Analyses of several seed viability markers in individual Eugenia stipitata seeds

What is it about?

We report on the totipotent capacity of recalcitrant (i.e., desiccation sensitive) E. stipitata seeds and their responses to exposure to different environmental moisture contents, one of few studies on tropical recalcitrant seeds. E. stipitata is an underutilized crop with potential for further agricultural development, with berry-type fruits used by local communities for several purposes. However, seed storage is difficult due to their recalcitrant nature. The seeds of E. stipitata have an extraordinary capacity to regenerate after mechanical damage. We showed that when cut into two or four sections, all seed sections can germinate and develop into seedlings. This totipotent capacity combined with an unusual morphology (the endosperm-less whole seed can be considered as an embryonic axis), permit that a single seed can be used for several tests.

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Why is it important?

Here, seed moisture content, germination and viability, using germination tests and tetrazolium staining, respectively, and changes in the stress marker glutathione were measured in individual E. stipitata seeds kept above and below the critical seed moisture content. Studies so far have been limited to responses in inseparable populations of viable and nonviable seeds, i.e. mixed seed qualities. Therefore, the possibility to use one individual seed for the analysis of several parameters that define seed viability widens the opportunity to refine critical thresholds for cell viability markers and the partitioning of analytes of seed tissues of different quality (viability).