Abstract
Periodic update of stored seeds is indispensable for sustainable use and preservation of plant genetic resources, and performance of this task requires precise data on the relationship between storage period and the germination rate of seeds after long-term storage. In this study, germination rates of pure strains of perilla (Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton var. crispa) were investigated for three strains by using the mericarps stored for 1–20 years at 4°C under dry conditions. The germination rates were fairly good (65–70%) for 5–8 years after harvest, but dropped to almost 0% for mericarps stored more than 9 years. Mericarps that did not germinate were analyzed for viability by using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride. For old mericarps (stored more than 9 years), the germination rates and seed viability did not correlate. Further study on days required for germination of mericarps harvested each year was derived from our observation record, suggesting that germination rates and longevity of mericarp life were increasingly influenced by individual difference as the storage period lengthened.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Ito M (2008) Studies on perilla, agarwood, and cinnamon through a combination of fieldwork and laboratory work. J Nat Med 62:387–395
Nagamine T, Miyashita S, Nishikawa T (2000) Seed longevity of perilla (Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt var. frutescens). Seed Sci Technol 28:875–880
White JW, Montes-R C (1993) The influence of temperature on seed germination in cultivars of common bean. J Exp Bot 44:1795–1800
Nadjafi F, Bannayan M, Tabrizi L, Rastgoo M (2006) Seed germination and dormancy breaking techniques for Ferula gummosa and Teucrium polium. J Arid Environ 64:542–547
Ito M, Honda G (2007) Geraniol synthases from perilla and their taxonomical significance. Phytochemistry 68:446–453
Takahashi N, Suzuki Y, Kimoto U, Shoji S (1973) Seibutukankyotyosetu handbook. University of Tokyo Press, Tokyo, pp 632–633
Suzuki Y (2003) Seed biology. Tohoku University Press, Sendai, pp 186–188, 276, 281
Ogata J, Kikura-Hanajiri R, Yoshimatsu K, Kiuchi F, Goda Y (2008) Detection method for the ability of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seed germination by the use of 2,3,5-triphenyl-2H-tetrazolium chloride (TTC). Yakugaku Zasshi 128:1707–1711
Kun E, Abood LG (1949) Colorimetric estimation of succinic dehydrogenase by triphenyl tetrazolium chloride. Science 109:144–146
Ito M, Honda H, Sydara K (2008) Perilla frutescens var. frutescens in northern Laos. J Nat Med 62:251–258
Nagata Y (1992) Basic statistical analysis. JUSE, Tokyo, Japan, pp 88–93
Keshtkar AR, Keshtkar HR, Razavi SM, Dalfardi S (2008) Methods to break seed dormancy of Astragalus cyclophyllon. Afr J Biotechnol 7:3874–3877
Roberts EH, Abdalla FH (1968) The influence of temperature, moisture and oxygen on the period of seed viability in barley, broad bean and beans. Ann Bot 32:97–117
Acknowledgments
We are very grateful to Prof. F. Kiuchi (former director of Tsukuba Division, Research Center for Medical Plant Resources, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation) for valuable advice. Our sincere thanks are also given to Emeritus Prof. G. Honda. This work was supported by a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research provided by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Masumoto, N., Ito, M. Germination rates of perilla (Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton) mericarps stored at 4°C for 1–20 years. J Nat Med 64, 378–382 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11418-010-0413-x
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11418-010-0413-x