Abstract
BackgroundKnowledge on seed storage behaviour is crucial for planning conservation strategies of plant genetic resources particularly in economically promising but endangered species like Synsepalum dulcificum, viewed as recalcitrant-seeded species albeit sound evidence was lacking. In this study, we combined an experimental approach based on critical moisture content and storage environment analysis, and the seed-coat ratio–seed dry mass (SCR-SM) model to clarify the seed storage behaviour in the species. Seed moisture content at shedding was determined and effects of dehydration and cold storage on seed viability, germination and subsequent seedling vigour were analysed. The probability for dessication-senstivity [P(D-S)] was also determined.ResultsOur findings indicated that S. dulcificum seed moisture content at shedding was 36.60% with nearly 100% viability. Seed dehydration below 20% moisture content induced a total loss of viability whereas low temperature storage (at 10 °C or 4 °C reduced shelf life to a maximum of 7 days. More importantly, S. dulcificum seed storage at 0 °C was highly detrimental and resulted in a total loss of viability whatever the storage duration. Only a storage at 25 °C helped expand the shelf life to 28 days. However, at 28 days storage the viability was extremely low with almost no germination. The probability for dessication-senstivity P(D-S) in the species is largely greater than 0.5. Seed dehydration and storage environment highly affected subsequent germination rate and seedling vigour. While dehydration improved seedling performance storage at low temperature rather inhibited seedling growth.ConclusionTaken together, these findings are the first to set evidence of recalcitrance in S. dulcificum and serve hands-on information for practical handling of the seeds and designing sustainable conservation practices for adequate future breeding programme in the species.
Highlights
Knowledge on seed storage behaviour is crucial for planning conservation strategies of plant genetic resources in economically promising but endangered species like Synsepalum dulcificum, viewed as recalcitrant-seeded species albeit sound evidence was lacking
Association between fruit colour and germination performance in Synsepalum dulcificum Germination percentage greatly differed among fruits of different colours (P < 0.001) (Fig. 1A)
These indicated that red fruits of S. dulcificum ensured sufficiently mature seeds to serve in unravelling the seed storage behaviour in the species
Summary
Knowledge on seed storage behaviour is crucial for planning conservation strategies of plant genetic resources in economically promising but endangered species like Synsepalum dulcificum, viewed as recalcitrant-seeded species albeit sound evidence was lacking. Orthodox seeds are likely to tolerate severe desiccation (below 0.05 g g− 1 of Tchokponhoué et al BMC Plant Biology (2019) 19:117 species is considered as one of the most challenging issues seed scientists are facing, reducing ex-situ options [9]. In this twenty-first century characterized by climactic variability accurate information on the seed storage behaviour is needed for defining propagation and conservation strategies. An ongoing trend in SSB allocation has been the combination of several approaches resulting in more reliable conclusion [20, 21] and appeared relevant for the rapid and reliable study of the nearly 311,000 plant species for which information on seed storage physiology is still needed [18]
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