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<p>Cryopreservation using liquid nitrogen (LN) is a widely adopted technique for the long-term conservation of plant genetic resources. While effective at preserving seed viability, its effects on early plant development remain insufficiently characterized, particularly in critical crops like maize. This study evaluated the early growth responses of maize seedlings originating from seeds subjected to LN exposure, focusing on seedling emergence, root system morphology, and biomass partitioning among plant organs. Maize seeds (cv Tuzón) were dried to 6% moisture content, stored at 4&#xa0;°C for four months, and subjected to either LN immersion for 24&#xa0;h or conventional storage (control). Seeds were germinated in individual soil-filled rhizotrons under controlled conditions for seven days. Morphological and physiological parameters were analyzed using t-tests and overall coefficients of variation (OCVs), categorizing variability as <i>Low</i>, <i>Medium</i>, or <i>High</i>. Seedling emergence did not differ significantly between treatments; however, seedlings from LN-exposed seeds exhibited reduced shoot elongation and altered root morphology, including thinner roots with less lateral branching. Quantitative analyses supported these observations, revealing <i>High</i> and <i>Medium</i> OCVs in root depth and root system area, respectively. Fresh weight analysis further showed diminished root and shoot biomass in the cryopreserved group, coupled with increased cotyledon mass, suggesting suboptimal mobilization of seed reserves. These findings indicate that while cryopreservation does not prevent germination, it may impair early vigor and resource allocation in maize seedlings. Such insights are critical for refining cryopreservation protocols and assessing post-thaw seedling performance in crop conservation and propagation strategies.</p>

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Exposure of maize seeds to liquid nitrogen significantly impairs early seedling root development

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月13日

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  • Yanier Acosta,
  • Alberto Lozada,
  • Daniela Pérez-Díaz,
  • Julio César Quintana-Zaez,
  • María de Lourdes Tapia y Figueroa,
  • Barbarita Companioni,
  • Byron E. Zevallos–Bravo,
  • José Carlos Lorenzo

摘要

Cryopreservation using liquid nitrogen (LN) is a widely adopted technique for the long-term conservation of plant genetic resources. While effective at preserving seed viability, its effects on early plant development remain insufficiently characterized, particularly in critical crops like maize. This study evaluated the early growth responses of maize seedlings originating from seeds subjected to LN exposure, focusing on seedling emergence, root system morphology, and biomass partitioning among plant organs. Maize seeds (cv Tuzón) were dried to 6% moisture content, stored at 4 °C for four months, and subjected to either LN immersion for 24 h or conventional storage (control). Seeds were germinated in individual soil-filled rhizotrons under controlled conditions for seven days. Morphological and physiological parameters were analyzed using t-tests and overall coefficients of variation (OCVs), categorizing variability as Low, Medium, or High. Seedling emergence did not differ significantly between treatments; however, seedlings from LN-exposed seeds exhibited reduced shoot elongation and altered root morphology, including thinner roots with less lateral branching. Quantitative analyses supported these observations, revealing High and Medium OCVs in root depth and root system area, respectively. Fresh weight analysis further showed diminished root and shoot biomass in the cryopreserved group, coupled with increased cotyledon mass, suggesting suboptimal mobilization of seed reserves. These findings indicate that while cryopreservation does not prevent germination, it may impair early vigor and resource allocation in maize seedlings. Such insights are critical for refining cryopreservation protocols and assessing post-thaw seedling performance in crop conservation and propagation strategies.