Prunus africana is an endangered medicinal species and has been classified as a priority for domestication in Cameroon.However,the seeds rapidly lose their viability during storage at room temperature after 2–3 month...Prunus africana is an endangered medicinal species and has been classified as a priority for domestication in Cameroon.However,the seeds rapidly lose their viability during storage at room temperature after 2–3 months.This study aimed to improve seed germination of P.africana by germinating at different temperatures(4℃,28℃)using different concentrations of growth stimulators(sodium nitrate and gibberellic acid)and different concentrations of salts.P.africana seeds had 91.7%germination at 4C after 1 month of storage.Growth regulators considerably influenced germination after 6 months and reached 66.0%with 10 mM gibberellic acid and 100%with 10 mM sodium nitrate.Approximately three shoots per seed were developed,an indication of polyembryony.Histochemical analyses revealed the presence of protein-like bodies close to the embryo axis and accumulations of starch after 7 days of germination.After 14 days,amyloplasts and dark protein bodies of various sizes were observed.The outcome of this study will contribute to improve the germination of P.africana for better domestication and conservation.展开更多
基金This work was supported by The Rufford Small Grants Foundation to Niemenak Nicolas(RSG Ref.70.05.09)and by the UNESCO 1’Oreal Fellowship for Women in Science Program to Nzweundji Justine Germo.The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is also acknowledged for material donation to Niemenak Nicolas.
文摘Prunus africana is an endangered medicinal species and has been classified as a priority for domestication in Cameroon.However,the seeds rapidly lose their viability during storage at room temperature after 2–3 months.This study aimed to improve seed germination of P.africana by germinating at different temperatures(4℃,28℃)using different concentrations of growth stimulators(sodium nitrate and gibberellic acid)and different concentrations of salts.P.africana seeds had 91.7%germination at 4C after 1 month of storage.Growth regulators considerably influenced germination after 6 months and reached 66.0%with 10 mM gibberellic acid and 100%with 10 mM sodium nitrate.Approximately three shoots per seed were developed,an indication of polyembryony.Histochemical analyses revealed the presence of protein-like bodies close to the embryo axis and accumulations of starch after 7 days of germination.After 14 days,amyloplasts and dark protein bodies of various sizes were observed.The outcome of this study will contribute to improve the germination of P.africana for better domestication and conservation.
