SciELO - Scientific Electronic Library Online

 
vol.34 issue3Seed size, emergence and seedling development of maguey (Agave salmiana Otto ex Salm-Dyck)Humic substances and moisture content in the production of biomass and bioactive constituents of Thymus vulgaris L. author indexsubject indexsearch form
Home Pagealphabetic serial listing  

Services on Demand

Journal

Article

Indicators

Related links

  • Have no similar articlesSimilars in SciELO

Share


Revista fitotecnia mexicana

Print version ISSN 0187-7380

Abstract

RANGEL FAJARDO, Ma. Alma et al. Desiccation tolerance in seeds from three genetic origins of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.). Rev. fitotec. mex [online]. 2011, vol.34, n.3, pp.175-182. ISSN 0187-7380.

Recalcitrant seeds such as Theobroma cacao L. die during the drying, but the moisture content at which dying takes place may vary among genotypes within the same species. In this research, desiccation sensitivity to drying was measured in five genotypes of cocoa from three genetic origins, and the physical changes of seeds were observed during the last stage of development. Fruits from 'Pound 7' and 'EET48' (Forasteros), 'UF667' and 'UF668' (hybrids) and 'Carmelo' (Criollo) were harvested at 5, 6 and 7 months after flowering (maf). Variables evaluated were: length, width, thickness, initial moisture content, and seed dry weight. Seeds were dried-down to 300, 200 and 150 g H2O kg-1 fw, using fresh-seed samples as controls. The effect of seed drying at the three harvest dates was evaluated through germination rates and structural changes in the embryo axes, radicle apical meristems and caliptre. Results indicated that seed moisture content varied among harvests and genotypes, from 529 g H2O kg-1 fw ('EET48') to 706 g H2O kg-1 fw ('Carmelo'). Seed dry weight increased by 2.5 g (236 %) from harvest one (5 maf) to harvest three (7 maf), increases which were associated with increments of 0.6 and 4 mm in seed width and thickness. In seeds recently harvested (high moisture) the germination rate reached 94 %, but when seed moisture declined to 300 and 200 g H2O kg-1 fw the germination rate decreased to 50 % and 0 %. The less sensitive genotypes at 300 g H 2Ok g-1 fw were 'EET48' and 'UF667'. Desiccation modified the cell structure of embryo axes. Genotypes 'Carmelo', 'Pound 7', and 'UF668' showed cellular damages (cytoplasm wrinkle, loss of the affinity of nucleic acids to safranin O, and loss of nucleus) in 50 % of the embryo cells at a moisture of 300 and 200 g H2O kg-1 fw. The less sensitive genotype was 'UF668'. It is concluded that cocoa seed sensitivity to drying can be detected among genotypes of the three originis at 300 g H2O kg-1 fw, while with dissection to the level of 200 g H2O kg-1 fw none of the cocoa genotypes was able to tolerate seed drying.

Keywords : Theobroma cacao; moisture content; maturity; level recalcitrant; sensitivity to desiccation.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )

 

Creative Commons License All the contents of this journal, except where otherwise noted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License