Low temperature survival of slender naiad (Najas flexilis) seeds.
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.
Hay
F R
FR
Millennium Seed Bank, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Wakehurst Place, Ardingly, West Sussex, RH17 6TN, UK. f.hay@rbgkew.org.uk
Muir
J SK
JS