Regeneration of roots and seedlings from Eugenia involucrata seeds under water deficit conditions

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the regenerative capacity of Eugenia involucrata seeds as a possible strategy to ensure the production of new seedlings when they are going through a period of water deficit. Progressive water deficit conditions over time (up to 60 days for seeds and 270 days for seedlings) and in intensity (up to -5 MPa for seeds and -10 MPa for seedlings) were simulated, and seedling regeneration was analyzed. The results showed that these seeds can survive even under the most extreme conditions (-5 MPa for 60 days) and some seedling tissues as well (-5 MPa for 270 days). Furthermore, roots and seedlings continued to develop from apparently necrotic tissue on the seed surface, showing that, when necessary, these seeds use their mechanism of formation of new roots and seedlings to ensure species survival under water stress conditions.