Germination of Stored Cassava Seed at Constant and Alternating Temperatures

Cassava seed is only capable of germinating over a restrictedrange of constant temperatures. During storage the optimum constanttemperature for germination decreases from about 35 to 30 °Cor possibly less. The rate at which the optimum temperaturechanges during dry storage increases with increase in storagetemperature over the range 0 to 40 °C. Some alternating-temperatureregimes (16 h at the lower temperature; 8 h at the higher temperature)can provide conditions as favourable for germination as theoptimum constant temperatures. Furthermore, it has been shownthat temperature alternation itself is stimulatory because whenthe range of the alternation does not include the optimum constanttemperature value, percentage germination is often higher thancould be obtained at any constant temperature within the range,though this stimulatory response declines during storage. Forthese reasons it is provisionally recommended that cassava seedshould be germinated at 25/35 °C which is as stimulatorya treatment as any which has so far been investigated and hasthe advantage of encompassing the range over which the optimumconstant temperature changes during storage. Manihot esculenta Crantz, cassava, germination, dormancy, seed viability, storage of seeds, after-ripening     

A Model for Germination Responses to Alternating Temperatures

When seeds of Chenopodium album are imbibed in 0–01 Mpotassium nitrate solution in the light at constant temperature,percentage germination increases to an optimum at 24 °C,above which it decreases. These relationships are linear ifpercentage germination values are transformed to normal deviates.At supra-optimal temperatures, alternating temperatures havelittle or no effect on this basic relationship. However, atsub-optimal temperatures normal deviate germination increaseslinearly with amplitude at constant mean temperature and theincreases are relatively greater at lower mean temperatures.The effect of amplitude is also greater when more time is spentat the wanner temperature in the diurnal cycle. Seeds of Panicummaximum show very similar responses except that the effect ofamplitude is greater when a shorter time is spent at the warmertemperature in the diurnal cycle. These observations form thebasis of a quantitative model which, at sub- and supra-optimaltemperatures, respectively, accounts for 90 and 75% of the variationin germination of C. album seeds subject to a very wide rangeof thermal environments on a two-dimensional temperature gradientplate. The data presented for P. maximum are less comprehensive,but again the model accounts for 80% of the variation. The relevanceof the same model to two unrelated species from different climatesand of different ecological behaviour suggests that it may begenerally useful in determining optimum temperatures for seedviability testing regimes and ultimately for predicting fieldbehaviour These results allow the producers to improve the productionof homogeneous populations of cyclamen seedlings Chenopodium album L., Panicum maximum Jacq., seed dormancy, germination, alternating temperatures, temperature gradient plate     

Alternating Temperatures and Rate of Seed Germination in Lentil

The effect of alternating temperatures on the times taken byseeds of lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) to germinate was investigatedusing a two-way temperature-gradient plate. Between 5 and 25°C,warmer temperatures increased the rate of germination. Variationamong the individual seeds in the times required for germinationat different constant temperatures within this range were describedwell by a log-normal distribution of thermal times, accumulatedabove a base temperature of 1·5°C. Even with amplitudesas great as 20°C, no effect of alternation per se on thethermal time required for germination was detected—whetherthe cool temperature was applied for 8 or 16 h d^-1. Similarly,in alternating temperature regimes where the minimum temperatureof the diurnal cycle was between 0°C and the base temperature,the thermal times required for germination (where no thermaltime accrued during the periods when temperature was below T_b)were in close agreement with those values provided by the modeldetermined at warmer constant temperatures. However, where theminimum temperature applied was < 0°C the germinationof all but the earliest germinators was delayed beyond modelpredictions, and more so where the sub-zero minimum temperaturewas applied for 16 rather than 8 h d^-1. The results, therefore,contradict the view that alternation in temperature per se reducesthe thermal time required for seed germination. Rather, rateof germination responds instantaneously to current temperature,but prolonged exposure to sub-zero temperatures can result indamage sufficient to delay germination when seeds are returnedto regimes warmer than the base temperature.Copyright 1994,1999 Academic Press Lens culinaris Medikus, lentil, seed germination, alternating temperatures, thermal time, temperature-gradient plate     

An Investigation of the Influence of Constant and Alternating Temperature on the Germination of Cassava Seed using a Two-dimensional Temperature Gradient Plate

The germination of cassava seed in response to various constantand alternating temperature regimes within the range 19–40°C was investigated using a two-dimensional temperaturegradient plate. It was found that almost all seeds were incapableof germination unless the temperature for part of the day exceeded30 °C and the mean temperature was at least 24 °C. However,dormant seeds required environments where the temperature forpart of the day exceeded 36 °C, the mean temperature wasat least 33 °C, and the amplitude of the diurnal temperaturealteration was within the range 3–18 °C. Providingthese conditions were met, the times spent at the upper andlower temperatures within a diurnal cycle were not critical.Hermetic storage of the seed for 77 days at 40 °C with 7.9per cent moisture content did not influence the pattern of germinationin response to constant and alternating temperatures. It issuggested that an alternating temperature regime of 30 °Cfor 8 h/38 °C for 16 h applied for a minimum of 21 daysis appropriate for cassava seed viability tests. Manihot esculenta Crantz, cassava, germination, dormancy, temperature     

Effect of Diurnal Fluctuating versus Constant Temperatures on Germination of 445 Species from the Eastern Tibet Plateau

Germination response to fluctuating temperatures is a mechanism by which seeds detect gaps in vegetation canopies and depth of burial in soil, and it is very important for plants. Thus, studies on the effect of fluctuating temperature on germination at the community level are valuable for understanding community structure and biodiversity maintenance. We determined the effects of two alternating temperatures (5/25°C and 10/20°C) and one constant temperature (15°C) on seed germination of 445 species in a grassland community on the eastern Tibet Plateau. Seed mass was determined for each species, and data on habitat, type of life cycle, altitudinal distribution and functional group (graminoids or forbs) were obtained from the literature. Taking all species into account, alternating temperatures increased germination percentages regardless of amplitude. Overall, species growing in disturbed ground showed a significant germination response to temperature fluctuation, but those living in Alpine/subalpine meadow, forest margin /scrub, marshland and dry sunny slope habitats did not. Species distributed only at high elevations (>2000m) did not show a significant germination response to temperature fluctuation, whereas those occurring at both high and low elevations had a significant positive response. Germination of annuals/biennials was significantly promoted by 5/25°C, but not by 10/20°C, whereas germination of perennials was significantly promoted by both 5/25°C and 10/20°C. Small-seeded species were more likely than large-seeded species to respond positively to fluctuating temperatures. Germination of forbs had a positive response to temperature fluctuation, but germination of graminoids did not. Regeneration ability by seeds for about 36% of the species studied in the grassland can be increased by temperature fluctuation. The differential response among species to alternating vs. constant temperatures helps maintain community structure and biodiversity. A positive germination response to temperature fluctuation can partly explain why there are more forbs in degraded meadows.     

Effects of Fluctuating Temperatures on Germination

Germination responses to alternating daily cycles involvingtransfers between different temperatures over the range 0 toc. 40?C were investigated in four species: Lycopus europaeusL., Clarkia unguiculata Lindl., Apium graveolens L. cv. GiantRed, and Silene dioica (L.) Clairv. Comparisons of the germination of these species revealed distinctivedifferences which could be related to particular features ofthe geographical regions or ecological habitats in which theyoccur naturally. The effects of fluctuating as opposed to constant temperaturesvaried from one species to another. L. europaeus depended almostabsolutely on fluctuating temperatures for germination. Germinationof S. dioica was greatly increased by fluctuating temperatures.Moderate increases occurred over a restricted temperature rangein A. graveolens cv. Giant Red and C. unguiculata was affectedin only minor ways. These results are discussed in relationto previous attempts to explain the mechanisms responsible forthe frequently beneficial effects of fluctuating temperatureson germination.     

Investigations on the Control of Lettuce Seed Germination at High Temperatures

The activity of sodium hypochlorite solution in relieving thermo-inhibitionof germination of lettuce seed is shown to be due to its chlorinecontent. Results of experiments in which the pericarp, and pericarpand endosperm were removed, together with direct measurementsof penetration forces, suggest that the relief of thermo-inhibitionresults from weakening of the pericarp by the hypochlorite.Differences between the cultivars ‘Cobham Green’and ‘Grand Rapids’ in the contributions made bypericarp and endosperm to germination control at 35 °C aredemonstrated. Key words: Lactuca sativa L, Chlorine, Thermo-inhibition     

The Effect of Constant Temperatures and Osmotic Potentials on the Germination of Sugar Beet

The germination-time curves for a series of experiments at constanttemperatures and osmotic potentials were analysed to producea relationship between germination, time, temperature and osmoticpotential. The analysis involved the concept of hydrothermaltime which is a combination of potential above a base potential,temperature above a base temperature and time. For most of thepopulation of sugar-beet seeds examined, the hydrothermal timerequired for germination was constant. The base temperaturesof the seeds were similar but the base potentials varied betweenseeds. Analysis of the times to germination of fractions ofthe seed population, grouped according to the order in whichthey germinated, showed that the base potentials were almostnormally distributed An equation using this distribution canbe used to predict the time course of germination over a widerange of temperatures and potentials. The equation uses fiveparameters to describe a seed population: the proportion oflive seeds, the hydrothermal time required for germination,the base temperature and the mean and standard deviation ofbase potential. Key words: Germination, temperature, water potential     

温度对高山植物紫花针茅种子萌发特性的影响

温度是影响种子萌发的重要因子,在气候变暖和草地退化的背景下,认识温度变化对紫花针茅（Stipa purpurea） 种子萌发的影响有重要意义。作者系统研究了6个恒温条件（5、10、15、20、25、30℃）和3个变温条件（5/15、10/20、15/25℃）对不同居群紫花针茅种子萌发特性的影响。结果表明,紫花针茅种子适宜的萌发温度范围为15~25℃,低于10℃或高于30℃的温度都会抑制种子的萌发;与对应的恒温条件相比,变温条件不能起到促进紫花针茅种子萌发的作用;不同居群紫花针茅种子萌发对温度的响应既有相同点,也有不同点;海拔高度与种子萌发率存在极显著负相关关系,种子萌发季土壤温度与种子萌发存在显著负相关关系。本研究将为合理的保护和恢复紫花针茅草地提供一定科学依据。     

Natural Selection Constrains Neutral Diversity across A Wide Range of Species

The neutral theory of molecular evolution predicts that the amount of neutral polymorphisms within a species will increase proportionally with the census population size (Nc). However, this prediction has not been borne out in practice: while the range of Nc spans many orders of magnitude, levels of genetic diversity within species fall in a comparatively narrow range. Although theoretical arguments have invoked the increased efficacy of natural selection in larger populations to explain this discrepancy, few direct empirical tests of this hypothesis have been conducted. In this work, we provide a direct test of this hypothesis using population genomic data from a wide range of taxonomically diverse species. To do this, we relied on the fact that the impact of natural selection on linked neutral diversity depends on the local recombinational environment. In regions of relatively low recombination, selected variants affect more neutral sites through linkage, and the resulting correlation between recombination and polymorphism allows a quantitative assessment of the magnitude of the impact of selection on linked neutral diversity. By comparing whole genome polymorphism data and genetic maps using a coalescent modeling framework, we estimate the degree to which natural selection reduces linked neutral diversity for 40 species of obligately sexual eukaryotes. We then show that the magnitude of the impact of natural selection is positively correlated with Nc, based on body size and species range as proxies for census population size. These results demonstrate that natural selection removes more variation at linked neutral sites in species with large Nc than those with small Nc and provides direct empirical evidence that natural selection constrains levels of neutral genetic diversity across many species. This implies that natural selection may provide an explanation for this longstanding paradox of population genetics.     

An Analysis of the Effect of Alternating Temperatures on Germination of Lycopus europaeus L.

The germination of Lycopus europaeus seeds depends absolutelyon exposure to light and fluctuating temperatures. Studies oftemperature responses were made to establish the minimum fluctuationrequired for a response, the interaction of temperature andexposure time in different parts of the alternating temperaturecycle, and the effects of successive transfers between cyclingtemperature conditions. There was a complex interaction betweenthese three. The minimum fluctuation never fell below 6.5 °Cbut varied up to c. 15 °C according to other test conditions.High temperatures favoured rapid responses, and exposure totemperatures above 20 °C in one or other phase of the temperaturecycle was essential for a full response. No response occurredeither at any temperature under constant conditions, or if onlyone temperature change was given. Under some conditions a singlecycle of alternating temperatures, including two changes oftemperature, promoted high germination rates.     

Analysis of the Effect of Cold Stratification on the Germination Response to Light and Alternating Temperatures using Selected Seed Populations of Ranunculus sceleratus L.

From a single population of achenes (seeds) of Ranunculus sceleratusL. sub-populations were selected on the basis of the sensitivityof individuals to an increasing number of daily light/temperatureshift cycles. Each cycle comprised a 4 h pulse of red lightfollowed by a 4 h temperature shift from 16 to 31 ?C. Selectionfor low dormancy (NND and ND) and high dormancy (D and DD) populationsresulted in a > 5-fold difference in the number of cyclesrequired for 50% germination. Despite a shift in the mean levelof dormancy the distributions of sensitivity (slopes of dose-responsecurves) were similar in all four selected populations. Differentialeffects of cold stratification on the germination response tolight and alternating temperatures were related to the depthof primary dormancy. The proportion of individuals that respondedpositively to the dormancy breaking effects of cold stratificationfollowed the trend DD < D < ND < NND. In high dormancypopulations (D and DD) the rate and uniformity of germinationof some individuals was reduced by cold stratification, indicatinga dormancy inducing effect. Over the range 2 to 11 ?C the effectivenessof dormancy release or dormancy induction was inversely relatedto temperature. The effects of cold stratification on the expressionof dormancy in R. sceleratus are discussed in relation to areproductive strategy involving winter and summer annual behaviour. Key words: Cold stratification, selection, dormancy, light, alternating temperatures, germination     

Effects of High Temperature and Water Stress on Seed Germination of the Invasive Species Mexican Sunflower

Mexican sunflower is native to Mexico and Central America and was introduced into China early last century. Now it has widely naturalized and is exhibiting increasing invasiveness in South China. As this species often dominates bare ground, a habitat characterized by extreme fluctuation in temperature and water, it is reasonable to hypothesize that it has special adaptations to high temperature and water stress. Using laboratory experiments to simulate these stresses, this study investigated the response of Mexican sunflower seed germination to temperature and water stress, and compared these responses with those previously reported for another invasive, bamboo piper, which is confined to relatively cool and moist habitats in Xishuangbanna. As expected, Mexican sunflower seeds exhibited higher tolerance to these stresses than bamboo piper. Germination of Mexican sunflower seeds was highest at 15–30°C, but significant numbers of seeds germinated and formed seedlings at 10°C and 35°C, at which no bamboo piper seeds formed seedlings, indicating a wider temperature range for germination than the latter. Roughly half the seeds survived 240 h continuous heat treatment and up to 15 h daily periodical heat treatment at 40°C, while bamboo piper seeds were mostly killed by these treatments. About 20% of Mexican sunflower but no bamboo piper seeds germinated after heat treatment for 30 min at 80°C. Germination was completely inhibited in bamboo piper seeds at -0.6 mPa, while 20–60% of Mexican sunflower seeds germinated depending on PEG or NaCl as osmoticum. This higher tolerance in Mexican sunflower seeds accords with its stronger invasiveness in this area. This comparison between two plant invaders demonstrates that invasiveness is not an all-or-nothing situation, and that adaptation to local habitats is a critical determinant of successful invasiveness for an alien plant.     

白蜡树属树种种子休眠及其萌发的调控

介绍了白蜡树属（Fraxinus L．）树种种子的休眠及其萌发调控的研究进展。     

Effects of Seed Dispersal by Three Ateline Monkey Species on Seed Germination at Tinigua National Park, Colombia

We examined the effect of seed ingestion by three ateline primates: woolly monkeys, Lagothrix lagothricha; spider monkeys, Ateles belzebuth; and, red howler, Alouatta seniculus on germination rates and latency periods of seeds of several plant species in Tinigua National Park, Colombia. We collected dispersed seeds from feces and control seeds from the parental trees and washed them for germination trials. For the majority of plants, dispersed seeds germinated as well or better than control seeds did. Although spider monkeys depend more heavily on fruits than the other monkey species do, they were not more efficient than howlers or woolly monkeys at improving germination rates. A considerable proportion of the seeds dispersed by howlers and woolly monkeys showed reduced latency periods to germination, but spider monkeys showed less effect on reducing germination time. This result may be related to longer gut retention times, but such a trend has not been observed in other primate species. We conclude that, like many other primates, ateline monkeys are effective seed dispersers in terms of their effects on the seeds they swallow because they rarely decrease their germination rates. We discuss problems that make interspecific comparisons difficult, such as inappropriate control seeds and differences associated with germination substrates, and we stress the importance of studying other components of seed dispersal effectiveness.     

莎草科4种植物种子休眠与萌发特性的研究

以嵩草、黑穗苔草、藨草和苔草4种莎草科植物种子为材料,研究了硫酸、植物生长调节剂及低温层积处理对其休眠与萌发特性的影响,以揭示其休眠机制及其破除方法,为指导生产提供理论依据。结果表明:(1)4种参试植物种子均存在不同程度的生理休眠,其中嵩草为浅度生理休眠,黑穗苔草为中度生理休眠,藨草和苔草为深度生理休眠。(2)浓硫酸浸种可显著提高嵩草、黑穗苔草种子的萌发,随浸种时间增加,种子萌发率先增加后降低,最大值分别达86%、77%,但浓硫酸处理对藨草和苔草的种子萌发无显著促进作用。(3)赤霉素(GA3)、氟啶酮(FL,脱落酸抑制剂)和KNO3单独处理可显著提高嵩草种子萌发,但对其他3种植物种子无显著作用;而硫酸处理后再用赤霉素或氟啶酮处理,则显著促进黑穗苔草种子的萌发率。(4)低温层积对种子萌发的影响因种与层积时间而异,层积2个月可显著提高嵩草种子萌发,层积4个月可显著提高嵩草和藨草种子萌发;层积6个月可显著提高嵩草、黑穗苔草、藨草和苔草4种植物种子萌发,其最终萌发率分别为90%、73%、17%、7%。     

外源一氧化氮供体对几种植物种子的萌发和幼苗生长的影响

以0、0.1、0.3、0.5、0.7、0.9mmol·L-1共6种浓度的外源一氧化氮(NO)供体硝普钠(SNP)处理豌豆、黄瓜、玉米和刺槐种子及其砂培幼苗后的结果表明:0.1～0.3mmol·L-1SNP对种子发芽势、发芽率及幼苗的根长、叶绿素含量和生物量有明显的促进作用;随着SNP浓度的增加,种子萌发和幼苗生长明显受抑制,不同植物受抑制程度的差异明显.     

Effects of Metals on a Range of Streptomyces Species

A plate diffusion method was used to assess the tolerance of 28 mesophilic and 4 thermophilic species of streptomycetes to eight metals. This method allowed a qualitative screen of the effects of the metals on growth, on sporulation, and in some cases, on secondary metabolite production. Tolerant and sensitive species were identified, some of which exhibited the same response (i.e., tolerance or sensitivity) to a number of metals. Experiments in liquid culture were used to quantify the precise concentration ranges of the metals at which the most tolerant or sensitive species could grow. Distribution profiles of the sensitivities of all species examined toward different metals revealed that the order of toxicity was Hg > Cd > Co > Zn > Ni > Cu > Cr > Mn.