Anatomical characteristics of seed coat of the field pea (Pisum sativum L.) genotypes in relation to seed cracks and damage

Abstract

In this paper we analysed morphological characteristics of seed and micro-morphological, anatomical and chemical characteristics of seed coat of the pea genotypes Jezero, Javor and NS Junior. The aim was to investigate whether these genotypes can he differentiated on the basis of seed coat morpho-anatomical characteristics, depending on the harvest of treatment. For the purpose of anatomical analysis, parts of the seed coats, laterally from the hilum, were separated. Cross-sections of those parts were obtained using a Leica CM 1850 cryostat. All observations and measurements were performed using an Image analyzing System Motic 2000. The surface of seed coat was observed using SEM. Tuberculate surface of seed coat characterized all examined pea genotypes, and the average diameter of tubercule was about 12 um. Statistical analysis showed that NS Junior genotype had the smallest seeds, thinnest seed coat and the highest number of macrosclereids per mm2.