Distinct hormonal and morphological control of dormancy and germination in Chenopodium album dimorphic seeds

• DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1156794
• Publication Date: 2023-03-30T13:03:52Z
• Authors: Eddison Loades; Marta Pérez; Veronika Turečková; Danuše Tarkowská; Miroslav Strnad; Anne Seville; Kazumi Nakabayashi; Gerhard Leubner-M...
• Keywords: hormone metabolism; coat-imposed dormancy; gibberellins; thermal time modelling; seed coat properties; Plant culture; Plant Science; 15. Life on land; seed heteromorphism; SB1-1110

Dormancy and heteromorphism are innate seed properties that control germination timing through adaptation to the prevailing environment. The degree of variation in dormancy depth within a population differs considerably depending on genotype maternal is therefore key trait annual weeds time seedling emergence across seasons. Seed heteromorphism, production distinct morphs (in color, mass or other morphological characteristics) same individual plant, considered be bet-hedging strategy unpredictable environments. Heteromorphic species evolved independently several plant families provide an additional variation. Here we conducted comparative molecular analysis dimorphic seeds (black brown) Amaranthaceae weed Chenopodium album. Freshly harvested black brown differed their responses ambient temperature. morph seedlot #1 was dormant 2/3rd had non-deep physiological which released by after-ripening (AR) gibberellin (GA) treatment. deeper remaining 1/3rd non-germinating required addition ethylene nitrate for its release. #2 both seedlots were non-dormant with germinating fresh mature state. testa (outer coat) thickness thick testas conferred coat-imposed dormancy. abscisic acid (ABA) GA contents dry state during imbibition biosynthesis highest ABA degradation faster #2. genes metabolism identified transcript expression patterns quantified imbibed C. album seeds. Phylogenetic analyses sequences revealed high proportion expanded gene genus. hormonal, mechanisms compared discussed as adaptations variable stressful