Phenotypic and genotypic analysis reveal seed hormonal influences on germination and seedling emergence in lecythidaceae species.
Abstract The Brazilian rainforests host the species Lecythis pisonis and Lecythis lanceolata, potential producers of functional nuts. This study aimed to: (1) demarcate and characterize phenotypically and genotypically both species; (2) analyze seed biometric and physiological traits; (3) investigate seed hormonal composition and its influence on germination; and (4) assess early seedling phenotypes. L. pisonis showed higher genetic diversity than L. lanceolata. Seedling emergence was highest in seeds from specific trees: 1 and 2 (L. pisonis) and 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 (L. lanceolata). Abscisic acid (ABA) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) were negatively correlated with seed growth in both species. In L. pisonis, methyl jasmonate (MeJA) in the endosperm correlated positively with seedling emergence, while MeJA in the tegument negatively affected shoot formation in both species. In L. lanceolata, ABA in the seed coat positively influenced mean emergence time, suggesting a dormancy mechanism. These findings enhance the understanding of seed physiology and early development in L. pisonis and L. lanceolata, offering key insights for future propagation and commercial cultivation efforts.
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Araújo et al. (2025) studied this question.
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