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Cryopreservation of Desiccation-Tolerant Seeds

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Cryopreservation and Freeze-Drying Protocols

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology™ ((MIMB,volume 368))

Abstract

The cryopreservation of desiccation-tolerant seeds depends on two key steps: specimen dehydration in an environment that ensures the attainment of water contents below the high-moisture freezing limit; and transfer and maintenance at a subzero temperature that may be optimized in relation to the seed-lot moisture content and species. Temperatures about 70°C below the glass transition temperature (Tg–70) or lower are recommended for seed storage. For fully desiccation-tolerant (type I) seeds, cryopreservation success tends to be independent of cooling regime and subzero (°C) temperature treatment when the seeds are dry. However, to maximize recovery of partially desiccation-tolerant (type II) seeds there can be a requirement for slowcooling, avoidance of storage at certain subzero temperatures, and controlled imbibition following cryopreservation, particularly for endospermic seeds that are high in lipid.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Jodrell Laboratory, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Ardingly, West Sussex, UK

    Hugh W. Pritchard

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  1. Hugh W. Pritchard
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  1. Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa, Scottish Association for Marine Science, Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory, Dunbeg, Argyll, UK

    John G. Day

  2. Division of Cell Biology and Imaging, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Potters Bar, Herts, UK

    Glyn N. Stacey

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Pritchard, H.W. (2007). Cryopreservation of Desiccation-Tolerant Seeds. In: Day, J.G., Stacey, G.N. (eds) Cryopreservation and Freeze-Drying Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology™, vol 368. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-362-2_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-362-2_13

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-377-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59745-362-2

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