After-ripening and phytochrome action in seeds of dormant lines of wild oat (Avena fatua)

The effects of a short exposure to red, far-red or alternate red/far-red light on the germination of seeds after-ripened for different periods of time were studied in dormant lines of wild oat ( Avena fatua L.). Three stages were distinguishable in the after-ripening period in the response of germination to light. Seeds stayed dormant and showed no response to light during stage I. Phytochrome-mediated germination was observed in seeds during stage II. The phytochrome action disappeared during stage III, i.e. seeds fully germinated following treatments of all light qualities. When the seeds were imbibed in polyethylene glycol solutions, dark germination was reduced and phytochrome again had an effect, which suggested the involvement of phytochrome in water uptake of the seed.     

Water uptake in germinating pecan (Carya illinoinensis) seed

• Water uptake is the fundamental and essential requirement for seed germination. Pecan seed has a hard woody endocarp that plays an important role during water uptake.
• To explore water uptake during germination, the spatiotemporal pattern of water and effect of the endocarp were analysed using high-field MRI, dye-tracing, wax blocking and SEM of water uptake.
• Isolated seeds completed water uptake in 8 h while whole seeds required 6 days, hence, cracking the endocarp plays an important role. The hilum is the channel through which water enters the seed, while the remainder of the seed coat consist of cells covered with a waxy layer that act as a barrier to water absorption. The region with the highest water content in pecan seed is the edge of the U-shaped region, and water can progressively diffuse from this U-shaped region into the whole kernel.
• We report a new water absorption stage between phase II and phase III of the triphasic model of water uptake of pecan seeds. Cracking the endocarp changed water distribution in pecan seeds, which may trigger further water absorption and radicle elongation.

     

Water Relations of Tomato Seeds During Imbibition and Osmotic Priming

Water uptake of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. Moneymaker) seeds during germination was obviously triphasic. The completion of the first phase of water uptake by whole seed could not be realized until 10~12 h later after sowing though varies in different parts of seed. The mechanical resistance of endosperm and seed coat restricted water uptake of the embryo envoleped by the endosperm. Water potential of the intact embryo was still 0. 6~0. 9 Mpa lower than the whole seed when the equilibrium between seed and imbibing solution was established. GA and ABA had no direct effects on the water uptake of tomato seeds. The water potential of embryo was positively correlated with its moisture content. The osmotic potential of tomato embryos decreased slowly during imbibition in water and osmotic solution as well.     

Seed survival of the tropical tree Cryptocarya aschersoniana (Lauraceae): Consequences of habitat disturbance

Seed survival in soil could be strongly influenced by habitat characteristics, but little is known about the behaviour of seeds sensitive to desiccation in seed banks installed in natural or disturbed habitats. Cryptocarya aschersoniana seeds disperse at the end of the rainy season but do not germinate immediately; thus, they may form seed banks in soil. This study evaluated the behaviour of C. aschersoniana seed banks induced in the natural environment of the species and in a disturbed area. Recently harvested C. aschersoniana germination units were characterized according to their water content, germination and viability. In 2011 and 2012, seed banks were established by burying samples of seeds in the understory of a semi‐deciduous forest. In 2012, samples were also buried in a disturbed area. The seed banks were sampled at certain time intervals, and the samples were characterized as described above. Precipitation and air temperature data were collected. As a result, seeds in the seed bank established in the natural environment form a transient seed bank and showed the same behaviour in both years studied. A germination peak was observed starting 210 days after burial (coinciding with the onset of the rainy season) and reached germination percentages higher than 80% at the end of the experiment for both years. Seed mortality did not exceeded 28% in the natural environment. However, in the disturbed environment, the seeds lost their viability more rapidly, with 90% of the seeds becoming unviable 240 days after burial. Germinated seeds in the disturbed environment (maximum 21%) were not able to establish seedlings. These results underscore the importance of maintaining a natural, undisturbed forest for the conservation of this species.     

Photoinhibition of radish (Raphanus sativus L) seed germination: control of growth potential by cell-wall yielding in the embryo

The biophysical mechanism underlying photoinhibition of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) seed germination was investigated using three cultivars differing in sensitivity to continuous irradiation with far-red light (high-irradiance reaction of phytochrome). Sensitivity of germination to the inhibitory action of light was assessed by probing germination under osmotic stress (incubation in media of low water potentials adjusted with polyethylene glycol 6000) and expressed in terms of ‘germination potential’ (positive value of the water potential at which germination is inhibited by 50%). Far-red light decreases the germination potential to various degrees in the different cultivars, reflecting the light-sensitivity of germination in water. Removal of the seed coat increases the germination potential by a constant amount in darkness and light. It is concluded that germination depends on the expansive force of the embryo which can be drastically diminished by far-red light. Seed-coat constraint and expansive force of the embryo interact additively on the level of the germination potential. Photoinhibition of germination was accompanied by an inhibition of water uptake into the seed. Analysis of seed water relations showed that osmotic pressure and turgor assumed higher levels in photoinhibited seeds, compared to seeds germinating in darkness, while the water potential was close to zero under both conditions. Far-red light produced a shift (to less negative values) in the curve relating water-uptake rate to external water potential, i.e. a reduction in the driving force for water uptake. It is concluded that photoinhibition of germination results from the maintenance of a high threshold of cell-wall extensibility in the embryo.     

The origin of variation in seed density in celery (Apium graveolens L.)

Seeds were harvested separately from the sequentially formed umbels to obtain information about the origin of variation in seed density in celery. The study involved seeds from the lowest order (primary) to the highest order (quarternary) umbels from the cvs Mars, Monarch, Selfira and Tall Utah. With increasing umbel order the percentage germination decreased and the mean germination time increased. Seed density increased with increasing umbel order, but was more highly correlated with the length of the seed ripening period which differed for each umbel order due to simultaneous harvesting. The decrease in seed density during seed development was correlated with an increase in air volume in the seeds. It is concluded that the variation in seed density in celery seed lots originated from differences in seed maturity.     

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。     

Fruit and seed heteromorphism in the cold desert annual ephemeral Diptychocarpus strictus (Brassicaceae) and possible adaptive significance

Background and Aims

Diptychocarpus strictus is an annual ephemeral in the cold desert of northwest China that produces heteromorphic fruits and seeds. The primary aims of this study were to characterize the morphology and anatomy of fruits and seeds of this species and compare the role of fruit and seed hetermorphism in dispersal and germination.

Methods

Shape, size, mass and dispersal of siliques and seeds and the thickness of the mucilage layer on seeds were measured, and the anatomy of siliques and seeds, the role of seed mucilage in water absorption/dehydration, germination and adherence of seeds to soil particles, the role of pericarp of lower siliques in seed dormancy and seed after-ripening and germination phenology were studied using standard procedures.

Key Results

Plants produce dehiscent upper siliques with a thin pericarp containing seeds with large wings and a thick mucilage layer and indehiscent lower siliques with a thick pericarp containing nearly wingless seeds with a thin mucilage layer. The dispersal ability of seeds from the upper siliques was much greater than that of intact lower siliques. Mucilage increased the amount of water absorbed by seeds and decreased the rate of dehydration. Seeds with a thick mucilage layer adhered to soil particles much better than those with a thin mucilage layer or those from which mucilage had been removed. Fresh seeds were physiologically dormant and after-ripened during summer. Non-dormant seeds germinated to high percentages in light and in darkness. Germination of seeds from upper siliques is delayed until spring primarily by drought in summer and autumn, whereas the thick, indehiscent pericarp prevents germination for >1 year of seeds retained in lower siliques.

Conclusions

The life cycle of D. strictus is morphologically and physiologically adapted to the cold desert environment in time and space via a combination of characters associated with fruit and seed heteromorphism.     

Accumulation of Storage Materials,Precocious Germination and Development of Desiccation Tolerance During Seed Maturation in Mustard (Sinapis alba L.)

Under defined environmental conditions (20°C, continuous light of 15 klx) development of mustard seeds from artificial pollination to maturity takes about 60 d. After surpassing the period of embryo cell division and histodifferentiation (12–14d after pollination = dap), the seed enters into a maturation period. The time courses of various physiological, biochemical, and structural changes of embryo and testa during seed maturation were analyzed in detail (dry and fresh mass changes, osmotic and water potential changes, respiration, DNA amplification by endomitosis, total ribosome and polysome formation, storage protein synthesis and accumulation, storage lipid accumulation). In addition to the final storage products protein and lipid, embryo and testa accumulate transiently large amounts of starch within the chloroplasts during early maturation. Concomitantly with the subsequent total breakdown of the starch, the plastids lose most of their internal structure and chlorophyll and shrink into proplastids, typical for the mature seed. At about 30 dap the seeds shift from a desiccation-sensitive to a desiccation-tolerant state and are able then to germinate rapidly upon drying and reimbibition. If isolated from the immature fruit and sown directly on water, the seeds demonstrate precocious germination from about 13 dap onwards. Young seeds (isolated ≦ 38 dap) germinate only after surpassing a lag-phase of several days (after-ripening) during which the embryo continues to accumulate storage protein and lipid at the expense of the surrounding seed tissues. We conclude from these results that the maturing seed represents a rather closed developmental system which is able to continue its development up to successful germination without any specific regulatory influence from the mother plant. Immature seeds are able to germinate without a preceding dehydration treatment, which means that partial or full desiccation does not serve as an environmental signal for reprogramming seed development from maturation to germination. Instead, it is argued that the water relations of the seed are a critical element in the control of maturation and germination: during maturation on the mother plant the embryo is subject to a considerable turgor pressure (of the order of 12 bar) accompanied by a low water potential (of the order of ?12 bar). This turgor permits maturation growth but is subcritical for germination growth. However, upon imbibition in water, the low water potential provides a driving force for a burst of water uptake overcoming the critical turgor threshold and thereby inducing germination.     

Seed anatomy and water uptake in relation to seed dormancy in Opuntia tomentosa (Cactaceae, Opuntioideae)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There is considerable confusion in the literature concerning impermeability of seeds with 'hard' seed coats, because the ability to take up (imbibe) water has not been tested in most of them. Seeds of Opuntia tomentosa were reported recently to have a water-impermeable seed coat sensu lato (i.e. physical dormancy), in combination with physiological dormancy. However, physical dormancy is not known to occur in Cactaceae. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if seeds of O. tomentosa are water-permeable or water-impermeable, i.e. if they have physical dormancy. METHODS: The micromorphology of the seed coat and associated structures were characterized by SEM and light microscopy. Permeability of the seed-covering layers was assessed by an increase in mass of seeds on a wet substrate and by dye-tracking and uptake of tritiated water by intact versus scarified seeds. KEY RESULTS: A germination valve and a water channel are formed in the hilum-micropyle region during dehydration and ageing in seeds of O. tomentosa. The funicular envelope undoubtedly plays a role in germination of Opuntia seeds via restriction of water uptake and mechanical resistance to expansion of the embryo. However, seeds do not exhibit any of three features characteristic of those with physical dormancy. Thus, they do not have a water-impermeable layer(s) of palisade cells (macrosclereids) or a water gap sensu stricto and they imbibe water without the seed coat being disrupted. CONCLUSIONS: Although dormancy in seeds of this species can be broken by scarification, they have physiological dormancy only. Further, based on information in the literature, it is concluded that it is unlikely that any species of Opuntia has physical dormancy. This is the first integrative study of the anatomy, dynamics of water uptake and dormancy in seeds of Cactaceae subfamily Opuntioideae.     

Strophiole of seeds of the black locust acts as a water gap

In Japan the black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is undergoing rapid habitat expansion, which has an adverse effect on native vegetation. It is therefore a priority to clarify the regeneration characteristics of the black locust and establish adequate management of this invasive species in Japan. To determine the germination characteristics of physically dormant black locust seeds, we observed anatomical features of the seed coat and identified the water gap that acts as a signal detector. Our microscopic observations showed that seed coats of this species had hilum, micropyle and strophiole. The anatomical features of these regions correspond to the general characteristics of papilionoid legume seeds. Based on our microscopic observations, water absorption blocking experiments and a dye tracking experiment, we identified the strophiole as a water gap in black locust seeds. Our results suggest that the opening of the strophiole is important for water uptake to the embryo and subsequent germination of black locust seeds under natural conditions.     

Sowing seasons and drying methods during post-harvest influence the seed vigour of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)

Experiments were conducted to study the influence of sowing seasons and drying methods on the seed vigour of two spring soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) cultivars. Two cultivars, ‘Huachun18’ and ‘Huachun 14’, were sown in three seasons viz., spring, summer and autumn and the harvested seeds were dried using three different methods. The results showed that soybean sown in spring had a higher number of branches per plant, pods per branch and seed weight, and consequently resulted in higher seed yields than that of soybean sown in autumn or summer seasons. Seeds sown in the autumn season had the lowest values of electrical conductivity during seed imbibitions, higher peroxidase (POD) activity in germinated seedlings and lower contamination by the seed-borne fungi on the MS medium, which indirectly improved the seed vigour, which was followed by summer sown seeds. Seeds sown during the spring season resulted in poor seed vigour. In addition, the effect of drying methods on the seed vigour was also clarified. Seeds that hung for four days before threshing and then air-dried had the poorest seed vigour which was determined by germination, electrical conductivity, POD activity and seed borne fungal growth. There was no difference in seed vigour between other methods, i.e. seeds threshed directly at harvest and then air-dried on a bamboo sifter or concrete floor. These results indicated that autumn sowing soybean and the drying method in which seeds were threshed directly at harvest and then air-dried on a bamboo sifter resulted in higher seed vigour.     

壳斗科三种植物种子大小对昆虫寄生及种子存活率的影响

种子内的寄生昆虫可以严重影响种子的发育、损害种子活力。种子足余策略理论认为大种子有利于抵御和适应昆虫寄生取食,但动物最优觅食理论推测,大种子更易遭受昆虫寄生。为对这两种对立观点进行验证,本实验以青冈、苦槠和麻栎各2个种群的种子为材料,对昆虫寄生与完好种子间的体积和萌发率进行比较,并对寄生种子萌发率与种子体积的关系进行了分析。结果显示:(1)在6个种群的种子中,只有松阳麻栎和青冈种群的寄生种子体积大于完好种子,其余4个种群的寄生种子体积小于完好种子,但这种差异不显著;(2)所有寄生种子的整体萌发率(18%)显著低于完好种子(45.66%)(P<0.001),在不同种群内,寄生种子的萌发率也分别显著低于完好种子。(3)比较同种植物体积差异显著的寄生种子的萌发率发现,大种子总比小种子具有更高的萌发率,但差异不显著;在不同植物的寄生种子间比较时,体积最大的麻栎种子萌发率显著高于体积较小的青冈和苦槠种子。研究结果表明,象虫在种子上产卵时对大种子没有选择偏好,在昆虫寄生取食严重损害种子活力的压力下,大种子比小种子具有更强的耐受力。     

种皮和环境温度对橡胶树种子萌发的影响

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

盐生植物角果碱蓬种子二型性对环境的适应策略

角果碱蓬(Suaeda corniculata)是藜科一年生盐生植物, 在我国分布于北方盐碱滩涂和盐碱荒漠地区。角果碱蓬具有棕色和黑色两种异型体种子(简称棕色和黑色种子)。对采自内蒙古鄂托克前旗盐渍化生境的角果碱蓬二型种子的形态、休眠和萌发特性开展对比研究, 测定了二型种子休眠和萌发行为对温度、光照和盐分(NaCl)的响应, 以揭示盐生植物异型种子对温带盐漠生境的适应对策。结果表明: (1)二型性种子在大小、种皮特性和结实比例方面有显著差异。与黑色种子相比, 棕色种子个体较大, 种皮透水性强。黑色种子与棕色种子的结实比例约为5.6 : 1。(2)新成熟的棕色种子的萌发对各温度梯度和光照条件不敏感, 萌发率较高(84%-100%); 而新成熟的黑色种子萌发率较低(8%-78%), 萌发对光照敏感。(3)黑色种子具有浅度生理休眠, 种皮划破、赤霉素处理和低温层积均可有效地提高种子的萌发率。(4)二型种子萌发对土壤盐分的胁迫具有不同的响应。与黑色种子相比, 棕色种子对盐分胁迫不敏感, 在较高的盐分浓度下仍有较高的萌发率, 低温层积处理能够降低黑色种子对盐胁迫的敏感性, 有效地提高种子的初始萌发率、萌发恢复率和最终萌发率。角果碱蓬二型种子不同的形态、休眠和萌发特性, 提高了该物种在高度异质性生境中的适合度, 对种群成功地适应温带盐漠环境具有重要的意义。     

In vitro asymbiotic germination of immature seed and formation of protocorm by Cephalanthera falcata (Orchidaceae)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Many Orchidaceous species are threatened globally by development and over-collection from their natural habitats for horticultural purposes. Artificial propagation from seeds is difficult in most terrestrial orchids native to temperate regions. Seed production is another limiting factor in the artificial propagation for these species because of the lessened probability of pollination and the destruction of fruit by insect larvae. Members of the genus Cephalanthera are distributed across Europe, Asia and North America. C. falcata is a temperate species of East Asia and an endangered species in Japan. As successful propagation from seeds of this species has never been reported, a reproducible method is described here for seed production in situ and propagation using immature seeds in asymbiotic culture in vitro. METHODS: Effects of hand-pollination and bagging treatment of ovaries were examined. Young capsules were collected every 10 d from 50 d after pollination until 120 d after pollination. Immature seeds obtained from these capsules were cultured asymbiotically on modified Kano medium and ND medium. Seed viability was examined within TTC (2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride) test solution and histological observations were made on viable seeds by paraffin embedding at each collection stage. KEY RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Hand-pollination followed by bagging treatment of ovaries with aluminium foil was effective for insect control during fruit development, and successfully yielded capsules. Of the capsules, 74.5 % survived to full maturity. The highest frequency (39.8 %) of seed germination was obtained with seeds harvested 70 d after pollination. The frequency declined with progress of seed maturity on the mother plant. Minimal germination was observed with seeds harvested 100 d or later after pollination. Histological observation suggests that accumulation of such substances as lignin in the inner integument surrounding the embryo during seed maturation plays an important role in induction of dormancy.     

MOISTURE AND TEMPERATURE IN RELATION TO SEED STRUCTURE AND GERMINATION OF SUGAR PINE (PINUS LAMBERTIANA DOUGL.)

The typical, irregular, delayed germination of sugar pine seeds was studied under different conditions of environment and seed dissection. Individual seeds showed a 3-phase pattern of water uptake which was obscured when average values for groups of seeds were used. Stratification at 5 C slowed the rate of imbibition as well as the growth rate, but when followed after 3 months by return to 20 C, germination was uniformly rapid. Complete removal of the seed coats yielded prompt germination without stratification. The thin layer of the inner coat was a critical factor. Slitting this layer indicated less significance for gas exchange or mechanical restraint than for a restriction upon the rate of water uptake. Regardless of the method of seed treatment, the visible stages of germination consistently occurred within well-defined levels of water uptake. The delicate balance between water entry and use as well as the internal distribution of water within seed components should be evaluated, rather than a mere expression of the total amount of water in a seed.     

Effect of tannin content of faba bean (Vicia faba) seed on seed vigour, germination and field emergence

Differences in seed vigour of zero- and high-tannin faba beans were investigated using 25 seed lots of 12 cultivars following earlier reports of poor emergence in the zero-tannin types. Field emergence ranged from 54–96% indicating differences in seed vigour between cultivars all having high laboratory germination (>91%). Seed from zero-tannin accessions with poor emergence had a higher incidence of testa and cotyledon cracking, a smaller percentage of hard seeds, more rapid water uptake, a lower percentage of vital staining of cotyledons and a greater leaching of solutes than high-tannin types. Nevertheless, variation in these characteristics existed between cultivars and lines of both types. Seeds with more cracks in the seed coat and fewer hard seeds imbibed water more rapidly and consequently showed lower levels of vital staining and more cracks in the abaxial surface of the cotyledons. Slower imbibition in polyethylene glycol lessened the incidence of these deleterious characteristics and may provide a practical resolution to the problem of poor field emergence in zero-tannin lines of faba bean with low seed vigour.     

Investigating seed dormancy in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.): understanding the physiological changes in embryo during after‐ripening and germination

• The dormancy of seeds of upland cotton can be broken during dry after‐ripening, but the mechanism of its dormancy release remains unclear.
• Freshly harvested cotton seeds were subjected to after‐ripening for 180 days. Cotton seeds from different days of after‐ripening (DAR) were sampled for dynamic physiological determination and germination tests. The intact seeds and isolated embryos were germinated to assess effects of the seed coat on embryo germination. Content of H₂O₂ and phytohormones and activities of antioxidant enzymes and glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase were measured during after‐ripening and germination.
• Germination of intact seeds increased from 7% upon harvest to 96% at 30 DAR, while embryo germination improved from an initial rate of 82% to 100% after 14 DAR. Based on T₅₀ (time when 50% of seeds germinate) and germination index, the intact seed and isolated embryo needed 30 and 21 DAR, respectively, to acquire relatively stable germination. The content of H₂O₂ increased during after‐ripening and continued to increase within the first few hours of imbibition, along with a decrease in abscisic acid (ABA) content. A noticeable increase was observed in gibberellic acid content during germination when ABA content decreased to a lower level. Coat removal treatment accelerated embryo absorption of water, which further improved the accumulation of H₂O₂ and changed peroxidase content during germination.
• For cotton seed, the alleviation of coat‐imposed dormancy required 30 days of after‐ripening, accompanied by rapid dormancy release (within 21 DAR) in naked embryos. H₂O₂ acted as a core link between the response to environmental changes and induction of other physiological changes for breaking seed dormancy.

     

不同年际间异子蓬种子大小、萌发能力及结实格局

异子蓬(Borszczowia aralocaspica)为中亚荒漠特有种,在我国仅分布于新疆,其果实具有二型性。对同一生长地2006、2007、2008年异子蓬种子的大小、萌发特性及结实格局进行比较,结果表明:(1)年份和种子类型对种子大小和重量均有显著影响(P<0.05)。(2)2种类型种子具有不同的萌发行为,褐色种子萌发率高(>90%),萌发速度快,而黑色种子萌发率低(2006年的萌发率为31%),萌发速度慢;2种类型种子的萌发指数在不同年际间均差异显著。(3)不同年际间,种子总数、褐色种子数、黑色种子数均具有极显著差异(P<0.001),且随个体的增大黑色种子的比例逐渐减小,褐色种子的比例逐渐增大,并且黑色种子数目均高于褐色种子数目。该研究为深入认识异型种子的生态适应对策提供理论基础。