Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Portulacaceae
Example:
Portulaca grandilora
1. Moistening: Soak in water 18 hr.
2. Preparation after moistening:
a. Puncture, cut or tear through seed coat near the center.
b. Cut seed longitudinally almost full depth through the midsection, then spread the cut surfaces
slightly apart.
c. Cut seed laterally at full depth from the center of the seed outward between the radicle and
cotyledons.
3. Staining time: 6-24 hr.
4. Preparation for evaluation: Expose the embryo and the adjoining nutritive tissue by spreading the
cut surfaces suficiently to expose the desired tissue.
5. Evaluation of viable seeds: Embryo completely stained except for a very small area of the distal
part of radicle.
Portulacaceae
Portulaca grandilora
(1)
(2)
(1)
(2)
Non-Viable Seed
Viable Seed
(1) Unstained radicle, and (2) unstained
cotyledons.
(1) Entire embryo evenly stained (endo-
sperm does not stain), and (2) small areas
of the cotyledons unstained.
