Germination and seedling development of Trapa bispinosa Roxb

Area of Science:

• Aquatic Botany
• Plant Physiology
• Seed Biology

Background:

• Trapa bispinosa is a freshwater macrophyte crucial for aquatic ecosystems.
• Limited data exists on the seed storage and germination of Trapa bispinosa.
• Reliance on naturally sourced fresh seeds can lead to supply issues due to environmental factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the viability and germination of Trapa bispinosa seeds after six months of low-temperature storage.
• To compare the developmental stages of plants grown from stored versus fresh seeds.
• To identify optimal seed storage methods for Trapa bispinosa.

Main Methods:

• Trapa bispinosa seeds were stored at 7°C for six months in plastic bags.
• Stored and fresh seeds were germinated in glass tanks with aged tap water.
• Germination percentages, developmental stages, and plant morphology were recorded.

Main Results:

• Stored seeds exhibited significantly lower germination (2.82%) compared to fresh seeds (71.19%).
• Eight distinct developmental stages from seed germination to juvenile plants were identified.
• Plants from stored seeds showed similar morphology but required longer development times.

Conclusions:

• Low-temperature storage (7°C for six months) negatively impacts Trapa bispinosa seed viability and vigor.
• Improved seed storage techniques considering moisture and dryness tolerance are needed.
• Effective storage is vital for Trapa bispinosa conservation, restoration, and cultivation.