Abstract
Determination of seed-maturation indicators enables the identification of the ideal moment for harvest to achieve the best production and conservation potential. Our objective here was to evaluate some physical and physiological changes of crambe (Crambe abyssinica Hochst) seeds as possible indicators of seed maturation. Crambe flowering was monitored in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Plants were tagged, and 13, 22, 26, and 28 days after the initiation of flowering, the seeds were collected and following physical attributes evaluated: length, diameter, total mass, dry matter and water content. Physiological quality of the seeds was assessed using the germination test, by registering the percentage of normal seedlings and dormant seeds, immediately after each harvest, and again after six months of storage. The water-absorption curves were characterized as a function the seed-development stages. All physical attributes were observed to increase because of the accumulation of reserve substances during seed development, except for water content, which gradually decreased from 72.2% at the start of development to 29.5% at maturity. At 28 days after anthesis the germination percentage of crambe seeds at physiological maturity was only 17%, indicating that they became dormant while maturing. However, seed germination rate was 89% after six months of storage, indicating that dormancy was almost fully overcome after this period.
Highlights
Mitigation of the effects of climate change by reducing emissions of greenhouse-gases is one of the driving forces of biofuel production in developing countries, where the promotion of bioenergy is a clear opportunity to associate economic growth with environmental pollution cleanup (Lambin & Meyfroidt, 2011; Popp, Lakner, Rákos, & Fári, 2014)
In view of the economic importance that crambe cultivation is rapidly achieving because its potential alternative use as a secondary crop (Soratto, Schlick, Fernandes, & Souza, 2013), we have focused to determine the moment at which the seeds reach the maturity required for establishing uniform plant stands and to evaluate the physical and physiological changes that integrate crambe seed maturation
A linear increase in diameter was observed during seed development, whereby, 28 days after anthesis (DAA) seeds measured 2.91 cm, indicating development of internal attributes and accumulation of reserve substances in the seeds continued throughout the duration of seed development up to maturity
Summary
Mitigation of the effects of climate change by reducing emissions of greenhouse-gases is one of the driving forces of biofuel production in developing countries, where the promotion of bioenergy is a clear opportunity to associate economic growth with environmental pollution cleanup (Lambin & Meyfroidt, 2011; Popp, Lakner, Rákos, & Fári, 2014). There is admittedly, a growing need for the development of renewable energy sources with lower negative environmental impact than that of the traditional ones This need has recently stimulated interest in the search for alternatives to petroleum-based fuels (Lambin & Meyfroidt, 2011). In view of the economic importance that crambe cultivation is rapidly achieving because its potential alternative use as a secondary crop (Soratto, Schlick, Fernandes, & Souza, 2013), we have focused to determine the moment at which the seeds reach the maturity required for establishing uniform plant stands and to evaluate the physical and physiological changes that integrate crambe seed maturation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
