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A revision of Martin's seed classification system, with particular reference to his dwarf-seed type

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 March 2007

Carol C. Baskin  and
Jerry M. Baskin
Carol C. Baskin*
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0225, USA Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546-0312, USA
Jerry M. Baskin
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0225, USA
*
*Correspondence: Fax: +1 859 257 1717 Email: ccbask0@uky.edu
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Abstract

Martin's (1946) seed classification system has 10 types based on embryo and endosperm characteristics and two additional types based on seed size: dwarf (0.3–2.0 mm) and micro ( ≤ 0.2 mm). He listed 17 families and 12 genera (in five other families) as having dwarf seeds. Our recent discovery of morphophysiological dormancy in dwarf seeds of several taxa of Campanulaceae and one of Gentianaceae prompted an evaluation of dwarf seeds. Martin's paper contains 37 families with one to several small (0.3–2.0 mm) seeded species that he did not list as being dwarf. Comparison of Martin's dwarf families and the 37 small-seeded non-dwarf families revealed no consistent differences between the two groups in endosperm texture, seed-coat anatomy, embryo morphology, class of seed dormancy or phylogenetic position. Also, Martin's dwarf seeds include a variety of embryo morphologies. Consequently, we have revised Martin's key to seed types. The dwarf category has been removed and the micro category replaced by ‘undifferentiated’ to reflect the state of the embryo in fresh seeds. Further, the key now includes linear fully developed, linear underdeveloped, spatulate fully developed and spatulate underdeveloped seed types, which Martin illustrated but did not include in his key. In the revised key, all seeds are distinguished on the basis of embryo and endosperm characteristics.

Keywords

dwarf seedsembryo morphologyendosperm characteristicskey to seed typesseed classification systemseed size
Type
Research Analysis
Information
Seed Science Research , Volume 17 , Issue 1 , March 2007 , pp. 11 - 20
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2007

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