Seed vitality and fungal contamination in Abies nebrodensis. (2nd January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mirabile, G.; Cirlincione, F.; Venturella, G.; Torta, L.
• Is Part Of: Plant biosystems. Volume 157:Number 1(2023)
• Page Start: 112
• Page End: 118
• Publication Date: 2023-01-02
• Subjects: Abies nebrodensis -- seeds -- fungal contaminants -- Alternaria alternata -- Aspergillus flavus -- Stemphylium vesicarium -- seed surface sterilization -- seed germination; Botany -- Periodicals; Biological systems -- Periodicals; Plants -- Periodicals; 581
• DOI: 10.1080/11263504.2022.2089765
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1126-3504

Abstract

Abstract: Seeds of Abies nebrodensis were subjected to laboratory tests aimed to detect fungal contaminants and to obtain xenobiotic-free seedlings, by the use of different surface sterilising agents. Moreover, hot water at 60 °C was used to suppress any fungal microorganisms colonizing the inner tissues. Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus and Stemphylium vesicarium were the most frequent fungal contaminants. Non-contaminated seeds showed germination values ranging from 0 to 36.4% depending on the applied sterilization protocol. Further analyses will be carried out to establish the influence of these fungi on the seed germination process and their relationship with seedlings of A. nebrodensis.