Seed storage behaviour of tropical members of the aquatic basal angiosperm genus Nymphaea L. (Nymphaeaceae). Issue 1 (10th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dalziell, Emma L; Funnekotter, Bryn; Mancera, Ricardo L; Merritt, David J
• Editors: Hultine, Kevin
• Is Part Of: Conservation physiology. Volume 7:Issue 1(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-05-10
• Subjects: Basal angiosperms -- comparative longevity -- cryogenic storage -- desiccation tolerance -- moisture content -- storage temperature; Nature -- Effect of human beings on -- Periodicals; Conservation biology -- Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coz021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2051-1434

Abstract

Abstract : The ex situ seed storage behaviour of four species of Australian waterlilies ( Nymphaea ) was investigated. Seeds of all species were found to be desiccation tolerant; however, most collections lost viability rapidly, even under standard genebank conditions (i.e. 15% RH and 15°C). Abstract: Eighteen native species of Nymphaea (waterlilies) inhabit a range of freshwater wetlands in northern Australia, which are threatened by increased development and the potential impacts of climate change. To investigate conservation seed banking of these vulnerable species, we aimed to characterize their seed storage physiology by determining (i) seed desiccation tolerance and (ii) the effects of moisture content and storage temperature on seed germination and viability. Seeds of N. immutabilis, N. lukei, N. macrosperma and N. violacea (including multiple collections of three species) were placed in experimental storage at a range of temperatures (25°C, 5°C, −20°C and −190°C) following pre-equilibration at different RHs (15%, 30%, 50%, 70% or 95%). Seeds were also experimentally aged at 60% RH and 45°C to assess comparative longevity. We found seeds of all species to be desiccation tolerant. However, the responses of seeds to experimental storage conditions were complex and variable between species and collections of the same species, and seeds of many species/collections were short-lived across many of the storage treatments. In many cases decreasing storage temperature did not increase longevity. Additional protocol development is necessary before we can have confidence that ex situ seed banking is a viable long-term germplasm conservation strategy for Nymphaea .