W168: Seed Biology, Technology, and Ecology

(Multistate Research Project)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

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SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[12/08/2003] [12/05/2003] [12/06/2003]

Date of Annual Report: 12/08/2003

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 01/11/2001 - 01/13/2001
Period the Report Covers: 01/01/2000 - 12/01/2000

Participants

Phil S. Allen (Brigham Young University); Kent Bradford (University California - Davis); Dan CantIiffe (University of Florida); Tom G. Chastain (Oregon State University); Neal Foster (Montana State University); Richard Heimsch (University ofIdaho); Allen Knapp (Iowa State University); Miller McDonald (Ohio State University); Paul Meintz (Mississippi State University); Susan Meyer (Shrub Science Laboratory)

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes of the W-168 Annual Meeting

W-168 - "Seed Biology, Technology, and Ecology"

January 11 - 13, 2001

Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah

Thursday, January 11, 2001

Informal discussion on the "National Seed Science and Technology" curriculum.

Discussions were concluded at approximately 5:00pm. Collaboration continued before dinner by updating those missing the afternoon meeting.

Friday, January 12, 2001

Phil Allen welcomed the group to Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah at 8:40am. At 8:50am, Administrator Advisor Richard Heimsch then reviewed the standing of Western 168, once again emphasizing the critical need for collaboration among Western 168 members, as well as developing hard-hitting progress reports on an annual basis.

The Minutes of the 2000 W -168 meeting were reviewed and approved. Incoming Secretary, Dennis TeKrony was not present at the meeting, therefore, Dan Cantliffe volunteered to take the Minutes, once again, for this year‘s meeting.

Kent Crookston, Dean, College of Biological and Agricultural Sciences, Brigham Young University then provided an overview for the College, wherein he stated that there were in excess of 3,000 students, approximately half of these students were pre-professional and half of those get into their respective professional schools. The various departments and programs in the College of Agriculture do not compete with Utah State University, even though many of the departments have similar missions. Dean Crookston gave an excellent overview of the founding of Brigham Young University and the potential changes and growth for the future.

Durant McArthur, Project Leader, with the Rocky Mountain Research Station of the Shrub Sciences Laboratory gave an overview of the United States Bioservices Lab in Provo, Utah. The lab is collaboratively connected to Brigham Young University. It‘s major mission is to study shrubs to compliment range land and the landscape on approximately 350 million acres in the western United States. Their scientists are working to develop basic knowledge about the genetic makeup, population, and biology of selected shrub land species deemed important for ecological sound restoration efforts. While their seed work relates to developing seed sources and effective techniques for establishing high-diversity shrub land communities from the various seed sources that are collected.

Reports and discussions on accomplishments, impacts, and future collaborations by Units began at 9:15 am.

Neal Foster reported for Montana, Tom Chastain reported for Oregon, Paul Meinz, a new member, reported for Mississippi, Miller McDonald reported for Ohio, and Kent Bradford reported for California. The meeting and discussions were adjourned at 12: lOpm for lunch. Reports resumed at 1:35 pm. Phil Allen and Susan Meyer reported for Utah, Dan Cantliffe for Florida, and Allen Knapp for Iowa. Discussion were continued and several items were addressed.

One area of discussion related to the location and timing of Western 168 meeting was addressed by Miller McDonald of Ohio, who recommended to move the meeting to the AST A meetings on soybean and com which are held in Chicago each December, and potentially interacting on an every-other-year basis with the AST A meetings, related to the Flower and Garden Seed Group. Discussion ensued as to the importance of the individual and collaborative efforts of W -168 with researchers in the various land-grant universities and agriculture schools as part of a regional federal project, and that is was not in the best interest of these work ethics to associate with other outside groups, primarily because it will dictate timing and location of the meeting, it will potentially dilute discussions by individuals from the private sector, and also in such attempts with other groups in the past, generally the private sector is not open to group discussions, primarily due to protection of proprietary rights.

The group agreed to meet in Gainesville, Florida on Friday and Saturday, January 11-12,2002. The details of this meeting will be forthcoming from Dan Cantliffe, incoming Chair, W-168.

Additional discussion centered around discussions that Kent Bradford had California with John Cross of ASTA. John Cross feels strongly that with new leadership in the ASTA Research Foundation, potentially they would be more open in the future to discussions, especially from membership of Western 168, to increasing and broadening the funding sources for research-related seed biology. The Group felt that Kent had done an extraordinary job with his position paper that was presented to ASTA, approximately 2 years ago, related to the needs for fmancial backing to conduct research in various areas of seed biology. The Group also felt that it would be best if Kent Bradford could meet with AST A Seed Foundation at the AST A summer meetings in San Antonio, Texas, and discuss our interests in working more closely with the AST A Research Foundation members.

Dick Heimsch then discussed special research grants, and stated that in 1999 there were some $6 million awarded to special research grants, of which some of our work could be funded. In 2000, it was $84 million; in 2001, the figure should be higher.

Allen Knapp discussed the group conclusion from the long-distance learning meeting which was held on Thursday, January 11,2001. Items resulted from that discussion:

1. The group felt they should identify three or four things from four to six people with highimpact, large audience potential, and not specifically at the graduate/undergraduate level, potentially important to a broad audience.

2. The group should focus on general cutting edge seed biology.

3. Modules should be developed in a common format and development procedure to get fmancial backing, either through challenge grants and/or industry partners to develop the distance education module(s). The challenge grants presently available are maxed at $100,000 for one institution, or $250,000 for multi-institutions. And thus, the W -168 will fall under the multi-institutional grants. It was felt that this type of money would go a long way in instituting a distance educational module for seeds. How to determine faculty rewards and how faculty might get credit for such, as well as how the module or modules would be dispersed to the public once they were developed, i.e. would they be free or would they be paid for, will have to be resolved.

Dick Heimsch made further as per the importance, to add impact statements to the activity of the Western 168 Annual Report. This has become very important.

4. Dan Cantliffe will become Chair of Western 168 for 2002. Dennis TeKrony will move up to Vice-Chair. Because of the low number of individuals in attendance at this year‘s meeting, nominations for Secretary were withheld until the 2002 meeting. Potentially, the Secretary position could be filled by taking nominations through email to Dan Cantliffe, putting it into a general election of the membership and potentially activating the worthy winning candidate before the 2002 meeting. Others felt that it was important to have the Executive Committee at the meetings, and thus, it might be better to wait for that election until the 2002 meeting, so that the Secretary might elected from the members present. This will be worked out with the members during the next 12 months.

The Resolutions are attached. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 3:45pm wherein the members were treated to a tour of the Brigham Young University campus as well as some research that Phil Allen and Susan Meyer were doing in one of the nearby canyons with regard to natural resource restoration. The tour was adjourned at approximately 5:00pm and collaboration continued through the evening.

Respectfully submitted,

Daniel J. Cantliffe, Vice-Chair

Accomplishments

Elucidate fundamental mechanisms underlying seed development and germinability CA - Genes encoding cell wall enzymes and expansins that are expressed during tomato seed germination were cloned and characterized. Most of these were expressed specifically in the endosperm cap tissue opposite the radicle tip prior to radicle emergence. They were inducible by gibberellin but expression generally was not inhibited by abscisic acid. NY-I - Molecular structures and absolute configuration by NMR of fagopyritol A1, with a galactopyranosyl alpha-1-3 linkage to D-chiro-inositol, and fagopyritol B1, with a galactopyranosyl alpha-1-2 linkage to D-chiro-inositol, were characterized and reported from buckwheat. Fagopyritol A1 is isosteric to a putative insulin mediator deficient in subjects with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). VA - Orobanche aegyptiaca seeds must under go preconditioning before germination can occur. Preconditioning is linked to changes in oxidase activity and gene expression as detected by differential display PCR. The plant hormone abscisic acid has been immunolocalize in developing Cucumis melo seeds using an antibody raised against an ABA-BSA conjugate. The amount of label detected decreased during development and was correlated with a lose of soluble ABA measured by indirect ELISA. The most immunogold labeling was detecting in the nucleus, plasma, and lipid body membranes, as well as the cytoplasm Develop methods for improving seeds as genetic delivery systems KY - Corn seed germination and vigor was reduced when immature seeds (harvested before physiological maturity) of five hybrids were subjected to freezing temperatures. Embryo seed moisture during seed development was consistently higher than endosperm moisture content, which resulted in the endosperm having a lower freezing point temperature than the endosperm. IA - The first up-date of the Electronic Crop Protection Compendium (CPC) was issued by CAB International in 2000. The Database on Seedborne Diseases component of the CPC continues to be edited at the Seed Science Center, Iowa State University . The final rule for the National Seed Health System was published by USDA-APHIS in 2000 and the system is expected to start in early in 2001. The Seed Science Center, as the administration unit for the NSHS, is coordinating a peer review system to establish standardized seed health tests for the NSHS. These methods will be published in the NSHS Reference Manual on Seed Health Tests. Examples of these methods and an description of the NSHS are provides at the web site <http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/pim/accreditation/>. Research on practical methods of breaking dormancy in Eastern gamagrass (Tripsicum dactyloides) continues in collaboration with Dr. Lance Gibson. Experiments to optimize priming protocols with three matrix materials continue. A new type of drag conveyor recently introduced for seed handling was tested for seed damage during handling. This conveyor, called as a side-wall drag conveyor, consists of a specially designed trough and correspondingly shaped paddles to reduce damage to seed. Three soybean varieties, two speeds, three delivery capacities and two passes through the conveyor were included in the experimental design. Samples were tested for splits, warm germination, and TZ tests. The results indicated that the sidewall drag conveyor is a gentle conveyor for handling of soybean seeds. LA - Interactions between the extent of dry afterripening and temperature during subsequent germination experiments were evaluated as factors that regulate the germination of red rice. Imbibing partially dormant spikelets at 15C induced secondary dormancy. Cold stratification at 5C promoted subsequent germination only after 1-2 weeks of dry afterripening. NY-G - A biophysical method was developed to rapidly assess seed quality of individual large-seeded legume seeds. Electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was adapted from medical diagnostics, and offers tremendous potential seed testing and in studying seed biology. Seeds must be partially imbibed to obtain maximum differences between live and dead seeds. OH - Improved methods for seed vigor testing are important to properly assess seed quality. A novel approach to testing seed vigor for small-seeded crops was developed utilizing saturated salts. The salts reduce the relative humidity inside a closed chamber and, when exposed to high temperatures (40C), cause a delayed deterioration of small seeds compared to the traditional accelerated aging test which uses water inside the closed chamber. VA - Allium triccocum has a complex seed dormancy that includes both seed and epicotyl dormancy. Seed dormancy must first be overcome by stratification before radicle emergence. The epicotyl then may also be dormant and requires an additional cold moist treatment before plant growth can continue. Define the ecological interactions of seeds with their environment LA - Examination of 10 years of Crowley soil temperature data suggested that low temperature stratification is a germination trigger in the field, even in southern Louisiana, and this merits further investigation in studies of soil-buried seed. OR - Seed yield was demonstrated to be responsive to rainfall quantity during developmentally important periods (early fall, late spring, or early summer), but not to seasonal or annual precipitation. Seed yield in several species was influenced by root biomass density early in crop stand life, but not in older stands. Plans for 2001: CA, IO, NY-I, OR and VA will continue to work on the fundamental mechanisms underlying seed development and germinability, with emphasis at the molecular level. KY, IA, LA, NY-G, OH and VA will develop and examine methods to enhance seed and seedling performance and to characterize seed quality. OR will continue to examine grass seed production methods that are environmentally safe.

Publications

Aberle, E.Z., L.R. Gibson, A.D. Knapp, K.J. Moore, and R.L. Hinz. 2000. Determination of Optimum Planting Procedures of Eastern Gamagrass in a Northern Climate. In 2000 Annual Meeting Abstracts, Minneapolis, MN. Nov. 5-9, 2000. pg. 131. Adam K. M., M. K. Misra., Yuh-Yuan Shyy., and Dan Curry. 2000. Effect of moisture content on weight and count of corn and soybean seeds. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, Paper No. MC100-104. St Joseph, MI: ASAE. Alvarado V, Nonogaki H, Bradford KJ. 2000. Expression of endo-b-mannanase and SNF related protein kinase genes in true potato seeds in relation to dormancy, gibberellin and abscisic acid. In Viemont J-D, Crabbe J, eds, Dormancy in Plants: From Whole Plant Behaviour to Cellular Control. CAB International, Wallingford, UK, pp 347-364. Bradford KJ, Chen F, Cooley MB, Dahal P, Downie B, Fukunaga KK, Gee OH, Gurusinghe S, Mella RA, Nonogaki H, Wu C-T, Yim K-O. 2000. Gene expression prior to radicle emergence in imbibed tomato seeds. In Black M, Bradford KJ, Vazquez-Ramos J, eds, Seed Biology: Advances and Applications. CAB International, Wallingford, UK, pp 231-251. Burton, M. G., M. J. Lauer, and M. B. McDonald. 2000. Calcium effects on seed production, elemental composition, and quality. Crop Sci. 40:476-482. Chastain, T.G., W.C. Young III, C.J. Garbacik, P.D. Meints, and T.B. Silberstein. 2000. Alternative residue management and stand age effects on seed quality in cool-season perennial grasses. Seed Technology 22: 34-42. Chastain, T.G., W.C. Young III, C.J. Garbacik, and T.B. Silberstein. 2000. Root productivity and seed production in grass seed crops. In W.C. Young III (ed.) Seed Production. Crop Sci. Ext. Rep. 114:15-18. Chen, F., and Bradford, K.J. (2000) Expression of an expansin is associated with endosperm weakening during tomato seed germination. Plant Physiol. 124: 1265-1274. Cohn, M.A. and Hilhorst, H.W.M. (2000) Alcohols that break seed dormancy: the anesthetic hypothesis, dead or alive? pp. 259-274 in Viemont, J.D.; Crabbe, J. (Eds) Dormancy in plants: From whole plant behaviour to cellular control. Wallingford, CABI Publishing. Doherty, L.C. and Cohn, M.A. (2000) Seed dormancy in red rice (Oryza sativa). XI. Commercial liquid smoke elicits germination. Seed Science Research 10, 415-421. Hilhorst, H.W.M. and Cohn, M.A. (2000) Are cellular membranes involved in the control of seed dormancy? pp. 275-289 in Viemont, J.D.; Crabbe, J. (Eds) Dormancy in plants: From whole plant behaviour to cellular control. Wallingford, CABI Publishing. Johnson, C. F., A. G. Taylor, D. H. Paine, C. H. Roe and L. W. Konikiewicz. 2000. Hardware analysis for non-destructive individual seed conductivity measurements: Implications for detecting glass-phase transitions. NASA Technical Memorandum 2000-208566. Knapp, A.D. .2000. An overview of seed dormancy in native warm-season grasses. In. Native Warm-Season Grasses: Research Trends and Issues. CSSA Special Publication Number 28. Pges 107-122. Lee, P. C., A. G. Taylor, M. Zhang, and Y. Esashi. 2000. Volatile compounds and accumulation of acetaldehyde-protein adducts in relation to seed quality and storage conditions. J. New Seeds 2: 59-76. Lee, P. C., A. G. Taylor, M. Zhang, and Y. Esashi. 2000. Evolution of volatiles during seed aging: Exogenous gas application. J. New Seeds 2: 77-91. McGee, D. C. 2000. Editor Database on Seedborne Diseases component of the CAB International Crop Protection Compendium. CABI, Wallingford, UK. McGee, D. C. 2000. Pathology of seed deterioration. Pages 53﷓63 in: Genetic Impovement of Seed Quality. Special Publication. No. 31, Crop Science Society of America. McGee, D. C. 2000. Management of seed-borne fungal diseases. Pages 144-147 in: Proc. ISTA/Govt, of Japan Workshop on Seed Pathology, Nagoya, Japan, 1998. McGee, D. C, Munkvold, G., and Daniels, J. 2000. The relative importance of infected soybean seeds and bean leaf beetles as inoculum sources for bean pod mottle virus. Pages 103-112 in: 12th Annual Integrated Crop management Conference, Ames, IA. Modi, A. T., J. G. Streeter and M. B. McDonald. 2000. Relative efficiency of ethanol and pyridine as extractants of low molecular weight carbohydrates from soybean axes. Seed Sci. & Technol. 28:193-200. Modi, A. T., M. B. McDonald, and J. G. Streeter. 2000. Soluble carbohydrates in soybean seeds during development and imbibition. Seed Sci. & Technol. 28:115-127. Oard, J., Cohn, M.A., Linscombe, S., Gealy, D. and Gravois, K. (2000) Field evaluation of seed production, shattering and dormancy in hybrid populations of transgenic rice (Oryza sativa) and the weed, red rice (Oryza sativa). Plant Science 157, 13-22. Obendorf, R. L. and M. Horbowicz. 2000. Preparation of fagopyritols and uses therefor. United States Patent Number 6,162,795. Date of Patent: December 19, 2000. 35 pages. Obendorf, R. L., K. J. Steadman, D. J. Fuller, M. Horbowicz, and B. A. Lewis. 2000. Molecular structure of fagopyritol A1 (O-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-3)-D-chiro-inositol) by NMR. Carbohydr. Res. 328: 623-627. Nonogaki H, Gee OH, Bradford KJ. 2000. A germination-specific endo-b-mannanase gene is expressed in the micropylar endosperm cap of tomato seeds. Plant Physiology 123: 1235-1245. Sako, Y., K. Fujimura, M. McDonald and D. James. 2000. Use of QuickTime VR for three-dimensional seed visualization. Seed Technol. 23:50-57. Silberstein, T.B., W.C. Young III, T.G. Chastain, and C.J. Garbacik. 2000. Response of cool-season grasses to foliar applications of Palisade (trinexapac-ethyl) plant growth regulator, 1999. In W.C. Young III (ed.) Seed Production. Crop Sci. Ext. Rep. 114:35-39. Silberstein, T.B., W.C. Young III, T.G. Chastain, and C.J. Garbacik. 2000. Response of cool-season grasses to foliar applications of Apogee (prohexadione-calcium) plant growth regulator, 1999. In W.C. Young III (ed.) Seed Production. Crop Sci. Ext. Rep. 114:40-44. Steadman, K. J., M. S. Burgoon, R. L. Schuster, B. A. Lewis, S. E. Edwardson, and R. L. Obendorf. 2000. Fagopyritol, D-chiro-inositol, and other soluble carbohydrates in buckwheat seed milling fractions. J. Agric. Food Chem. 48: 2843-2847. Tang, S., D. M. Tekrony, D. B. Egli and P. Cornelius. 2000. An alternative model to predict corn seed deterioration during storage. Crop Science 40: 463-470. Tang, S., D. M. Tekrony, M. Collins and C. McKenna. 2000. Determination of high moisture in maize. Seed Technology 22: 43-58. Taylor, A. G. and J. Kwiatkowski. 2000. Imbibitional chilling injury: Varietal differences. Bean Improvement Cooperative. 43: 126-127. Taylor, A. G., T-G. Min and D. H. Paine. 2000. Maillard reactions cause browning in bean seed coats during ageing: Inhibition by aminoguanidine. In: Black, M, K. J. Bradford and J. Vazquez-Ramos. (eds.) Seed biology: Advances and applications. CABI Pub.Woltz, J. M. and D. M. TeKrony. 2000. Accelerated aging test for corn seed. Seed Technology 23: 21-35. Welbaum, GE. 2000. Distance learning and world wide web resources on seeds and related subjects in the U.S. Journal of New Seeds 2: 47-53. Welbaum, GE, DR Hill, E Pavel, RL Grayson, and M Gunatilaka 2000. Compartmentation of abscisic acid in developing muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) seeds. In: M. Black, K.J. Bradford, and J. Vazquez-Ramos eds, Seed Biology: Advances and Applications. CAB International, Wallington, UK. Chapter 8, pgs 85-100. Young III, W.C., G.A. Gingrich, T.B. Silberstein, S.M. Griffith, T.G. Chastain, and J.M. Hart. 2000. Defining optimum nitrogen fertilizer practices for fine fescue seed production systems in the Willamette Valley. In W.C. Young III (ed.) Seed Production. Crop Sci. Ext. Rep. 114:6-10. Young III, W.C., M.E. Mellbye, G.A. Gingrich, T.B. Silberstein, S.M. Griffith, T.G. Chastain, and J.M. Hart. 2000. Defining optimum nitrogen fertilizer practices for perennial ryegrass and tall fescue seed production systems in the Willamette Valley. In W.C. Young III (ed.) Seed Production. Crop Sci. Ext. Rep. 114:1-6.

Impact Statements

Genetic approaches to the study of seed germination in the parasitic weed species Orobanche aegyptiaca will yield important fundamental information that can be used to control this important international weed pest.
Fagopyritol A1 is a member of a novel new series of galactosyl cyclitols found in buckwheat seeds. Fagopyritols may have a potential nutriceutical/pharmaceutical use for the treatment of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and polycystic ovary syndrome in addition to a
A comprehensive, international-based Database on Seedborne Diseases edited at the Seed Science Center is now available in CD Rom format.
Results of our controlled environment studies reveal that rhizome and root formation in red fescue species is mediated by phytochrome responses to light quality of the growth environment.
Seed producers should consider differences in seed moisture content between the embryo and endosperm seed tissues when evaluating losses in seed quality related to freeze injury.

Date of Annual Report: 12/05/2003

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 01/10/2002 - 01/12/2002
Period the Report Covers: 01/01/2001 - 12/01/2001

Participants

Committee members attending: Kent Bradford (University California - Davis); Dan Cantliffe (University of Florida); Richard Heimsch (University of Idaho); Allen Knapp (Iowa State University); Marc Cohn (Louisiana State University); Greg Welbaum (Virginia Tech.); Alan Taylor (Cornell University - Geneva); Dennis TeKrony (University of Kentucky); Tim Loeffler (Colorado State University).

Others in attendance from the University of Florida: Ivonka Kozareva, Steven Kabat, Berry Tanner, I., Erika Berghauer, Amanda Collins

Brief Summary of Minutes

Thursday, January 10, 2002

Gathering at the Cabot Lodge at 6:00 pm. Informal discussion and dinner at the Gainesville Ale House at 7:00 pm. Miller McDonald (Ohio State University) in attendance on Thursday.

Friday, January 11, 2002

Dan Cantliffe welcomed the group to the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL at 8:30am. From 8:45 - 9:15 am, Dr. Richard Jones, Dean of Research gave an overview of Florida agriculture, and described the UF/IFAS mission. Moreover, he outlined the challenges of being in a state with a growing population with increased tourism.

Administrator Advisor Richard Heimsch reviewed the W-168 membership and sought updates/possible new members from the committee followed by a discussion on the project rewrite. A general discussion ensued on annual meeting attendance.

The Minutes of the 2001 W-168 meeting were reviewed and approved.

Taylor and Loeffler were nominated and elected as Secretary and Secretary Elect, respectively.

Officers of W-168:

Dan Cantliffe - Chair

Dennis TeKrony - Chair Elect

Alan Taylor - Secretary

Tim Loeffler - Secretary Elect

State reports and discussions on accomplishments, impacts, and future collaborations by units began at 10:30 am and continued through 2:45 pm with a break for lunch.

Marc Cohn reported for Louisiana, and Allen Knapp for Iowa. Ivonka Kozareva, Dan Cantliffe‘s grad student, reported for Florida, Kent Bradford reported for California, and Greg Welbaum for Virginia.

A social outing and dinner was arranged at Cedar Key, FL

Saturday, January 12, 2002

State reports and discussions on accomplishments, impacts, and future collaborations by units began at 9:30 am.

Dennis TeKrony reported for Kentucky, and Alan Taylor for New York (Geneva).

Tim Loeffler reported for Colorado and was a new member. Tim has a teaching responsibility and is Director the Colorado State Seed Testing Lab. He described the status of developing a National Seed Science and Technology distance education program. Loren Wiesner is active with this program and Jack Fenwick at CSU is heading up the effort. The goal was to submit a proposal in early 2002.

The 2003 meeting will be held at the University or Kentucky and Dennis TeKrony will host the meeting. The proposed meeting date was January 9-11, but due to conflicts was changed to January 16-18.

General discussion of project rewrite: Rewrite committee: Taylor, Bradford, Welbaum, Cohn and McDonald (nominated in absentia).

Chronological outline for rewrite:

1) update membership list and invite new members

2) develop a format for each contributing member‘s submission

3) identify collaborative projects based on first draft of submissions

4) develop a working draft prior to the next annual meeting in 2003

The Resolutions are attached. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:30 am. The first Annual W-168 golf tournament was held at approximately 2 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Alan Taylor, Secretary

RESOLUTION

Because of the high quality of presentations and discussions evident in the 2002 W-168 Regional Technical Committee Meetings and whereas the participants were greatly enriched by the experience to visit the outstanding facilities at the University of Florida, be it resolved that the following accolades be expressed:

WHEREAS appreciation is expressed to Richard Jones for his welcome to the UF/IFAS and description of it‘s mission and outreach.

WHEREAS we gratefully acknowledge the outstanding meals hosted by the Horticultural Sciences Department at the University of Florida.

WHEREAS appreciation is extended to Dan Cantliffe for his attention to local detail, and in promoting Florida tourism.

WHEREAS we extend our continued appreciation to Dick Heimsch as administrative advisor for his assistance, guidance and contributions to the success of W-168 as well as his strong advocacy of W-168 objectives.

WHEREAS we extend our sincere appreciation to Dan Cantliffe for his adept leadership, friendly conduct of our meetings, attention, and providing social outings for the group.

WHEREAS we sincerely appreciate the outstanding service of Dennis TeKrony as Vice-Chair and Alan Taylor as Secretary.

WHEREAS we appreciate the participation of Tim Loeffler as a new member and his willingness to be nominated and elected as Secretary Elect.

THEREFORE be it resolved that the 2002 Regional Technical Committee Meeting has been an unqualified success by fostering the mutual exchange of ideas, improving our understanding of seeds, providing the focus for future research and promoting the importance of seed biology in a sustainable, environmentally compatible natural resource management and conservation agroecosystem.

Accomplishments

Accomplishments - 2001: Elucidate fundamental mechanisms underlying seed development and germinability CA - The potential role of galactosyl-sucrose oligosaccharides in the reduced storage life of primed seeds was investigated. No conclusive role could be identified for these oligosaccharides in the longevity of primed seeds. The defense enzymes ?-1,3-glucanase and chitinase were shown to be expressed during tomato seed germination specifically in the endosperm cap tissue just prior to radicle emergence. Microcalorimetry was used to assess seed respiration (metabolic heat) rates during imbibition and germination. IO - Potential roles of dehydrins, and polyamines are being investigated in resistance to low temperature stress, evaluating protocols by which to characterize resistance to low temperature stress, studying the respiratory transition in seedling development, and developing a project by which to characterize differential gene expression among different inbreds grown under control conditions or exposed to low temperature stresses. Initial evaluations do not indicate an increased production of the polyamines we studied in response to low temperature stress. NY-I - Molecular structures and absolute configuration by NMR of di- and tri-galactopyranosyl D-chiro-inositols from the fagopyritol A series, each with a galactopyranosyl alpha-1-3-linkage to D-chiro-inositol, and di- and tri-galactopyranosyl D-chiro-inositols from the fagopyritol B series, each with a galactopyranosyl alpha-1-2 linkage to D-chiro-inositol, were characterized and reported. Buckwheat cDNAs representing genes encoding enzymes for the biosynthesis of fagopyritol A1 and fagopyritol B1 were cloned. OR - The research on the mechanism of carrot seed development and germination was conducted. A new endo-b-mannanase gene DcMAN1 was isolated and characterized. The research revealed that the DcMAN1 endo-b-mannanase is expressed specifically in the endosperm being associated with endosperm degradation and enlargement of a corrosion cavity. The results suggested that this enzyme is associated with the completion of embryogenesis before germination. VA - Two complete cDNAs, Cmchi1 and Cmchi2, were isolated from germinated muskmelon seeds. Putative roles for chitinase in seeds include developmental regulation and fungal inhibition. Orobanche aegyptiaca cDNAs have been amplified and sequenced that are apparently differentially expressed during seed preconditioning. One of the fragments shows similarity to a putative dioxygenase (ACC oxidase). Previous studies have linked preconditioning of Orobanche aegyptiaca seeds to changes in oxidase activity. Develop methods for improving seeds as genetic delivery systems KY - An alternative seed deterioration model accurately predicted the time to loss in 50% seed germination (P50) in three storage environments (40 0C, 14%; 40 0C, 12%, 30 0C, 14%), however, as P50 increased in improved storage conditions (40 0C, 10%; 30 0C, 12% and 20 0C, 14%). Thus, the predicted P50 was much larger than the observed P50, which limits the usefulness of the alternative model. The accelerated ageing test, conducted at 450C, 72h, was the only measure of initial seed vigor that was significantly correlated to P50 in most storage environments. IA - a.) The second up-date of the Electronic Crop Protection Compendium (CPC) was issued by CAB International in 2001. The Database on Seedborne Diseases component of the CPC continues to be edited at the Seed Science Center, Iowa State University b.) The National Seed Health System was published by USDA-APHIS in the Federal Register and became on July 18, 2001 and was activated one month later. As the administration unit for the NSHS the Seed Science Center continues to coordinating a peer review system to establish standardized seed health tests for the NSHS. It also is the primary source of key documents for the system, including application materials, auditing practices, and training of personnel in accredited entities. A new technology was developed to measure the grain depth in a bin automatically. Since the technology is computer based, it will assist in management and process control issues including identity preservation of biotech grains. A prototype was installed in a 120-feet deep bin in Spirit Lake, Iowa and field tested under loading and unloading conditions. Data collected so far indicated that the technology was working satisfactorily. LA - Red rice dispersal units were afterripened 0-8 weeks and incubated at water potentials from 0 to -1.6 MPa. Germination capacity and germination rate increased with afterripening and water potential of incubation medium. The seed population was represented as a normal distribution of base water potential, characterized by the hydrotime constant, the mean base water potential and the standard deviation of the distribution. Dark incubation induced secondary dormancy proportionally to the reduction in water potential. NY-G - Film coating technology was used for the application of seed treatments. In particular, cyromazine, applied as an insecticide seed treatment, was found to consistently control onion maggot, an early season pest of onions. OH - A system for automated seed vigor assessment is developed that is objective, economical and easy to perform. The system interfaces an imaging device that captures digital images of germinating seedlings to a computer. The images are processed to generate numerical values that collectively represent the quality of a seed lot. VA - Trehalose is a naturally occurring biological regulator of carbohydrate metabolism in roots of certain species. Trehalose can be applied as a natural growth retardant in micromolar concentrations to limit seedling height of certain bedding plants. Trehalose stimulates microfloral growth which may explain why growth of some species of seedlings is stimulated. Exogenously applied trehalose may be useful as a natural growth retardant and as a drought stress protectant for some types of seedlings. Define the ecological interactions of seeds with their environment OR - Seed yields were only affected by row spacing in perennial ryegrass and tall fescue. Yields were the same regardless of row spacing in the 6-12 inch range for perennial ryegrass, but declined in 18- and 24-inch rows. Tall fescue yields were the same for all row spacings between 12 and 24 inches, while lower yields were noted in 6-inch rows. While the number of spikelets and florets in perennial ryegrass increase with widening of the rows to 18 or 24 inches, these increases are not sufficient to compensate for the precipitous loss in spike number as row spacing was widened. A similar analysis for tall fescue showed that seed yield was diminished by narrowing to 6-inch rows as a result of loss in fertile tiller number and perhaps by the expression of other yield components. Plans for 2002: CA, NY-I, OH, OR and VA will continue to work on the fundamental mechanisms underlying seed development and germinability, with emphasis at the molecular level. IA, LA, and NY-G will develop and examine methods to enhance seed and seedling performance and to characterize seed quality. KY will examine the effect of supra-optimal temperatures on soybean seed quality. OR will continue to examine grass seed production methods that are environmentally safe.

Publications

Baskin, C.C., J.M. Baskin and E.W. Chester. 2001. Morphophysiological dormancy in seeds of Chamaelirium luteum, a long-lived dioecious lily. J. Torrey Bot.Soc.128:7-15. Baskin, C.C., P. Milberg, L. Andersson and J.M. Baskin. 2001. Seed dormancy-breaking and germination requirements of Drosera anglica, an insectivorous speciesoftheNorthernHemisphere. ActaOecol.22:1-8. Bloom, T.C., J.M. Baskin, and C.C. Baskin. 2001. Ecological life history of the facultative woodland biennial Arabis laevigata variety laevigata(Brassicaceae): Survivorship. J.TorreyBot.Soc.128:93-108. Chastain, T.G. 2001. Precipitation and grass seed yield in the Willamette Valley. In W.C. Young III (ed.) Seed Production. Crop Sci. Ext. Rep. 115:39-41. Chastain, T.G., W.C. Young III, C.J. Garbacik, and T.B. Silberstein. 2001. Seed yield enhancement by Palisade: yield component and stand age effects in perennial ryegrass seed crops. In W.C. Young III (ed.) Seed Production. Crop Sci. Ext. Rep. 115:31-33. Chen, F., Dahal, P., and Bradford, K.J. 2001. Two tomato expansin genes show divergent expression and localization in embryos during seed development and germination. Plant Physiol. 127 : 928-936. Copeland, L. O. and M. B. McDonald, Jr. 2001. Principles of Seed Science and Technology. 4th ed. Kluwer Press, New York. 409 pp. Daniels J. L., Munkvold, G. P, and McGee, D. C. 2001. Comparison of infected seed and bean leaf beetles as inoculum sources for bean pod mottle virus. Phytopathology 91, 6 S20 Downie,A.B. 2001. Seed Maturation, Germination, and Dormancy. In: Current trends in the embryology of angiosperms. (SS Bhojwani and WY Soh, Eds.), Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, Boston, London. pgs. 375-418. Edelstein, M., Bradford, K.J. and Burger, D.W. 2001. Metabolic heat and CO2 production rates during germination of melon (Cucumis melo L.) seeds measured by microcalorimetry. Seed Sci. Res. 11: 265-272. Egli, D.B., and W.P. Bruening. 2001. Source-sink relationships, seed sucrose levels and seed growth rates in soybean. Ann. Bot. 88: 235-242. Footitt, S. and Cohn, M.A. (2001) Developmental arrest: from sea urchins to seeds. Seed Science Research 11, 3-16. Geneve R. and S. T. Kester. 2001. Evaluation of seedling size following germination using computer-aided analysis of digital images from a flat bed scanner. HortScience 36:117-20. Gianinetti, A. and Cohn, M.A. (2001) Interaction of dry-afterripening and incubation temperature in red rice. Proceedings of the XLV Italian Society of Agricultural Genetics - SIGA Annual congress, Salsomaggiore Terme, Italy - 26/29 September 2001. also presented in Abstr Stress in Seed Biology Symposium, Wageningen, The Netherlands (April 2001) Gurusinghe, S., and Bradford, K.J. 2001. Galactosyl-sucrose oligosaccharides and potential longevity of primed seeds. Seed Sci. Res. 11: 121-133. Hamman, B., H. Halmajan, and D.B. Egli. 2001. Single seed conductivity and seedling emergence in soybean. Seed Sci. and Tech. 29: 575-586. Harrison, S.A., Croughan, T.P., Materne, M.D., Venuto, B.C., Breitenbeck, G.A., Cohn, M.A., Fang, X.B., Ryan, A., Schneider, R.W., Shadow, R.A., Subudhi, P. and Utomo, H. (2001) Improving native plants to protect and preserve Louisiana‘s coastal marshes. Louisiana Agriculture 44, 4-5. Hidayati, S. N., J. M. Baskin, and C. C. Baskin. 2001. Dormancy-breaking and germination requirements for seeds of Symphoricarpos orbiculatu (Caprifoliaceae).Amer.J.Bot.88:1444-1451. Kataki, P. K. and A. G. Taylor. 2001. Time course study of ethanol production by corn and soybean to optimize the use of ANA ethanol index as an accurate seed quality test. J. New Seeds 3: 1-17. Katzman, L. S., A. G. Taylor, and R. W. Langhans. 2001. Improvement of spinach germination by seed enhancements. HortScience 36: 979-981. Koning, Gwen, D. M. TeKrony, T. W. Pfeiffer and S. A. Ghabrial. 2001. Infection of soybean with soybean mosaic virus increases susceptibility to Phomopsis spp. seed infection. Crop Science 41: 1850-1856. McDonald, M. B. 2001. Seed priming. In: Seed Technology and Its Biological Basis (eds. M. Black and D. Bewley), Pp. 287-316. Sheffield Academic Press, Sheffield, England. McDonald, M. B., A. F. Evans, and M. A. Bennett. 2001. Using scanners to improve seed/seedling evaluations. Seed Sci. & Technol. 29:683-689. McDonald, M. B., T. K. Gutormson and B. Turnipseed (editors). 2001. Seed Technologist Training Manual. Soc. Comm. Seed Technol. McGee, D. C. 2001. Editor Database on Seedborne Diseases component of the CAB International Crop Protection Compendium. CABI, Wallingford, UK. McGee, D. C. 2001 A risk analysis model using the CABI database. Phytopathology 91, 6 S2153 Meints, P. D., Chastain, T.G., W.C. Young III, G.M. Banowetz, and C. J. Garbacik. 2001. Stubble management effects on three creeping red fescue cultivars grown for seed production. Agron. J. 93:1276-1281. Modi, A. T., J. C. Jang, J. G. Streeter and M. B. McDonald. 2001. Accumulation of glyoxylate cycle enzymes in soybean seed embryo tissues during development and germination. Seed Sci. & Technol. 29:387-400. Pineda, R., A.D. Knapp, J.C. Hoekstra, and D.C. Johnson. 2001. Integrated square-wave detection of biogenic amines in soybean seeds following their separations by liquid chromatography. Anal. Chim. Acta. 449:111-117. Sako, Y., M. B. McDonald, K. Fujimura, A. F. Evans, and M. A. Bennett. 2001. A system for automated seed vigour assessment. Seed Sci. & Technol. 29:625-636. Sako, Y., E. E. Regnier, T. Daoust, K. Fujimura, S. K. Harrison, and M. B. McDonald. 2001. Computer image analysis and classification of giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) seeds. Weed Sci. 49:738-745. Shen, Z.X., Parrish, D.J., Wolf, D.D., Welbaum, G.E. (2001) Stratification in switchgrass seeds is reversed and hastened by drying Crop Science 41 1546-1551. Silberstein, T.B., W.C. Young III, T.G. Chastain, and C.J. Garbacik. 2001. Response of cool-season grasses to foliar applications of Palisade (trinexapac-ethyl) plant growth regulator, 2000. In W.C. Young III (ed.) Seed Production. Crop Sci. Ext. Rep. 115:24-30. Silberstein, T.B., W.C. Young III, T.G. Chastain, and C.J. Garbacik. 2001. Response of cool-season grasses to foliar applications of Apogee (prohexadione-calcium) plant growth regulator, 2000. In W.C. Young III (ed.) Seed Production. Crop Sci. Ext. Rep. 115:33-36. Slawinska, J., and R. L. Obendorf. 2001. Buckwheat seed set in planta and during in vitro inflorescence culture: Evaluation of temperature and water deficit stress. Seed Sci. Res. 11: 223-233. Steadman, K. J., M. S. Burgoon, B. A. Lewis, S. E. Edwardson and R. L. Obendorf. 2001. Minerals, phytic acid, tannin, and rutin in buckwheat seed milling fractions. J. Sci. Food Agric. 81: 1094-1100. Steadman, K. J., M. S. Burgoon, B. A. Lewis, S. E. Edwardson and R. L. Obendorf. 2001. Buckwheat milling fractions: Description, macronutrient compositon, and dietary fiber. J. Cereal Sci. 33: 271-278. Steadman, K. J., D. J. Fuller and R. L. Obendorf. 2001. Purification and molecular structure of two digalactosyl D-chiro-inositols and two trigalactosyl D-chiro-inositols from buckwheat seeds. Carbohydr. Res. 331: 19-25. Steenhoek, L. M. Misra,, W.D. Batchelor, and J. Davidson. 2001. Probabilistic neural networks for segmentation of features in corn kernel images. Applied Engineering in Agriculture, Vol. 17(2), 225-234. Steenhoek, L., Misra, M., Hurburgh, C., C. Bern. 2001. Implementing a computer vision System for Corn Kernel Damage Evaluation. Applied Engineering in Agriculture, Vol. 17(2): 235-240. Taylor, A. G., C. J. Eckenrode and R. W. Straub. 2001. Seed treatments for onions: Challenges and progress. HortScience 36(2): 199-205. Taylor, A. G., and J. Kwiatkowski. 2001. Polymer film coatings decrease water uptake and water vapour movement into seeds and reduce imbibitional chilling injury. British Crop Protection Council Symposium Proceedings No. 76. p. 215-220. Taylor, D. P. and R. L. Obendorf. 2001. Quantitative assessment of some factors limiting seed set in buckwheat. Crop Sci. 41: 1792-1799. TeKrony, D. M., D, B. Egli and M. Rucker. 2001. Survival characteristics of inbred corn seed during storage. Seed Technology 23: 197-205. Vieira, R. D., D. M. TeKrony, D. B. Egli and M. Rucker. 2001.Electrical conductivity of soybean seeds after storage in several environments. Seed Science and Technology 29: 599-608. Wu, C.T., Leubner-Metzger, G., Meins, F. Jr. and Bradford K.J. 2001. Class I _-1,3-glucanase and chitinase are expressed specifically in the micropylar endosperm of tomato seeds prior to radicle emergence. Plant Physiol. 126: 1299-1313. Young III, W.C., M.E. Mellbye, G.A. Gingrich, T.B. Silberstein, T.G. Chastain, and J.M. Hart. 2001. Defining optimum nitrogen fertilizer practices for grass seed production systems in the Willamette Valley. In W.C. Young III (ed.) Seed Production. Crop Sci. Ext. Rep. 115:1-8. Welbaum, G.E., Frantz, J.M., Gunatilaka, M.K., Shen, Z.X. (2001) A comparison of the growth, establishment, and maturity of direct-seeded and transplanted sh2 sweet corn HortScience 39 (4) 261-265.

Impact Statements

These data indicate that non-dormant red rice seeds can be re-induced into the dormant state by water stress. Therefore, draining of fields after harvest and throughout the winter could re-induce dormancy. This is the first indication that dormancy-cycling occurs in red rice (as in many other weeds) and further supports the tenaciousness of red rice as a weed.
The chitinase genes we have discovered may increase the disease resistance of seeds. The potential exists for these genes to be used in transformation work to improve the disease resistance of plants. Trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase/synthase appears to be one of several key genes involved in mycorrhizal interactions between plants and beneficial fungi. This information is one piece of information that will allow us to one day genetically optimize plant mycorrhizal interaction.
Computer imaging of germinating seedlings enhances the use of robotics in a seed testing laboratory thereby increasing the standardization of seed testing results. The research has the potential to improve the ability of the seed conditioners to manage the seeds and grain for identity preservation.
Methods are now established to study gene expression of multiple enzyme systems in relation to seed maturation, phytin and flatulence-producing oligosaccharide biosynthesis, storability of germplasm, and enhanced accumulation of health-related cyclitols in seeds.
Modern planting systems for grass seed crops are based on the use of management practices developed when field burning was the primary method of residue removal. Our results indicate that there were no differences among row spacings for seed yield of creeping red fescue, slender red fescue, and Chewing fescue.

Date of Annual Report: 12/06/2003

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 01/16/2003 - 01/18/2003
Period the Report Covers: 01/01/2002 - 12/01/2002

Participants

Kent Bradford (University of California); Richard Heimsch (University of Idaho); Allen Knapp (Iowa State University); Marc Cohn (Louisiana State University); Greg Welbaum (Virginia Tech.); Alan Taylor (Cornell University--Geneva); Ralph Obendorf (Cornell University-Ithaca); Dennis TeKrony (University of Kentucky); Harrison Hughes (Colorado State University); Hiro Nonogaki (Oregon State University); Miller McDonald (Ohio State University); Daniel Leskovar (Texas A & M); Mitch McGrath (USDA-ARS, East Lansing, MI).

Others in attendance from Univ. of Kentucky: Robert Geneve, C. C. Baskin, J. M. Baskin and several graduate students.

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes of the W-168 Annual Meeting

W-168- Seed Biology, Technology, and Ecology

January 16-18, 2003

University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY

Thursday, January 16, 2003

The rewrite committee met at 2:00p for discussion and work on the new proposal development.

Members gathered at the Sheraton Hotel at 5:30p for and informal discussion followed by dinner.

Friday, January 17, 2003

Dennis TeKrony, chair, welcomed the committee and others followed by a general introduction of members and visitors. He introduced the Assoc. Director of the Agriculture Experiment Station. A presentation of the Seed Biology program at the University of Kentucky was made.

Dr. M. Scott Smith, Dean and Director of Agriculture at the University of Kentucky, was introduced. He presented an overview of agriculture in the state and university. He noted the dramatic changes occurring as tobacco production is on the decline and the need to develop other areas in agriculture. The horse industry is now rated as the # 1 Agriculture industry in the state.

Dr. Richard Heimsch, Administrator Advisor, thanked the folks at the University of Kentucky for their support of these meetings. He then presented a brief overview of the seed biology project for the many new members and others. He noted that this was the 5th rewrite of the Seed Biology, Technology and Ecology program. May 15, 2003 is the date for completion of the rewrite of this project. It must be submitted prior to this date with a NIMSS site assigned so that members may go online and make corrections. Members must fill out Appendix E and send electronically to Richard Heimsch.

Dr. Michael Fitzner, USDA/CSREES/PAS is the new federal representative to this project. He will try to make next years meeting.

The rewrite committee was identified (Taylor Chair, Bradford, Welbaum, McDonald and Cohn) and they noted progress to date. Approximately 30 people have been identified who have an interest in the project. There have been 17 people who have contributed in the 4 identified areas. A handout detailing the title and 4 objectives was handed out. Those interested in participating need to submit by March 15 a one-page area of specific interests related to the 4 objectives.

A motion was made and seconded to pass the W-168 project proposal and was passed unanimously.

The committee then solicited nominations for secretary and secretary-elect. Harrison Hughes was elected as secretary and Daniel Leskovac (Texas A & M) as secretary-elect.

Next years meeting will be at the University of California-Davis and will be scheduled for mid-January 2004.

State Reports

Kent Bradford reported for California, Marc Cohn for Louisiana, and Harrison Hughes for Colorado. Bob Geneve, from Kentucky, talked about seed related work in Horticulture. Allen Knapp reported for Iowa, Daniel Leskovar for Texas, and Miller McDonald for Ohio. Mitch McGrath, USDA-ARS in Michigan, reported on work there.

Meeting adjourned for the day. The folks at University of Kentucky hosted an evening dinner at the campus faculty club.

Saturday, January 18.

The meeting started at 8:30a with report of seed work in Oregon by Hiro Nonogaki. Ralph Obendorf on work at Cornell, Ithaca while Alan Taylor reported on work at Geneva, New York. This was followed by a report by Greg Welbaum from Virginia.

The business part of the meeting was reconvened with a brief discussion of pertinent points on the upcoming completion of the current 5-year proposal and further words on the new proposal.

A brief discussion on outreach objectives ensued. Ralph Obendorf noted he has a mailing list on seed biology that he maintains. He volunteered to work with the W-168 members to set up a mailing list for the group. He requested that you e-mail him directly, rlo1@cornell.edu requesting your name be added to the list or subscribe via e-mailing directly to seed_biology_l@cornell.edu.

Discussion continued on upcoming meetings of various types. In 2005 there will be an International Seed Biology meeting in Australia. There is also a Seed Desiccation Conference in South Africa being organized by the ISSS.

A suggestion for a symposium was made. Al Taylor will appoint a subcommittee to prepare this as an item for discussion at the Davis meeting. It was also suggested that the committee organize a workshop for Seed Biology at the Plant and Animal Genome Meeting.

The next series of discussion points was about funding seed research. Topics discussed were American Seed Research Foundation, ASTA and funding through the federal government. It was suggested that the seed industry and the universities need to request that seed biology be an area for greater research funding. The possibility for special grants for cooperative research in seed biology was also discussed. Several members of the committee will pursue possibilities along these lines.

It was announced that Kent Bradford was this years recipient for the Seed Science Award.

Marc Cohn then gave a report on Seed Science Research. He noted that about 33% of papers submitted are accepted. About 1/3 is sent back to the authors because the topics are judged as outside the scope of the publication. He announced 2 new Associate Editors: Kent Bradford and Derek Bewley. Marc noted that the turnaround time from submittal to acceptance or rejection has been reduced. He also stated that on average the publications are cited 12 times per week.

The resolutions are attached. The meeting was adjourned at 12:00p.

Respectively submitted,

Harrison Hughes

Secretary

RESOLUTION

Because of the high quality of presentations and discussions evident in the 2002 W-168 Regional Technical Committee Meetings and whereas the participants were greatly enriched by the experience to visit the outstanding facilities at the University of Kentucky, be it resolved that the following accolades be expressed:

WHEREAS appreciation is expressed to M. Scott Smith for his welcome to the University of Kentucky and description of its mission and outreach.

WHEREAS we gratefully acknowledge the outstanding meals hosted by the College of Agriculture at the University of Kentucky.

WHEREAS appreciation is extended to Dennis TeKrony and colleagues for his attention to local detail.

WHEREAS we extend our continued appreciation to Dick Heimsch as administrative advisor for his assistance, guidance and contributions to the success of W-168 as well as his strong advocacy of W-168 objectives.

WHEREAS we extend our sincere appreciation to Dennis TeKrony for his adept leadership, friendly conduct of our meetings, attention, and providing social outings for the group.

WHEREAS we sincerely appreciate the outstanding service of Alan Taylor as Vice-Chair.

WHEREAS we appreciate the participation of Daniel Leskavor and his willingness to be nominated and elected as Secretary Elect.

THEREFORE be it resolved that the 2002 Regional Technical Committee Meeting has been an unqualified success by fostering the mutual exchange of ideas, improving our understanding of seeds, providing the focus for future research and promoting the importance of seed biology in a sustainable, environmentally compatible natural resource management and conservation agroecosystem.

Accomplishments

Accomplishments - 2002: Elucidate fundamental mechanisms underlying seed development and germinability CA - An additional germination-associated gene, xyloglucan endotransglycosylase, was shown to be expressed in the endosperm cap of tomato seeds prior to radicle emergence. The hydrothermal time model was extended to explain germination behavior in relation to minimum, optimum and maximum temperatures. Heat-shock protein expression was associated with post-priming treatments that extend seed longevity. LA - 4-methyl pyrazole prevented the dormancy-breaking action of alcohols by inhibiting the conversion of the alcohol to its corresponding acid, rather than via generation of excessive concentrations of the alcohol that might inhibit germination NY-I - Soybean seeds accumulate sucrose, raffinose, and stachyose and lesser amounts of galactopinitol A, galactopinitol B, and fagopyritol B1 in axis and cotyledon tissues as part of the seed maturation process. Soybean embryos are deficient in D-pinitol and galactopinitol biosynthesis. Feeding immature soybean zygotic embryos myo-inositol, D-pinitol, and/or D-chiro-inositol as free cyclitol substrates established the role of substrate availability and biochemical pathways for accumulation of galactosyl cyclitols in embryos during precocious maturation. Recombinant soybean galactinol synthase, heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli, catalyzed the biosynthesis of fagopyritol B1 and galactinol, but not galactopinitols. Conclusions: D-pinitol and D-chiro-inositol are transported from maternal tissues and not biosynthesized in the embryo, fagopyritols are biosynthesized by galactinol synthase, galactopinitols are biosynthesized by stachyose synthase or raffinose synthase, and galactopinitols, but not fagopyritol B1, may serve as galactosyl donors for stachyose biosynthesis. OH - Soybean seed soluble carbohydrates include sugars and cyclitols, but the biological role of the latter in plant development is poorly understood, particularly during imbibition. Twelve soluble carbohydrates (including reducing sugars, sucrose, raffinose saccharides, free cyclitols and galactosyl cyclitols) were determine in soybean axes and cotyledons at five stages of seed development and six stages of imbibition. In both the axes and cotyledons, reducing sugars and free cyclitols decreased while sucrose, raffinose saccharides and galactosyl cyclitols accumulated with seed development. During imbibition, sucrose, raffinose saccardise and galactosyl cyclitols were degraded and an accumulation of reducing sugars and free cyclitols was observed. This study demonstrated that sugars and cyclitols occur in a similar fashion during soybean seed development and imbibition. OR - The research on Arabidopsis seed was initiated using the enhancer-trap lines (Thomas Jack lines). Multiple pools that showed seed-specific glucuronidase (GUS) expression were isolated and seeds were produced from T4 generation individual plants. The lines with endosperm cap-specific and embryo-specific expression were characterized. The putative insertion sites of T-DNA are currently being identified by genome walk PCR. VA - We have cloned and sequenced a putative dioxygenase from O. aegyptiaca with high homology to ACCase and a maximal expression on day 3 (at the peak of conditioning metabolic activity). Weve cloned the full-length cDNA of this gene, along with non-coding regions at both the 3 and 5 ends. This gene may be involved in the mechanisms that allow O. aegyptiaca to sense a signal from a potential host plant and germinate. Understanding germination of this parasitic weed seed will allow us to devise strategies to control to control it. Develop methods for improving seeds as genetic delivery systems IA - Following its official publication in the Federal Register in July 2001, the National Seed Health System began operation in 2002, with accreditation of five organizations. The administration unit for the NSHS at the Seed Science Center continued the development phase of the system in 2002, with many new seed health tests standardized. An auditing system was put place and utilized in the accreditation process. The NSHS website www.seedhealth.org was launched. The Phytosanitary Resolution component of the NSHS was implemented, with the production of Pest Risk Assessments for seed transmitted pathogens of vegetables. This document was used to meet Brazilian requirements for importation of exported vegetable seeds into that country. Three varieties of soybean seeds were dropped from different heights onto steel and seed-on-seed surfaces in two flow patterns (dribbling and mass flow). Results indicated that dribbling seeds reduced quality of seeds more than mass flow regardless of the landing surface. Dropping seeds onto hard surface reduced seed quality more than seed-on-seed impact. Dropping height and variety were major factors in inducing damage to soybean seeds during handling. Commercial corn was upgraded with a gravity table. Samples were collected at from the feed and four locations at the discharge edge of the gravity tables. Test weight, density, breakage susceptibility, and seed coat damage were significantly different for different samples. But, the chemical properties (starch, oil and protein content among samples were not different at 5% probability level. Practical methods of breaking dormancy in Eastern gamagrass (Tripsicum dactyloides) was sowing unstratified seed in the fall, while prechilled seeds are needed in the spring. Dormancy seems to involve the encompassing cupule and testa of the dispersal unit. LA - New dormancy-breaking treatments for red rice grains were identified. Dormancy was broken by anthracene-9-carboxylic acid, hydrogen peroxide, or phenylarsine oxide. A simple cut test was developed to assay the viability of Spartina alterniflora grains. NY-G - Factors limiting table beet seed germination were characterized as 1) a mucilaginous layer that surrounds the propagule, 2) the ovary cap tenacity and 3) the presence of phenolic chemical inhibitors. The mucilaginous layer was the primary factor responsible for non-synchronous germination, and seeds with mucilage were associated with greater concentration of phenolic compounds, and the mucilage compounded the deleterious effect of the ovary cap on germination rate. Define the ecological interactions of seeds with their environment KY - Phytotron studies have shown that high maximum temperatures (33 or 38 C for 10 hours daily) during seed development (R5 to R8) can reduce seed soybean quality. Diurnal cycles of 38/27 and 33/22 C (~ 2 h at high temperature) reduced seed size, increased shriveled seeds and lowered overall seed quality compared to the control at 27/22 C. Even normal, spherical seeds without visible abnormalities had unacceptable seed germination (38/27 C) and vigor (accelerated ageing and conductivity tests) at 33/22 and 38/27 C . OR - Trinexepac-ethyl (TE), an inhibitor of the 3-hydroxylation of GA20 to GA1 increased seed yield in creeping red fescue by 40% or more. TE effects on seed yield were similar whether the crop residue was managed after harvest by burning or by non-thermal means. Seed yield was improved by TE as a result of increased conversion of florets to seed. Loss of seed due to shattering before harvest is one of the major causes of low and unpredictable seed yields in grasses. The effect of aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) on seed shattering and plant maturity in vernalization-insensitive clones of perennial ryegrass was dependent on the stage of plant development at the time of application. AVG reduced seed shattering and delayed maturity, especially when the application was made after emergence of the inflorescence. Plans for 2002: Efforts are focused on the five year project rewrite. Six new PIs will join the project since the current project started in 1998: H. Hughes (CO), W. Pill (DE), M. McGrath (MI)., P. Meints (MS), K.Kosters (SD) and D. Leskovar (TX). The new objectives are: 1) Determine the influence of pre-harvest stress on seed quality, 2) Identify the biophysical, biochemical and genetic factors governing seed desiccation tolerance and longevity 3) Identify genes associated with seed development, germination, vigor and dormancy 4) develop technologies to assess seed quality, improve seed performance and enhance seed utilization.

Publications

Adam, K and M.Misra. 2002. Effect of dropping height, flow pattern and landing surface on mechanical damage to soybean seeds, paper # MC02-101, presented in the 2002 Mid-central meeting of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers. Alvarado, V., and Bradford, K.J. 2002. A hydrothermal time model explains the cardinal temperatures for seed germination. Plant, Cell and Environ. 25: 1061-1069. Bradford, K.J. 2002. Applications of hydrothermal time to quantifying and modeling seed germination and dormancy. Weed Sci. 50: 248260. Bradford, K.J., and Bewley, J.D. 2002. Seeds: Biology, Technology and Role in Agriculture. Chapter 9 in M.J. Chrispeels and D.E. Sadava, eds., Plants, Genes and Crop Biotechnology, 2nd Edition, Jones and Bartlett, Boston, pp. 210-239. Chastain, T.G. 2002. The art and science of seed production in the Pacific Northwest. 128 pages. (Self-published book). Chastain, T.G, C.J. Garbacik, W.C. Young III, and T.B Silberstein. 2002. Row spacing and grass seed yield in the Willamette Valley. In W.C. Young III (ed.) Seed Production. Crop Sci. Ext. Rep. 121:56-59. Chastain, T.G., W.C. Young III, C.J. Garbacik, and T.B. Silberstein. 2002. Palisade and stand age effects on seed yield in perennial ryegrass. In W.C. Young III (ed.) Seed Production. Crop Sci. Ext. Rep. 121:15-16. Chen F, Nonogaki H, Bradford, KJ. 2002. A gibberellin-regulated xyloglucan endotransglycosylase gene is expressed in the endosperm cap during tomato seed germination. J Exp Bot 367: 1-9 Cohn, M.A. (2002) Seed dormancy in red rice. A balance of logic and luck. Weed Science 50, 261-266. Gurusinghe, S; Powell, A.L.T., and Bradford, K.J. 2002. Enhanced expression of BiP is associated with treatments that extend storage longevity of primed tomato seeds. J. Amer. Soc. Hortic. Sci. 127: 528-534. Hamman, B. , D.B. Egli, and G. Koning. 2002. Seed vigor, soilborne pathogens, preemergent growth, and soybean seedling emergence. Crop Sci.42: 451-457. 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Impact Statements

The National Seed Health System has now accredited five organizations. The NSHS website provides public access to standardized seed health methods.
The study of seed-on-seed impact provides management practices for reducing damage to soybean seed during conveying. The gravity table separation of corn will provide a new way of improving the quality of US grain.
Membranes are not the primary targets for the dormancy-breaking action of alcohols
Understanding factors limiting germination of beet seeds was used to develop seed enhancements that improved stand establishment and yield.
Expanded utilization of eastern gamagrass will expand grower choices in warm season grass pastures, provide excellent wildlife habitat, be useful in land reclamation, productive grass alleyways, and perhaps act as a silage replacement for corn on marginal and slopping lands. This research, if successful, will increase producer flexibility in marketing and managing seed supplies.