Seed germination

Germination challenges

Not all seeds germinate, for various reasons. This is an important topic in horticulture, but it has so far been very difficult to trace explanations down to the cellular level, not at least because it is difficult to predict which single seed out of e.g. 100 seeds will not germinate. In this case study we address several microscopy solutions for seed germination research.

Cryoplaning SEM image of imbibed lettuce seed (Lactuca sativa). Image width is 460 µm. Photo by Jaap Nijsse.
Cryoplaning SEM image of imbibed lettuce seed (Lactuca sativa).
Cryoplaning SEM image of imbibed lettuce seed (Lactuca sativa). Image width is 58 µm. Photo by Jaap Nijsse.
Cryoplaning SEM image of imbibed lettuce seed (Lactuca sativa).
Cryoplaning SEM image of imbibed lettuce seed (Lactuca sativa). Image width is 115 µm. Photo by Jaap Nijsse.
Cryoplaning SEM image of imbibed lettuce seed (Lactuca sativa).
Cryoplaning SEM image of imbibed lettuce seed (Lactuca sativa). Image width is 58 µm. Photo by Jaap Nijsse.
Cryoplaning SEM image of imbibed lettuce seed (Lactuca sativa).
Cryoplaning SEM image of imbibed lettuce seed (Lactuca sativa). Image width is 33 µm. Photo by Jaap Nijsse.
Cryoplaning SEM image of imbibed lettuce seed (Lactuca sativa).
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Timelapse imaging

With time-lapse imaging, the germination of garden cress seeds was documented. This method allows for very precise reconstructions of germination of individual seeds, and of whole batches. Single seeds could be selected for further microscopical analysis, based on the germination behaviour as reported by the timelapse imaging.

'Consistence Barendrecht: for deeper insights in seeds'

Cell death and reduced germination

Exogenenous gibbererellins inhibit coffee seed germination and cause cell death in the embryo, as was found with cryoplaning SEM analysis. For more details see the original publication in Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol. 56, No. 413, pp. 1029-1038.

Exogenous gibberellins inhibit coffee (Coffea arabica cv. Rubi) seed germination and cause cell death in the embryo. Method: cryoplaning SEM. Amaral da Silva et al., 2005

Seed mucilage

Many plant seeds have seeds that excrete mucilage upon rehydration. Mucilage hydrocolloids often consist of carbohydrate polymer material, such as cellulose microfibrils in case of the garden cress shwon here. 

Cryo-SEM image of a not germinated garden cress seed (Lepidium sativum). Image width is 518 µm. Photo by Jaap Nijsse. www.Consistence.nl.
Cryo-SEM image of a not germinated garden cress seed (Lepidium sativum).
Cryo-SEM image of external mucilage layer of an imbibed garden cress seed (Lepidium sativum). Image width is 260 µm. Photo by Jaap Nijsse. www.Consistence.nl.
Cryo-SEM image of external mucilage layer of an imbibed garden cress seed (Lepidium sativum).
Cryo-SEM image of external mucilage layer of an imbibed garden cress seed (Lepidium sativum). Image width is 130 µm. Photo by Jaap Nijsse. www.Consistence.nl.
Cryo-SEM image of external mucilage layer of an imbibed garden cress seed (Lepidium sativum).
Cryo-SEM image of external mucilage layer of an imbibed garden cress seed (Lepidium sativum). Image width is 52 µm. Photo by Jaap Nijsse. www.Consistence.nl.
Cryo-SEM image of external mucilage layer of an imbibed garden cress seed (Lepidium sativum).
Cryo-SEM image of external mucilage layer of an imbibed garden cress seed (Lepidium sativum). Image width is 26 µm. Photo by Jaap Nijsse. www.Consistence.nl.
Cryo-SEM image of external mucilage layer of an imbibed garden cress seed (Lepidium sativum).
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Post-mortem seed analysis

After 25 days, well after germination of the surrounding seeds, a non-germinated garden cress seed was investigated with cryoplaning SEM.  Apparently, most of the cells of the seed examined were dead at the moment of cryo-fixation, as could be judged from loss of compartmentalisation within the cells. Although most cells were dead, still some cell showed compartmentalisation, which is one of the best signs of life.

Cryo-SEM image of a not germinated garden cress seed (Lepidium sativum). Image width is 260 µm. Photo by Jaap Nijsse. www.Consistence.nl.
Cryo-SEM image of a not germinated garden cress seed (Lepidium sativum). Image width is 52 µm. Photo by Jaap Nijsse. www.Consistence.nl.

Seed research at Consistence

At the Consistence lab, but also at the test locations of our customers, timelapse imaging can be applied at various length and time scales. Cryoplaning SEM and other microscopical analysis methods have proven their value for subsequent deeper insights.

SEM stereo image of lettuce seed (Lactuca sativa)

Stereo Image of lettuce seed

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Our aim is to provide world class microstructural insights and we are happy to receive feedback. Contact us for more information if this page is relevant for your research. Free use of the images and content of this webpage is permitted with reference to Consistence.