Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
Influence of the Root and Seed Traits on
Tolerance to Abiotic Stress
Ladislav Bláha and Kateřina Pazderů
Additional information is available at the end of the chapter
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/55656
1. Introduction
Relationship between roots and seeds
is very important from the physiological point of
view.
From the common view, the roots quality is modified by genotype and environmental
conditions. But as follows especially from the wheat and other crops analysis the traits of
roots are not only under genetic and environment control. Research results confirmed
importance of individual seed traits for plant root growth and development, mainly seed
vigor and subsequent seedling development at the poor conditions. These results show in all
experiments statistically significant influence of abiotic stresses (drought, high temperature)
on the seed traits and via the seeds influence on the traits of plant roots.
On the other hand influence of seed quality on the root growth and development of roots
quality are basic assumption for the formation of high-quality seed of the most crops in next
generation, especially at stress conditions. In the suboptimal conditions, the poor seed
quality results in reduced root growth and also in low yield level. When the root growth
from the beginning of vegetation is problematic, connected with the wrong roots quality, the
negative consequences will continue during the whole vegetation period.
Changes in seed germination during the year
exist in some species. Obtained results [20,
21] confirmed statistically significant relationship between speed of seed germination and
intensity of geomagnetic activity during a year period.
Long term seed storage conditions influence the following seedling growth
and the
deterioration speed of the seed stored for a long time is affected by environmental
conditions in which the seed was grown. From the practical point of view it is connected
with question of the preservation of important genetic resources. Seeds from adverse
environmental conditions rapidly lose germination energy and longevity. It can present a
