Journal article
A comparative study of seed morphology in relation to desiccation tolerance and other physiological responses in 71 Eastern Australian Rainforest species
Plant Species Biology, Vol.28(1), pp.51-62
2013
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Source: InCites
Abstract
<p>Seed characteristics were measured in 71 Eastern Australian rainforest species representing 30 families. Sensitivity to desiccation to low moisture contents (< 10%) occurred in 42% of species. We estimate, based on findings from 100 species from this present study and previously published reports, that 49% of Eastern Australian rainforest species have non-orthodox seeds. Germination level and time to 50% germination were not significantly different between desiccation sensitive (DS) and desiccation tolerant (DT) seeds. The estimation of seed desiccation sensitivity based on predictors is an important tool underpinning <em>ex situ</em> conservation efforts. Seed characteristics differed significantly between DS and DT seeds; that is, DS seeds had: (i) larger fruits (19 949 mg <em>vs</em> 8322 mg); (ii) larger seeds (1663 mg <em>vs</em> 202 mg); (iii) higher seed moisture contents (49.7% <em>vs</em> 35.5% fresh weight); (iv) lower oil content (7.3% <em>vs</em> 24.8% yield); and (v) less investment in seed coats (0.19 <em>vs</em> 0.48 seed coat ratio). Only 25% of DS seeded species had oily seeds compared with 87% of DT seeded species. Most green embryos were DS. Seed coat ratio was the best predictor of seed DS (80% correctly predicted). Seed moisture content at maturity was also related to germination time. Mean seed size was correlated (−0.657, <em>P</em> = 0.01) with mean seed oil content in 46 species. Further research on seed storage physiology of possible oily and/or DS seeded species is crucial to ensure future long-term security of this biodiversity, particularly for species currently threatened <em>in situ</em> and/or of socioeconomic importance in Eastern Australian rainforests.</p>
Details
- Title
- A comparative study of seed morphology in relation to desiccation tolerance and other physiological responses in 71 Eastern Australian Rainforest species
- Creators
- Kim N Hamilton - Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain TrustCatherine A Offord - Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain TrustPeter Cuneo - Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain TrustMyrna A Deseo - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- Plant Species Biology, Vol.28(1), pp.51-62
- Identifiers
- 1679; 991012821782102368
- Academic Unit
- Southern Cross Plant Science
- Resource Type
- Journal article