Abstract
In the present study, the structural and permeability properties of the Tilia miqueliana seed coat were primarily explored through the scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), paraffin section detection (PSD), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and germination experiments. This found that the seed coat of Tilia miqueliana seeds exhibits two functions. On the one hand, the seed coat exhibits poor water permeability. The complex multilayer seed coat function as a barrier to water, and the hard, dense cell structure prevents water permeability. On the other hand, the seed coat covers and protects the embryo, it is likely to impose dormancy or trigger germination by controlling water uptake.
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Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, and Co-innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Southern Tree Inspection Center National Forestry Administration.
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This work was financed by the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions (PAPD).
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YBS conceived the original screening and research plans; YW performed the experiments using the MRI, SEM, and PSD methods; YW designed the experiments and analyzed the data; YW conceived the project and wrote the article with contributions of all the authors. YW agrees to serve as the author responsible for contact and ensures communication. All authors have read and approved the manuscript.
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We strictly comply with the Convention on the Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and also abide by Law of the People's Republic of China on Wildlife Protection. Research permission on Tilia miqueliana tree has been obtained from Jiangsu Wildlife Protection Station. The collection of experimental intact seeds was approved by the Management Office of Huang Zangyu National Forest Park in Anhui Province, China.
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Wu, Y., Shen, Y.B. Seed Coat Structural and Permeability Properties of Tilia miqueliana Seeds. J Plant Growth Regul 40, 1198–1209 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00344-020-10179-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00344-020-10179-0