Further evidence from the effect of fungi on breaking Opuntia seed dormancy.
Summary of "Further evidence from the effect of fungi on breaking Opuntia seed dormancy."
Recently, we found that fungi are involved in breaking seed dormancy of Opuntia streptacantha, and that the effect of fungi on seeds is species-specific. However, the effect of fungi on seed germination from other Opuntia spp. has not been evaluated. Thus, we evaluated the effect of four fungal species (Penicillium chrysogenum, Phoma sp., Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma koningii) on the germination of Opuntia leucotricha, an abundant species in the Chihuahuan Desert, Mexico. We found that seeds inoculated with the four fungal species had higher germination than control seeds. Trichoderma spp. were the most effective. Our results strongly indicate that fungi are involved in breaking seed dormancy of O. leucotricha. Thus, we suggest that these fungi could promote seed germination from other Opuntia species.
Affiliation
División de Ciencias Ambientales, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica, San Luis Potosí, S.L.P, México.
Journal Details
This article was published in the following journal.
Name: Plant signaling & behavior
ISSN: 1559-2324
Pages:
Links
- PubMed Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20861689
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/psb.5.10.12835
Medical and Biotech [MESH] Definitions
Basidiomycota
A phylum of fungi that produce their sexual spores (basidiospores) on the outside of the basidium. It includes forms commonly known as mushrooms, boletes, puffballs, earthstars, stinkhorns, bird's-nest fungi, jelly fungi, bracket or shelf fungi, and rust and smut fungi.
Placebo Effect
An effect usually, but not necessarily, beneficial that is attributable to an expectation that the regimen will have an effect, i.e., the effect is due to the power of suggestion.
Prejudice
A preconceived judgment made without adequate evidence and not easily alterable by presentation of contrary evidence.
Opuntia
A plant genus of the family CACTACEAE. Species with cylindrical joints are called Cholla; flat jointed ones are Prickly-pear.
Seed Storage Proteins
One or more types of plant seed proteins providing the large amounts of AMINO ACIDS utilized in GERMINATION and SEEDLING growth. As seeds are the major food source from AGRICULTURAL CROPS, seed storage proteins are a major source of DIETARY PROTEINS.
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