Seed mucilage components in 11 Alyssum taxa (Brassicaceae) from Turkey and their taxonomical and ecologicalsignificance

Abstract

In this work, mucilage characterization and their taxonomical and ecological significance in the seeds of 11 Alyssum taxa (A. dasycarpum var. dasycarpum, A. desertorum, A. filiforme, A. hirsutum var. hirsutum, A. linifolium var. linifolium, A. minutum, Alyssum murale var. murale, A. parviflorum, A. sibiricum, A. strictum and A. strigosum subsp. strigosum) were investigated. The mucilage producing cells were seen on the seed surface of the all studied taxa when hydrated in water. The seed mucilage was comprised of cellulose or pectin in the all examined taxa. There were differences in columella lines such as flattened, prominent or reduced forms. Besides, soil adhesion capacities of the seeds of the examined taxa ranged from 29 mg to 106 mg. The mucilage production in examined taxa can provide advantages in seed dispersion and colonization.