Characterization of physiological traits during development of the recalcitrant seeds of Quercus serrata

Abstract

We investigated how developmental stage affects seed traits, including the relative level of desiccation tolerance of Quercus serrata. We tested the hypothesis that the relative level of desiccation tolerance is a quantitative trait associated with seed development and that a maximum relative level of desiccation tolerance is reached during development.• Seed growth and physiological traits of Q. serrata from a subtropical forest were examined in detail during the developmental process.• During seed development, the relative level of desiccation tolerance and other seed traits of Q. serrata varied. Dry matter accumulation in seed components increased rapidly beginning in mid-August, and moisture content declined. At the peak period of seed dispersal in late September, seeds were fully mature, with 100% germination. Relative level of desiccation tolerance increased up to the point of peak dispersal; however, at this time seeds were still recalcitrant. Post-mature development was accompanied by further increases in seed dry matter and decreases in moisture content, which led to a decrease in seed germination and relative level of desiccation tolerance.• Our results suggest that in species with recalcitrant seeds, the relative level of desiccation tolerance and other seed traits are quantitative at the intraspecific level. The relative level of desiccation tolerance for recalcitrant seeds does not increase infinitely during phase II of development. There is a maximum relative level of desiccation tolerance in recalcitrant seeds within a species.

Germination Requirement and Suitable Storage Method of Hydrocharis dubia Seeds

“…The cardinal diagnostic feature of recalcitrant seeds is that they are sensitive to desiccation and cannot be dried without damage [56,57]. In our study, the moisture content of H. dubia seeds under dry storage conditions (4 • C-Dry and Ambient air temperature-Dry) was significantly lower than that in the wet environment (4 • C-Wet and Ambient water temperature-Wet).…”

Beta-Amylase and Phosphatidic Acid Involved in Recalcitrant Seed Germination of Chinese Chestnut

“…To improve the germination rate of recalcitrant seeds, their germination mechanism should be clarified. Several studies have focused on the sensitivity to dehydration and low temperature of recalcitrant seeds in terms of cell biology, physiology and molecular biology (Romero-Rodríguez et al, 2018;Li et al, 2021;Xia and Zhu, 2021), and the findings contribute to the conservation of recalcitrant seeds and the natural regeneration and ecological protection of forests. Seed germination is a complex adaptive trait of higher plants that is influenced by a large number of genes, endogenous hormones and environmental factors (Shu et al, 2016).…”