Loading...
Application of tetrazolium chloride for determining viability of L. cuneata seed
Harris, Carson
Harris, Carson
Files
Loading...
Abstract.pdf
Adobe PDF, 47.63 KB
Authors
Other Names
Location
Time Period
Advisors
Original Date
Digitization Date
Issue Date
2022-04-15
Type
Abstract
Genre
Keywords
Subjects (LCSH)
Citation
Harris, Carson. 2022.
Application of tetrazolium chloride for determining viability of L. cuneata seed -- In Proceedings: 21st Annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Forum. Wichita, KS: Wichita State University, p. 8
Abstract
Lespedeza cuneata is an introduced species to tall-grass prairies of the
Midwest region that classifies as invasive due to the harmful effects it creates to native
prairies. When a plant invades a habitat it reduces the abundance and diversity of native
plants and can create a detrimental impact on ecosystems. Invasive species such as L.
cuneata rely on soil seed banks in which hundreds of seeds can remain viable for years.
Increased knowledge of seed persistence in soil seed banks will improve the awareness of
potential spread. The aim of this research was to determine a quick and effective
germination technique to a specific seed (L. cuneata). The Tetrazolium test (TZ) delivers
the viability of the cuneata seeds by displaying quick estimates of seeds’ germinability
through the process of dehydrogenase catalysis. The colorless triphenyl tetrazolium
chloride solution turns into a red dye, formazan. Living tissues of seeds that absorb
tetrazolium chloride will be stained red, while dead tissues will retain their natural color.
In order to use TZ assay, the seeds of both the chasmogamous (CH) and cleistogamous
(CL) variants of L. cuneata must be scarified, stained, and then incubated.
Experimentation on CH and CL seeds shed new light on key differences between the two
in regard to viability and opened the door for more testing. The results yielded both
viable and nonviable seeds for each variant, CL at 28 viable and 7 abnormal; CH at 10
viable, 26 abnormal seeds. This indicates that TZ is the appropriate method for
determining germination rates and can pave the way for invasive research and appropriate
monitoring programs for eradication means.
Table of Contents
Description
Presented to the 21st Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Forum (URCAF) held at the Rhatigan Student Center, Wichita State University, April 15, 2022.
Publisher
Wichita State University
Journal
Book Title
Series
URCAF
v.21
v.21