Endosperm delays seed germination in Podophyllum hexandrum Royle – an important medicinal herb

Author: Sreenivasulu Y.   Chanda S.K.   Ahuja P.S.  

Publisher: International Seed Testing Association

ISSN: 1819-5717

Source: Seed Science and Technology, Vol.37, Iss.1, 2009-04, pp. : 10-16

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Abstract

Podophyllum hexandrum Royle is a high-altitude medicinal plant species, exploited for its medicinal value and threatened from its natural habitats. An effective, conventional regeneration method is seed propagation. P. hexandrum seed germination is however erratic, and seedling performance is very poor. We examined the structure and arrangement of embryonic envelopes in Podophyllum, to elucidate their role in seed germination. The uptake of water by P. hexandrum seeds during germination showed a triphasic pattern with a reduced rate of water uptake during Phase III, due to the presence of thick-walled endosperm cells which presented a physical barrier to the protrusion of the radicle. During germination, loss of cellular integrity of the endosperm cells in the micropylar region facilitated radicle-protrusion. The existence of the multi-layered endosperm and the thick testa appears to provide protection of the embryo during extreme environmental conditions by preventing germination until conditions are more favourable.

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