Seed development, arrest and germination

Seed
Embryo Seed coat
Thick walled cells, waxy

Nutritive tissue
Endospermic vs. non-endospermic

Seed development, arrest and germination

Multiple hormone controls (Fig. 16.10) GA and IAA correlated with rapid cell division and differentiation ABA promotes arrest and dormancy Via dehydration & inactivates many receptors At maturation arrest occurs embryo inactive and seed dehydrated

Seed development, arrest and germination

Germination = > imbibition of water > resumption of metabolism - hydrolitic enzymes mobilize food reserves - Carbohydrate respired &/or gluconeogenesis of fats - resumption of embryo expansion > seed coat ruptures radicle (first root) emerges Seeds time germination w/ sensors E.g. cryptochrome, phytochrome

GA promotes germination

In corn and other grasses,

5. GA also promotes also lipase and protease production

IAA stimulates seedling growth

Rest vs. dormancy

Rest = germinates w/ water, warmth (25-45o C) and O2 Dormancy = seeds req more developmental signals
Maturation of embryo reqd =After-ripening Seed coat impermeable to water and O2
Scarification reqd

Leaching of inhibitors such as ABA, phenolics, coumarin, etc.

E.g. many desert annuals

Chilling
Stratification reqd

Light
Sensor is phytochrome