Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Poaceae
Example:
Poa pratensis
- very small-sized grasses
1. Moistening: Soak in water 6-18 hr.
2. Preparation after moistening:
a. Pierce the seeds all the way through the seed coat and into the nutritive tissue, near the midsec-
tion of the distal half.
b. Cut the seeds laterally slightly above the embryo, full depth from the midsection outward to
one side. Slip the caryopsis out of the glumes.
3. Staining time: 6-24 hr.
4. If seeds are pierced, then clear lemma pigmentation with 85% lactic acid for 30-45 min at 25-35°C.
If pigmentation remains a problem with microscopic evaluation, bisect longitudinally or remove
palea and lemma to aid in evaluation.
5. Preparation for evaluation: The embryo can be observed externally either through the semi-trans-
parent seed coat, or after spreading the tissues that enclose the embryo.
6. Evaluation of viable seeds: Embryo completely stained except for very small area of the distal
portion of radicle.
Poaceae
Poa pratensis
(Kentucky bluegrass)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(2)
Viable Seed
Non-Viable Seed
(1) Embryo entirely stained, and (2) a part
of scutellar region unstained.
(1) Unstained radicle, and (2) unstained
plumule.
