Seed Biology of Lepidium apetalum (Brassicaceae), with Particular Reference to Dormancy and Mucilage Development

Abstract

Lepidium apetalum (Brassicaceae) is an annual or biennial weed widely distributed in Asia and Europe. The outer surface of L. apetalum seeds produces a large amount of mucilage. The primary aim of this study was to explore the dormancy characteristics and to determine how mucilage develops. The role of mucilage in water absorption/dehydration, the effects of after-ripening, gibberellin acid (GA3), cold stratification and seed coat scarification on germination, the role of mucilage in germination and seedling growth during drought, and the progress of mucilage production during seed development were investigated. The results indicate that the best temperature regime for germination was 10/20 °C. After-ripening, GA3 and seed coat scarification helped to break dormancy. Light promoted germination. Seedling growth of mucilaged seeds were significantly higher than those of demucilaged seeds at −0.606 and −1.027 MPa. Anatomical changes during seed development showed that mucilage was derived from the outer layer of the outer integument cells. Our findings suggest that seeds of L. apetalum exhibited non-deep physiological dormancy. The dormancy characteristics along with mucilage production give seeds of L. apetalum a competitive advantage over other species, and thus contribute to its potential as a weed. Effective control of this weed can be achieved by deep tillage.

A Comprehensive Review on Plant-Derived Mucilage: Characterization, Functional Properties, Applications, and Its Utilization for Nanocarrier Fabrication

“…The mucilage obtained from the seed coat is classified into three classes that are endosperm non-starch polysaccharide (galactomannans), cell wall material of the endosperm (soybean hemicelluloses and xyloglucans), and mucilaginous constituents of the seed coat (flaxseed, Chia seed, and yellow mustard) [ 20 , 21 ]. Mucilage develops a jelly-like structure around fruit and maintains moisture and prevents seeds from completely drying out and therefore act as a hydrating agent and also acts as an energy reservoir [ 22 , 23 ]. Mucilage also plays a significant role in the control of germination, the promotion of dispersal, and soil adhesion, root mucilage is usually exhibited from the outer layers of the root cap, consisting of mostly root border cells and polysaccharides, which produce various chemical substances such as flavonoids, phenolics acids, amino acids, galactosidase, antibiotics, sugars, peroxidase, proteins, and anthocyanins [ 24 ].…”

Characterization of Invasiveness, Thermotolerance and Light Requirement of Nine Invasive Species in China

“…Invasive species have been reported to show fast germination rates, reaching higher germination percentages under a wide range of environmental conditions [17][18][19][20][21]. However, germination strategies may vary among species, being affected by evolutionary history, life-history traits, and environmental conditions [22]. The study of germination strategies of different invasive species could be useful for understanding the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms of invasion.…”

A chromosome-level genome assembly and annotation of the medicinal plant Lepidium apetalum

“…Lepidium apetalum Willd., an annual or biennial herb, belongs to the genus Lepidium in the family Brassicaceae and is mainly distributed in the northern part of China [ 1 ]. Its dried mature seeds are called “Tinglizi”, which is a traditional Chinese medicine commonly used for purging the lung, relieving dyspnea, and alleviating edema [ 2 ], and has the significant pharmacological efficacy for cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, etc [ 3 ].…”