Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Objective 1. Pre-harvest stress and seed quality. Immature maize seed can suffer severe mechanical and biochemical damage due to freezing of intra- and extra-cellular water prior to harvest. Most hybrid maize seed is produced in the Midwestern states, where fall killing frosts are not uncommon. Populations were constructed, and seed harvested, to evaluate the effects of frost damage at different seed maturities using established seed quality measures. Molecular and physiological measures will be done in 2006. Impact: A tool to precisely measure freezing damage in immature corn seeds is now available. With this tool, researchers can precisely measure the cellular changes with freezing injury and advise producers on the steps to limit or repair damage. (IA) Tomato genes that result in elevated lycopene also result in negative pleiotropic effects including slow germination and reduced plant height. It is uncertain whether low gibberellin levels, high ABA content or high light sensitivity account for the reduced speed of germination. This study evaluated gibberellin (GA3), norflurazon (inhibitor of carotenoid and ABA synthesis), and light effects on the speed of germination of the high lycopene tomato line T4099 and its recurrent parent, Flora-Dade. Speed of germination was evaluated as time to reach 50% germination (T50) and germination index. Norflurazon alone and GA3 plus norflurazon resulted in higher speed of germination of T4099 compared to the control but not at the same level as Flora-Dade. These data suggest that T4099 produced greater levels of ABA during imbibition and this process might be regulated by light. Impact: Highly nutritional tomatoes containing the antioxidant lycopene germinate and grow more slowly than traditional varieties, and a high lycopene tomato was shown to have high levels of the plant hormone ABA. Using this knowledge, high lycopene tomatoes with low ABA levels can be obtained, allowing greater production and more healthy dietary choices. (OH) A concentrated effort to examine the seed dormancy mechanism of species present in biogeographical regions identified as underrepresented in the 1998 book, Seeds: Ecology, biogeography, and evolution of dormancy and germination, has resulted in several new collaborations world-wide and an increase in the number of represented species for which we have dormancy information from 3580 to 7344. Impact: Seed dormancy is a natural means that plants use to prevent or delay germination until environmental conditions are right for plant survival. This work expands knowledge to aid researchers understand the range of dormancy mechanisms and aid in the preservation of critical ecosytems. (KY) For terrestrial orchids, many seeds are not capable of completing germination on media. If seed were harvested prematurely, then the germination was better. Impact: A tool to improve germination of terrestrial orchids has been developed. Using this tool will allow greater consumer access to these orchids as landscape materials and provide a management tool for endangered orchid species to be propagated. (VA) Objective 2. Biophysical, biochemical and genetic factors in seed desiccation tolerance and longevity. Biochemical changes that occur during seed maturation may provide markers or quantitative indicators of seed maturity and subsequent seed quality. Chlorophyll degradation associated with seed maturity was exploited as a non-destructive method to sort seeds based on chlorophyll fluorescence (CF) from seed coats. In cabbage, both chlorophyll and carotenoid content decreased as seeds matured, but was not affected by ageing. ABA showed a similar trend however, ageing immature seeds decreased ABA content. Tocopherols revealed little differences with respect to seed maturity or ageing. Impact: Sorting good cabbage seed from bad non-destructively has been accomplished. Using this tool will allow seed producers to provide seed of the highest quality to cabbage growers. (NY) Crop seeds accumulate soluble carbohydrates as part of their maturation process. In buckwheat seeds, the major soluble carbohydrates are sucrose and galactosides of D-chiro-inositol, named fagopyritols. This study was conducted to determine changes in soluble carbohydrate accumulation in embryos of buckwheat seeds after feeding solutions containing free cyclitols D-chiro-inositol, myo-inositol, and D-pinitol to stem-leaf-seed explants. The results indicate that myo-inositol may be the precursor to D-chiro-inositol synthesis, and fagopyritols accumulated in response to D-chiro-inositol availability in the embryo. We suggest that increasing myo-inositol in buckwheat maternal tissues may be an effective means to enhance the accumulation of D-chiro-inositol and fagopyritols in seeds, compounds that may be beneficial for treatment of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Impact: Seeds accumulate a complex spectrum of oils, proteins and carbohydrates during seed maturation, and for crops whose product is consumed as seeds, some of these compounds could be medicinally useful. Accumulation of fagopyritol carbohydrates in buckwheat seeds depends on other compounds and the study identified and suggested one means by which fagopyritol accumulation could be enhanced for use in managing diabetes. (NY) Lettuce seed germination was observed before seeds reach physiological maturity. Drying seeds at a very early stage did not affect germination, indicating that imposed drying at early stages of seed development will not improve seed germination. Slow drying improved vigor starting slightly later during seed development; however, fast drying decreased vigor. Quality of the seeds in terms of presence of abnormal seedlings was improved with drying. Impact: The lettuce seed crop is dried after harvesting and the drying conditions are critical in maintaining seed quality, however the effect of different drying temperatures and times are critical. Slow drying improved seedling vigor, allowing managers to better control lettuce seed quality. (OH) Objective 3. Genes associated with seed development, germination, vigor and dormancy. Two lettuce populations are being evaluated to identify genetics of seed dormancy and quality. A recombinant inbred mapping population was evaluated for seed quality phenotypes, including germination at elevated temperatures, germination after red and far-red irradiation, and root and hypocotyl growth. Seventeen significant QTL were identified, and a single locus (Htg6.1) accounted for 25% of the total phenotypic variation for high temperature germination. Nine candidate genes thought to be involved in seed dormancy and germination and 11 genes involved in oil biosynthesis have been mapped. Impact: A complex suite of genes involved seed dormancy and quality has been discovered, allowing researchers to develop new tools to better assess and develop strategies to limit dormancy problems. (CA) Brownseed mutants of tomato possess dark testa and deleteriously affect seed germination speed and percentage. Map base cloning strategies are being used to identify the brownseed 1 gene. Recombinants between morphological markers situated on either side of bs1 and sequencing of 200,000 contiguous bases from BACs situated in the region of Chromosome 1 containing the mutant gene are being used for the development of genetic markers and gene discovery. In addition, two of the over-expressed genes responsible for a cold temperature germinating (ctg-D) phenotype have been identified in a genome walk. Impact: Reducing the negative effects that certain genes have on germination could allow more productive varieties to be developed. This work identified three such genes, and tools developed from these genes will allow precise management during variety development to limit their effects. (KY) MADS-factors are a large family in plants that directly bind DNA and regulate gene expression. Many members of this family have key developmental roles, and ectopic accumulation of AGL15 promotes somatic embryogenesis. One gene expressed in response to AGL15 encodes an enzyme involved in catabolism of biologically active gibberellins (GAs). High-throughput methods to map AGL15 in vivo binding sites and to assess occupancy of these sites at various developmental stages will identify co-regulated genes. Impact: Certain genes have profound effects on promoting seed and seedling development, and their mechanisms can be central to all plants. This work allows researchers to begin to comprehensively understand the mechanism of the protein called AGL15 and its role in promoting plant development. (KY) The BME3 (Blue Micropylar End 3) enhancer-trap line identified a GATA-type zinc finger protein expressed during cold stratification to break seed dormancy. Two independent knockout lines had deeper dormancy than wild-type seeds and exhibited impaired responses to cold treatment. Two GA biosynthesis genes GA20ox3 and GA3ox1 were down-regulated in the knockout seeds, suggesting that the BME3 zinc finger protein is an upstream regulator of GA biosynthesis. Characterization of the BME3 promoter using a GUS reporter gene indicated that this gene is activated in the embryonic axis of germinating seeds. Taken together, the biological function of BME3 is probably to enhance the growth potential of the embryo through the activation of GA biosynthesis in Arabidopsis seeds. Impact: Proteins that have a central role in dormancy and response to cold stress, such as the protein encoded by the BME3 gene, have been recently discovered using modern molecular tools. Using this discovery of BME3, researchers will be able to create a picture of the complex germination process and the factors that affect it. (OR) MicroRNAs (miRNA) are 21-24 nucleotide, single-stranded RNA, which negatively regulate expression of transcription factors in plants. To develop this new area of research for seeds, simple miRNA extraction and detection methods were established; small RNAs were purified using isopropanol fractionation and a method to synthesize efficient non-radioactive miRNA probes was developed. As an alternative of miRNA microarrays, a semi-high throughput miRNA detection system using a miniblotter has also been developed. Impact: This is a novel area of study in seed biology and increases the possibility of discovering genes important for seed development, dormancy and germination, which have not been discovered by traditional molecular techniques. MiRNAs and their target genes are highly conserved among diverse species, therefore researchers can directly apply these tools to multiple crops. (OR) Endosperm weakening is known to occur in seeds of diverse species including agricultural crop species such as pepper and lettuce. The LeMAN2 gene that encodes a germination-specific endo-²-mannanase is thought to play an important role in endosperm weakening in tomato seeds, which is a prerequisite for radicle emergence in tomato seeds. However, direct evidence for the function of this gene in the induction of seed germination has not been obtained. To further investigate the gene function, RNA interference (RNAi) approach was applied. Regenerated transgenic plants have been tested for antibiotic resistance and transferred to soil. Impact: Germination proceeds through a precise developmental program that requires many proteins to act in concert, some specifically operating during germination with presumably important functions. Weakening of the seed coat is an important step for the seed to germinate, and this research has resulted in a new tool to investigate seed coat weakening that will be used by researchers to reveal additional proteins involved in this complex process. (OR) Seed desiccation and germination are developmental stages that are particularly prone to oxidative stress. Glutathione is one of the most abundant and ubiquitous antioxidants in plant cells. To better understand glutathiones role in developing and germinating Arabidopsis seeds, wild-type and a line anti-sense for glutathione reductase2 (anGR2) were compared. anGR2 seeds declined in germination percentage while germination percentage of wild-type seeds increased, during nine months of conventional storage, suggesting seed dormancy or after-ripening had been affected. Impact: Seeds are adversely affected by extremes of temperature and moisture, and often respond with production of antioxidants such as glutathione, whose role in seeds has been inferred to be important for long-term viability. This work indicates that low glutathione levels are detrimental to seed storage, and provides an additional tool for optimal management of seeds in storage. (VA) Seeds of the parasitic plant Orobanche require a chemical signal in order to germinate. The seeds are, however, receptive only after several days of conditioning in the presence of water, when metabolic activities take place. Using Differential Display PCR, 62 gene fragments were differentially expressed during conditioning, 54 were sequenced, and 32 resembled known genes. The cDNA of a putative dioxygenase (ACC oxidase) expressed during conditioning encodes a predicted protein of 365 amino acids. Immuno electron microscopy located the putative dioxygenase in embryo dictyosomes. Use of AVG, an ethylene synthesis inhibitor, blocked germination when applied during seed conditioning. Impact: Parasitic weeds germinate and grow on another plant or crop, in response to a chemical signal. Blocking this signal or the response to this signal could prevent germination and provide a strategy for weed control, and this research demonstrated at least one target that would effectively limit parasitic weed seed germination. (VA) Objective 4. Technologies to assess seed quality, improve seed performance and enhance seed utilization. Seed priming (controlled hydration followed by drying) is used to overcome thermoinhibition in lettuce and to speed germination in a number of species. However, priming often results in a reduction in seed storage life and sensitivity to adverse storage conditions. Studies in lettuce indicated that the rate of drying following priming had some effect on seed longevity, but not sufficient to restore potential longevity to its control level. Assessment of moisture isotherms did not detect a difference between untreated and primed seeds, so a difference in seed moisture content at a given relative humidity cannot explain these results. Additional modifications to the priming protocols are being tested. In addition, as current hypotheses of seed deterioration propose a major role for active oxygen species, tests are being conducted of aging responses in low oxygen atmospheres to determine whether an increased sensitivity to oxygen is associated with more rapid deterioration of primed seeds. Impact: Seed priming increases germination but reduces longevity. Modifications to seed priming methods will overcome this limitation for seed producers. (CA) Defining the wheat starchy endosperm proteome and the changes undergone during grain development demonstrates the metabolic versatility of the endosperm and reveals the changing metabolic needs as the grain matures. Prior work has identified thioredoxin target proteins in this tissue and also shown that the solubility of certain resident proteins changes dramatically on reduction by thioredoxin. Impact: The endosperm of wheat provides the grain with many nutritious and baking qualities and further improvements in bread and pasta quality will be directed towards specific protein targets. This research is defining the proteins that contribute to endosperm development and will help plant breeders and millers specify desired improvements. (CA) Ethylene synthesis and sensitivity, and their relation to germination at supraoptimal temperatures, were investigated in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seeds matured at 30/20 ºC (day/night) and 20/10 ºC temperatures. Both thermosensitive and thermotolerant seeds matured at 30/20 ºC had greater germination at supraoptimal temperatures, in both light or dark, than seeds matured at 20/10 ºC. Seeds matured at 30/20 ºC produced more ethylene during germination than seeds matured at 20/10 ºC, regardless of imbibition conditions. Seeds matured at 30/20 ºC did not differ from seeds matured at 20/10 ºC in their sensitivity to ethylene. Adding 10 mM of the ethylene precursor, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) to water, increased germination at supraoptimal temperatures of genotypes matured at 30/20 ºC or 20/10 ºC. Impact: Environmental conditions during seed development affect seed germination and seedling growth in an unknown fashion. The current work suggests higher temperatures during seed maturation increase germination at high temperatures in part due to the effect of the plant hormone ethylene, and these results are applicable to seed producers. (FL) White corn is a specialty crop, and marketability can be adversely affected by contamination following pollination with yellow corn. Feasibility and efficiency of color sorting in removing adventitious yellow corn from white seed corn with a Satake color sorter was tested. Results indicated that the color sorter significantly reduced the percentage of adventitious yellow seeds at both high and low contamination percentages. Impact: Mechanical seed separation based on color can preserve marketability of white seed when contaminated with yellow seed, and this technology can be readily implemented by seed producers to increase availability and marketability of white corn seed. (IA) Seed lots with dormancy cause problems for seed producers and consumers. Practical elements of different germination tests, storage temperatures and different sunflower genotypes were performed to help producers better understand the changing nature of dormancy and gain insight as to mechanisms to predict planting value. The two sunflower genotypes were produced at two sites in two different production years. As expected, genotype and storage temperature affected dormancy level and duration. The standard germination test, utilizing a constant 20C temperature, usually produced the lowest germination while ethylene produced the highest germination. Impact: Variety and storage conditions influence seed dormancy and subsequent germination, and poor germination adversely affects growers economic return. Practical methods to predict high field germination potential are lacking, and the current research will help seed producers refine conditions to minimize and manage risks associated with seed dormancy in commercial seedlots. (IA) Soil compaction on soybean seedling emergence was evaluated using seed lots with high germination but variable seedling vigor. Compaction was imposed to the soil after planting in near-cylindrical containers, to provide a range of compactive efforts. As compaction increased from low to high, emergence declined across all seed vigor levels. Emergence of high vigor seed lots remained above 80% until compaction increased to 13.7 kJ m-3, while low vigor seed lots had low emergence (< 50%) at the lowest compaction (4.6kJ m-3). Seed size had no effect on emergence following compaction, however seedling emergence was greater when three seeds were planted in each container compared to one seed. Impact: Most growers face problems associated with their soils at some time, and compaction due to excess water or heavy equipment creates special problems for germinating seedlings. A method was developed to show the effect of seedling vigor with different soil compactions, and can now be applied by other researchers and seed suppliers to manage germination in suboptimal environments. (KY) An automated system to measure germination and growth rates using machine vision has been developed. The system uses a flat bed scanner to capture sequential digital images at evenly spaced, user-specified time intervals for seeds germinating in a Petri dish followed by evaluation using computer software. The system can be used to assess germination time courses continuously and automatically on very small seed (Arabidopsis, tobacco) without altering the experimental environment (temperature, light). Impact: A method for non-destructive, repeated measures of seedling growth was developed that will allow seed producers and researchers higher measurement precision. Using this tool, researchers and seed producers will be able to determine the effects of different growth and storage environments on germination. (KY) A comparative physiological approach to studying seed death due to drying (recalcitrance) was developed by performing parallel experiments with the recalcitrant Spartina alterniflora and the orthodox S. pectinata. The response of both dormant and non-dormant seeds to flash drying protocols can be readily compared between the two species, as well as comparing the effects of flash versus slow drying. The system permits separation of general drying effects and provides a means to analyze seed parameters in the dormant state, independent of active seed metabolism.. The contribution of peroxidative reactions to recalcitrant seed death was evaluated. There are no contributions to Spartina seed death by thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), ferric orange-xylenol (FOX) reactive substances or hydrogen peroxide. Lipid oxidation does not play a role in seed death due to recalcitrance. Previous reports supporting this idea are incorrect for at least three reasons: (1) TBARS, as commonly performed (without freeze clamping of the tissue) yields artifacts produced during tissue preparation (2) TBARS, as commonly performed, does not correct for interfering phenolics or sugars; correcting for these substances eliminates any significant TBARS, and no differences during the drying of recalcitrant vs. orthodox seeds. (3) FOX products increase during drying of both S. alterniflora and S. pectinata. Impact: A method to evaluate seed death due to drying was developed. Using this method, germplasm curators and ecologists can develop new knowledge and approaches for genetic conservation of important marsh grass and endangered tropical plants. (LA) Moisture, temperature, and impedance (the physical constraint of fruit structure and soil type on emergence) contribute to seedling vigor. Temperature effects were examined by germinating sugar beet seeds in water at temperatures ranging from 5C to 35C in 5C increments. Little germination occurred at the most extreme temperatures, with optimal germination occurring from 20C to 25C. Characterization of germination at 15C, 23C, and 35C will give the best discrimination of seedling vigor related to temperature as measured with molecular tools and for selection of high vigor germplasm. Impact: A method to evaluate seedling vigor related to temperature in sugar beet was developed. Using this tool, researchers and seed producers can develop varieties with higher germination and better seedling vigor for growers. (MI) A stress test able to predict germination and emergence of sugar beet in the field would be useful to a number workers in the industry, including seeds people, agronomists, breeders, and growers. A number of procedures are available that have some predictive power however field conditions are difficult to mimic in the laboratory. Germination of sugar beet seed in aqueous solutions shows promise as an additional tool for examining seedling vigor. This test was evaluated in a multi-location, multi-institution international trial. One seedlot with high genetic potential and another with low genetic potential was contributed, at the choice and discretion, of participating seed companies. Further, two seedlots for each genetic choice would be tested, one with higher emergence potential (e.g. vigor) and another with lower vigor. The ring test protocol chosen was to germinate 100 seeds in 40 ml of solution in a 250 ml flask at 20 C with constant agitation, with shaking seed on a rotary platform at 100 rpm, with four replications of each entry. Counts of seeds with visible radicles were to be made at 48 h and 96 h after immersion, suggested with a change of solution at the first count time-point. Two solutions would be tested, one of water of discretionary quality and one of 0.3% hydrogen peroxide, freshly prepared. Genetic potential was easily discriminated in water and salt solutions. Seedlot potential was also easy to discriminate in any solution, however the differences were smaller than for genetic potential differences. Impact: A method to predict seedling vigor in water stress environments was validated for sugar beet in an international project. This test can now be widely implemented to ensure growers have high germination performance seed available for planting. (MI) Laboratory scale seed coating equipment was developed for seed treatment application, using low volume application and film coating. Adapting seed coating equipment for seed treatment application is one of the W-1168 milestones. This expertise and facilities in seed technology is an integral part of testing and evaluation of new chemistry seed treatments for specialty crops. Impact: Most commercial seed is batch-processed with one or more coatings that provide additional protection or germination benefits to the growers, and this technology was adapted for small quantities of seed in order to examine the effect of coating and different agents on seed performance. This tool will be widely used by seed researchers to evaluate the effect of different coatings to improve germination. (NY) Management of onion maggot in onion requires the use of an insecticide applied at planting. Insecticide resistance and a dearth of available products have stimulated an effort to identify new insecticides for onion maggot control, especially chemistries that can be delivered as seed treatments. Onion seeds film-coated with fipronil, spinosad and clothianidin consistently provided excellent control of onion maggot and performed well during wet and dry seasons. Fipronil, spinosad and clothianidin seed treatments should be considered for future registration on onion. Availability of these chemistries would allow rotation with the cyromazine seed treatment, which would likely prolong the longevity of all products. Impact: Seed treatments provide growers with a convenient, reliable, and environmentally responsible method for managing economically damaging onion maggot infestations. New seed treatments that can be used by seed producers were developed that effectively manage insect infestations in onion seed. (NY) The effect of selected biologicals on direct seeded and transplanted squash plant growth and mineral content under salinity stress was conducted in pot experiments using a mixture of sandy loam:vermiculite (1:1 v:v) under controlled greenhouse conditions. Biologicals tested included Ag Blend, Soil Builder, Yield Shield, Plant Shield, Behold and Equity. Salinity negatively affected growth of squash; however, biological treatments significantly increased fresh weight compared to nontreated plants that were challenged with salt stress. Furthermore, all biological treatments tested increased the uptake of potassium compared to the nontreated control in both direct seeded and transplanted squash. Sodium concentration was not affected by biologicals in directed seeded squash, while all biologicals, except Plant Shield, decreased sodium uptake in transplants. The most effective biologicals increased the K+/Na+ ratio, which was positively correlated with plant growth. Alteration of mineral uptake may be one mechanism for the alleviation of salt stress. Impact: Many soils have salt concentrations that reduce plant productivity, including germination, and treatments to reduce injury would have wide applicability. A series of bio-treatments were tested in squash for their effect in limiting sodium uptake, and transplants benefited more than direct seed from these products that growers will use to maximize plant production. (NY) Development of a Seed Vigor Imaging System (SVIS) continues. A U.S. patent was issued in 2005 for SVIS. The number of crops analyzed by the system has been expanded to include corn, soybeans, cotton, melon, lettuce, tomato, canola and carrot. Progress has also been made in improving the accuracy of the system by minimizing the effect of overlapping seedlings. Impact: An automated seed vigor method for many crops would reduce labor costs in testing seeds. A patent was issued for one system, and this system is being used commercially. (OH) The efficiency of an automated computer imaging system was compared to other accepted procedures for the assessment of melon (Cucumis melo L.) seed vigour. Five seed lots each of two cultivars (Oro Rico and Nitro) were subjected to first count germination, accelerated aging (traditional and saturated salt), and speed of seedling emergence tests. Results were compared against those provided by scanning three- and four-day-old seedlings followed by image processing and analysis by specific software that automatically calculated indices for speed and uniformity of seedling growth. Results from the first count germination, accelerated ageing and speed of seedling emergence tests provided consistent identification of the physiological potential of the seed lots, producing information comparable to those for percentage seedling emergence, thus demonstrating their sensitivity for vigor evaluation of melon seeds. Impact: Evaluating seed quality and vigor are labor intensive. An automated system was developed and tested on melon seed germination resulting in a more rapid, objective and efficient alternative for melon seed vigor evaluation by seed technologists. (OH) High seed quality is essential for optimum stand establishment in lettuce. As a result, it is necessary to have seed vigor tests that permit rapid, objective and accurate evaluation of seed quality. The standard germination test has been traditionally used to evaluate seed quality of lettuce and other vegetable seeds. However, the standard germination test is conducted under ideal laboratory conditions rarely encountered in the field. This study evaluates physical and physiological seed quality components of four seed lots of six lettuce varieties obtained from a commercial company. Seeds were evaluated for seedling emergence under greenhouse conditions, standard germination, seed physical aspects, the Saturated Salt Accelerated Aging (SSAA) test and the Seed Vigor Imaging System (SVIS). Results indicated that large-seeded lettuce varieties had higher percentage germination, higher SSAA values, higher SVIS index and more rapid and uniform greenhouse emergence. Black-seeded lettuce varieties possessed higher seed quality and less fungal invasion when evaluated by the SSAA test. Impact: Standard germination tests conducted under ideal laboratory conditions are rarely encountered in the field, and a stress germination test would be widely used in the seed industry. For lettuce, an index was determined that was significantly correlated with seedling emergence under greenhouse conditions, allowing researchers and seed suppliers an easy measure of seed vigor. (OH) Priming effects may be different among impatiens seed lots with different seed sizes. To investigate this relationship, six seed size classes of Expo Wine impatiens seeds were hydroprimed for different durations followed by slow dehydration using saturated salt solutions. Germination results showed that 24, 36 and 42h of hydropriming reduced speed of germination, while 4 and 8h of hydropriming promoted speed of germination and 1h hydropriming showed no significant difference compared to non-primed seeds. Statistical analysis indicated that seed size effects existed, with larger seeds germinating faster than smaller seeds following hydropriming. Impact: Uniformity of germination and seedling growth of landscape bedding plants is essential to maximize grower return, and methods to improve germination were re-evaluated. The timing of one treatment, hydropriming, was shown to be critical, and seed suppliers can now incorporate a short-duration hydopriming step in order to improve seed quality in impatiens.(OH) Desiccation and temperature stress are two major stressors that often limit seedling establishment. The ability of transplants to tolerate transplant shock and resume growth is often determined by the balance between root water uptake and leaf transpiration, and is linked to shoot/root growth. New industry efforts in the development of compounds for improving transplant performance have broadened opportunities for research in vegetable species. We investigated the influence of physiological (abscisic acid, ABA) and physical (AntiStress, Transfilm and Vapor Gard) antitranspirants on the growth and physiology of pepper seedlings exposed to one or two cycles of desiccation. Root application of ABA enhanced desiccation tolerance compared to foliar application. Leaf photosynthesis and conductance decreased upon ABA application, however photosynthesis rates recovered after 7 days. Throughout two cycles of desiccation, ABA had a stronger effect in reducing stomatal conductance and photosynthesis while increasing leaf and stem water potential compared to physical antitranspirants. Most transplant growth changes occurred at the shoot level, and the control of shoot growth by ABA appeared to be transient. Signaling or metabolic compounds appeared more efficient to modulate shoot growth and enhance stress tolerance than physical compounds. Impact: High-value crops are often transplanted into the field, but transplant shock can limit production. Various pre-transplant seedling treatments to reduce shock and allow quick resumption of growth were tested, and growers can now better manage transplant shock in pepper. (TX) Silenis vulgaris is a wild plant originated in central Europe with medicinal and horticultural properties, and can be used to extract heavy metals for phytoremediation. Temperature and salinity regimes were evaluated on Silenis germination. Maximum germination occurred between 2.5 and 5.0 dS m-1 (99%), with a slide reduction at 10 and 12.5 dS m-1 (88-83%). There was a direct relationship between mean days of germination (3 to 8 days) and EC concentration (0 to 12.5 dS m-1). These responses were independent of incubation temperatures (15-25°C range). Impact: Collecting wild plants for medicianal uses is impractical and detrimental to the environment, and bringing them into cultivation is one solution. This work demonstrates conditions where one such wild species can be germinated, and allows researchers and plant breeders to now determine its potential for cultivation. (TX) Fruit color and carotenoid composition are important traits in watermelon. Watermelon fruit color inheritance studies have revealed that several genes are involved in color determination. Differential gene activities in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway may result in different color determination of mature fruit. Genes encoding enzymes in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway were isolated and characterized to provide fundamental genetic information. We developed a PCR-based molecular marker to distinguish fruit color between canary yellow and red. Impact: Development of reliable molecular markers will facilitate watermelon breeding and allow breeders to distinguish harvested flesh color and nutritional profiles at the seedling stage or even within a seed. (TX) Future Plans Plans for the W-1168 to host an international Translational Seed Biology Symposium were advanced, as a vehicle to bridge emerging insights of basic seed biology research for practical agricultural and ecological utilization of seeds and seed products. The location and date need to be decided. Proceedings will be published, and are expected to have a broad impact towards defining problem-solving approaches using emerging technologies.

Adams, C.A., J.M. Baskin, and C.C. Baskin. 2005. Comparative morphology of seeds of closely-related species of Aristolochia subgenus Siphsia (Aristolochiaceae, Piperales.) Bot. J. Linnean Soc. 148: 433-436. Adams, C.A., J.M. Baskin, and C.C. Baskin. 2005. Trait stasis versus adaptation in disjunct relict species: evolutionary changes in seed dormancy-breaking and germination requirements in a subclade of Aristolochia subgenus Siphisia (Piperales). Seed Sci. Res. 15: 161-173. Alekseichuk, H., A. G. Taylor, and R. Parker. 2005. Isoprenoid PathwayProducts in Relation to Cabbage Seeds Maturation and Quality 8th International Workshop on Seeds "Germinating New Ideas" (8-13 May 2005, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia). P.107. Alvarado, V., and Bradford, K.J. 2005. Hydrothermal time analysis of seed dormancy in true (botanical) potato seeds. Seed Science Research 15: 77-88. [In press last report.] Argyris, J., Truco, M.J., Ochoa, O., Knapp, S.J., Still, D.W., Lenssen, G.M., Schut, J.W., Michelmore, R.W., and Bradford, K.J. 2005. Quantitative trait loci associated with seed and seedling traits in Lactuca. Theor. Appl. Genet. 111: 1365-1376. Argyris, Jason, Dennis TeKrony, Don Hershman, David Van Sanford, Marla Hall, Brenda Kennedy, Marcy Rucker and Cheryl Edge. 2005. Fusarium head blight infection following point inoculation in the greenhouse compared to movement of Fusarium graminearum in seed and floral components. Crop Sci. 45: 626-634. Bang, H., S. Kim, D.I. Leskovar and S. King. 2005. Genotype analysis of fruit color using a molecular marker in watermelon. HortScience 40(4):1114. Bang, H.J. 2005. Environmental and genetic strategies to improve carotenoids and quality in watermelon. Ph.D. Thesis, Texas A&M University Baskin, C.C. and J.M. Baskin. 2005. Seed dormancy in wild flowers. pp. 163-185. In M. B. McDonald and F. Kwong (eds.), Flower Seeds: Biology and technology. CABI Wallingford, UK. Baskin, C.C. and J.M. Baskin. 2005. Underdeveloped embryos in dwarf seeds and implications for assignment to dormancy class. Seed Sci. Res. (in press). [have read proof, will be in next issue] Baskin, C.C., J.M. Baskin, A. Yoshinaga and K. Thompson. 2005. Germination of drupelets in multi-seeded drupes of the shrub Leptecophylla tameiameiae (Ericaceae) from Hawaii, a case for deep physiological dormancy broken by high temperatures. Seed Sci. Res. (in press). [have read proof, will be in next issue] Baskin, J.M., C.C. Baskin, and R.W. Tyndall. 2005. Studies on dormancy, germination, and survival of seeds buried in soil of the rare plant species Aeschynomene virginica (Fabaceae). Nat. Areas J. 25: 147-155. Bonina, J. and D. J. Cantliffe. 2004. Seed production and seed sources of organic vegetables. HS 981. EDIS http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu. Bonina, J.R.. 2005. A rapid, simple, inexpensive and reproducible endo-beta-mannanase assay test for determining optimal hydrothermal timing of commercial priming of lettuce seed. Masters Thesis, University of Florida. Cong Zhu and Sharyn E. Perry. (2005) Control of expression and autoregulation of AGL15, a member of the MADS-box family. The Plant Journal 41, 583-594. Cong Zhu, Ph.D. 2005. Title: Gene Regulatory Networks of AGL15, A Plant MADS Transcription Factor. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Kentucky Dale, T.M, McGrath, J.M., Renner, K.A. 2005. Response of sugarbeet varieties and populations to postemergence herbicides. Journal of Sugarbeet Research 42:119-126. Egli, D. B., D. M. TeKrony and J. F.Spears. 2005. High temperature stress and soybeanseed quality: Stage of seed development. Seed Technol. 27: 177-189. Egli, D. B., D. M. TeKrony, J.J. Heitholt and J. Rupe. 2005. Relationship between air temperature during seed filling and seed germination and vigor in soybean. Crop Sci. 45: 1329-1335. 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