Ecology

Reports Outline Seed Science Study Results from State University

  2012 JUL 6 (VerticalNews) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Ecology, Environment & Conservation -- Current study results on Seed Science have been published. According to news originating from Sao Paulo, Brazil, by VerticalNews correspondents, researchers stated "The caruncle is a structure present in the micropylar region of Euphorbiaceae seeds. This structure has the ecological function of promoting seed dispersal by ants (myrmecochory), but it is debated whether it also has an agronomical importance influencing seed germination."

  Our news journalists obtained a quote from the research by the authors from State University, "The influence of the caruncle on castor (Ricinus communis) seed germination was evaluated under low soil water content and high soil salinity. Seeds were germinated at soil water storage capacities varying from 22 to 50% and salinities (NaCl) varying from 0 to 10 dS m(-1) The germination (%) increased following the increments in soil moisture. hut the caruncle had no influence on this process at any moisture level. In one genotype. more root dry mass was produced when caruncle was excised. Increasing salinity reduced the percentage and speed of germination of castor seeds, but no influence of caruncle was detected."

  According to the news editors, the researchers concluded: "No evidence of caruncle influencing castor seed germination was found under low soil water content and high salinity."

  For more information on this research see: The influence of the caruncle on the germination of castor seed under high salinity or low soil water content. Seed Science and Technology, 2012;40(1):139-143. Seed Science and Technology can be contacted at: Ista-Int Seed Testing Assoc, Zuerichstr 50, PO Box 308, Ch-8303 Bassersdorf, Switzerland.

  The news correspondents report that additional information may be obtained from L.S. Severino, Univ Estadual Paulista, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

  Keywords for this news article include: Brazil, Sao Paulo, Seed Science, South America, Science And Technology

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