The Development and Mobilisation of Seed Reserves in Some African Orchids

1987 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 343 ◽  
Author(s):  
JC Manning ◽  
Staden J Van

The development, final appearance and digestion (during germination) of seed reserves in a number of genera of the Orchidaceae (tribe Orchideae) has been studied comprehensively, using ultrastructural and histochemical techniques complemented by gas chromatographic analysis of free sugars. Mature seeds of Disa, Disperis and Huttonaea contain substantial reserves of lipid and protein in the embryo. The protodermal cells of Disperis also contain protein-carbohydrate bodies. Free sugars are present but starch occurs only in immature seeds. Glyoxysomes are absent and lipolysis does not occur in seeds incubated without an external source of sucrose, and although a little starch is formed it is apparently synthesised from endogenous sucrose reserves. In the presence of exogenous sucrose, however, proteins are hydrolysed and glyoxysomes appear. Substantial quantities of starch are formed in such seeds. From these observations it is apparent that orchid seeds are unable to utilise endogenous reserves of lipid unless simple sugars are supplied to the medium but can utilise the free sugars present in the embryo. Resultant conclusions on the role of mycorrhizae in the germination of orchid seeds are discussed.

1983 ◽  
Vol 48 (7) ◽  
pp. 1864-1866
Author(s):  
Jan Bartoň ◽  
Ivan Kmínek

2,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadiene is formed in the catalytic solution for the dimerization of 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene to β-myrcene (3-methylene-7-methyl-1,6-octadiene), as revealed by mass spectrometry and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Visual observations together with the results of gas chromatographic analysis of the catalytic solution suggest that the formation of 2,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadiene is associated with the transition of the alkali metal (sodium) from the solid phase into the solution. A reaction pathway is suggested accounting for the formation of 2,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadiene in the system.


2021 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chih-Hsin Yeh ◽  
Kai-Yi Chen ◽  
Yung-I. Lee

Abstract Background Vanilla planifolia is an important tropical orchid for production of natural vanilla flavor. Traditionally, V. planifolia is propagated by stem cuttings, which produces identical genotype that are sensitive to virulent pathogens. However, propagation with seed germination of V. planifolia is intricate and unstable because the seed coat is extremely hard with strong hydrophobic nature. A better understanding of seed development, especially the formation of impermeable seed coat would provide insights into seed propagation and conservation of genetic resources of Vanilla. Results We found that soaking mature seeds in 4% sodium hypochlorite solution from 75 to 90 min significantly increased germination. For the culture of immature seeds, the seed collection at 45 days after pollination (DAP) had the highest germination percentage. We then investigated the anatomical features during seed development that associated with the effect of seed pretreatment on raising seed germination percentage. The 45-DAP immature seeds have developed globular embryos and the thickened non-lignified cell wall at the outermost layer of the outer seed coat. Seeds at 60 DAP and subsequent stages germinated poorly. As the seed approached maturity, the cell wall of the outermost layer of the outer seed coat became lignified and finally compressed into a thick envelope at maturity. On toluidine blue O staining, the wall of outer seed coat stained greenish blue, indicating the presence of phenolic compounds. As well, on Nile red staining, a cuticular substance was detected in the surface wall of the embryo proper and the innermost wall of the inner seed coat. Conclusion We report a reliable protocol for seed pretreatment of mature seeds and for immature seeds culture based on a defined time schedule of V. plantifolia seed development. The window for successful germination of culturing immature seed was short. The quick accumulation of lignin, phenolics and/or phytomelanins in the seed coat may seriously inhibit seed germination after 45 DAP. As seeds matured, the thickened and lignified seed coat formed an impermeable envelope surrounding the embryo, which may play an important role in inducing dormancy. Further studies covering different maturity of green capsules are required to understand the optimal seed maturity and germination of seeds.


1981 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Di Corcia ◽  
R. Samperi ◽  
E. Sebastiani ◽  
C. Severini

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