title: Low temperature survival of slender naiad (Najas flexilis) seeds.
abstract: The response to drying and storage at -20 degrees C or in liquid nitrogen was studied in seeds of the freshwater aquatic plant Najas flexilis. The seeds of this species show some desiccation sensitivity, although post-harvest storage in water at 16 degrees C resulted in improvements in desiccation tolerance. There was 63% germination of seeds dried to 9.5% moisture content (30% RH) following this maturation period. Optimum moisture contents for seeds stored at -20 degrees C for 3 months and in liquid nitrogen for 1 week were ~11% and ~15%, respectively.
authors.affiliation: Millennium Seed Bank, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Wakehurst Place, Ardingly, West Sussex, RH17 6TN, UK. f.hay@rbgkew.org.uk
authors.forename: F R
authors.initials: FR
authors.lastname: Hay
authors.forename: J SK
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Muir