Authors: Sershen; Pammenter, N.W.; Berjak, P.

Source: Seed Science and Technology, Volume 36, Number 1, April 2008 , pp. 133-147(15)

Publisher: International Seed Testing Association

Abstract:

This study determined the appropriate conditions for the shortto medium-term storage of the seed germplasm of selected Amaryllidaceae species. Seeds were stored 'open' (in loosely folded brown paper bags which were enclosed in open plastic packets), and 'hydrated' at 6, 16 and 25°C. The seeds of all species were shed at high axis water contents (2.60 ± 0.16 to 6.94 ± 0.93 g g⁻¹, dmb) and were not amenable to openor hydrated-storage at 16 and 25°C (since they germinated in storage within 30 days), suggesting non-orthodox seed behaviour. Hydrated-storage at 6°C extended storage longevity but seed viability declined progressively with storage time. The distribution of fungal contaminants across different seed tissues in freshly harvested and stored (hydrated for 90 days) seeds were assessed using fluorescence microscopy. The excision of the embryonic axes from the endosperm (the source of fungal inoculum) and subsequent encapsulation in calcium alginate beads (synseeds), with and without abscisic acid incorporated, was more effective in limiting fungal proliferation and increasing hydrated-storage longevity (at 6°C) than storage of fungicide-treated seeds. Species within the same family can exhibit commonalities in terms of the conditions that extend the short- to medium-term storage life-span of their seeds or seed-derived germplasm.

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2008-04-01

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