Seed Germination and Storage of Woody Species in the Lower Subtropical Forest

The dimension, water content and germination of the seeds from 90 woody species in the lower subtropical forest were analyzed in this study. Out of 90 species, germination analysis was performed in 45 species (in which there were enough germinating individuals), and the effect of storage of seed and fruit on germination of seed was studied in 41 species (in which there were enough seeds and germinating individuals). Most of the species began to germinate within 60 d. Hypogeal species had longer dormancy than epigeal species. Dormancy of fleshy seeds and seeds in pulpy fruit was also longer than that of dry seeds. There were no significant differences in length of dormancy (LD, days from sowing to germination) between fleshy seeds ripening in summer and those ripening in winter and spring, and between big seeds and small seeds. Seeds in pulpy fruit or fleshy seeds had more germination than the dry seeds ( P <0.05), however, percentage germination was not significantly correlated with water content of fresh seeds. Water loss in the seeds could obviously affect percentage germination, especially during the early three days when the seeds were laid open in air in the laboratory. When water content of the seeds decreased to about 20% (fresh weight basis), percentage germination became very low, this happened when the seeds were laid open in air for 10-14 d. Percentage germination decreased with the length of storing in refrigerator ((4±1) ℃), but it was not markedly affected for one month's storage, with a decrease by 8.3% in comparison with the fresh seeds, and it was greatly affected by storing for more than three months, with values decreasing by 37%, 63%, and 81% for three months', six months' and 12 months' storage respectively. Difference in percentage germination as well as in LD was not significant for most lots after different storing periods between big seeds and small seeds, between fruit storage and seed storage, and between seeds in pulpy fruits or fleshy seeds and dry seeds.

Pollen Germination in vitro and Pollen Storage of the Eggplant(Solanummelongena L.)

The eggplant (Solanummelongena L.) is widely cultivated across the world.Technology regarding the in vitro germination and preservation of eggplant pollen is important for the production of hybrid seeds.In this work,the suitable cultural medium and time for the germination of fresh and dried pollen was investigated.The results showed that a suitable medium for eggplant pollen germination was 0.5% agar+5% sucrose+0.01% boric acid+0.01% GA3,the suitable culture time was 2 h for fresh pollen and 4 h for dried pollen stored at low temperature.GA3 could induce the germination of dried and stored pollen. The better way to dry anthers was 4 h in a desiccator at 25~30℃.We also found that pollen from the second to the fourth branch has the highest germination rate. Furthermore,there were no significant differences in the seed setting rates among the different storage temperatures and storage times,whereas the number of viable seeds formed per fruit differed significantly,which was 87.3% more for pollen stored at -80℃ and fresh pollen than that stored at 4℃.This work optimized pollen storage conditions and is helpful to eggplant hybrid seed production.

Effects of Cashew Seeds Storage Duration on Germination and Performance of Seedlings in Tanzania

A field trial was set in 2018/2019 season to investigate the capacity of cashew seeds to germinate and its vegetative performance with respect to the storage period at Agricultural Research Institute-(TARI-Naliendele), Mtwara-Tanzania. The variable investigated was the duration of the cashew seeds storage period. Cashew seeds were harvested at polyclonal seed gardens (PSG) for three harvesting seasons 2016, 2017 and 2018 consecutively;seeds were sorted, weighed and soaked before sowing to test viability in respective to storage time. Using a randomized complete block design obeying factorial approach the experiment was laid with three replications. The observed growth parameters were height (cm), number of leaves, leaf length (cm), leaf width (cm), leaf area (sq cm), leaf area index (LAI), canopy diameter (cm) and seedlings canopy ground area (sq cm). The analysis was done by using GenStat under Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) on seed germination. The findings indicated that cashew seeds harvested in 2018 were the superior in both germination and growth vigor differing significantly (p < 0.05) from other seeds harvested in the previous years. Cashew seeds harvested in 2017 were weak and those harvested in 2016 were the worse such that no seeds were able even to germinate. Thus, it is recommendable to sow cashew seeds harvested at the current season for sowing than those stored for more than a year.

Effect of Low Temperature Storage on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Dragon Fruit

In order to explore the best storage temperature and storage period of dragon fruit seeds,with the constant-humidity germplasm cold storage of Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences as a platform and storage temperature as an environmental factor,the germination characteristics of dragon fruit seeds and seedling growth characteristics under low temperature storage(8,4,-1,-10℃)and room temperature storage(25-30℃)over time were explored.The results showed that with the extension of the storage time,the seed germination rates,germination index,healthy seedling rates,seedling heights and fresh weights of 10 seedlings of the three dragon fruit varieties showed basically the same trends,showing a downward trend.After 367 d of cold storage,the germination rate decreased from 100%to 92.33%-98.00%,and the room temperature treatments decreased to 54.00%-86.30%;and the healthy seedling rates of cold-stored seeds decreased from 96.33%-98.00%to 77.33%-97.3%,and the values of the room temperature treatments dropped to 12.00%-68.33%.The germination rates,germination index,healthy seedling rates and seedling heights of the three dragon fruit varieties stored at low temperatures were basically significantly higher than those of the room temperature treatments within 367 d of storage.The germination rates of the three varieties stored at 8℃had no significant differences from other low temperature treatments,but the germination index was significantly lower than other low temperature treatments at 367 d.It showed that low temperature storage at-10-8℃could significantly prolong the vigor and storage time of dragon fruit seeds.Considering cost and other factors,it is better to store dragon fruit seeds in a dry environment at 4℃.The seeds stored at 4℃for 1 year showed a germination rate maintained over 90%and a healthy seedling rate over 85%.

Seed Germinability of 23 Crop Species After a Decade of Storage in the National Genebank of China

Seed viability of 18 576 accessions of 23 crops was monitored. After 10-12 years storage in National Crop Genebank ofChina (NCGC), more than 96.12% of the accessions maintained high germination percentage (>85%). The germination of95 accessions, accounting for 0.51% of the total, declined significantly from above 80% to below 70%. For each crop ofcarrot (Daucus carota var. sativa DC.), lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), cotton (Gossypium sp. L.), flax (Linum usitatissimumL.) and castor-oil plant (Ricinus communis L.), the mean monitored germination percentage declined significantly as awhole, of which carrot and lettuce seeds lost viability more rapidly. Seed initial germination percentage and pre-storageenvironments affect subsequent seed viability in storage.

Effects of Nitric Oxide on the Germination of Wheat Seeds and Its Reactive Oxygen Species Metabolisms Under Osmotic Stress

Effects of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a nitric oxide (NO) donor, on the germination and metabolism of reactive oxygen species were surveyed in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seeds. Germination of wheat seeds and even the elongation of radicle and plumule were dramatically promoted by SNP treatments during the germination under osmotic stress. Meanwhile, activities of amylase and EP were enhanced, thus leading to the degradation of storage reserve in seeds. After osmotic stress was removed, higher viability of wheat seeds was also maintained. In addition, the activities of CAT, APX and the content of proline were increased by SNP treatment simultaneously, but activities of LOX were inhibited, and both of which were beneficial for improving the antioxidant capacity during the germination of wheat seeds under osmotic stress. It was also shown that the increase of the activity of amylase induced by SNP in embryoless half-seeds of wheat in the beginning period of germination (6 h) might be indirectly related to GA(3).

Longevity of Juniperus procera seed lots under different storage conditions: implications for ex situ conservation in seed banks

Juniperus procera Endl. is economically important timber species, but its populations are extremely small and fragmented in its natural habitat, thus, calling for immediate ex situ conservation. Here we examined the effects of seed sources and storage temperature on the longevity of Juniperus procera seed lots through collection and preservation of seeds in seed banks. Seeds were collected from nine sites across the species natural distribution in Ethiopia and stored in four warehouses： modern cold room （5℃）, mud house （15℃）, concrete block house （17℃ or corrugated iron house （20℃） for 42 months. Every three months, a random sample of stored seeds were drawn and tested for germination. A highly significant variation （p 0.01） in germination of stored seeds was observed among different storage environments, seed lots, and duration of storage. Over the storage period, seeds stored in the cold room had the highest mean percentage germination, followed by the mud house, corrugated house and blocket house. The cold room （41%） and the mud house （38%） maintained the same level of germination as the intitial germination of the seedlotds （42%）. The variation in longevity of stored seeds was significnatly correlated with the initial germination of seed lots （r 0.80; p 0.01）. Cold storage also resulted in enhancement of germination through its stratification effect that terminated the non-deepphysiological dormancy of juniper seeds. In conclusion, seed lots with good initial germination can be effectively stored in cold room （5℃） up to four years. In the absence of modern cold stores, mud houses can be used as a good alternative to store seeds at local level.

Comparison of seed germination of four Artemisia species (Asteraceae) in northeastern Inner Mongolia,China

Two psammophile-dominated Artemisia semi-shrubs （A. wudanica and A. halodendron） and two annual Artemisia forbs （A. sieversiana and A. scoparia） bear significant ecological functions in Horqin Sandy Land, but systematical information on their achenes＇ germination is very limited. A set of studies were conducted to evaluate seed germination responses to storage periods and methods, different temperatures, lights conditions and sand burial depths, in order to determine inter-specific germination variation in the same genus and to explain how the species adapt to its microhabitat. Fresh achenes of A. wudanica, A. halodendron and A. sieversiana showed high germination capacities, but those of A. scoparia had obvious innate dormancy, which could be broken by chilling and dry storage, especially long-term dry storage. Achene germination of the two semi-shrubs preferred lower temperature fluctuation （10 to 22℃） and was not sensitive to light. But the two annuals preferred higher temperature fluctuation （34 to 22℃） and strong light for their achene germination. These four Artemisia species showed similar responses to sand burial, i.e. soil surface was most favorable for seedling emergence, and the deeper the sand burial, the fewer the seedling emergence. For the two semi-shrubs, their microhabitats are sand dunes with high temperature and intense light, which are not favorable for germination and seedling survival. Only rainfall contributes to temporary decrease of temperature and then triggers germination. We deduced that germination is not the main but a supplementary repro- ductive mode for the two semi-shrubs in sand dunes. For the two annuals, achene germination is the only reproductive mode, but different responses have been developed for microhabitat adaptation. For A. sieversiana, high germination capacities in wide temperature ranges and all light conditions could improve its competition and advancement in the wettest microhabitats. For A. scoparia, obvious innate dormancy of fresh achenes and germination inhabitation under unfavorable conditions are important adaptation to environmental disturbances.

Seed storage behavior of Knema attenuata, an endemic species of Western Ghats, India

We performed desiccation and storage trials to better understand storage behavior of Knema attenuata seeds. Mature seeds with moisture content （MC） of 31% exhibited 73% germination. During the period of desiccation （open lab condition） seeds with MC 23% showed 40% germination. After further drying to MC 21% germination was reduced to 16%. Complete loss in viability resulted when seed moisture was reduced to 18%. The seeds stored at -10℃, 0℃, 10℃ and 28±2℃ （open lab condition） lost their viability within 10 days. Seeds stored in sealed polythene hags and moist sand retained viability for more days than did seeds stored under all other storage conditions. Sensitivity of seeds to lower temperature and desiccation suggest that the storage behavior of K. attenuata seeds is recalcitrant. Seeds stored in moist conditions can, at best, be stored for a period of two months.

Effect of Moisture Content on Melilotus suaveolens Seed Quality During Ultra-drying Storage

In order to enhance the seed storability and supply high-quality seeds for vegetation restoration in the arid and semi-arid regions in Northwest China,the effects of ultra-drying and accelerated aging on the physiological characterstics of Melilotus suaveolens seeds were studied.Melilotus suaveolens seeds were dried in a desiccator containing silica gel to 80,53,42,33,23 and 16 g·kg-1 of moisture contents（MC）,respectively.The parameters of the seed quality including germination energy（GE）,germination percentage（GP）,relative conductivity（RC）,dehydrogenase activity（DA） and α-amylase activity（AA） were determined after ultra-drying and accelerated aging.The results showed that ultra-dried seeds with 42 g·kg-1 of MC showed the minimum changes of GE and GP before and after seed aging.Moreover,ultra-dry seeds with 42 g·kg-1 of MC showed higher DA and AA,and lower RC than non-ultra-drying seeds.Therefore,ultra-drying to 42 g·kg-1 of MC was helpful for M.suaveolens seed storage.

The Association between Germination Vigour and Biochemical, Physiological, Subcellular Changes in Bambara Groundnut Seeds after Seed Scarification

Seed storage reserves and organelles after scarification(chemical,mechanical,control)of bambara groundnut with different seed coat colours(cream,light brown and brown)were examined in relation to germination vigour.Seed storage proteins,oil and sugar content,starch granules and protein bodies,germination vigour index(GVI)and mean germination time(MGT)were measured.There were significant(p<0.05)effects of seed scarification on protein body diameter,seed oil content and sugar content.Chemical scarification resulted in seeds having larger starch granules,followed by the control and mechanical scarification that resulted in seeds having smaller starch granules.Mechanical scarification had the highest(p>0.05)protein density,followed by chemical scarification and control seeds that had the lowest protein density.Seeds from the control had the highest oil content,followed by seeds from mechanical scarification and seeds from chemical scarification that had the lowest oil content.Seeds from the control and chemical scarification had larger diameter of protein bodies and sugar content.Seed coat colour significantly(p<0.05)influenced the area and diameter of protein bodies,starch granule area,seed sugar content.Brown seeds produced larger protein bodies and the highest oil content,while light brown seeds had larger area of starch granules and the highest sugar content.Seed storage reserves had an influence on bambara groundnut germination vigour.While favouring dark coloured seeds such as light brown and brown,bambara groundnut seed users should adapt chemical seed scarification to enhance germination vigour of this crop.

Influence of Storage Time on Pollen Traits in Actinidia eriantha

We examined the influence of storage time on germinability and tube growth of freeze stored pollens collected from 25 wild male plants in Actinidia eriantha variety. Pollens were stored in freezer at - 20°C for six months and one year periods to determine changing at germinability in time. In vitro germination was conducted in certain cultural medium defined for Actinidia genus. The results showed that the germination percentages and tube lengths of genotypes decreased at the end of storage period. MH22, MH45, MH47, MH56, MH67, MH70, MH71, MH72, MH74, MH55 and MH61 genotypes were evaluated as vigor genotypes, because they maintained their viability and germination capability displaying statistically insignificant decreasing although their tube lengths significantly decreased except MH67. This investigation provided to determine some robust wild male germplasm resources in A. eriantha in point of durability of pollens against long term conservation for using at future pollination and breeding programs.

不同储藏方式对花生种子萌发的影响

为探明不同储藏方式对花生萌发的影响,以高油酸花生品种豫花37号和开农1715、高油花生品种远杂9102和豫花9326为试验材料,选用不同储藏温度和包装方式,研究不同储藏方式对种子发芽能力、氧化程度、内源激素含量的影响。结果表明,花生类型、储藏温度和包装方式均对花生种子的耐储性有显著影响,较高的油酸含量、低温和自封袋储藏条件,可有效减缓种子氧化进程,维持种子内源激素含量在相对较高水平,从而保证种子活力及发芽能力。相较常温储藏,低温储藏可较好地保持种子活力,低温储藏39个月后,四品种平均发芽率在82%以上,而常温储藏四品种平均发芽率不足32%;包装方式以自封袋优于塑料袋优于网袋,低温储藏39月后,自封袋、塑料袋、网袋发芽率分别保持在85%、83%、80%左右,常温储藏39月后,自封袋、塑料袋、网袋发芽率仅38%、33%、24%左右;高油酸花生品种比普通花生品种更耐储藏,储藏39个月后,两高油酸品种的平均发芽率可保持75%以上,而两普通花生品种的平均发芽率则不足40%。就花生类型而言,高油酸花生的耐储性要优于普通花生,且如果降低环境温度,增加包装的密封程度,还可在一定程度上提高种子的储藏后的活性。

4种绣球花粉离体萌发研究

通过探究‘棉花糖’、‘精灵’‘银边绣球’和蜡莲绣球花粉离体萌发和花粉贮藏条件,为绣球杂交育种等研究工作提供参考。采用单因素试验和正交试验研究蔗糖、硼酸和氯化钙浓度对4种绣球花粉离体萌发的影响,在此基础上进一步探讨光照度、萌发温度、贮藏温度对绣球花粉萌发的影响。结果表明,在单因素试验中,蔗糖和硼酸在一定浓度范围内对4种绣球花粉萌发起促进作用,超过一定浓度则抑制萌发;适量的氯化钙对‘精灵’花粉离体萌发有促进作用,对‘棉花糖’、银边绣球和蜡莲绣球花粉离体萌发均有一定程度的抑制作用。正交试验中,适合‘棉花糖’和银边绣球花粉萌发的最佳培养基均为A 2B 3C 1,即蔗糖100 g/L+硼酸300 mg/L+氯化钙15 mg/L,萌发率分别为32.65%和35.07%;‘精灵’花粉萌发的最佳培养基为A_(3)B_(2)C_(1),即蔗糖150 g/L+硼酸150 mg/L+氯化钙15 mg/L,萌发率为83.59%;蜡莲绣球的最佳培养基为A_(1)B_(1)C_(1),即蔗糖30 g/L+硼酸30 mg/L+氯化钙15 mg/L,萌发率为21.38%。4种绣球花粉萌发最佳光照度为200 lx,最适温度为25℃和30℃;‘棉花糖’、‘精灵’和银边绣球花粉中短期贮藏的适宜温度为-80℃,蜡莲绣球花粉贮藏的适宜温度为-20℃。

耕作方式对冬小麦种子发芽特性及贮藏物质转运的影响

为了研究不同耕作方式对成熟种子的萌发和种子贮藏物质转运特性的影响,文章以百农矮抗58(AK58)和百农4199(BN4199)为试验材料,利用标准发芽试验法对旋耕(CK)、深松(S0)和深耕(S1)后收获的小麦籽粒进行种子发芽、幼苗生长和贮藏物质转运研究.研究结果表明,与CK相比,S0和S1促进了AK58种子活力指数、根数和根系活力的增加;对BN4199的根芽比、根冠比和根系活力有促进作用.AK58的含蛋白质量在旋耕条件下最大,含淀粉量在深松下最高;BN4199的千粒质量为深松高于旋耕,但含蛋白质和淀粉量差异不明显.耕作方式对种子千粒质量、蛋白质和淀粉含量影响较为显著.旋耕有利于种子贮藏物质转化效率的增加,深松有利于提高AK58种子的贮藏物质转运量和BN4199的贮藏物质转运率和呼吸消耗.品种基因型对种子的发芽率和发芽指数有决定作用,种子贮藏物质指标和呼吸消耗与根数和根系活力更为相关.

青榨槭种子发芽规律研究

为了解青榨槭种子发芽规律,通过种子不同处理,不同贮藏时间对种子进行发芽试验。结果表明:低温湿沙贮藏能显著提高种子的发芽率,种子的发芽率为15.42%,不同处理种子的发芽率存在显著性差异;不同贮藏时间种子发芽率存在显著差异,贮藏时间越长,种子的发芽率越高,随温度提高种子发芽率显著提高。该结果可为青榨槭种苗培育提供重要参考。

干旱胁迫下冬小麦不同品种萌发特性差异的研究

干旱是影响小麦生产的重要逆境,可以造成萌发成苗质量下降。为了解当前小麦品种在干旱胁迫下的种子萌发特性,采用沙培控水法研究了生产上应用广泛的128个小麦品种的干旱萌发特性;筛选出干旱萌发特性差异显著的6个小麦品种(山农28号(SN28)、长6878(C6878)、烟农19(YN19)、山农23号(SN23)、鑫麦296(XM296)和新麦38(XM38))进行干旱胁迫下种子萌发过程中的生理生化分析。结果表明,根据活力指数的耐旱系数进行聚类分析,将128个小麦品种的干旱萌发特性分为好、较好、中等、较差、差5类。山农28号和长6878等18个干旱萌发特性好的小麦品种种子萌发快,幼苗整齐健壮;新麦38、乐麦185等26个干旱萌发特性差的小麦品种种子萌发慢、萌发时间分散、发芽率低且幼苗整齐度差。进一步对不同干旱萌发特性的小麦品种进行生理生化指标测定表明,干旱萌发特性好的山农28号和长6878干旱萌发前期大分子修复基因TDP1表达水平显著高于对照;干旱萌发前期POD活性也显著高于对照;α-淀粉酶和半胱氨酸蛋白酶活性受干旱影响较小,萌发后期的可溶性蛋白含量显著高于对照。而干旱萌发特性差的鑫麦296和新麦38在干旱胁迫下种胚DNA和蛋白质修复基因表达水平上升相对滞后;在干旱胁迫下的半胱氨酸蛋白酶活性显著降低。上述结果表明,干旱萌发特性好的小麦品种在干旱胁迫下萌发成苗过程中种胚大分子修复能力和种子抗氧化能力强,贮藏物质动员早,最终种子萌发速度快,出苗质量高。

不同种源地葛萝槭种子发芽规律研究

为研究不同种源地葛萝槭种子发芽规律,通过温度、贮藏方式和贮藏时间对不同种源地葛萝槭种子进行发芽试验。结果表明:5℃低温条件下,葛萝槭种子发芽率极低,随着温度升高,不同种源地葛萝槭种子的发芽率存在显著差异;4℃低温湿沙贮藏能显著提高葛萝槭种子的发芽率,在相同贮藏条件下,不同种源地种子发芽率存在显著差异,不同贮藏条件下山西省平陆县种源地葛萝槭种子的发芽率均较高,陕西省太白县种子发芽率均较低;4℃低温湿沙贮藏80 d能显著提高不同种源地葛萝槭种子发芽率,种源地山西省平陆县,山西省古交市和陕西省铜川市在不同贮藏时间条件下,种子的发芽率存在显著差异,其他种源地发芽率差异不显著。

留胚米储藏期间蛋白氧化对食用品质的影响及相关性研究

为探究留胚米储藏过程中蛋白氧化对其蒸煮食用品质的影响,本研究在温度37℃、相对湿度85%条件下进行留胚米的加速陈化储藏,考察蛋白氧化及结构变化对留胚米蒸煮、质构特性的影响,并分析相关性。结果表明,随着储藏时间的延长,留胚米亮度(L^(*)值)降低,蛋白氧化程度不断增加。经过28 d的储藏,与初始值相比,留胚米的蛋白羰基和二硫键含量分别增加了50.25%和16.96%,总巯基含量降低了11.93%;蛋白发生氧化聚集,结构发生了改变。质构结果显示,与初始值相比,储藏28 d留胚米的硬度和胶黏性分别上升了70.46%和89.69%。相关性分析表明,留胚米的硬度、胶黏性、咀嚼性、回复性与蛋白浊度、羰基、二硫键、无规则卷曲含量呈显著正相关(P<0.05);蒸煮损失率与表面疏水性、溶解度、巯基、β-折叠、β-转角含量呈显著正相关(P<0.05)。本研究可为适宜的留胚米储藏方法选择提供理论指导。

草豆蔻种子的萌发与贮藏特性研究

采用实验室双层纸上发芽法,通过温汤、苏打水和NAA浸种处理草豆蔻种子,并进行干燥和保湿贮藏实验,探究草豆蔻种子的萌发特性和贮藏特性。结果表明,草豆蔻种子不耐高温,30~60℃温汤浸种30 min,草豆蔻种子可以萌发,70℃以上难以发芽;用苏打水浸泡2 h、8 h,NAA_(5)及NAA_(50)浸种比清水处理发芽势高。在干燥和湿沙贮藏条件下种子生活力差异极显著,贮藏条件和贮藏时长的交互作用下,种子生活力差异极显著;草豆蔻种子不做处理常温放置在室内,30~60 d便会失活,但在低温潮湿环境下,种子生活力可以维持5个月以上;最优贮藏方式是保湿保鲜(2~3℃)贮藏,在第5个月使用TTC染色法仍有87%的草豆蔻种胚具有活力。