Impacts of Rapid Desiccation on Oxidative Status, Ultrastructure and Physiological Functions of <i>Syzygium maire</i> (Myrtaceae) Zygotic Embryos in Preparation for Cryopreservation

Abstract

Syzygium maire is a highly threatened Myrtaceae tree species endemic to New Zealand. Due to its recalcitrant seed storage behaviour, cryopreservation is the only viable long-term ex situ conservation option for this species. This study investigated viability, oxidative stress, thermal properties, and ultrastructure of zygotic embryo axes (EAs) desiccated to various moisture contents (MC). Fresh EAs had a MC of c. 1.9 g/g with 100% viability but rapid desiccation to MC S. maire EA viability loss is due to oxidative stress rather than structural impacts.

Keywords

• critically endangered
• differential scanning calorimetry
• recalcitrant
• ROS
• TEM
• thermal transitions