The efficiency of conventional stratification methods for seed germination of walnut (Juglans regia L.), which uses long moist-chilling periods, is low. This experiment was conducted during winter to spring 2014 to optimize the seed germination of walnut ‘Chandler’ via changing growing media and removing seed mechanical dormancy. Fourteen treatments were tested. None of the seeds germi...

To evaluate deterioration of oat seeds during storage, we analyzed oxygen radicals, antioxidant enzyme activity, proline content, and gene transcript levels in oat seeds with different moisture contents (MCs; 4, 16, and 28% w/w) during storage for 0, 6, and 12 months (CK, LT-6, and LT-12 treatments, respectively) at 4°C. The germination percentage decreased significantly with higher seed MCs an...

Explosive dehiscence ballistically disperses seeds in a number of plant species. During dehiscence, mechanical energy stored in specialized tissues is transferred to the seeds to increase their kinetic and potential energies. The resulting seed dispersal patterns have been investigated in some ballistic dispersers, but the mechanical performance of a launch mechanism of this type has not been m...

Studies were undertaken to elicit information to standardize the optimum dose and soaking period of bio growth regulators in rice seeds, to evaluate the effect of sources and method of application of bio-growth regulators (panchakavya and brassinolide) on organic rice seed during 2003 and 2004 and to assess the quality of rice seeds cv. ADT(R) 45). The results illustrated that, the combined use...

Mikania micrantha H.B.K is an invasive alien weed in South China. To help understand the mechanisms of its invasiveness, we studied its seed germination ecophysiology. We found that the optimal temperatures for seed germination were 25, 30, 15/30°C (night/day), and an ambient temperature (24-32°C). Germination percentage (GP) in dark was less than 10%, and it increased with increasing light int...

Seed oil content is a key agronomical trait, while the control of carbon allocation into different seed storage compounds is still poorly understood and hard to manipulate. Using bna572, a large-scale model of cellular metabolism in developing embryos of rapeseed (Brassica napus) oilseeds, we present an in silico approach for the analysis of carbon allocation into seed storage products. Optimal...