The pattern of cell cycle progression in the radicle tip and their association with seed vigour in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D student, Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture,, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

2 Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

3 Department of Crop Biotechnology and Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

10.22124/jms.2026.9711

Abstract

Seed vigour plays a determining role in the establishment and early growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.); however, the cellular mechanisms responsible for vigour differences during the early stages of germination are not yet fully understood. In this study, cell cycle progression in the embryonic radicle was examined as an indicator related to seed vigor using flow cytometry. Four wheat seed lots with different vigor levels were examined, and the 4C/2C ratio was measured at 3 to 48 hours after imbibition. At the onset of water uptake, most nuclei were in the 2C phase; however, in high-vigor seeds, an early and pronounced increase in the proportion of 4C nuclei was observed. In contrast, low-vigor seeds showed a delayed and less pronounced increase in 4C nuclei. These differences were associated with the timing and uniformity of radicle emergence, indicating that the pattern of cell cycle progression in the radicle tip can serve as a suitable indicator for explaining seed vigor differences in wheat.

Keywords

References

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Iranian Journal of Seed Sciences and Research
Volume 12, Issue 4
March 2026
Pages 1-14

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