scholarly journals Seed size variability: from carob to carats

2006 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 397-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay A Turnbull ◽  
Luis Santamaria ◽  
Toni Martorell ◽  
Joan Rallo ◽  
Andy Hector
Keyword(s):  
Natural Selection ◽  
Seed Size ◽  
Seed Weight ◽  
Natural Variation ◽  
Ceratonia Siliqua ◽  
Size Variability

The seeds of various plants were used as weights because their mass reputedly varies so little. Carob ( Ceratonia siliqua ), which has given its name to the carat, is particularly famous in this regard. But are carob seeds unusually constant in weight and, if not, how did the myth arise? The variability of seeds sampled from a collection of carob trees (CV=23%) was close to the average of 63 species reviewed from the literature (CV=25%). However, in a perception experiment observers could discriminate differences in carob seed weight of around 5% by eye demonstrating the potential for humans to greatly reduce natural variation. Interestingly, the variability of pre-metrication carat weight standards is also around 5% suggesting that human rather than natural selection gave rise to the carob myth.

Detection and Mapping of RAPD Markers Associated with QTL Affecting Seed Size and Shape in Common Bean

HortScience ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 547b-547
Author(s):  
Soon O. Park ◽  
Dermot P. Coyne ◽  
Geunhwa Jung ◽  
E. Arnaud-Santana ◽  
H. Ariyarathne
Keyword(s):  
Linkage Group ◽  
Common Bean ◽  
Seed Size ◽  
Phenotypic Variation ◽  
Seed Weight ◽  
Rapd Markers ◽  
Rapd Marker ◽  
Seed Shape ◽  
Seed Length ◽  
Ri Lines

Seed size is an important trait in common bean. The objective was to identify RAPD markers associated with QTL for seed weight, seed length, and seed height in a molecular marker-based linkage map in a recombinant inbred (RI) population from the common bean cross of the larger seeded (100 seed/39 to 47 g) PC-50 (ovate seed shape) × smaller seeded (100 seed/26 to 35 g) XAN-159 (flat rhomboidal seed shape). The parents and RI lines were grown in two separate greenhouse and two field (Wisconsin, Dominican Republic) experiments using a RCBD. Continuous distributions for seed weight, seed length, and seed height were observed for RI lines indicating quantitative inheritance. One to three QTLs affecting seed weight explained 17% to 41% of the phenotypic variation. Two to three QTLs for seed length explained 23% to 45% of the phenotypic variation. One to four QTL associated with seed height explained 17% to 39% of the phenotypic variation. A RAPD marker M5.850 in linkage group 3 was consistently associated with seed weight, seed length, and seed height in all experiments and explained 7% to 13% of the phenotypic variation for these traits. A seedcoat pattern morphological marker (C) in linkage group 1 was associated with seed weight and seed height in two greenhouse experiments.

Validation of Seed Weight-Associated SSR Markers and Their Usefulness in Distinguishing Chickpea Genotypes According to Seed Size

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 130-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vaishali V. Borse ◽  
Pawan L. Kulwal ◽  
Laxman B. Mhase ◽  
Ashok S. Jadhav
Keyword(s):  
Ssr Markers ◽  
Seed Size ◽  
Seed Weight

Natural variation on whole‐plant form in the wild is influenced by multivariate soil nutrient characteristics: natural selection acts on root traits

2020 ◽  
Vol 107 (2) ◽  
pp. 319-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Courtney J. Murren ◽  
Claudia H. S. Alt ◽  
Clare Kohler ◽  
Gorka Sancho
Keyword(s):  
Natural Selection ◽  
Natural Variation ◽  
Soil Nutrient ◽  
Root Traits ◽  
Whole Plant ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Plant Form

scholarly journals Back to Basics: Does Seed Size Affect Germination and Plant Uniformity in Broccoli (Brassica Oleracea var Italica)?

Proceedings ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 181
Author(s):  
Celia van Sprang ◽  
Gayathri Rajagopal
Keyword(s):  
Brassica Oleracea ◽  
Seed Size ◽  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Crop Growth ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Field Uniformity ◽  
Direct Seeded ◽  
Subsequent Crop ◽  
Size Variability ◽  
The Impact

Hand harvested crops, such as brassicas and lettuce, are prone to high levels of variability during growth and at harvest. This necessitates multiple harvest passes and substantially increased labour costs for the grower. Both biotic and abiotic factors contribute to this lack of field uniformity. The main objective was to evaluate the impact of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica) seed size variability on germination, subsequent crop growth and harvest uniformity. An initial experiment was conducted where germination counts across three seed-size categories including, 2.0mm (SS1), 2.3 mm (SS2) and 2.45 mm (SS3), were recorded at 3, 7, 10 and 14 days after sowing (DAS). At 14 DAS, germination was greater in the SS1 (95%) and SS2 (91%) than the SS3 (66%) (P < 0.005). A second experiment evaluated the same seed categories planted under direct seeded (DS) and transplanted (TR) conditions to identify differences in crop growth and development. At 49 DAS, DS plant counts per plot were lowest for the SS3 (54.5 plants plot−1) compared with the SS1 (70.5 plants plot−1) and SS2 (64 plants plot−1). This could be attributed to the reduced seed coat thickness evident in the SS3 (66.3 μm) which can potentially lead to increased damage and mortality of the seed, compared with the SS1 (79.3 μm) and SS2 (73.1 μm). The TR treatment gave greater uniformity with no significant difference (P < 0.05) in plant populations across seed size categories (SS1 = 95, SS2 = 90 and SS3 = 96 plants plot−1).

An analysis of seed development in Pisum sativum. XV. The influence of seed size on protein content

1991 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 203-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. E. Arthur ◽  
H. Adams ◽  
K. Strouts ◽  
D. A. Jones ◽  
T. L. Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pisum Sativum ◽  
Protein Content ◽  
Total Variation ◽  
Seed Development ◽  
Seed Size ◽  
Seed Weight ◽  
Genetic Component ◽  
Residual Variation ◽  
Percentage Protein

AbstractThe variation for protein content has been assessed in a series of pea (Pisum sativum L.) lines differing in mean seed size. The range of seed size within each genotype was manipulated by growing the plants in different environments and by altering the structure of the plant. The response of the lines in terms of seed weight to the environments and treatments was inconsistent, but 90% of the total variation was accounted for by differences between genotypes. In contrast, for percentage protein, the genetic component was much weaker with nearly half the variation being accounted for by within (residual) variation. The correlations between seed weight and percentage protein were highly genotype specific. For the largerseeded genotype, percentage protein increased with increasing seed size (r= +0.9, P < 0.01), while for the small-seeded genotype there was mid-range negative value (r = −0.5, P <0.01). It is suggested that any assessment of percentage protein in pea genotypes must take account of seed size.

Effects of seed size and seed weight on seedling establishment, seedling vigour and tolerance of summer turnip rape (Brassica rapa) to flea beetles, Phyllotreta spp.

2007 ◽  
Vol 87 (2) ◽  
pp. 385-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. H. Elliott ◽  
L. W. Mann ◽  
O. O. Olfert
Keyword(s):  
Seed Size ◽  
Brassica Rapa ◽  
Seedling Establishment ◽  
Seed Weight ◽  
Flea Beetle ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Seedling Vigour ◽  
Shoot Dry Weight ◽  
Flea Beetles ◽  
Beetle Damage

A 3-yr study was conducted on three synthetic Brassica rapa L. cultivars to determine the effects of seed size and seed weight on seedling establishment, seedling growth and susceptibility to feeding damage by flea beetles, Phyllotreta spp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Seed lots of AC Boreal, Fairview and Hysyn 110 were sieved to obtain small, medium and large seeds (1.4–1.6, 1.6–1.8 and 1.8–2.0 mm, respectively). In the laboratory, seedlings grown from large seeds had the largest cotyledons, highest shoot dry weight and highest biomass. Shoot weights increased as seed size increased. Sized seeds of the three cultivars were grown in the field without insecticides in 1998–2000. Seedlings of small seeds had the highest flea beetle damage and poorest seedling establishment. Shoot dry weight and biomass 14–35 d after planting increased as seed size and seed weight increased. Compared with small seeds, large seeds improved shoot dry weight, biomass and seed yield by 13–43, 25–57 and 12%, respectively. Results indicated that seedlings of medium and large seeds are more vigorous and tolerant to flea beetle damage than seedlings of small seeds. Tolerance was due to a higher initial seedling weight rather than higher relative growth rate. Shoot dry weights, biomass and yield of the three cultivars were more strongly correlated with 1000-seed weight than with seed diameter. Key words: Canola, flea beetles, seed size, seedling vigour, tolerance, seed weight

Effects of Insecticide, Weed-Free Period, and Row Spacing on Soybean (Glycine max) and Sicklepod (Cassia obtusifolia) Growth

Weed Science ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 702-706 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert H. Walker ◽  
Michael G. Patterson ◽  
Ellis Hauser ◽  
David J. Isenhour ◽  
James W. Todd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Glycine Max ◽  
Seed Size ◽  
Seed Weight ◽  
Significant Interaction ◽  
Soybean Seed ◽  
Row Spacing ◽  
Fresh Weight ◽  
Cassia Obtusifolia ◽  
Insecticide Treatment ◽  
Weed Interference

Results from identical experiments conducted at Headland, AL, and Plains, GA, from 1980 through 1982 show insecticide treatment had little effect on soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr. ‘Coker 237′] growth and morphology. Maximum insecticide applications increased soybean seed weight in two of five trials. Soybeans maintained free of sicklepod (Cassia obtusifoliaL. ♯3CASOB) for 4 weeks after emergence produced yields equal to those receiving season-long control in all trials, and 2-week control was equal to season-long maintenance in three trials. Length of weed interference-free maintenance did not affect soybean height. The number of pods per plant and seed weight were decreased when there was no control. Sicklepod shoot fresh weight and numbers decreased as the weed-free period increased from 0 weeks through the season. Row spacing had no effect on soybean height or seed size; however, the number of pods per plant was higher in 80- than in 40-cm rows. Row spacing influenced yield in only one trial where 20-cm rows outyielded 40-cm rows. A significant interaction occurred between the weed-free period and row spacing in two trials. Soybeans in 20-cm rows outyielded those in 40- and 80-cm rows when sicklepod was not controlled (i.e., 0 weeks interference-free maintenance).

Seed size influences the coleoptile length of wheat

1988 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 521 ◽  
Author(s):  
PS Cornish ◽  
S Hindmarsh
Keyword(s):  
Triticum Aestivum ◽  
Seed Size ◽  
Seed Weight ◽  
Size Class ◽  
Adult Plant ◽  
Coleoptile Length ◽  
Seed Width ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Selection Of

Variation in coleoptile length within and between 2 cultivars of semidwarf wheat (Triticum aestivum) was related to seed size. Seeds of cvv. Banks and Kite were separated by sieving for width into the size classes of >2.75, 2.75-250, 2.50-2.25 and 2.25- 2.00 mm. The mean grain weights of ungraded samples were 43.1 mg (Kite) and 34.3 mg (Banks), and for the subsamples were 52.4, 37.9, 30.4 and 20.7 mg (Kite) and 41.4, 33.2, 25.8 and 19.1 mg (Banks). The effect of size class on coleoptile length was significant (P<0.01). Over both cultivars, coleoptile length declined by 0.37 mm per mg reduction in seed weight. Kite produced the longer coleoptiles overall, 87.5 mm compared with 59.0 mm for Banks. However, only 3.3 mm of this difference can be accounted for by the mean difference in seed weight (8.8 mg) and the effect of seed weight on coleoptile length (0.37 mm/mg). Genetic differences, apart from adult plant height, appear to explain most of the difference in coleoptile length between the cultivars. There was considerable genetic variability within genotypes. In Banks, with seed width >2.75 mm (41.4 mg per seed), the lengths of coleoptiles ranged from 24-89 mm (mean 65.1 mm), suggesting considerable scope for the selection of genotypes with longer coleoptiles.

The association between seed size and seed longevity among maternal families inAmbrosia trifidaL. populations

2008 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 201-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian J. Schutte ◽  
Emilie E. Regnier ◽  
S. Kent Harrison
Keyword(s):  
Seed Size ◽  
Seed Bank ◽  
Seed Weight ◽  
Inverse Relationship ◽  
Seed Morphology ◽  
Seed Longevity ◽  
Eastern United States ◽  
Weight Percentage ◽  
Late Emergence ◽  
Before And After

AbstractIn temperate plant communities, seed size is often inversely related to seed longevity at the species level. We tested if the inverse relationship between seed size and seed longevity holds among individuals within populations ofAmbrosia trifidaL. (Asteraceae), a summer annual agricultural weed in the eastern United States Corn Belt that typically emerges in two successive flushes: one before 1 May and one after 1 May. The effects of maternal phenotype on seed morphology, seed weight, late emergence (emergence after 1 May) and seed-bank persistence were determined in two 1-year experiments. All seeds were collected from individuals at weekly intervals for 3 weeks. Sixty seeds per collection were used in the analysis. Despite fluctuating environmental conditions during seed development, seed weight within maternal families remained constant for different maturation times. Differences among families constituted 69% of total variation in seed weight, whereas differences within maternal families composed 31% of the variation in seed weight. Percentage late emergence and percentage seed-bank persistence varied among maternal families. In four maternal families, either 0% or 100% of seedlings emerged after 1 May, but a majority of other maternal families produced seedlings both before and after 1 May. Seed-bank persistence rates ranged from 1 to 51% among maternal families. Percentage late emergence and percentage seed-bank persistence were inversely related to maternal-family mean seed weight in 2006, but not in 2005. These results suggest that the inverse relationship between seed size and seed longevity occurs among individuals of a population, but is affected by the environment.

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