Dynamics of chromosomal instability in Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.): Influence of seed storage temperature

Abstract

The age-related dynamics of chromosomal instability and germination capacity of welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.) seeds have been studied under two different storage temperatures during six years after harvesting. Seeds that were kept at the room temperature (14-28 degrees C) during 6 years of storage have lost their germination capacity. The frequencies of aberrant anaphases grew from 2% on the first month of storage up to 80% on the 75th month of storage. The germination capacity of seeds kept at the lower temperature (4-9 degrees C) was 73-77% on the 6th year of storage and the frequency of aberrant anaphases remained within the limits of 2-4%. Thus, storage of welsh onion seeds during 6 years at the lower temperature allows to retain germination capacity and restrains the augmentation of chromosomal instability in root meristem cells of seedlings during this period.