Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology : HEB

Korean Society of Horticultural Science (한국원예학회)
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Polyploidy Affects Fruit Characteristics, Seed Morphology, and Germination in Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)

Jaskani, Muhammad J.;Kwon, Sung-Whan;Kim, Eun-Ju;Ko, Bok-Rae

  • Published : 20040000
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Abstract

Tetraploids are used as breeding parents in triploid watermelon seed production programs. Colchicine-induced tetraploids were compared with diploids for their fruit characteristics, seed morphology, and germination. Tetraploids had thicker fruit rind thickness (17.6 mm) but less number of seeds/fruit (31.3) than diploids. Tetraploid seeds were shown increased length (9.1 mm), width (6.3 mm) and thickness (2.8 mm). Moreover, the seed coat of tetraploids had fissures along the longitudinal axis. Diploid seeds showed almost completely filled cavity whereas tetraploids produced weak embryos, showed some empty cavity and lower seed germination than diploids. Among different seed germination treatments, seed coat removal and seed nicking at radicle end showed high germination rates (84.3 and 77.1%, respectively). Adherence of thick seedcoat to cotyledons in tetraploid seeds was reduced by planting seeds in pots with the radicle end up at $90^\circ$ angle. Increased size of cotyledons and leaves in tetraploid seedlings than diploids was also recorded.

Keywords

References

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