were genotyped for the two genes. Four pink bulbs were heterozygous for the DFR gene, which explains the continuous segregation of yellow and pink colors in this line. Most pink onions were homozygous recessive for the ANS gene, except for two heterozygotes. This finding indicated that the homozygous recessive ANS gene was primarily responsible for the pink color in this line. The two pink onions, heterozygous for the ANS gene, were also heterozygous for the DFR gene, which indicated that the pink color was produced by incomplete dominance of a red color gene over that of yellow. One pink line and six other segregating breeding lines were also analyzed. The genotyping results matched perfectly with phenotypic color segregation.     

The molecular basis of melanism and mimicry in a swallowtail butterfly

Melanism in Lepidoptera, either industrial or in mimicry, is one of the most commonly cited examples of natural selection [1] [2]. Despite extensive studies of the frequency and maintenance of melanic genes in insect populations [1] [2], there has been little work on the underlying molecular mechanisms. Nowhere is butterfly melanism more striking than in the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) of North America [3] [4] [5]. In this species, females can be either yellow (wild type) or black (melanic). The melanic form is a Batesian mimic of the distasteful Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor), which is also black in overall color. Melanism in P. glaucus is controlled by a single Y-linked (female) black gene [6]. Melanic females, therefore, always have melanic daughters. Black melanin replaces the background yellow in melanic females. Here, we show that the key enzyme involved is N-beta-alanyl-dopamine-synthase (BAS), which shunts dopamine from the melanin pathway into the production of the yellow color pigment papiliochrome and also provides products for cuticle sclerotization. In melanic females, this enzyme is suppressed, leading to abnormal melanization of a formerly yellow area, and wing scale maturation is also delayed in the same area. This raises the possibility that either reduced BAS activity itself is preventing scale sclerotization (maturation) or, in contrast, that the delay in scale maturation precludes expression of BAS at the correct stage. Together, these data show how changes in expression of a single gene product could result in multiple wing color phenotypes. The implications for the genetic control of mimicry in other Lepidoptera are discussed.     

Inheritance of the general shell color in the scallop Argopecten purpuratus (Bivalvia: Pectinidae)

Although some external coloration and pigmentation patterns in molluscan shells may be attributable to environmental factors, most variation in these phenotypic characters depends on uncomplicated genetic mechanisms. Genetic research on inheritance of color variations in the north-Chilean scallop (Argopecten purpuratus) has now been expanded to analyze color segregation in juvenile scallops produced under controlled conditions employing self- and cross-fertilization. Calculations from the results were used for comparison with different numerical models based on Mendelian inheritance, and results were also obtained on the inheritance of a dorsoventral white line often observed on the left (upper) valve in this species. The results confirmed the hereditary basis for color variation in the shell of this scallop, suggesting a simple, dominant model of epistasis to explain the distribution of the different color variants observed (purple, brown, orange, yellow, and white). The presence of the white line may be controlled by a recessive allele with simple Mendelian traits on a locus distinct from those that control color variation.     

Inheritance of seed desiccation sensitivity in a coffee interspecific cross: evidence for polygenic determinism

The genetic determinism of seed desiccation sensitivity was studied using a cross between two coffee species exhibiting a large difference for this trait, Coffea pseudozanguebariae (tolerant) and C. liberica (sensitive). Throughout the whole study, seed desiccation tolerance was quantified both in terms of water content and water activity. Whatever the parameter used, the level of seed desiccation tolerance in F1 hybrids corresponded to that of the mid-parent, thus indicating an additive inheritance of seed desiccation tolerance at the F1 level. A broad variation was observed among hybrids backcrossed to C. liberica (BCs) for seed desiccation tolerance, independent of the parameter used to quantify it. This variation was continuous and BCs showed transgression in the direction of the most desiccation sensitive parent, indicating (i) that desiccation tolerance is a polygenic trait in coffee species, and (ii) that C. pseudozanguebariae does not present the most favourable alleles for all the genes involved in seed desiccation tolerance. No significant difference was observed between the two reciprocal backcrosses, F1xC. liberica and C. libericaxF1, for the level of desiccation tolerance of their seeds, showing the absence of a maternal effect on this trait. There was no significant effect of the number of seeds harvested from each BC on the level of desiccation tolerance of its seeds. Moreover, there was no significant correlation within BCs between seed size, seed viability, and water content before desiccation and desiccation tolerance.