loading page

Water loss and response to desiccation of Castanopsis sclerophylla (Fagaceae) seeds
  • +1
  • Jiajin Li,
  • Ganesh Jaganathan,
  • Han Kang,
  • Baolin Liu
Jiajin Li
University of Shanghai for Science and Technology

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
Ganesh Jaganathan
Author Profile
Han Kang
University of Shanghai for Science and Technology
Author Profile
Baolin Liu
University of Shanghai for Science and Technology
Author Profile

Abstract

In many -but not all- recalcitrant Quercus seeds, water loss during drying only occurs through scar. Consequently, embryo sitting on the opposite side of scar is well protected from desiccation. However, whether such mechanism is common throughout Fagaceae species is unexplored. Similarly, little is known about the desiccation response of other Fagaceae genera. Germination and desiccation tolerance of Castanopsis sclerophylla (Fagaceae) were studied by drying the seeds. Fresh seeds had a moisture content (MC) of 36% and germinated to 93% when incubated at 15/20°C. Drying seeds to 22.5 and 20.7% MC decreased germination to 27 and 0%, respectively; indicating seeds are recalcitrant. X-ray computed tomography and photomicrographs showed that embryo of C. sclerophylla sits just below scar. Regardless of drying occurring either through only scar or whole pericarp, embryo drying was deemed unavoidable. Nevertheless, germination percentage during drying showed exceptional similarities with the other Fagaceae species.