Evolution and ecology of seed internal morphology in relation to germination characteristics in Amaranthaceae.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Internal seed morphological traits such as embryo characteristics and nutritive tissue can vary considerably within a plant lineage. These traits play a prominent role in germination processes and the success of seedling establishment, and are therefore under high selective pressure, especially in environments hostile to seedlings, such as arid, saline or highly dynamic habitats. We investigated the relationships of seed internal morphology and germination characteristics of 84 species of Amaranthaceae s.l., a family with numerous lineages that have adapted to stressful growing conditions.

Methods

We used seed cross-sections to assess embryo type and the ratios of embryo to seed surface and radicle to cotyledon length. Furthermore, seed mass, mean time to

SUBMITTER: Vandelook F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8103812 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature