Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Poaceae
Example:
Lolium
spp. - small-sized grasses
1. Moistening: Soak in water 6-18 hr.
2. Preparation after moistening:
a. Cut the seeds longitudinally almost full depth through the midsection of the embryonic axis and
into the nutritive tissue within the basal half.
b. Cut the seeds laterally slightly above the embryo, full depth from the midsection outward to one
side.
c. Remove distal end of the seed and discard - 1/4 to 1/3 of length.
3. Staining time: 6-24 hr.
4. Preparation for evaluation: The embryo can be observed externally either through the semi-trans-
parent seed coat, or after spreading the seed tissues that enclose the embryo.
5. Evaluation of viable seeds: Embryo completely stained except for a very small area of the distal
portion of radicle.
Poaceae
Lolium
spp. (Ryegrass)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(2)
Viable Seed
Non-Viable Seed
(1) Entire embryo evenly stained, and (2)
a part of scutellar region unstained.
(1) Essential parts of the embryonic axis
unstained, and (2) entire embryo unstained.
