Oxidation processes related to seed storage and seedling growth of Malus sylvestris, Prunus avium and Prunus padus

Abstract

Seeds stored in controlled conditions in gene banks, faster or slower lose their viability. The effects of seed moisture content levels (ca. 5, 8, 11%) combined with storage temperatures (-3˚,-18˚,-196˚C) were investigated in terms of the description of seeds defined as orthodox under oxidative stress after seed storage, during germination, and initial seedling growth. Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and ascorbate (Asc) were analyzed in relation to seed germinability and seedlings emergence in three species: Malus sylvestris L., Prunus avium L. and Prunus padus L. The effect of seed storage conditions on H 2 O 2 levels appeared in germinated seeds after the third year of storage in each species. The H 2 O 2 levels were negatively correlated with the germination and seedling emergence of P. avium seeds after three years of storage under all examined combinations. The emergence of P. padus seedlings was not linked to any of the stress markers tested. The P. padus seed biochemical traits were least altered by storage conditions, and the seeds produced tolerant seedlings of relatively high levels of H 2 O 2 and TBARS. To cope with different H 2 O 2 levels, TBARS levels, and Asc levels in seeds of three species varying storage conditions different molecular responses, i.e. repairing mechanisms, were applied during stratification to compensate for the storage conditions and, as a result, seeds remained viable and seedlings were successfully established.

Thermotherapy and Storage Temperature Manipulations Limit the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species in Stored Pedunculate Oak Acorns

“…The use of high-quality planting material guarantees the success of seed-based restoration programs [77], and selection of forest restoration material with priority areas for sourcing seeds can be supported by provenance comparisons reported in our studies (Figure 2) because oxidation processes reported in stored seeds are transferred to seedlings [27]. Provenance selection determines the growth performance of Q. robur [78]; in this context, seeds of Parczew provenance quickly losing vitality should not be considered for long-term storage and reforestation purposes.…”

“…Optimized seed storage temperature in combination with seed moisture content affects ROS levels and seed longevity. More precisely, storage duration-dependent oxidative processes were detected in orthodox (desiccation tolerant) seeds of wild fruit trees [27] and intermediate poplar seeds [28], clearly demonstrating ROS production in response to a certain storage temperature condition. In this context, recalcitrant seeds are assumed to be the most exposed to damaging ROS effects during storage.…”

Distinct redox state regulation in the seedling performance of Norway maple and sycamore

“…Some oxidative characteristics might be transferred from seeds to seedlings, and seedlings originating from orthodox seeds employ various, species-specific, redox strategies to grow (Wawrzyniak et al 2020 ). Both Acer species displayed distinct redox control during seed development (Stolarska et al 2020 ), seed desiccation (Alipour et al 2020 ) and seed germination (Alipour et al 2021 ).…”

Application of Gibberellic Acid (GA3) and Coconut Water with Stratification on Morphological, Anatomical, and Germination of Cherry Seed (Prunus jamasakura)

“…Research on seeds of Malus sylvestris, Prunus avium, and Prunus padus that have been stored for 2-3 years showed that the concentration of ascorbic acid decreased which affected their germination through their viability. The molecular response of different species of orthodox seeds with different storage can also affect their germination [18]. Three inhibitors that affect the germination of Sorbus aucuparia seeds are parasorbic acid, abscisic acid, and isopropylmalic acid.…”