东北刺人参种子萌发影响因子的研究

东北刺人参(Oplopanax elatus Nakai)种子透水性良好,休眠后萌发不受其影响.种皮和胚乳的水提取物中存在萌发抑制物质,胚乳中提取物对白菜种子萌发的抑制效果比种皮更明显.种子自然脱落时胚尚未分化完全,处于心形胚阶段.种子需要先温暖层积以完成胚的分化与生长,然后转入低温层积完成生理后熟.同批种子胚的发育不完全同步,变温层积处理7个月有极少数种子萌发,连续变温层积处理17个月大部分种子萌发.不同年份受气候条件影响,种子产量和发芽率差异较大.种子耐贮性较强,贮藏2年的种子生活力变化不大,仍具有较高的萌发潜力.     

东北刺人参种子萌发影响因子的研究

东北刺人参(Oplopanax elatus Nakai)种子透水性良好,休眠后萌发不受其影响。种皮和胚乳的水提取物中存在萌发抑制物质,胚乳中提取物对白菜种子萌发的抑制效果比种皮更明显。种子自然脱落时胚尚未分化完全,处于心形胚阶段。种子需要先温暖层积以完成胚的分化与生长,然后转入低温层积完成生理后熟。同批种子胚的发育不完全同步,变温层积处理7个月有极少数种子萌发,连续变温层积处理17个月大部分种子萌发。不同年份受气候条件影响,种子产量和发芽率差异较大。种子耐贮性较强,贮藏2年的种子生活力变化不大,仍具有较高的萌发潜力。     

Role of Endogenous Growth Regulators in Seed Dormancy of Avena fatua: I. Short Chain Fatty Acids

The hypothesis that endogenous short chain fatty acids (C 6-C 10) are important in maintaining seeds of wild oat (Avena fatua L.) in the dormant state by acting as natural germination inhibitors (Berrie, Buller, Don, Parker, 1979 Plant Physiol 63: 758-764) was investigated. When germination of nondormant seeds was inhibited by treatment with short chain fatty acids, the seeds did not revert to a similar biochemical and physiological state as exhibited by dormant seeds. First, nonanoic acid-induced inhibition of seed germination was not reversed by hormone treatments which normally break dormancy in wild oat seeds. Second, nondormant seeds treated with short chain fatty acids maintained similar relative proportions of the pentose phosphate pathway and the Embden-Meyerhoff-Parnas pathway for respiratory glucose metabolism as that found in the nondormant controls. Seeds imbibed in the presence of nonanoic acid lost more amino acids and proteins into the imbibition solution than did the untreated controls, suggesting membrane damage had occurred. Inasmuch as increasing concentrations of nonanoic acid also progressively reduced the growth of the coleoptile and roots of intact seedlings until all growth ceased and no germination occurred, the inhibition of seed germination could be due to a nonspecific inhibition of growth of the embryo, perhaps because of disruption of membrane structure and function. Finally, no correlation between endogenous levels of short chain fatty acids in seeds or isolated embryonic axes and seed dormancy could be demonstrated.     

Modulation of germination of embryos isolated from dormant and nondormant barley grains by manipulation of endogenous abscisic acid

Dormant and non-dormant barley (Hordeum distichum L.) grains with identical genetic backgrounds were obtained by maturing grains under different climate conditions. When isolated embryos from dormant grains were incubated in a well containing a fixed volume of water (300 l), the germination rate and percentage were dependent on the embryo number per well. A higher embryo number per well was correlated with a lower germination rate and percentage. However, this was not the case for the embryos isolated from nondormant grains. During germination, the endogenous cis-abscisic acid (ABA) in isolated embryos from both dormant and nondormant grains was analyzed. The inhibitory effect on germination of a higher number per well of isolated dormant embryos was due to diffusion of endogenous ABA out of the embryos and accumulation of ABA in the incubation medium. Moreover, there was de-novo synthesis of ABA in embryos isolated from dormant grains during incubation but not in embryos isolated from nondormant grains. The inhibitory effect of ABA on germination of embryos isolated from dormant grains could be mimicked by addition of ABA or the medium in which dormant embryos had been placed. Embryos isolated from nondormant grains were insensitive to addition of ABA and medium from dormant embryos. Our results demonstrate that diffusion of endogenous ABA, de-novo ABA synthesis and ABA sensitivity play a role in the control of germination. It is proposed that dormancy-breaking treatments act via changes to these processes.Abbreviations ABA cis-abscisic acid - E/W embryo(s) per well Prof. K.R. Libbenga (Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, Leiden University) is thanked for fruitful discussions. B.V.D. was partly supported by E.E.C. BIOTECH program PL 920175.     

桃儿七种子休眠解除过程中细胞壁代谢及种皮超微结构的变化北大核心CSCD

为探究低温层积过程中桃儿七种子细胞壁代谢及种皮超微结构与休眠解除的内在联系,该研究通过低温层积解除桃儿七种子休眠,分析休眠解除过程中种子不同部位细胞壁组分及相关代谢酶的变化,同时利用扫描电镜对种皮的超微结构进行观察。结果表明,(1)桃儿七种皮主要由角质层、栅状石细胞层及海绵组织层3层构成,在层积过程中,种皮内部的海绵组织逐步疏松膨胀,种皮表面破损加剧;(2)种子不同部位的细胞壁组分具有明显差异,整个层积过程中,种胚、种皮和胚乳中的纤维素含量均在层积中期(45 d和60 d)降至最低,3个部位的纤维素酶活性在层积中期对应升高;种胚和种皮内的半纤维素含量均在层积中期显著下降,种皮中甘露聚糖酶活性和木糖苷酶活性在层积中期时相应达到最大;3个部位的果胶含量均在层积后期(75 d和90 d)时显著下降,而种皮和胚乳中多聚半乳糖醛缩酶活性也在层积后期相应升高;(3)种胚和胚乳内过氧化物酶活性在层积75 d和90 d时明显下降,而SOD活性在此时显著上升。(4)种子不同部位3种木质素单体的组成比例具有明显区别,同时3种木质素单体含量均随层积时间的延长而显著降低,且胚乳和种皮中的S-木质素含量对种子萌发存在显著的负向影响关系。研究认为,在低温层积过程中,桃儿七种子内细胞壁组分纤维素、半纤维素及木质素的逐步酶解,活性氧作用下的细胞壁松弛以及海绵组织层的疏松膨胀和种皮的破裂,破坏了细胞壁的刚性结构,促使种子机械束缚力降低,吸水性能提高、胚根生长能力增强,最终导致其休眠解除。     

Gibberellins and Light-Stimulated Seed Germination

Bioactive gibberellins (GAs) promote seed germination in a number of plant species. In dicots, such as tomato and Arabidopsis, de novo GA biosynthesis after seed imbibition is essential for germination. Light is a crucial environmental cue determining seed germination in some species. The red (R) and far-red light photoreceptor phytochrome regulates GA biosynthesis in germinating lettuce and Arabidopsis seeds. This effect of light is, at least in part, targeted to mRNA abundance of GA 3-oxidase, which catalyzes the final biosynthetic step to produce bioactive GAs. The R-inducible GA 3-oxidase genes are predominantly expressed in the hypocotyl of Arabidopsis embryos. This predicted location of GA biosynthesis appears to correlate with the photosensitive site determined by using R micro-beam in lettuce seeds. The GA-deficient non-germinating mutants have been useful for studying how GA stimulates seed germination. In tomato, GA promotes the growth potential of the embryo and weakens the structures surrounding the embryo. Endo-b-mannanase, which is produced specifically in the micropylar endosperm in a GA-dependent manner, may be responsible for breaking down the endosperm cell walls to assist germination. Recently, a role for GA in overcoming the resistance imposed by the seed coat was also suggested in Arabidopsis from work with a range of seed coat mutants. Towards understanding the GA signaling pathway, GA response mutants have been isolated and characterized, some of which are affected in GA-stimulated seed germination.     

Differentiation of a Functional Aleurone Layer Within the Seed Coat of Sinapis alba L.

The hitherto unresolved ontogenetic origin of the aleurone layerin mustard (Sinapis alba L.) seeds was investigated with lightand electron microscopy. Contrary to previous views, this layerof storage cells is neither derived from the endosperm nor fromthe nucellus, but from a particular cell layer within the innerintegument of the seed coat. These cells differentiate and becomefilled with storage protein and fat concurrently with the maturationof the embryo. They survive seed desiccation and become depletedof storage materials during seed germination. Temporally correlatedwith the germinating embryo, the aleurone cells produce microbodyenzymes, which are controlled by light in a similar fashionin both tissues. Sinapis alba L., mustard, aleurone layer, seed coat, seed formation, germination     

Water uptake and distribution in non-dormant and dormant wild oat (Avena fatua L.) caryopses

The influence of seed coat modification and light quality onwater uptake and distribution in caryopses of dormant and non-dormantlines of wild oat (Avena fatua L.) was determined using NMRmicroimaging. Non-dormant seeds absorbed water more rapidlythan dormant seeds during imbibition on distilled water. Thiseffect was detected first in the embryo-scutellar region (8h) and later in the proximal endosperm (12 h). Cutting the testaand pericarp close to the embryo or scarification with KOH promotedrapid embryo/scutellum hydration and germination. Cutting atthe middle part of the caryopsis did not enhance embryo hydrationnor did it greatly improve germination. The sensitivity of waterdistribution to the phytochrome germination effect was examined.Significant differences in imbibitional water uptake by embryos-scutellumtissue were detected by 18 h following red-light (germinationpromoter) compared with far-red (germination inhibitor) treatment.The results indicated that both the rate and the sequence ofembryo/scutellum hydration were important in initiating germinationin dormant seeds. A refinement of the model that describes waterimbibition in wild oat seeds during the early stages of germinationis discussed. Key words: Water uptake, water distribution, Avena fatua, seed coat modification, light quality, dormant and non-dormant seeds     

AAP1 regulates import of amino acids into developing Arabidopsis embryos

The embryo of Arabidopsis seeds is symplasmically isolated from the surrounding seed coat and endosperm, and uptake of nutrients from the seed apoplast is required for embryo growth and storage reserve accumulation. With the aim of understanding the importance of nitrogen (N) uptake into developing embryos, we analysed two mutants of AAP1 (At1g58360), an amino acid transporter that was localized to Arabidopsis embryos. In mature and desiccated aap1 seeds the total N and carbon content was reduced while the total free amino acid levels were strongly increased. Separately analysed embryos and seed coats/endosperm of mature seeds showed that the elevated amounts in amino acids were caused by an accumulation in the seed coat/endosperm, demonstrating that a decrease in uptake of amino acids by the aap1 embryo affects the N pool in the seed coat/endosperm. Also, the number of protein bodies was increased in the aap1 endosperm, suggesting that the accumulation of free amino acids triggered protein synthesis. Analysis of seed storage compounds revealed that the total fatty acid content was unchanged in aap1 seeds, but storage protein levels were decreased. Expression analysis of genes of seed N transport, metabolism and storage was in agreement with the biochemical data. In addition, seed weight, as well as total silique and seed number, was reduced in the mutants. Together, these results demonstrate that seed protein synthesis and seed weight is dependent on N availability and that AAP1-mediated uptake of amino acids by the embryo is important for storage protein synthesis and seed yield.     

Olive embryo in vitro germination potential: role of explant configuration and embryo structure among cultivars

The in vitro germination of excised embryos can break dormancy rapidly and shorten the time required to produce seedlings, speeding up olive breeding programmes as well as rootstock production. In this study, the in vitro germination potential of four Sicilian olive cultivars was evaluated during two years of experiments, using explants with three different morphological configurations that represent three different degrees of embryo exposure: (1) intact stoneless seeds containing the embryo, the endosperm and the seed coat (Emb+En+SC), (2) seeds without the seed coat (Emb+En) and (3) naked, isolated embryos (seed coat and endosperm both removed: Emb). Differences were found in the germination percentages and timing due to both genotype and explant type. The root and shoot meristems, the radicle-hypocotyl axis, the provascular tissues and embryo storage reserves were identified as embryo anatomical structures which could influence germination capacity. Observation of these structures, however, indicated similar germination potential among cultivars, suggesting possible differences in other dormancy factors. In spite of variation in cultivar performance, after 60 days of in vitro culture all cultivars demonstrated the highest germination of naked embryos (explant type 3) and lowest for stoneless seeds (explant type 1); stoneless seeds without the seedcoat (explant type 2) showed intermediate germination percentages.     

Structure and Histochemistry of Embryo Envelope Tissues in the Mature Dry Seed and Early Germination of Phacelia tanacetifolia

The embryo envelope tissues in both mature dry seed and duringearly germination of Phacelia tanacetifolia were investigatedby bright-field and fluorescence light microscopy and scanningelectron microscopy. The ruminate seed had an irregularly reticulatesurface owing to the presence of polygonal areas, correspondingto the cells of the seed coat. The raised margins of these cellsjoined at the lobe tips, where radially arranged thickeningsoccurred. The unitegmic seed coat was made up of three distinctlayers: the frayed outer layer, the middle layer with portionsrising outwards to form the radial thickenings, and the innerlayer, the thickness of which was greatest in the micropylarzone. The endosperm tissue had two regions, the micropylar andthe lateral endosperm, which differed in polysaccharide composition,thickness and metachromasy intensity, and presence (in the lateralendosperm) or absence (in the micropylar endosperm) of birefringenceof the cell walls. Moreover, in the micropylar region, wherethe embryo suspensor remnant was found, Ca-oxalate crystalswere scarce or absent. The presence of a partially permeablecuticle covering the seed endosperm was observed. Incubationof seeds in Lucifer Yellow CH indicated that water was ableto penetrate quickly into the seed coat along the pathway formedby the radial thickenings, the raised margins of the polygonalcells and the middle layer. Afterwards, LY-CH readily infiltratedthe apical portions of the seed lobes and then the whole endosperm.Following imbibition, morphological changes were found in themicropylar endosperm, such as the initial digestion of proteinbodies. In addition, both in the seed coat and in the endosperm,a weaker fluorescence, probably due to leaching of polyphenolicsubstances, was observed. Once the seed coat was broken at themicropylar end of the seed, the endosperm cap surrounding theradicle tip had to be punctured by it so that complete germinationcould occur. Weakening and rupture of the micropylar endospermare briefly discussed. Copyright 2000 Annals of Botany Company Phacelia tanacetifolia, seed coat, micropylar endosperm, endosperm cap, early germination, structure, histochemistry     

Proteomic Profiling of the Aleurone Layer of Mature Arabidopsis thaliana Seed

The aleurone layer of mature Arabidopsis thaliana seed plays important roles in seed germination and dormancy. However, the proteomic profile of this cell layer is unknown partly because it is difficult to separate this thin cell layer from the mature seeds. In this study, we have used a simple technique to separate the aleurone layer along with the seed coat following germination of seeds and determined for the first time the putative protein composition of this cell layer. By subjecting the total proteins extracted from the seed coat to 2D gel electrophoresis followed by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry, we identified four AGI loci, AT4G28520, AT5G44120, AT1G03880, and AT1G03890; all of which belong to the seed storage family of proteins. Because in Arabidopsis the diploid aleurone cells of the seed coat perform protein storage functions similar to that of triploid endosperm of other plant species, it is assumed that the above AGI loci are associated with the aleurone layer of the seed coat.     

Development of seed coat-imposed dormancy during seed maturation in Cynoglossum officinale

The relationship between seed phenolics and appearance of seed coat–imposed dormancy during seed development in Cynoglossum officinale L. was studied. Up to 24 days after anthesis, seeds failed to germinate upon imbibition in Petri dishes at 25°C. At 44 days after anthesis, seeds were fully germinable; removal of seed coats did not improve their germination or O₂ uptake. At 72 days after anthesis, mature seeds at the base of the cyme did not germinate unless their coats were removed. Removal of seed coat also stimulated O₂ uptake at this harvest date. The methanol-soluble phenolic content of the seeds increased during the early stages of seed development, in both the seed coat and the embryo. As seed development continued, the methanol-soluble phenolic content of the embryo stabilized, but that of the seed coat declined. This decline was associated with an increase in the thioglycolic acid–soluble phenolics, presumably lignins, in the seed coat. These results suggest that polymerization of methanol–soluble phenolics into lignins in the seed coat during later stages of seed development renders the seed coat of C. officinale impermeable to 03, and thus keeps the seed dormant.     

Endo-β-mannanase activity during dormancy alleviation and germination of white spruce (Picea glauca) seeds

It is not known how embryos of seeds of the Pinaceae protrude from their enclosing tissues to complete germination. Prior to protrusion of the radicle there is an increase in endo-β-1,4-mannanase (EC 3.2.1.78) activity associated with weakening of the micropylar megagametophyte/nucellus from seeds of white spruce ( Picea glauca [Moench.] Voss). Mannanase activity is present as three isoforms (pI values 5.0, 4.8, 4.7) in both the embryo and surrounding structures (megagametophyte and nucellus) prior to and during imbibition. Activity of all the isoforms increases in the chalazal and micropylar megagametophyte during germination. Activity then declines after the testa splits, typically 1 day prior to radicle protrusion, due partially to its leaching from the seed into the surrounding water. Activity increases in the cotyledons and axis as the embryo commences elongation. Seeds from dormant seedlots exhibit a lower germination percentage, relative to seeds from nondormant seedlots, and the force necessary for the embryo to puncture the surrounding structures tends to be greater. Although similar mannanase activities are present in unimbibed seeds of dormant and nondormant seedlots, during germination, enzyme activity in seeds of dormant seedlots is lower. Moist chilling alleviates dormancy in the seeds of the Pinaceae and, during 3 weeks of this treatment, mannanase activity slowly increases. After 3 weeks of moist chilling and regardless of whether the seedlot was dormant or not prior to moist chilling, the force necessary to puncture the micropylar megagametophyte and nucellus is lower, and the speed of germination greater. Seeds from previously dormant seedlots also complete germination to a greater percentage, relative to unchilled seeds from dormant seedlots. Upon transfer to 25°C, mannanase activity in moist-chilled seeds decreases during germination of all seedlots regardless of their previous dormancy status.     

The Arabidopsis aleurone layer responds to nitric oxide, gibberellin, and abscisic acid and is sufficient and necessary for seed dormancy

Seed dormancy is a common phase of the plant life cycle, and several parts of the seed can contribute to dormancy. Whole seeds, seeds lacking the testa, embryos, and isolated aleurone layers of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) were used in experiments designed to identify components of the Arabidopsis seed that contribute to seed dormancy and to learn more about how dormancy and germination are regulated in this species. The aleurone layer was found to be the primary determinant of seed dormancy. Embryos from dormant seeds, however, had a lesser growth potential than those from nondormant seeds. Arabidopsis aleurone cells were examined by light and electron microscopy, and cell ultrastructure was similar to that of cereal aleurone cells. Arabidopsis aleurone cells responded to nitric oxide (NO), gibberellin (GA), and abscisic acid, with NO being upstream of GA in a signaling pathway that leads to vacuolation of protein storage vacuoles and abscisic acid inhibiting vacuolation. Molecular changes that occurred in embryos and aleurone layers prior to germination were measured, and these data show that both the aleurone layer and the embryo expressed the NO-associated gene AtNOS1, but only the embryo expressed genes for the GA biosynthetic enzyme GA3 oxidase.     

Ovule morphology, embryogenesis and seed development in three Hylocereus species (Cactaceae)

Pre-embryonic and embryonic stages and seed developments were studied in the diploids Hylocereus monacanthus and Hylocereus undatus and the tetraploid Hylocereus megalanthus. Ovule morphology was similar among species except for micropyle entrance. H. monacanthus had the thickest and most robust suspensor. Embryo developmental time, measured from fertilization to maturity, was significantly more prolonged in H. megalanthus. Typical to Cactaceae, the seed coat was formed by one layer of sclerenchymatous cells, but was more lignified in H. megalanthus. Morphological features common to all species included (1) cellular type endosperm with independent patterns of development in the chalazal and micropylar zones, forming a haustorium layer from the chalazal zone to the embryo; (2) an endothelial layer surrounding the embryo sac almost complete; (3) a nucellar summit growing into the micropyle; and (4) a placental obturator and a funicle connecting the ovarian tissue to the ovule. Seed development was typically endospermic (exendospermic orthodox seeds). Anomalies included two egg cells in the same embryo sac, two embryos developing in the same ovule, and embryos developing from the chalazal pole region. Total seed number and seed viability were significantly lower in H. megalanthus than in the other two taxa. Embryos at different developmental stages were observed in aborted H. megalanthus seeds.     

A Cascade of Sequentially Expressed Sucrose Transporters in the Seed Coat and Endosperm Provides Nutrition for the Arabidopsis Embryo

Developing plant embryos depend on nutrition from maternal tissues via the seed coat and endosperm, but the mechanisms that supply nutrients to plant embryos have remained elusive. Sucrose, the major transport form of carbohydrate in plants, is delivered via the phloem to the maternal seed coat and then secreted from the seed coat to feed the embryo. Here, we show that seed filling in Arabidopsis thaliana requires the three sucrose transporters SWEET11, 12, and 15. SWEET11, 12, and 15 exhibit specific spatiotemporal expression patterns in developing seeds, but only a sweet11;12;15 triple mutant showed severe seed defects, which include retarded embryo development, reduced seed weight, and reduced starch and lipid content, causing a “wrinkled” seed phenotype. In sweet11;12;15 triple mutants, starch accumulated in the seed coat but not the embryo, implicating SWEET-mediated sucrose efflux in the transfer of sugars from seed coat to embryo. This cascade of sequentially expressed SWEETs provides the feeding pathway for the plant embryo, an important feature for yield potential.     

Embryo Dormancy and Light Requirements in the Germination of Helipterum craspedioides (Compositae), an Arid-zone Annual

Seeds of Helipterum craspedioides require light for germination,and this may be given while the seed is not fully imbibed. Removalof the seed coat, or leaching, does not bring about germinationin the dark. Gibberellin enhances dark germination to some extent,whether or not the seed coat is removed. The light requirementtherefore resides in the embryo. Fresh seed is dormant in lightor dark. Excised embryos of these dormant seeds grow slowly,rarely giving mature plants, but a larger number of normal plantsis produced after gibberellin treatment. Dormancy is lost afterhigh temperature storage, but not stratification.     

Abscisic acid and osmoticum prevent germination of developing alfalfa embryos,but only osmoticum maintains the synthesis of developmental proteins

Developing seeds of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) acquire the ability to germinate during the latter stages of development, the maturation drying phase. Isolated embryos placed on Murashige and Skoog medium germinate well during early and late development, but poorly during mid-development; however, when placed on water they germinate well only during the latter stage of development. Germination of isolated embryos is very slow and poor when they are incubated in the presence of surrounding seed structures (the endosperm or seed coat) taken from the mid-development stages. This inhibitory effect is also achieved by incubating embryos in 10^?5 M abscisic acid (ABA). Endogenous ABA attains a high level during mid-development, especially in the endosperm. Seeds developing in pods treated with fluridone (1-methyl-3-phenyl-5[3-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]-4(1H)-pyridinone) contain low levels of ABA during mid-development, and the endosperm and seed coat only weakly inhibit the germination of isolated embryos. However, intact seeds from fluridone-treated pods do not germinate viviparously, which is indicative that ABA alone is not responsible for maintaining seeds in a developing state. Application of osmoticum (e.g. 0.35 M sucrose) to isolated developing embryos prevents their germination. Also, in the developing seed in situ the osmotic potential is high. Thus internal levels of osmoticum may play a role in preventing germination of the embryo and maintaining development. Abscisic acid and osmoticum impart distinctly different metabolic responses on developing embryos, as demonstrated by their protein-synthetic capacity. Only in the presence of osmoticum do embryos synthesize proteins which are distinctly recognizable as those synthesized by developing embryos in situ, i.e. when inside the pod. Abscisic acid induces the synthesis of a few unique proteins, but these arise even in mature embryos treated with ABA. Thus while both osmoticum and ABA prevent precocious germination, their effects on the synthetic capacity of the developing embryo are quite distinct. Since seeds with low endogenous ABA do not germinate, osmotic regulation may be the more important of these two factors in controlling seed development.     

Ecological implications of seed characteristics of the native Prosopis cineraria and the alien P. juliflora

Seed weight, percentage germination, seedling growth, and nutrient concentrations (Mg, Na, K, Zn, Cu and P) of whole seeds, and of seed coats and embryos separately of two tree species, the native Prosopis cineraria and the invasive alien P. juliflora from semi-arid and arid areas of north and north-west India, were analysed to understand the differences in their ecology. Seeds of P. cineraria were heavier than those of P. juliflora. Percent germination was similar in the two species, but seedling growth was faster in P. juliflora than in P. cineraria. Nutrient concentrations of seeds of the two species were similar (except Cu). Nutrient concentrations in the embryo were higher in P. cineraria, while those in the seed coat were higher in P. juliflora. The relative allocation of nutrients to seed coat was higher in P. juliflora than in P. cineraria. Nutrient-rich embryos and slow growth, along with a staggered seed germination pattern in the native P. cineraria could be linked to delayed establishment as well, in the substratum. Faster growth of the nutrient-poor embryos in P. juliflora along with its simultaneous seed germination pattern, and creation of a favourable microenvironment through leaching of nutrients from a nutrient-rich seed coat can facilitate immediate and successful establishment of this alien species in the invaded habitats.