Desiccation tolerance and sensitivity of selected tropical montane species in Sri Lanka

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Yasoja S. Athugala ◽  
K. M. G. Gehan Jayasuriya ◽  
A. M. T. A. Gunaratne ◽  
Carol C. Baskin
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Desiccation Tolerance ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Seed Storage ◽  
Seed Moisture Content ◽  
Seed Desiccation ◽  
Desiccation Sensitivity ◽  
Phylogenetic Affiliation ◽  
Seed Moisture ◽  
Forest Strata

Abstract Although the level of seed desiccation sensitivity (LSDS) may have an impact on plant species conservation, information is available for <10% of tropical angiosperms. A study was conducted to assess the LSDS of 28 tropical montane species in Sri Lanka. Seeds were extracted from freshly collected fruits. Initial weight was recorded, and thousand seed weight (TSW) was calculated. Seed moisture content (MC) was determined. LSDS was determined using seed desiccation experiments and predicted using the TSW–MC criterion. Seed storage behaviour was predicted using LSDS and storage data and using a model based on phylogenetic affiliation. The relationship between LSDS and seed dormancy, life form and forest strata was evaluated. Fresh seeds of only 12 species germinated to >80%. Although seeds of the other species had >80% viability, only 0–70% germinated due to dormancy. Seeds of five species had MC <15%, indicating desiccation tolerance (DT). Seeds of 12 species lost viability after desiccation, indicating desiccation sensitivity (DS). Seeds of Ardisia missionis, Psychotria gartneri and Psychotria nigra remained viable after desiccation, showing DT. Seeds of 17 species were DS and those of 11 species DT. The TSW of four species was >500 g. Thus, seeds of other species were predicted to be DT by the TSW–MC criterion. A relationship was identified between LSDS and the forest strata of the species. More canopy species produced DS than DT seeds. Since seeds of most of the studied species were DS, these species may be threatened due to prolonged droughts predicted for the region due to climate change.

Seed storage behaviour of 101 woody species from the tropical rainforest of southern China: a test of the seed-coat ratio–seed mass (SCR–SM) model for determination of desiccation sensitivity

2014 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qin-ying Lan ◽  
Ke Xia ◽  
Xiao-feng Wang ◽  
Jun-wei Liu ◽  
Jin Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Seed Coat ◽  
Tropical Rainforest ◽  
Southern China ◽  
Seed Mass ◽  
Seed Storage ◽  
Woody Species ◽  
Seed Moisture Content ◽  
Seed Desiccation ◽  
Desiccation Sensitivity

The Xishuangbanna tropical rainforest in Yunnan Province is the greatest biodiversity hotspot in China. However, the biodiversity of this region is under threat, making seed conservation through seed and/or germplasm banking particularly urgent and crucial. Seed desiccation sensitivity limits the possibility of seed banking of 47% of tropical rainforest species. Thus, knowing if a species has desiccation-sensitive seeds is an important first step in seed banking; however, often resources are limited, making it difficult to determine storage behaviour for all the species in a region. Prediction of seed sensitivity using the SCR–SM model based on seed-coat ratio (SCR) and seed dry mass (SM) might be an alternative for determining desiccation sensitivity of seeds of each species. Here, seed-desiccation sensitivity of 101 woody species from the Xishuangbanna tropical forest were analysed using this model, and physiological determinations were made for a total of 25 species. Seed storage behaviour for 59 species was used for model validation, and storage behaviour of 88% of these species was successfully predicted. Seed storage behaviour of 83% of the 59 species was successfully predicted using the 1000-seed weigth–moisture content (TSW–MC) criteria, which include seeds with 1000-seed weight >500 g and seed moisture content at shedding of 30 –70%. The two predictive methods were subsequently used to predict seed desiccation sensitivity for another 42 species from Xishuangbanna whose storage behaviour was uncertain. Our results indicated that ~50% of the species in Xishuangbanna are likely to have desiccation-sensitive seeds.

scholarly journals Assessing the storage potential of Australian rainforest seeds: a decision-making key to aid rapid conservation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. D. Sommerville ◽  
G. Errington ◽  
Z-J. Newby ◽  
G. S. Liyanage ◽  
C. A. Offord
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Germination Percentage ◽  
Fleshy Fruit ◽  
Seed Moisture Content ◽  
Fresh Seed ◽  
Desiccation Sensitivity ◽  
Seed Moisture ◽  
Seed Characteristics

AbstractSeed banking of rainforest species is hindered by lack of knowledge as to which species are tolerant of desiccation and freezing. We assessed 313 Australian rainforest species for seed banking suitability by comparing the germination percentage of fresh seeds to seeds dried at 15% RH and seeds stored at −20 °C after drying. We then compared desiccation responses to environmental, habit, fruit and seed characteristics to identify the most useful predictors of desiccation sensitivity. Of 162 species with ≥ 50% initial germination, 22% were sensitive to desiccation, 64% were tolerant and 10% were partially tolerant; the responses of 4% were uncertain. Of 107 desiccation tolerant species tested for response to freezing, 24% were freezing sensitive or short-lived in storage at −20 °C. Median values for fresh seed moisture content (SMC), oven dry weight (DW) and the likelihood of desiccation sensitivity (PD-S) were significantly greater for desiccation sensitive than desiccation tolerant seeds. Ninety-four to 97% of seeds with SMC < 29%, DW < 20 mg or PD-S < 0.01 were desiccation tolerant. Ordinal logistic regression of desiccation response against environmental, habit, fruit and seed characteristics indicated that the likelihood of desiccation sensitivity was significantly increased by a tree habit, fleshy fruit, increasing fresh SMC and increasing PD-S. The responses observed in this study were combined with earlier studies to develop a simple decision key to aid prediction of desiccation responses in untested rainforest species.

Seed development in Malva parviflora: onset of germinability, dormancy and desiccation tolerance

2007 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 683 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pippa J. Michael ◽  
Kathryn J. Steadman ◽  
Julie A. Plummer
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Seed Development ◽  
Desiccation Tolerance ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Physical Dormancy ◽  
Seed Moisture Content ◽  
Physiological Maturity ◽  
Seed Moisture ◽  
Physiological Dormancy ◽  
Malva Parviflora

Seed development was examined in Malva parviflora. The first flower opened 51 days after germination; flowers were tagged on the day that they opened and monitored for 33 days. Seeds were collected at 12 stages during this period and used to determine moisture content, germination of fresh seeds and desiccation tolerance (seeds dried to 10% moisture content followed by germination testing). Seed moisture content decreased as seeds developed, whereas fresh (max. 296 mg) and dry weight (max. 212 mg) increased to peak at 12–15 and ~21 days after flowering (DAF), respectively. Therefore, physiological maturity occurred at 21 DAF, when seed moisture content was 16–21%. Seeds were capable of germinating early in development, reaching a maximum of 63% at 9 DAF, but germination declined as development continued, presumably due to the imposition of physiological dormancy. Physical dormancy developed at or after physiological maturity, once seed moisture content declined below 20%. Seeds were able to tolerate desiccation from 18 DAF; desiccation hastened development of physical dormancy and improved germination. These results provide important information regarding M. parviflora seed development, which will ultimately improve weed control techniques aimed at preventing seed set and further additions to the seed bank.

Desiccation tolerance in relation to soluble sugar contents in seeds of ten coffee (CoffeaL.) species

2000 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 393-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathalie Chabrillange ◽  
Stéphane Dussert ◽  
Florent Engelmann ◽  
Sylvie Doulbeau ◽  
Serge Hamon
Keyword(s):  
Desiccation Tolerance ◽  
Coffea Arabica ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Sugar Content ◽  
Soluble Sugar ◽  
Soluble Sugars ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Seed Desiccation ◽  
Desiccation Sensitivity ◽  
Coffee Species

AbstractLarge differences in seed desiccation sensitivity have been observed previously among ten coffee species (Coffea arabica, C. brevipes, C. canephora, C. eugenioides, C. humilis, C. liberica, C. pocsii, C. pseudo-zanguebariae, C. sessiliflora and C.stenophylla). Of these species,C. libericaandC. humiliswere the most sensitive to desiccation andC. pseudozanguebariaethe most tolerant. A study was carried out using the same seed lots to investigate if these differences in desiccation tolerance could be correlated with differences in soluble sugar content. Soluble sugars were extracted from dry seeds and analysed using high performance liquid chromatography. The seed monosaccharide (glucose and fructose) content was very low (1.5 to 2 mg g-1dry weight [dw]) in all species studied. The sucrose content ranged from 33 mg g-1dw inC. libericaseeds to 89 mg g-1dw in seeds ofC. pocsii. Raffinose was detected in the seeds of only five species (C.arabica, C.brevipes, C.humilis, C.sessiliflora, C.stenophylla), among which only three species (C.arabica, C.sessilifloraandC.brevipes) also contained stachyose. Both raffinose and stachyose were present in very low quantities (0.3–1.4 mg g-1dw and 0.1–0.7 mg g-1dw, respectively). Verbascose was never detected. No significant relationship was found between seed desiccation sensitivity and: (i) the sugar content; (ii) the presence/absence of oligosaccharides; and (iii) the oligosaccharide:sucrose ratio.

scholarly journals Storage of seeds of Calamus palustris var. cochinchinensis

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 201-207
Author(s):  
Y.K. Fan ◽  
M. Liu ◽  
J.X. Hu ◽  
M.Y. Ji ◽  
Q.Y. Lan
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Water Content ◽  
Storage Temperature ◽  
Aluminum Foil ◽  
Effect Of Temperature ◽  
Seed Moisture Content ◽  
Seed Desiccation ◽  
Seed Moisture ◽  
Mature Seeds

The present study examined the effect of temperature (15, 20, 25, 30 and 20/30°C) on germination and the storage behaviour of freshly harvested mature seeds of Calamus palustris var. cochinchinensis. Seed desiccation tolerance and the effects of storage temperature (4 and 15°C), perlite water content (120, 180 and 240%) and seed moisture content (27.8, 38.2 and 49.2%) on viability were observed. Seeds had a higher germination at 25°C (88.3%) than at the other tested temperatures. Germination decreased as the seed moisture content decreased during desiccation. The germination of seeds stored at 15°C was higher than that of seeds stored at 4°C. Germination of seeds stored at 15 and 4°C was <65% and with extension of storage time, the germination decreased, indicating that neither temperature can be used for long-term conservation. For short-term storage, the seeds can be stored at 15°C with perlite with 180% water content in plastic bottles or at 15°C with 49.2% moisture content sealed inside aluminum foil bags.

scholarly journals What Do We Know About the Genetic Basis of Seed Desiccation Tolerance and Longevity?

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. 3612
Author(s):  
Hanna Kijak ◽  
Ewelina Ratajczak
Keyword(s):  
Low Temperature ◽  
Desiccation Tolerance ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Gene Expression Profiles ◽  
Seed Storage ◽  
Water Losses ◽  
Economic Interests ◽  
Seed Desiccation ◽  
Orthodox Seeds ◽  
The Right

Long-term seed storage is important for protecting both economic interests and biodiversity. The extraordinary properties of seeds allow us to store them in the right conditions for years. However, not all types of seeds are resilient, and some do not tolerate extreme desiccation or low temperature. Seeds can be divided into three categories: (1) orthodox seeds, which tolerate water losses of up to 7% of their water content and can be stored at low temperature; (2) recalcitrant seeds, which require a humidity of 27%; and (3) intermediate seeds, which lose their viability relatively quickly compared to orthodox seeds. In this article, we discuss the genetic bases for desiccation tolerance and longevity in seeds and the differences in gene expression profiles between the mentioned types of seeds.

scholarly journals Using Seed Volatiles as a Possible Indicator for Seed Deterioration during Storage

HortScience ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 526D-526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ming Zhang ◽  
Eric E. Roos
Keyword(s):  
Volatile Compounds ◽  
Seed Storage ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Moisture Level ◽  
Seed Moisture Content ◽  
Storage Container ◽  
Seed Deterioration ◽  
Seed Moisture ◽  
Dry Conditions ◽  
Moisture Conditions

All kinds of plant seeds evolve volatile compounds during storage. However, a reliable deterioration forecast method is still not established using volatile evolution, even though some preliminary work indicated a relationship between volatile evolution and seed deterioration (Fielding and Goldsworthy, 1982; Hailstones and Smith, 1989; Zhang et al., 1993). Here we review some of the previous work concerning seed volatiles and present some more recent research on the effects of seed moisture content on deterioration. We found that volatile evolution from seeds was controlled by seed moisture level. Generally, seeds tended to evolve more hexanal and pentanal under extremely dry conditions (below 25% equilibrium RH). The production of hexanal and pentanal decreased with increasing seed moisture level. On the other hand, methanol and ethanol increased with increasing seed moisture. All of the volatile compounds accumulated in the headspace of the seed storage container during storage. Therefore, it should be possible to use different volatiles to indicate the deterioration of seeds stored under different moisture levels. We suggest that hexanal may be used for seed assessing deterioration under dry storage conditions (below 25% equilibrium RH), while ethanol may be used for seeds stored under higher moisture conditions (above 25% equilibrium RH). [References: Fielding, J.L. and Goldsworthy, A. (1982) Seed Sci. Technol. 10: 277–282. Hailstones, M.D. and Smith, M.T. (1989) Seed Sci. Technol. 17: 649–658. Zhang et al. (1993) Seed Sci. Technol. 21:359–373.]

scholarly journals Effect of Scarification, Seed Storage Temperature, and Relative Humidity on Lupinus havardii Wats. and Lupinus texensis Hook. Seed Germination

HortScience ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 782-785 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wayne A. Mackay
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Storage Temperature ◽  
Germination Rate ◽  
Seed Storage ◽  
Significant Decline ◽  
Rapid Decline ◽  
Seed Moisture Content ◽  
C Storage ◽  
Seed Moisture ◽  
Seed Scarification

Seeds of Lupinus havardii Wats. and L. texensis Hook. were subjected to scarification, storage temperature (4 or 22 °C), and relative humidity (RH) treatments (11%, 23%, 52%, 75%, or 97% RH) for 12 months. Seed moisture increased as relative humidity increased with scarified seed having the greatest increase in seed moisture content regardless of storage temperature. For both species, the combination of seed scarification before storage, 75% RH, and 22 °C storage temperature resulted in a significant and rapid decline in germinability beginning at 4 months. Scarified L. texensis seed stored at 52% RH and 22 °C also exhibited a significant decline in germinability following 6 months storage. Seed of both species stored under all other conditions germinated similar to or higher than the initial germination rate after 12 months. These results clearly show that scarification can be performed before seed packaging as long as the seed packets are stored at ≤23% RH under 4 or 22 °C with no loss in germinability for at least 1 year.

scholarly journals Moisture adsorption isotherms and quality of seeds stored in conventional packaging materials and hermetic Super Bag

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Amir Bakhtavar ◽  
Irfan Afzal ◽  
Shahzad Maqsood Ahmed Basra
Keyword(s):  
Adsorption Isotherms ◽  
Seed Quality ◽  
Storage Period ◽  
Seed Storage ◽  
Packaging Materials ◽  
Seed Moisture Content ◽  
Moisture Adsorption ◽  
Moisture Contents ◽  
Seed Moisture

AbstractSeed moisture content (SMC) is an important attribute to seed quality. Maintaining seed dryness throughout supply chain (The Dry Chain) prevents seed germination and quality losses. Ambient relative humidity (RH) and temperature affect seed moisture and thereof seed moisture isotherm. Present study was conducted to compare the moisture adsorption isotherms of wheat, maize, cotton and quinoa seeds packed in hermetic Super Bag and traditional packaging materials including paper, polypropylene (PP), jute and cloth bags. Seeds were incubated at 60, 70, 80 and 90% static RH. Nearly straight line moisture isotherms for all crop seeds were obtained in Super Bag. Seed moisture contents increased in traditional packaging materials with increasing RH. At higher level of RH, moisture contents increased slightly (1-2%) in Super Bag, whereas this increase was much higher in traditional packaging materials (≈9% higher than original SMC at 90% RH). In second study, seeds were dried to 8 and 14% initial seed moisture contents using zeolite drying beads and were stored in hermetic and traditional bags for a period of 18 months. For all crop seeds, germination was severely affected in all packaging materials both at 8 and 14% initial SMC except storage in Super Bag at 8% SMC. Wheat seed stored in Super Bag at 8% SMC almost maintained initial germination while germination of cotton, maize and quinoa seeds declined 7%, 14% and 30% respectively in Super Bag at 8% SMC. Seed storage in Super Bag can help to prevent the significant increase in seed moisture at higher RH as is evident from moisture isotherm study, thus helps to preserve quality of maize, wheat, cotton and quinoa seeds by maintaining The Dry Chain throughout the storage period.

Seed germination in Prunus cerasoides D. Don influenced by natural seed desiccation and varying temperature in Central Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India.

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (05) ◽  
pp. 4567 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhawna Tewari* ◽  
Ashish Tewari
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Colour Change ◽  
Himalayan Region ◽  
Seed Moisture Content ◽  
Hard Seed ◽  
Seed Desiccation ◽  
Seed Maturity ◽  
Seed Moisture ◽  
Prunus Cerasoides

Prunus cerasoides D. Don the Himalayan wild cherry is one lesser known multipurpose tree species of Himalaya. The tree prefers to grow on sloping grounds between the altitudes of 1200-2400 m, on all types of soils and rocks. The tree is used as a medicinal plant in Himalayan region. The fruit is edible and the pulp is used to make a cherry brandy. The species has poor germination and seedling establishment in natural habitat. The over exploitation of seeds of the species coupled with relatively hard seed coat has adversely affects the germination of seeds in their natural habitat. The information about the seed maturity and technique of germination enhancement is scanty. The present study was conducted to assess the exact maturity time and optimum temperature for enhancement of germination in seed of P. cerasoides.  The fruit/seeds were collected from six sites covering the altitudinal range of 1350 – 1810 m during the period (2003-2004). The colour change of fruit from dark green to red was a useful indicator of seed maturity. Maximum germination coincided with 50.24 ± 0.19 % fruit and 30.11 ± 0.57 % seed moisture content. Negative correlation existed between germination and seed moisture content (r = 0.294; P< 0.01). Significantly higher germination occurred when seeds were placed above the paper at 25º C.

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