Inga vera subsp. affinis (Fabaceae) is a tree species native to riparian forests in Southeast Brazil and is key for the restoration of deforested areas. The species produce seeds that are highly recalcitrant. Extreme sensitivity to desiccation as well as vivipary are commonly observed in mature seeds, which also tend towards polyembryony. Past research has shown that typical strategies to store seeds are inapplicable to Inga vera as viability is completely lost when seeds are either dried to around 28% water content (wet basis) or stored at 5°C for a few weeks. Here, we examine the feasibility of storing the seeds under hydrated conditions but at reduced water potential. Freshly collected seeds were kept under conventional storage conditions (plastic bags in cold chamber, 5°C) and in polyethylene glycol (PEG) solutions (−1.6 and −2.4 MPa) at 10°C. Seed germination was assessed after various intervals of time, until all seeds had lost viability. Before storage, seeds attained 100% germination and produced an average of 1.8 normal seedlings per seed (due to polyembryony). Storage in PEG at −1.6 MPa maintained 90% germination (radicle protrusion) and one normal seedling per seed on average for more than 200 d. Osmotic storage likely slowed down metabolism within the seed and hence consumption of food reserves. The storage time achieved has practical applications for in situ restoration, but cannot address ex situ germplasm conservation. Extending shelf life for an additional 6 months allows tree nurseries to optimize the production of seedlings so that they can be planted during the wet season.

中文翻译：

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Inga vera subsp. 短寿命种子的储存。渗透介质中的亲和性

印加维拉亚种亲和（豆科）是一种原产于巴西东南部河岸森林的树种，是恢复被砍伐地区的关键。该物种产生高度顽固的种子。在成熟的种子中通常观察到对干燥和胎生的极端敏感性，这些种子也倾向于多胚。过去的研究表明，典型的种子储存策略不适用于印加维拉因为当种子干燥至约 28% 的含水量（湿基）或在 5°C 下储存数周时，活力会完全丧失。在这里，我们研究了在水合条件下储存种子但水势降低的可行性。新鲜收集的种子保存在常规储存条件下（冷室中的塑料袋，5°C）和 10°C 的聚乙二醇 (PEG) 溶液（-1.6 和 -2.4 MPa）中。在不同的时间间隔后评估种子发芽，直到所有种子都失去活力。储存前，种子达到 100% 发芽率，平均每颗种子产生 1.8 株正常幼苗（由于多胚性）。在 -1.6 MPa 的 PEG 中储存保持 90% 的发芽率（胚根突出）和平均每颗种子一株正常幼苗超过 200 天。渗透储存可能会减慢种子内的新陈代谢，从而减慢食物储备的消耗。所达到的存储时间具有实际应用原位恢复，但无法解决异地种质保护。将保质期延长 6 个月可以让苗圃优化幼苗的生产，以便在雨季种植。