Causes of Low Seed Quality in Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil. Samples (aquifoliaceae)

Abstract

This study sought to determine the possible causes of the low seed quality of I. paraguariensis A. St. Hil. Seeds from six samples collected at different sites were classified as empty, decayed, herbivorous and full. Viability was assessed by tetrazolium test in seeds filled with a visualized embryo. High amounts of empty and deteriorated seeds (54% to 93%) were verified in four of the evaluated samples, and insect attack was observed in two samples. The viability of visualized embryo-filled seeds was 83% to 100%. Low quality generally results from the presence of empty and deteriorated seeds, as well as dormancy.

Seed Viability and Potential Germination Rate of Nine Endemic Boswellia Taxa (Burseraceae) from Socotra Island (Yemen)

“…The high ratio of empty seeds could be caused by some external factors such as insufficient humidity or low soil nutrient content during fruit development. Climatic factors as a reason for low seed quality are mentioned by de Souza et al [ 22 ]. Another explanation for a high proportion of empty seeds could be in hybridogenic origin within the evolution of these island species.…”

Pre-Treatments, Stratification, and Emergence of Seeds of Ilex Paraguariensis A.ST.-HIL

“…Further studies are needed to increase the percentage of initial viability of the seed batch, as recent studies indicate that the low rates of the twinning of the species cannot be completely attributed to morphophysiological dormancy, but to the initial quality of the batch, which may have a high percentage of empty and deteriorated seeds (Souza et al, 2020). Thus, it is important to carry out seed processing studies, in addition to associating pretreatments and chemical elements, particularly sources of nitrates in the stratification, because, in nature, the effect of fertilization through the deposition of fecal material around the seed can help germination and seedling establishment (LEHOUCK et al, 2011;SOLTANI et al, 2018).…”

“…For that, the non-emerged seeds that remained in the gerbox-type were sieved and washed in autoclaved ultra-purified water to remove the excess sand. Then, a longitudinal section was performed with the aid of tweezers and a scalpel and subjected to a 0.1% tetrazolium solution for 24 hours at 35 °C (Souza et al, 2020). Afterward, the seeds were analyzed with the aid of a Leica EZ4 HD stereoscopic microscope, with a magnification of 20 to 30 times, and evaluated for the reaction to the solution.…”