The metagenomics of soil bacteria and fungi and the release of mechanical dormancy in hard seeds.

Wu, Yu; Sun, Xiao-Rui; Pritchard, Hugh W.; Shen, Yong-Bao; Wu, Xiao-Qin; Peng, Chen-Yin

The metagenomics of soil bacteria and fungi and the release of mechanical dormancy in hard seeds.

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Journal article

Creator (person)

Wu, Yu

Sun, Xiao-Rui

Pritchard, Hugh W.

ORCID

Shen, Yong-Bao

Wu, Xiao-Qin

Peng, Chen-Yin

Date published

June 27, 2023

Abstract

Persistence in the soil is a function of seed physiology, particularly non-germination and inherent lifespan. However, for seeds with mechanical dormancy, non-germination is also a function of the composition and activity of the soil microbiota. We attempted to screen out microorganisms in the soil that can specifically and rapidly decompose the hard fruit pericarps of Maxim., a unique native tree species in China. Using the classical replica plating method, more than 100 different culturable microorganisms that could rapidly erode the pericarp were collected from the surface of pericarps under different culture conditions. At the same time, we successfully extended the concept of metagenomics and applied it to the identification of mixed artificial cultures. The decomposition process of the pericarps in soil was also simulated artificially. The physical and chemical data suggested a potential mechanism of microbial scarification and cracking in pericarp, whilst the embryos inside the eroded fruits retained good viability. Our discoveries could pave the way for the removal of physical and mechanical obstacles that prevent hard coat seeds from germinating. We anticipate that the use of this technology will improve the germination of other hard coat seeds. More research is needed to investigate the impacts on other seeds. The findings of this research can inform the design of experiments on the seed ecology of persistence.

Project(s)

Priority 2: Trait Diversity and Function

Funder

Funder name	Awards
Jiangsu Forestry Bureau, China	"Innovation and popularization of forest technology in Jiangsu Province, Long-term scientific research base for the in vitro conservation of ray native tree germplasm resources in Jiangsu Province: LYKJ [2001] 03”
Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, China
Jiangsu Provincial Department of Education, China	Jiangsu Postgraduate Training Innovation Project, KYCX20_0873