Hypoxia Controls Hypocotyl and Radicle Length in Germinated Impatiens Seeds

Abstract

Sowing germinated seeds for bedding plant production can decrease the production time and reduce profit losses from sporadically or poorly germinating seeds. Low concentrations of O2 have been used to control radicle length in Impatiens wallerana Hook. F., but only a brief exposure period could be used (12 to 24 h). The effects of prolonged exposures are unknown. Our first objective was to determine if impatiens seedlings could be acclimated to an extreme hypoxic environment by a preliminary exposure to a less severe hypoxic exposure. Our second objective was to determine the effects of longer-duration (greater than 24 h) treatments at low-O2 concentrations on hypocotyl and radicle length, abnormal seedling development, and subsequent plant growth and development. Our third objective was to provide a commercial recommendation of a low-oxygen treatment or treatments that could be used for temporary storage of unused germinated seeds. Germinated seeds were placed in various combinations of 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% O2 for either 4 days (Expt. 1) or 3 days (Expt. 2) followed by 24 h in air to simulate shipping. Germinated seeds were less tolerant of 0.5% O2 than greater O2 concentrations, especially during the first 2 days of treatment, and more abnormal seedlings developed at 0.5% O2. Germinated seeds were more tolerant of 0.5% O2 during Days 3 and 4 of the treatment period or when days at 0.5% O2 were interspersed between days of 1.0% or 1.5% O2. This indicates that germinated impatiens seeds can tolerate extremely low-O2 for longer durations (greater than 24 h) when first acclimated to lower O2 concentrations. Treatment of 1.5% O2 for Days 1 and 2 followed by 0.5% O2 for Day 3 is recommended for commercial use. Hypocotyl and radicle length was controlled to 1 mm without development of abnormal seedlings. Fully grown plants from seedlings that received low-O2 treatments were not different from control plants with regards to hypocotyl and radicle length, percentage abnormal seedlings, and plant growth and quality, ensuring there were no long-term detrimental effects.