Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
fabaceae
Example:
Phaseolus vulgaris
- large-seeded legumes
1. Moistening: Moisten slowly between moist paper towels for 18-24 hr.
2. Preparation after moistening:
a. Additional seed coat preparation is not usually necessary, except to accelerate the uptake of
water and/or the staining solution.
b. Cut seeds longitudinally through the seed coat and into the nutritive tissue along the entire
length near the midsection. Alternatively, slice a piece of seed coat off the back side opposite
the hilum area - distal end.
3. Staining time: 6-24 hr.
4. Preparation for evaluation: Expose the interior tissues of the embryonic axis by cutting through the
midsection of the axis, then separate the seed halves.
5. Evaluation of viable seeds: (a) Embryo must be completely stained except for a very small area of
the distal portion of the radicle. (b) Embryo completely stained except for distal 1/2 of cotyledons
and/or side opposite the radicle. (c) Embryo completely stained except for necrosis on the distal
area of plumule.
fabaceae
Phaseolus vulgaris
(Bean)
(2)
(1)
(2)
(1)
Viable Seed
Non-Viable Seed
(1) Embryo is entirely stained, and (2)
slight unstained or dark red areas in the
radicle and cotyledons, but the embryo's
tissues are irm.
(1) Extended areas of the embryonic axis
are unstained, and (2) more than ½ of coty-
ledons are unstained or darkly stained.
