• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.254-262
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• 2019

Background: To exploit the ornamental and medicinal purposes of Lonicera harae Makino, L. subsessilis Rehder, L. praeflorens Batalin, and L. insularis Nakai, native to Korea, it is necessary to understand their seed ecology for propagation. In this study, we investigated the seed dormancy type and germination characteristics of seeds of the four Korean native Lonicera species. Results: The seeds of the four Lonicera species imbibed water readily, suggesting that the species do not have physical dormancy. Furthermore, the seeds exhibited underdeveloped embryos with only about 15-25% of the length of the seeds at dispersal. The embryos grew to the critical length with approximately 50-80% of the length of the seeds' development before radicle protrusion. Further, 94.4% and 61.1% of freshly matured seeds of L. insularis and L. harae germinated within 4 weeks after sowing at 15 ℃ and 20 ℃, respectively. Contrarily, L. praeflorens and L. subsessilis seeds did not germinate within 4 weeks under all temperature treatments. At 15 ℃, L. praeflorens seeds started to germinate from 5 weeks and the final germination rate was 51.1% at 13 weeks. At 15 ℃, L. subsessilis seeds started to germinate from 5 weeks after sowing and the final germination rate was 85.6% at 17 weeks after sowing. Embryo growth and germination of L. praeflorens and L. subsessilis occurred at a relatively high temperature (≥ 15 ℃). Conclusions: Overall, L. insularis seeds have only morphological dormancy. The seeds of L. harae have approximately 60% and 40% of morphological dormancy and morphophysiological dormancy, respectively. Contrarily, L. praeflorens and L. subsessilis exhibited non-deep simple-type morphophysiological dormancy that requires relatively high temperature (≥ 15 ℃) for embryo growth and dormancy breaking. The optimum temperature for the germination of seeds of L. insularis, L. harae, L. praeflorens, and L. subsessilis was 15 ℃, 20 ℃, 15 ℃, and 20 ℃, respectively. There was interspecific variation in seed dormancy and germination patterns in the four Lonicera species. The difference in these characteristics within the four Lonicera species could be useful for understanding the seed ecophysiological mechanisms of Lonicera species.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.331-339
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• 2015

This research was performed to determine the temperature requirements for embryo growth and radicle emergence of Hepatica asiatica Nakai, a perennial herb native to Korea. Seed viability, embryo growth, and radicle emergence were monitored in seeds exposed to various temperatures (10, 15, $20^{\circ}C$ and $30{\rightarrow}15^{\circ}C$). Laboratory experiments at various temperatures revealed that (1) embryo elongation occurred effectively between 10 and $15^{\circ}C$; (2) radicle emergence occurred only at $15^{\circ}C$; (3) a warm stratification (2-8 weeks at $30^{\circ}C$) was not required for embryo elongation and radicle emergence, and led to inhibition of radicle emergence; (4) application of gibberellic acid ($GA_3$) promoted embryo growth, but not radicle emergence. These results suggested that H. asiatica seeds have two separate mechanisms to overcome dormancy, either by $GA_3$ (morphological dormancy) or temperature (physiological dormancy), and warm stratification is not involved in breaking radicle dormancy. These findings indicate that H. asiatica seeds have morphophysiological dormancy.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.550-557
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• 2014

Heloniopsis koreana and Heloniopsis tubiflora (Melanthiaceae) are endemic herbaceous species of the Korean Peninsula. The Melanthiaceae family has been described as having seeds with small, underdeveloped embryos at the time of dispersal, and morphological (MD) or morphophysiological dormancy (MPD). However, there are few reports on embryo growth, morphology, and seed germination in Heloniopsis species. The aims of this study were to investigate embryo growth and seed dormancy, and to determine the type of dormancy exhibited by these species. The effects of incubation temperatures, light conditions, and gibberellic acid ($GA_3$) on dormancy break and seed germination were tested. Freshly matured seeds of the two species had small embryos that occupied about 9-11% of the length of the endosperm, and which increased by more than 300% in length before radicle emergence, indicating that the embryos are underdeveloped at the time of dispersal. Embryos in the seeds grew under warm temperature regimes (between $25/15^{\circ}C$ and $30/20^{\circ}C$). $GA_3$ application (tested only in the light) overcame seed dormancy and promoted germination. Approximately 30% of the seeds of H. koreana and approximately 40% of the seeds of H. tubiflora germinated in suitable environmental conditions (light and temperature) within 4 weeks. Therefore, 30-40% of the seeds of the two species exhibited MD, and the rest of the seeds had non-deep simple MPD. Light was found to be one of the critical factors for germination because no seed of either of the two Heloniopsis species germinated under constant dark conditions, and thus, these species have the potential to form a persistent soil seed bank. Understanding these germination requirements will help in development of effective strategies to increase the establishment of seedlings in their native habitat.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.339-346
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• 2016

This study was carried out to develop an effective seed propagation method for Thalictrum rochebrunianum var. grandisepalum (H. Lev.) Nakai by analyzing seed dormancy types and germination characteristics. Seeds were collected between September to October at Gangwon province, and well-selected seeds were used while being dry-stored at 4±1℃. The seed size ranged 4.52 × 1.58 ㎜ and the weight of thousand seeds were 1,603.5 ± 0.02 ㎎. The moisture content was 7.2%. Seeds were achene type, and morphology characters showed an elliptical shape and rough texture, and light brown in color. Moist-chilling treatment was conducted for dormancy breaking because the seeds had an undeveloped embryo of liner type. The embryo had developed during a moist-chilling period, constantly, and fully developed in 10 weeks. Consequently, it seemed to be non-deep complex or intermediate complex type of morphophysiological dormancy, and embryo dormancy was broken by wet-chilling for 10 weeks. After 10 weeks of wet-chilling treatment, seed germination began. Germination percentage was higher in dark condition raher than light condition and recorded the maximum at 25℃ in the dark (16.3%). A pre-soaking treatment with a combined plant growth hormones promoted germination and shortened T₅₀. Specifically, seed germination of 84.5% was achieved by pre-soaking of seeds with a combined solution of 500 ㎎/L GA₃ and 10 ㎎/L kinetin for 24 h after a wet-chilling treatment for 10 weeks. Thus the effect of plant growth hormones coupled with chilling temperature on seed breaking dormancy provide asubsequent growth of seedlings for successful plantation.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.284-289
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• 2022

This study was conducted to determine the seed dormancy types of Sambucus racemosa subsp. pendula Nakai and S. williamsii Hance. Low temperature stratification (1, 2, 3, 4 months) and GA3 treatment (1,000 mg/L) were performed on seeds to determine the type of seed dormancy. After the treatment, seeds were placed on a petri dish at 25℃ under light conditions. The germination rate and mean germination time were investigated. Results showed that cold stratification was effective in breaking the dormant state of the seed in both species. In the low temperature stratification treatment, the seed germination performance was improved as the treatment period was prolonged. Gibberellin treatment was effective in breaking the dormant state of S. racemosa subsp. pendula without low temperature stratification. However, S. williamsii did not break the dormant state of the seed by gibberellin treatment without low temperature stratification treatment. In the gibberellin treatment, germination performance was improved according to the low temperature stratification treatment period. As a result of this study, the seeds of S. williamsii have both an intermediate complex and a deep complex morphophysiological dormancy (MPD). In comparison, it was found that the S. racemosa subsp. pendula had intermediate composite MPD.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.796-804
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• 2022

The demand for Chelidonium majus L. subsp. asiaticum H. Hara is expected to increase due to its pharmacological properties such as antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, an effective propagation system for this species has not yet been established. This study was conducted to analyze the seed dormancy and germination characteristics of C. majus L. subsp. asiaticum H. Hara native to Korea and establish a mass propagation system. The dormancy type was primarily classified by analyzing the general information of the collected seeds. The seed dormancy breaking was investigated by comparing the effects of cold stratification (0, 2, 4, 8, 10, or 12 weeks) with warm stratification (S, summer temperature, 25/15℃) and intermediate temperature stratification (A, autumn temperature, 15/10℃) of alternating temperature stratification (S12-A4 or S12-A8 weeks). After dormancy break, 500 mg/L GA₃ and GA₄₊₇ treatment replaced cold stratification and improved seed germination. The results of this study are expected to provide basic data for future seed propagation and mass propagation by analyzing the dormancy and germination characteristics of C. majus L. subsp. asiaticum H. Hara seeds.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.225-234
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• 2022

Background: Ginseng, officially known as Panax ginseng Meyer, has been traditionally used as a medicinal herb, particularly in Asia. Ginseng is propagated from seeds; however, seed germination is challenging, especially in its natural environment on farms. The seeds typically exhibit morphophysiological dormancy and require release from both morphological and physiological dormancy before germination. Although some studies have proposed methods for increasing seed germination rates, the underlying mechanisms of its dormancy release process remain unclear. Here, we investigated metabolic alterations during dehiscence in P. ginseng to determine their potential roles in dormancy release. Methods: We compared the ginseng seed metabolome before and after dehiscence and the ginsenoside and phytosterol compositions of the seeds in both periods in the presence of related enzymes. Results: After seed dehiscence, the sugar, amino acid, and squalene concentrations were significantly altered, phytosterols associated with the stigmasterol biosynthesis pathway were increased, while ginsenoside and brassinosteroid levels were not significantly altered. In addition, squalene epoxidase, cycloartenol synthase, 24-methylenesterol C-methyltransferase, and the stigmasterol biosynthesis pathway were activated. Conclusion: Overall, our findings suggest that morphological activities that facilitate ginseng seed growth are the primary phenomena occurring during the dehiscence process. This study improves the understanding of P. ginseng germination processes and promotes further research of its germination and cultivation.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.363-371
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• 2018

Tiarella polyphylla D. Don is a native plant distributed only in Ulleung Island in Korea and has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes, although it is also used ornamentally. This study was conducted to determine the requirements for dormancy break and germination and to classify the type of seed dormancy. The experiments were performed with cold stratification (0 or 12 weeks at $5^{\circ}C$), warm stratification (0, 4, 8, or 12 weeks at $23^{\circ}C$, followed by 8 weeks at $5^{\circ}C$, and then incubation at $23^{\circ}C$), and $GA_3$ treatments (0, 10, 100, or 1000 mg/L). The treated seeds were incubated on aseptic media at room chamber ($23^{\circ}C$, a 16h photoperiod of fluorescent lamps with $40{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}$). The seeds were dispersed in nature as underdeveloped embryos with no physical barrier to absorb water to prevent water absorption. However, the seeds did not germinate for 30 days after sowing without any pre-treatments. Thus, the seeds had morphological dormancy (MD) and physiological dormancy (PD). The final germination percentage following cold stratification (0 or 12 weeks) was 66.7% and 45.6%, respectively. The cold stratification delayed seed germination by about 3 weeks. In the warm stratification experiment (0, 4, 8, or 12 weeks), the final germination percentage was 21.1%, 27.8%, 41.1%, and 57.8%, respectively, 20 weeks after sowing. The embryos of the T. polyphylla seed grew in relatively warm temperatures ($23^{\circ}C$). $GA_3$ application overcame seed dormancy and promoted germination. Following $GA_3$ treatment (0, 10, 100, or 1000 mg/L), the final germination percentage was 33.3%, 45.0%, 42.5%, and 72.5%, respectively. These results suggest that the T. polyphylla seeds had non-deep simple morphophysiological dormancy (MPD) and $GA_3$ treatment could be used as a substitute for warm stratification for breaking seed dormancy. To our knowledge, this is the first report of seed dormancy characteristics of the genus Tiarella native to Korea.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.385-392
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• 2016

This research was performed to develop seminal propagation method of Saururus chinensis (Lour.) Baill. by conducting a rigorous germination study. Well-selected seeds were dry-stored at 4 ± 1.0℃ during the experiment. To study dormancy type, non-stored seeds were analyzed by embryo observation, germination test and detecting for any difficulties in seed coat to absorb moisture. Then to improve germination, seeds were submerged for 24 hours in a solution of varying concentrations containing one of plant growth regulators and minerals. According to research, fleshly matured seeds had an undifferentiated embryo and had a low germination rate below 5%. In addition, water submersion led to moisture absorption, embryo in the seeds grew and germinated so it was deemed morphophysiological dormant seeds. Percent germination (PG) and germination energy (GE) was greatly improved by soaking in plant growth regulators and minerals for 24 hours. Especially, 500 ㎎/L GA₃ treatment resulted in the highest GE as 46.1%. KNO₃ meaningfully improved PG (54.3∼57.7%) at 10∼20 mM but effect of minerals on germination acceleration as GE were negatively impacted in all concentrations.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.310-317
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• 2014

This study was conducted to find basic information for the research of morphological dormancy in seeds of two genera (Heloniopsis and Thalictrum) native to Korea. Seeds of Heloniopsis koreana, Heloniopsis tubiflora, Thalictrum rochenbrunianum, Thalictrum uchiyamai, and Thalictrum coreanum were collected, and embryo morphology and seed germination were investigated. All seeds of five species had underdeveloped embryos which occupied about 10-20% of the full seed length at maturity. The seeds of H. koreana and H. tubiflora had rudimentary embryos. The seeds of T. rochenbrunianum, T. uchiyamai, and T. coreanum had intermediate type between rudimentary and linear embryo. The small embryos of all seeds of five species grew to a critical length before radicles emerge from the seeds. At 30 days after sowing, the seeds of H. koreana and H. tubiflora germinated to 22.7% and 40.7%, respectively. On the other hand, the seeds of T. rochenbrunianum, T. uchiyamai, and T. coreanum germinated to 12.5%, 3.3%, and 0%, respectively. If embryo growth and germination in seeds are completed in approximately 30 days, the seed are said to have morphological dormancy (MD). However, if the seeds require > 30 days for germination, they are considered to have morphophysiological dormancy (MPD). Thus, the seeds of H. koreana and H. tubiflora had about 78% and 60% MPD, respectively. On the other hand, the seeds of T. rochenbrunianum, T. uchiyamai, amd T. coreanum had about 87%, 96%, and 100% MPD, respectively. There was a different level of dormancy (MD and MPD) within the same seed population examined. Therefore, germination of the seeds was delayed due to the underdeveloped embryos. This result could contribute to determine morphological seed dormancy and germination mechanism in seeds of the Korean Peninsula.