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Role of ‘Underdeveloped’ Embryos in Germination/ Dormancy Problems

Changes in embryo development in germinating seeds of Melianthus major (Melianthaceae)

This project is one a series in the theme of 'Ecophysiology and Morphology'.

Morphological (MD) and morpho-physiological (MPD) dormancy are an endogenous type of seed dormancy described for seeds including those with underdeveloped or undifferentiated embryos. Seeds with such embryos have been observed in > 55 plant families. Morphologically dormant species can take < 30 d to germinate, whereas morpho-physiologically dormant species will take > 30 d before radicle protrusion.

The optimal germination conditions are unknown for many collections from plant families believed to exhibit MD or MPD. Furthermore, analyses of successful MSB germination tests show that 335 collections currently held take > 56 d to germinate and therefore may be described as having MPD.

This project aims to investigate the pattern of embryo development in MSB collections thought to have MPD, during laboratory treatments that seek to overcome dormancy whilst mimicking seasonal conditions relevant to the climate of origin.   Families identified for particular attention include Amaryllidaceae, Apiaceae, Berberidaceae, Ranunculaceae, Papaveraceae and Liliaceae. At the MSB, previous studies of seed development and changes in embryo morphology involved dissecting individual seeds at regular time intervals. This destructive process does not allow for observation of individual embryo development throughout a test. A Faxitron digital X-ray system, purchased primarily to improve the efficiency of collection processing, has the potential to capture high quality images of embryo development in situ during the progress of germination treatments. Initial investigations are encouraging.

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