Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Apiaceae
Example:
Daucus carota
1. Moistening: Soak in water 18 hr.
2. Preparation after moistening:
a. Cut seed longitudinally through the seed coat (and into the nutritive tissue, if present) along
the entire length near the midsection.
b. Cut seed longitudinally the entire length of the midsection. Adjust the slope of the cut to avoid
cutting into the embryonic axis at the basal end while cutting full depth at the distal end.
c. Same as (b) except expose the intact embryo by spreading the cut surfaces suficiently apart to
tear the nutritive tissue that surrounds the embryo.
d. Remove distal end of seed - 1/4 to 1/3 of length.
3. Staining time: 16-48 hr.
4. Preparation for evaluation: Expose the embryo and adjoining nutritive tissue by spreading the cut
surfaces suficiently to expose the desired tissue.
5. Evaluation of viable seeds: Both the embryo and nutritive storage tissue should be completely
stained.
Apiaceae
Daucus carota
(Carrot)
(2)
(1)
(2)
(1)
Non-Viable Seed
Viable Seed
(1) Endosperm completely unstained, and
(2) no embryo present.
(1) Entire embryo evenly stained, and (2)
entire embryo lightly stained.
