Seed Persistence: A Correlation Between Seed Longevity in the Soil and Ortho-Dihydroxyphenol Concentration

Abstract

JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact support@jstor.org. This content downloaded from 129.180.Summary 1. Ortho-dihydroxyphenol and cyanoglycoside concentrations were determined in seeds of over 80 species, drawn largely from the native British flora but including a number of weeds and other species of agricultural significance. 2. All seeds examined contained at least trace amounts of hydroxyphenols and threequarters released hydrogen cyanide on hydrolysis. A highly significant correlation was found between (a) seed persistence in the soil and ortho-dihydroxyphenol concentration and (b) between protein content, as a measure of the nutritional value of the seed, and ortho-dihydroxyphenol content. No such relation was found with cyanoglycosides. 3. Particularly high concentrations of ortho-dihydroxyphenols were found throughout species within the order Myrtales (Onagraceae and relatives), all with little or no seed endosperm. 4. From this broad survey we conclude that ortho-dihydroxyphenols, as a class, play an important role in maintaining seed persistence in the soil, probably by deferring or decreasing the rate of decomposition by microbes as well as by defending against herbivory, and that this is one important mechanism, along with morphological adaptations, which confers longevity and persistence on seeds buried in cool temperate and relatively moist soil conditions.

Weed seed survival in experimental mini-silos of corn and alfalfa

“…Nevertheless, results suggest characteristics other than seed permeability could also be involved in survival in silage (Mohamed-Yasseen et al 1994;Copeland and McDonald 1995). For example, soluble phenolic compounds present in seed coats act as a chemical defense against microorganisms (Hendry et al 1994;Mohamed-Yasseen et al 1994) and perhaps protect from silage bacteria. Again, further studies to evaluate the mechanisms of seed decay in silage are needed.…”

Persistent soil seed banks in Phacelia secunda (Hydrophyllaceae): experimental detection of variation along an altitudinal gradient in the Andes of central Chile (33 S)

“…Preliminary studies indicate that P. secunda seeds from higher elevation have a higher content of phenolic compounds (L. Cavieres, unpublished data). The well‐known strong anti‐fungal, bactericidal and anti‐herpetic properties of such compounds (Hendry et al . 1994) might override the effect of soil properties at low elevations.…”

Post-dispersal seed predation and seed bank persistence

“…A number of germination inhibitors, e.g. cyanide, dinitrophenol and hydroxylamine, may additionally prove unpalatable or toxic to seed predators (Hendry et al, 1994). Hard seed coats impose high mechanical resistance which in addition to imposing dormancy by blocking water uptake or oxygen diffusion may also protect the embryo from seed predators (Mayer and Poljakoff-Mayber, 1989).…”