The role of the testa during the establishment of physical dormancy in the pea seed.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A water-impermeable testa acts as a barrier to a seed's imbibition, thereby imposing dormancy. The physical and functional properties of the macrosclereids are thought to be critical determinants of dormancy; however, the mechanisms underlying the maintenance of and release from dormancy in pea are not well understood.

Methods

Seeds of six pea accessions of contrasting dormancy type were tested for their ability to imbibe and the permeability of their testa was evaluated. Release from dormancy was monitored following temperature oscillation, lipid removal and drying. Histochemical and microscopic approaches were used to characterize the structure of the testa.

Key results

The strophiole was identified as representing the major site for the entry of water in

SUBMITTER: Janska A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6526324 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature