A comparative study of seed viability in Inga species: desiccation tolerance in relation to the physical characteristics and chemical composition of the embryo
1995
Pritchard, H.W. (Royal Botanic Gardens, Ardingly (United Kingdom). Jodrell Laboratory) | Haye, A.J. | Wright, W.J. | Steadman, K.J.
Seed (embryo) viability was investigated in seven species of the tropical legume genus Inga to determine the relationship between desiccation tolerance and the physical and/or chemical characteristics of the embryo. For all species, final germination (radicle emergence) percentage of isolated embryos was maximal at a temperature between 16 deg C and 31 to 36 deg C. Lower levels of germination were seen at 11 deg C in a majority of species. Below this temperature the few seeds that germinated did not produce epicotyls. Linear relations were observed between the dry weight of the embryonic axis and the cotyledons. Desiccation under up to three regimes reduced germination when the embryonic axis and cotyledon moisture content fell below 55 to 50 % and 45 and 40 % respectively; little or no germination occurred after dehydration to 20 to 30 % embryo moisture content. The results indicate that the frequently encountered desiccation intolerance in Inga embryos may be associated with critically-low levels of specific soluble carbohydrates in their tissues
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