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Submitted to: Seed Science and Technology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 9/20/1999 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Cottonseed from eight cotton varieties were stored either above liquid nitrogen (LN) in the vapor phase or immersed directly in LN. The seeds were then returned to room temperature and evaluated for quality on the basis of germination. Storage above LN at -150 degrees Centigrade for periods of up to 180 days did not appreciably affect the quality of the seeds as determined by germination and field studies. When germination studies were carried out to determine the best seed moisture levels for LN storage, LN appeared to have no detrimental effect at seed moisture levels between 4 and 12%. There was, however, a significant drop in germination and seed quality when the seeds were stored at moisture levels above 12%. Plants grown from cottonseed immerses directly in LN often exhibits severe damage to early leaves that was apparent during seedling development. These cottonseed germinated well after removal from LN, but their seedlings often did not grow as well under greenhouse conditions as controls that had not been stored in LN. The present studies indicate that storage above but not directly in LN may be suitable for long-term preservation of cottonseed to be used in genetic studies. Technical Abstract: Cottonseed of eight cultivars were stored either above or immersed under liquid nitrogen (LN). The seeds were then returned to room temperature and evaluated for quality on the basis of germination, vigor, and field development. Storage above LN at -150 degrees Centigrade for periods of up to 180 days did not appreciably affect the germination and vigor of the different cultivars, and seedlings from the LN-treated seeds looked normal. Treated and control cottonseed grown under field conditions had similar stands and appeared to produce similar amounts of seedcotton. When germination and vigor studies were carried out to determine the best seed moisture levels for LN storage, LN appeared to have no detrimental effect at moisture levels between 4 and 12%. There was, however, a significant drop in germination and vigor at moisture levels above 12%. Immersion of cottonseed under LN often caused severe damage to cotyledons that was apparent during seedling development. These cottonseed germinated well on germination towels after removal from under LN, but their seedlings often did not grow as well as controls under growth chamber conditions. The present cryogenic studies indicate that storage above but not directly in LN may be suitable for long-term preservation of cotton germplasm. |
