Desiccation tolerance acquisition in developing beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seeds: the contribution of dehydrin-like protein

Abstract

The acquisition of desiccation tolerance (DT) in developing beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seeds and the role of a dehydrin protein in this process were investigated. DT was determined by measurement of electrolyte leakage and germination capacity after drying to 10-12% moisture content (MC). In addition to mass maturity, the presence of heat-stable proteins, dehydrin accumulation and the peak of ABA content were measured in relation to the acquisition of DT. Mass maturity was achieved at 16 weeks after flowering (WAF). The germination capacity increased from 8% at 12 WAF to 80-90% after 16 WAF. Cell membrane integrity, measured as a decrease in electrolyte leakage after desiccation, was acquired at 16 WAF. Additionally, the ratio of heat-stable to soluble proteins was the highest at 16 WAF. One dehydrin-like protein with a molecular mass 44 kDa, named DHN44, was detected in embryonic axes at 16 WAF and in cotyledons at 17 WAF, and its gradual accumulation was observed in mature seeds. With regard to the acquisition of DT, the strongest correlations were detected between electrolyte leakage, DHN44 accumulation, and the percentage of heat-stable proteins. These results suggest that developing beech seeds become tolerant to desiccation at 16 WAF. The effect of desiccation and ABA treatment on DHN44 synthesis was tested before (14 WAF) and after the DT acquisition (18 WAF).Depending on the maturation stage desiccation and ABA treatment can induce or enlarge DHN44 expression.

Effects of Desiccation and Storage Temperature on Seed Germination in Kapok

“…The desiccation tolerance of kapok seeds appears to be related to seed maturity. Similar results have also been reported in many plants, in which immature seeds/embryos are desiccation sensitive and mature seeds/embryos are desiccation tolerant (Huang et al, 2011;Kalemba et al, 2009). It has been reported that at later stages of seed development such as at the end of the seed-filling phase many orthodox species may still show damage on desiccation to very low MC levels (Ellis and Hong, 1994;Hong and Ellis, 1996).…”

Ascorbate and glutathione metabolism during development and desiccation of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seeds

“…On the other hand, Poulsen (1993) and Poulsen and Knudsen (1999) classified them as orthodox. Recent data (Kalemba et al 2009) on the acquisition of desiccation tolerance in beech seeds during their maturation (mainly in relation to LEA protein accumulation with additional parameters such as mass maturity, germination capacity, ABA level and the ratio of heat-stable proteins accompanying this process) indicated a typical orthodox behavior of these seeds.…”

Involvement of homocastasterone, salicylic and abscisic acids in the regulation of drought and freezing tolerance in doubled haploid lines of winter barley

“…ABA plays several key roles in the regulation of a plant's life cycle and its environmental response (Hirayama and Shinozaki 2007). Regulation of seed dormancy and response to water deficit, specifically the regulation of stomata movement, seem to be the most characteristic (Trejo et al 1995;Kalemba et al 2009;Nambara et al 2010). It is worth noting that in both cases the mechanisms of biochemical defence against dehydration, characteristic for the action of virtually all stress factors, are activated.…”