Plant Diversity ›› 2011, Vol. 33 ›› Issue (4): 458-464.DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1143.2011.10190

• Articles • Previous Articles    

Developmental Changes in Relation to Desiccation Tolerance and Storage Characteristics of Aquilaria sinensis (Thymelaeaceae) Seeds

ZHANG  Li-Xia-1, LAN  Qin-Ying-2, LI  Hai-Tao-1, TAN  Yun-Hong-2, GUAN  Yan-Hong-1, LI  Xue-Lan-1   

  1. 1 Institute of Medicinal Plant Development Yunnan Branch, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinghong 666100, China;
    2 Xishuangbanna Tropical Botannical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla 666303, China
  • Received:2010-11-02 Online:2011-08-25 Published:2011-04-15

Abstract:

The seed traits, germinability and desiccation tolerance at different developing periods of Aquilaria sinensis seeds were studied in the present paper, the seed storage characteristics and effects of light and temperature on seed germination were investigated too. The results indicated that A.sinensis seeds reached the physiological maturation and got the maximum dryweight at 78d after anthesis, and seed germination percentage reached a peak at this period. Desiccation tolerance of embryos increased gradually from 57 to 85 days after anthesis and reached the maximum at 85d after anthesis. The optimal germination temperature was 25℃ to 35℃ and seed germination was inhibited by light in a certain degree. The germination percentage of A.sinensis seeds was only about 30% after stored in 4℃ for 30d when seed moisture content is 27.45%. However, the germination percentage was 53.33% after stored in 4℃ for 120d when dehydrated to the moisture content of 7.38%. Consequently, low temperature and reasonable dehydration were more suitable for seed shorttime storage. A.sinensis seeds could suffer dehydration in a certain degree, but the seed will damaged when dehydrated to the moisture content of 7.50%. Thus, A.sinensis seeds exhibited intermediate seed storage behavior.

Key words: Aquilaria sinensis, Seed development, Desiccation tolerance, Seed germination, Storage Characteristics

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