Medicago truncatula f.laxicycla (Leguminosae), a new taxon with loose fruit coiling promoting rapid germination of the fruit-retained seeds

Germination success under different treatments and pod sowing depths in six legume species present in olive groves

“…All these characteristics favour greater exposure of the seed to moisture under the different treatments, which may increase their germination rates, above all in burial sowing where the humidity of the pods is maintained for longer. Some authors have shown that a number of seeds from the same pod in Medicago species with soft-walled pods are likely to germinate simultaneously (Small et al, 1991). Our data for sowing at depth confirm this tendency and, of the four species of Medicago tested, M. orbicularis had the greatest germination success per pod, despite the fact that this species had the fewest germinated seeds per pod in surface sowing.…”

Structure and Development of Medicago truncatula Pod Wall and Seed Coat

“…Previous morphological studies with M. truncatula have documented gross features of the fruit reproductive tissues, such as the coiled nature of the pods (Small and Brookes, 1982;Small et al, 1991), the thickened pod walls (Lesins and Lesins, 1979) or the presence of macro-and osteosclereids in the seed coat (Jha and Pal, 1992). However, no detailed microscopic studies have been reported for this species' pods and seeds.…”

Annual Medic Establishment and the Potential for Stand Persistence in Southern Arizona

“…Many annual legumes produce indehiscent fruits (pods) Authors wish to thank Bruce A. Roundy for assistance in manuscript preparation. Manuscript accepted 24 July 1992. that break down slowly and prevent moisture from rapidly reaching the seeds (Small et al 1991). This trait, along with hardseededness mechanisms, allows a proportion of a seed population to survive extended drought and promotes germination only when soil moisture is high enough to support seedling growth.…”