Temperature Effects on Seed Imbibition and Leakage Mediated by Viscosity and Membranes

The possible involvement of membranes and water viscosity in the temperature effects on imbibition and solute leakage of radish (Raphanus sativa var. Early Scarlet Globe) seeds and excised sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana Dougl.) embryos was evaluated. In these two seed materials, the temperature effect on initial rates of imbibition and solute leakage could be accounted for primarily by changes in water viscosity, the relationship being approximately linear. It appears that membranes are involved both in water uptake and solute leakage. Heat-killed radish seeds and sugar pine embryos exhibited significantly higher rates of imbibition and solute leakage than did viable ones. In addition, sugar pine embryos exhibited an abrupt change in rates of imbibition and solute leakage between 15 and 20 degrees C, resulting in abnormally high water uptake and solute leakage above this temperature.