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Project properties |
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| Title | Finding a fast and easy prediction method for storability of primed Celery (Apium graveolens) seeds - Continuation of Discovery Sprint Project |
| Group | Plant Physiology, Laboratory of |
| Project type | thesis |
| Credits | 30-39 |
| Supervisor(s) | Patricija Gran |
| Examiner(s) | Mariana Silva Artur |
| Contact info | patricija.gran@wur.nl AND thesis.PPH@wur.nl |
| Begin date | 2025/06/01 |
| End date | 2025/12/01 |
| Description | Introduction:
Celery (Apium graveolens) seeds have small embryos (3-5% of seed weight) and experience a lagging period of growth after germination initiation before root protrusion. Priming these seeds shortens this period, promoting faster and more uniform emergence. However, priming and subsequent drying reduce seed storability. Despite having a desiccation tolerance mechanism, celery seeds require reliable methods to predict storability post-priming. The goal of this study is to develop and validate fast, reliable methods for predicting the storability of primed celery seeds, enabling seed companies to ensure the quality and longevity of their products. Five celery seed batches were obtained from each Rijk Zwaan and Bejo Zaden. Natural ageing was assessed through monthly germination tests after storage at 22°C and 50% RH. Controlled deterioration (CD) tests and EPPO treatments were used to evaluate storability prediction efficacy and were compared with natural ageing data. The fast ethanol assay was also utilized and showed a strong correlation with natural ageing. Electrical conductivity measurements were promising but needed optimization for some batches. Initial biochemical assays for antioxidant activity and sugar composition did not correlate with ageing in primed seeds, so these assays need to be repeated to confirm the findings. By identifying molecular markers and biochemical indicators for seed longevity, we hope to ultimately provide seed companies with efficient tools to predict and ensure the storability of primed celery seeds, improving product quality and reliability Research questions: 1. Can a fast, easy, and inexpensive assay reliably predict the storability of primed celery seeds? 2. Can molecular markers and genetic pathways be identified that contribute to the longevity of primed celery seeds, and how do these compare to findings from species like Arabidopsis? The study aims to optimize methods for predicting the storability of primed celery seeds by integrating biochemical assays with RNA-Seq analysis. It will uncover molecular and biochemical mechanisms that affect seed longevity post-priming, offering practical applications for seed companies to improve seed storage strategies and agricultural efficiency. |
| Used skills | Seed priming, biochemical assays, seed germination, RNA-seq, data analysis, literature review, experimental design, statistical analysis, scientific writing, data visualization, presentation skills. |
| Requirements | Strong statistical analysis skills (R)
Passed the Seed Science and Technology course exam Proficient in English |