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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 34(4)

Hydration of Cuphea seeds containing crystallised triacylglycerols

Gayle M. Volk A , Jennifer Crane A , Ann M. Caspersen A , David Kovach B , Candice Gardner B and Christina Walters A C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A USDA-ARS National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA.

B USDA-ARS North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station, Ames, IA 50011, USA.

C Corresponding author. Email: christina.walters@ars.usda.gov

D This paper originates from an International Symposium in Memory of Vincent R. Franceschi, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA, June 2006.

Functional Plant Biology 34(4) 360-367 https://doi.org/10.1071/FP06291
Submitted: 8 November 2006  Accepted: 1 February 2007   Published: 19 April 2007

Abstract

Seeds that exhibit intermediate storage behaviour seem to die under conventional –18°C storage conditions. Cuphea wrightii A. Gray, C. laminuligera Koehne, C. carthagenensis (Jacq.) J.F. Macbr. and C. aequipetala Cav are considered sensitive to low temperature storage. The seeds of these species have triacylglycerols (TAG) that are crystalline at –18°C and melt when the seeds are warmed to >35°C. In contrast, seeds of tolerant species, C. lanceolata W.T. Aiton and C. hookeriana Walp., have TAG that crystallise at temperatures below –18°C and are fluid at 22°C. Cuphea seeds imbided while TAG are crystalline fail to germinate and exhibit visual damage. However, germination proceeded normally when dry seeds were warmed adequately to melt any crystalline TAG before imbibition. Reduced germination and cellular disruption including loss of lipid body compartmentation and fragmented protein bodies develop in seeds with crystalline TAG equilibrated to >0.1 g H2O g–1 DW. This damage cannot be reversed, even when seeds are dried before the damage can be visually detected. Results from this work reveal that the seeds of some species with intermediate type physiologies can be successfully placed into conventional –18 and –80°C storage facilities.

Additional keywords: intermediate storage behaviour, lipid, phase transition, seed, temperature, water.


Acknowledgements

This publication is dedicated in memory of Dr Vincent Franceschi whose enthusiasm and passion for cell biology was contagious. Mention of trade names or commercial products in this article is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the US Department of Agriculture.


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