Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Solanaceae
Example:
Lycopersicon esculentum
1. Moistening: Soak in water 18 hr.
2. Preparation after moistening:
a. Puncture, cut or tear through the seed coat near the center.
b. Cut seeds longitudinally their entire length and almost full depth, starting in the midsection of
the curved back and cutting toward the radicle and cotyledon tips.
c. Cut the seed laterally full depth from the center of the seed outward between the radicle and
the cotyledons.
d. Remove basal end of the seed, including a tip of the nutritive tissue, if present.
3. Staining time: 18-24 hr.
4. Preparation for evaluation: Expose the embryo and adjoining nutritive tissue by spreading the cut
surfaces suficiently to expose the desired tissue. Observe the major embryo structures.
5. Evaluation of viable seeds: Both the embryo and nutritive storage tissue should be completely
stained.
Solanaceae
Lycopersicum esculentum
(Tomato)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(2)
Viable Seed
Non-Viable Seed
(1) Extended areas of the radicle are
unstained, and (2) unstained areas of the
cotyledons and the shoot apex.
(1) Embryo entirely stained, and (2) slight
unstained areas of the endosperm (living
cells).
