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Isothermal micro-calorimetry: a tool to predict seed longevity?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 February 2007

Fiona R. Hay ,
Michael A.A. O'Neill ,
Anthony E. Beezer  and
Simon Gaisford
Fiona R. Hay*
Affiliation:
Seed Conservation Department, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Wakehurst Place, Ardingly, West Sussex, RH17 6TN, UK
Michael A.A. O'Neill
Affiliation:
University of London, School of Pharmacy, 29–39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
Anthony E. Beezer
Affiliation:
University of London, School of Pharmacy, 29–39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
Simon Gaisford
Affiliation:
University of London, School of Pharmacy, 29–39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
*
*Correspondence: Email: f.hay@rbgkew.org.uk
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Abstract

This paper describes the exploratory use of isothermal micro-calorimetry (IMC) to measure directly the heat flow produced as seeds age. Heat flow was recorded in primed and non-primed (control) seeds of Ranunculus sceleratus L., aged in a micro-calorimeter at 35°C at three different seed water contents [c. 0.12, 0.075 and 0.045 g H2O (g dw)−1]. The rate of heat flow and total heat generated (an indicator of extent of reaction) were generally greater in control seeds, which aged at a faster rate, than in primed seeds. Total heat generated over a given period also increased with increasing water content. The power–time curves did not indicate first- or second-order rate kinetics, consistent with the probability that seed ageing is complex and involves a number of reactions. Even after the capacity to germinate had ceased, there was a residual power signal. As a method, IMC gave consistent results using independent samples at different times. Therefore, short-term experiments at relatively high water contents and/or temperatures may have the potential to predict the relative longevity of seed-lots, at least within a species.

Keywords

isothermal micro-calorimetryprimingyRanunculus sceleratusseed longevity
Type
Research Article
Information
Seed Science Research , Volume 16 , Issue 2 , June 2006 , pp. 89 - 96
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2006

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