Study reveals distinct germination strategies for seeds with and without pericarp

A study showed significant differences in the germination strategies of seeds with and without pericarp, highlighting the complex interaction between maternal conditions, seed mass and seed type. The work was carried out by researchers from the Wuhan Botanical Garden (WBG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The researchers focused on a species-rich species in an alpine meadow in the Hengduan Mountains to understand how these seeds germinate under favorable conditions. The study addressed two categories of dried fruits: dehiscent, which open when ripening, and indehiscent, which remain closed. These characteristics directly influence seed germination.

To evaluate the influence of maternal conditions and intrinsic resources on germination strategies, the researchers quantified flowering time as an indicator of maternal conditions and seed mass as a representation of intrinsic resources. The experiment involved 67 plant species, of which 31 produced seeds with a pericarp and 36 without a pericarp.

The results showed that the germination rate of seeds with pericarp is associated with the flowering time of the mother plants. Species that flower earlier tend to germinate their seeds more quickly. In contrast, the germination of seeds without a pericarp depends more on their own mass, with smaller seeds germinating faster than larger ones.

These findings indicate that seeds with a pericarp adopt a germination strategy that is more dependent on maternal conditions, while seeds without a pericarp rely more on their internal resources.

The scientists' article describing their study can be read at doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcae086