Seed Science Research
- Seed Science Research / Volume 15 / Issue 04 / December 2005, pp 357-360
- Cambridge University Press
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1079/SSR2005224 (About DOI), Published online: 22 February 2007
Short Communication
Underdeveloped embryos in dwarf seeds and implications for assignment to dormancy class
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Abstract
Studies were conducted to determine if small embryos (i.e. low embryo length:seed length ratio) in mature dwarf seeds (0.2–2 mm) are underdeveloped. In this case, they would grow (inside the seed) prior to germination, and seeds would have morphological or morphophysiological dormancy. Prior to radicle emergence, embryo length in seeds of Drosera anglica (Droseraceae), Campanula americana, Lobelia appendiculata, L. spicata (Campanulaceae) and Sabatia angularis (Gentianaceae) increased 0, 103, 182, 83 and 57%, respectively. Since embryo growth did not occur in seeds of D. anglica prior to germination, embryos, although small, are fully developed; seeds have only physiological dormancy. The underdeveloped embryo in seeds of C. americana has little or no physiological dormancy; thus, seeds have morphological dormancy. On the other hand, underdeveloped embryos in seeds of L. appendiculata, L. spicata and S. angularis are physiologically dormant, and seeds have morphophysiological dormancy. Therefore, since small embryos in dwarf seeds may or may not be underdeveloped, assignment of seeds to a dormancy class requires that studies be done to determine if embryos grow inside the seed before germination can occur. Such information is important in understanding the evolutionary relationship of the different kinds of seed dormancy.
(Received July 05 2005)
(Accepted August 20 2005)
Key Words: evolution of seed dormancy; Drosera anglica; Campanula americana; Lobelia appendiculata; Lobelia spicata; Sabatia angularis; morphophysiological dormancy
Correspondence:
c1 *Correspondence: Email: ccbask0@uky.edu
