Molecular mechanisms and hormonal regulation underpinning morphological dormancy: a case study using Apium graveolens (Apiaceae)

Matthew Walker, Marta Perez Suarez, Tina Steinbrecher, Frances Gawthrop, Iva Pavlovic, Ondrej Novak, Dana Tarkowska, Mirek Strnad, Federica Marone, Kazumi Nakabayashi, Gerhard Leubner-Metzger

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Underdeveloped (small) embryos embedded in abundant endosperm tissue, and thus having morphological (MD) or morphophysiological (MPD) dormancy, are considered to be the ancestral state in seed dormancy evolution. This trait is retained in the Apiaceae family which provides excellent model systems to study the underpinning mechanisms. We investigated Apium graveolens (celery) MD by combined innovative imaging and embryo growth assays with the quantification of hormone metabolism, as well as the analysis of hormone and cell-wall related gene expression. The integrated experimental results demonstrated that embryo growth occurred inside imbibed celery fruits in association with endosperm degradation, and that a critical embryo size was required for radicle emergence. The regulation of these processes depends on gene expression leading to gibberellin and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production by the embryo and on crosstalk between the fruit compartments. Abscisic acid (ABA) degradation associated with distinct spatiotemporal patterns in ABA sensitivity control embryo growth, endosperm breakdown and radicle emergence. This complex interaction between gibberellins, IAA and ABA metabolism, and changes in the tissue-specific sensitivities to these hormones is distinct from non-MD seeds. We conclude that the embryo growth to reach the critical size and the associated endosperm breakdown inside MD fruits constitute a unique germination programme.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1020-1036
Number of pages17
JournalPlant Journal
Volume108
Issue number4
Early online date12 Sept 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 27 Sept 2021

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