Comparison of site effect values obtained by HVSR and HVSRN methods for single-station measurements in Tarnówek, South-Western Poland

This study compares the HVSR technique (Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio), based on seismic event records, and the HVSRN technique (Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio of Noise) using seismic noise registrations. Both methods allow us to study the amplification phenomenon of a horizontal component of seismic waves when the waves reach loose sediments in subsurface layers. The seismic data were measured at a three-component single seismic station located in the village of Tarnowek, in the Legnica-Glogow Copper District. The results of the study demonstrate that average HVSRN and HVSR maxima can be distinguished: for periods approximately 3.78 s (H/V = 6.2) and 3.969 s (H/V = 8.98) respectively. The evaluated share of the Rayleigh wave component in the recorded values was beta = 0.58 and it can be suggested that the Love wave share in surface motion was insignificant. The Love wave share remains unknown

Thermotherapy and Storage Temperature Manipulations Limit the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species in Stored Pedunculate Oak Acorns

For many species, seed storage protocols are still being improved to provide viable seeds of the highest quality. Seed storage is extremely problematic for short-lived seeds categorized as recalcitrant, including pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.), for which the optimal seed storage protocol involves a temperature of –3 °C and 40% acorn moisture content recommendations. The sensitivity of pedunculated oak seeds to temperature manipulations under preparation for long-term storage has been poorly investigated, particularly in terms of the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are assumed to be determinants of seed longevity. Thermotherapy, the pathogen elimination procedure, did not increase the level of three types of ROS: hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anion radical and hydroxyl radical (•OH). The temporal heat stress of thermotherapy resulted in slightly reduced levels of H2O2, indicating activation of the antioxidant systems in acorn preparation for storage. The effect of constant storage temperatures (−3, −5, −7 °C) and their combinations (−3 → −5 °C or −3 → −5 →−7 °C) on ROS levels and seed viability was investigated in three provenances. The highest ROS levels were detected in acorns stored at −7 °C, whereas three-step cold acclimation was beneficial for reducing ROS levels. Interestingly, the levels of H2O2 were not affected by temperature in thermotherapized acorns. In contrast, decreasing storage temperature caused a linear increase in •OH levels in all provenances. The effect of heat stress and cold stress on ROS levels in relation to long-term seed storage of pedunculate oak is discussed here in relation to the seed viability evidenced via germination rates, seedling emergence and electrolyte leakage. Thermotherapy and cold acclimation of acorns can improve their viability after storage by decreasing ROS levels

Optimal seed water content and storage temperature for preservation of Populus nigra L. germplasm

International audienceContextBlack poplar (Populus nigra L.) is an alluvial forest tree species whose genetic pool is decreasing in Europe. Poplar trees produce short-lived seeds that do not store well.AimThe feasibility of seed storage in conventional and cryogenic conditions after their desiccation from water content (WC) of 0.15 to 0.07 g H2O g−1 dry mass (g g−1) was investigated.MethodsSeed germinability was evaluated (seeds with a radicle and green cotyledons were counted) after storage of seeds for a period of 3 to 24 months at different temperatures: 20°, 10°, 3°, −3°, −10°, −20° or −196°C.ResultsSeeds desiccated to a 0.07 g g−1 WC can be stored successfully at −10 °C and −20 °C for at least 2 years. A significant decrease in germination was observed only after 12 months of seed storage (WC 0.15 g g−1) at temperatures above 0 °C. We demonstrated that both fresh (0.15 g g−1 WC) and desiccated (0.07 g g−1 WC) seeds can be preserved at −196 °C for at least 2 years.ConclusionsSeed storage temperature and time of storage were statistically significant factors affecting seed storability. The presented data provide a foundation for the successful gene banking of P. nigra seeds

Identification of DNA Methylation Changes in European Beech Seeds during Desiccation and Storage

Ageing and deterioration of seeds is a major problem for the maintenance of seed quality and viability during long-term storage. Prediction of early stages of seed deterioration in order to point out the plantlets’ regeneration time is a major challenge of successful storage. In preserved seeds, damages accumulate within cells at the rate mainly related to their moisture content and temperature of storage. Current research reveals global alterations in DNA methylation in lipid-rich intermediate seeds during desiccation and storage at various regimes covering nonoptimal and optimal conditions. We show for the first time that monitoring of 5-methylcytosine (m5C) level in seeds can be used as a truly universal viability marker regardless of postharvest category of seeds and their composition. For seeds stored up to three years, in varied conditions, moisture content, temperature, and time of storage had significant influence on seedling emergence and DNA methylation (p < 0.05). Similarities among lipid-rich intermediate and orthodox seeds regarding different reactions of embryonic axes and cotyledons to desiccation are newly revealed. Along with previous studies on seeds dramatically different in desiccation tolerance (recalcitrant vs. orthodox), results regarding lipid-rich seeds positioned in-between (intermediate) prove that maintaining global DNA methylation status is crucial for maintaining seed viability