Abstract
During germination, orthodox seeds become gradually intolerant to desiccation, and for this reason, they are a good model for recalcitrance studies. In the present work, physiological, biochemical, and ultrastructural aspects of the desiccation tolerance were characterized during the germination process of Anadenanthera colubrina seeds. The seeds were imbibed during zero (control), 2, 8, 12 (no germinated seeds), and 18 hours (germinated seeds with 1 mm protruded radicle); then they were dried for 72 hours, rehydrated and evaluated for survivorship. Along the imbibition, cytometric and ultrastructural analysis were performed, besides the extraction of the heat-stable proteins. Posteriorly to imbibition and drying, the evaluation of ultrastructural damages was performed. Desiccation tolerance was fully lost after root protrusion. There was no increase in 4C DNA content after the loss of desiccation tolerance. Ultrastructural characteristics of cells from 1mm roots resembled those found in the recalcitrant seeds, in both hydrated and dehydrated states. The loss of desiccation tolerance coincided with the reduction of heat-stable proteins.
Highlights
Water is essential for life, some structures, such as seeds, are known for their ability to tolerate dehydration to a low moisture content and retake metabolism after rehydration (Alpert, 2006)
Some plant species do not produce orthodox seeds, but recalcitrant seeds, which are dispersed through large amounts of water, they lose viability when dried, and can’t be stored for long periods (Berjak and Pammenter, 2008)
Seeking a better understanding of tolerance and sensitivity to desiccation, the aim of this study was to characterize physiological, ultrastructural, and molecular changes associated with the loss of desiccation tolerance during germination of orthodox seeds of Anadenanthera colubrina
Summary
Water is essential for life, some structures, such as seeds, are known for their ability to tolerate dehydration to a low moisture content and retake metabolism after rehydration (Alpert, 2006). These seeds are called orthodox seeds and desiccation is a stage of their development. Orthodox seeds can be stored for extended periods from months to years, which facilitates ex-situ conservation of these species. Some plant species do not produce orthodox seeds, but recalcitrant seeds, which are dispersed through large amounts of water, they lose viability when dried, and can’t be stored for long periods (Berjak and Pammenter, 2008).
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