Germination and Reserve Mobilization

Seed Physiology, Volume 2, Germination and Reserve Mobilization, addresses some of the major unanswered questions about seed dormancy, germination, and post-germination development of the seedling. The book contains seven chapters and begins with two studies on dormancy—one on the structural constraints to germination and another on metabolic barriers preventing germination. These are followed by separate chapters on the physical and biochemical events following the imbibition of water by dry seeds; the mobilization of polysaccharide reserves from endosperm; the mobilization of nitrogen and phosphorus from external storage tissues; and the mobilization of lipid reserves in seed tissues. The final chapter reviews the subject of embryonic axis-cotyledon interaction, considering mainly those species where the cotyledons are adapted for the storage of reserves. Both this volume and its companion (Seed Physiology Volume 1. Development) will provide a valuable resource for advanced students, teachers, and researchers in plant physiology, biochemistry, agronomy, and related disciplines.