C-lignin (caffeyl-lignin) is a novel linear lignin polymer found in the seed coats of several non-crop plants, notably Vanilla planifolia (Vanilla), Jatropha Curcas (Jatropha), and Cleome hassleriana (Cleome). C-lignin has several advantages over normal G/S-lignin, found in the majority of lignocellulosic biomass, for valorization in the context of bioprocessing: less cross-linking to cell wall polysaccharides (less recalcitrant biomass), ordered linkages between monomers (homogeneous polymer), and no branching points (linear polymer). These properties make C-lignin an attractive replacement for native lignin in lignocellulosic biomass crops. The seed coats of Cleome hassleriana (Cleome) synthesize G-lignin during early seed maturation, then switch to synthesis of C-lignin during late maturation. This switch to C-lignin in Cleome seed coats is accompanied by loss of caffeoyl-CoA 3-O-methyltransferase (CCoAOMT) and caffeic acid 3-O-methyltransferase (COMT) activities, along with changes in transcript abundance of several lignin related genes. The focus of this research thesis is to understand the biochemical changes leading to C-lignin deposition in Cleome hassleriana seed coats, and to explore the ability of Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings to polymerize caffeyl alcohol to C-lignin. In this thesis, candidate transcripts were implicated in C-lignin biosynthesis by differential gene expression analysis of transcripts in seed coat tissues at 8-18 days after pollination (DAP) and in non-seed coat tissues. Three candidate genes were selected for recombinant expression and their in vitro kinetic properties were measured with potential substrates. Of the three candidates, a cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (ChCAD5) was found to have high transcript levels during C-lignin formation and have a novel preference for converting caffealdehyde to caffeyl alcohol, the precursor of C-lignin. To determine if accumulation of caffeyl alcohol is sufficient for polymerization of C-lignin, Arabidopsis seedlings grown in a xylem induction system were supplied caffeyl alcohol. Polymerization of caffeyl alcohol was not found to occur in this Arabidopsis system, suggesting the need for a C-lignin specific polymerization mechanism.

The seed external morphology and seed coat pattern of 11 genera and 22 species of Melastomataceae in Taiwan were studied by dissecting microscopey and scanning electron microscopey. According to the seed size, the result showed that the length and width of seed is different inter-generically. The biggest size is the seed of Memecylon while contrast to those of the other genera. The seed shapes could be divided into 8 types. They are liner-lanceolate, cuneate, fusiform, reniform, cochleate, triangular, obovoid and parallelogram respectively. Except that of the Sarcopyramis, the seed shape is rather stable intra-generically. The seed coat could be classified into 6 patterns. They are verrucate, rugose, smooth, tuberculate, granulate, and colliculate respectively. The seed colors are egg-yellow, brown, nut-brown and reddish brown. The difference of seed morphology is obvious inter-generically, and the difference of seed coat patterns is extinctive intra-generically.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) is an important legume mainly used for human consumption worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Cowpea legume is rich in protein (25%), carbohydrates (70%), dietary fibre, minerals and vitamins. Cowpea comprises a range of varieties that breeders release based primarily on agronomic characteristics, such as yield, early maturity and drought tolerance. However, consumers do not always adopt all the released cowpea varieties. Cooking characteristics such as cooking time and sensory properties (i.e. appearance, texture, flavour) of cooked cowpeas are believed to be quality characteristics for legume acceptability by consumers. Physicochemical characteristics are known to influence cooking characteristics of cowpeas. These characteristics may be influenced by seed coat and cotyledon structure. The present study focuses on the effect of seed coat and cotyledon structure on cooking and sensory characteristics of cowpeas and how this in turn influences consumer acceptability of cowpeas. The influence of seed coat thickness and cotyledon compactness on cooking characteristics of four cowpea types (thick seed coat/compact cotyledon (Bechuana White), thick seed coat/porous cotyledon (IT82E 18), thin seed coat/compact cotyledon (Black Eye) and thin seed coat/porous cotyledon (California Black) was studied. Seed coat thickness was found to influence water absorption during soaking. Cowpeas with thin seed coats had higher rates of water absorption during soaking due to its amorphous cell layer that rendered the seed coat more permeable compared to the palisade cell layer found in cowpeas with thick seed coats. Cotyledon compactness influenced cooking time of cowpeas. Cowpeas with porous cotyledons cooked faster compared to cowpeas with compact cotyledon probably because of the structural arrangement of porous cotyledon cells that provide more intercellular spaces for rapid water entry, cell expansion and separation favouring a faster cooking process compared to compact cotyledon. Seed coat and cotyledon structures directly influenced very few of the cooking and sensory characteristics. Sensory attributes such as cooked cowpea flavour, degree of sweetness, degree of sweet aftertaste, and degree of mushiness positively contributed to consumers’ liking of cowpeas. Raw cowpea flavour, bitter taste, degree of bitter aftertaste and degree of firmness contributed to consumers’ disliking of cowpeas. Chemical composition of cowpeas probably influences sensory characteristics of cowpeas more than seed coat and cotyledon structures. It is recommended that breeders work together with food scientists in order to release cowpeas types that are preferred by consumers (i.e. cowpeas with good appearance (low percentage of splitting), good flavour and soft texture upon cooking. Please cite as follows: Penicela, L 2010, The influence of seed coat and cotyledon structure on cooking characteristics of cowpeas, MSc dissertation, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, viewed yymmdd < http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-06292011-154445/ > E11/438/gm / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Food Science / unrestricted

The ecology of plant species at Sandford Rocks Nature Reserve (SRNR) was studied. The study site is an important nature reserve that contains relatively undisturbed natural vegetation. It has a mosaic of exposed granite rocks, scrublands and woodlands. The study involved: a description of the structure and composition of the vegetation; the population characteristics of selected Acacia species; aspects of reproduction in Acacia; germination and seedling characteristics of some Acacia and grass species that dominate the reserve; the effect of seed size on germination and seedling characteristics; and, the relationship of seed size to seed coat thickness in selected Acacia species. Five different areas were studied using the point centered quarter method to sample the woody perennial species. Thirteen Acacia species were examined for reproduction characteristics; and in 2 selected Acacia species, the effects of phyllode and/or inflorescence removal on reproduction was investigated. Germination tests were conducted to identify germination characteristics in 8 Acacia and 7 grass species dominant at SRNR. The possible effects of variation in seed size on germination; seedling characteristics; and, seed coat thickness were investigated in Acacia fauntleroyi and Acacia prainii. A total of 85 species from 20 families of woody perennials were collated. All areas were dominated by the Myrtaceae, Mimosaceae and Proteaceae families. There was considerable variability in the structure and composition of vegetation. Most species were present in particular sites and the composition of communities appears to be related to the heterogeneity of the habitat within the reserve. In areas of shallow or rocky soil, vegetation types present include Allocasuarina huegeliana woodland, Grevillea paradoxa low scrubland and Acacia neurophylla medium shrubland. / In a seasonally wet area, vegetation types present include low open grassland; Eucalyptus capillosa (wandoo) woodland; and, Acacia saligna thicket. In deep, dry sandy soil, vegetation types include Phebalium tuberculosum shrubland, Acacia acuminata and Acacia coolgardiensis thickets. On relatively flat areas that gain water from adjacent large granite hills, the vegetation consists mainly of tall, open woodlands of Eucalyptus species. Vegetation types include: medium tall Eucalyptus salmonophloia woodland with Kunzea pulchella shrubland at the periphery of the Eucalyptus woodland. At rock areas, vegetation types present include dense Leptospermum erubescens thicket, low open Acacia prainii and Dodonaea viscosa shrubland. Of the Acacia populations studied, in A. lasiocalyx no recent seedling establishment was observed. It is hypothesised that recruitment occurs in particular periods. As the plants are associated with rock and soils are generally shallow, it appears that recruitment depends on run-off water from the rocks in winter. Continuous recruitment seems to be the pattern in A. prainii with both seedlings and saplings represented. A. fauntleroyi forms relatively small populations; apparently long drought periods (>l00 d) result in mass death and limit its population size. In A. hemiteles, no seedling stage was found, root competition (for water) from associated Eucalyptus species presumably limits its recruitment. Reproductive success of Acacia is affected by rainfall. A wet winter is required to induce flowering and further rain is required after flowering to promote pod development and good seed set. / All Acacia species suffer from drought in the reproduction season, however they differ in their degree of susceptibility. Leaflessness and tree shape also affect Acacia fecundity. Plants bearing more phyllodes produce more flowers and pods, and branches in the upper part of the crown bear heavier inflorescences. In 1998, all Acacia species at SRNR produced mature seed of low weight, with many immature and diseased seed, which gave poor germination. A late spring frost in 1998 is believed to be responsible for limited seed development. In two selected Acacia species, removal of phyllodes reduced the number of pods produced. Presumably, phyllode removal reduces photosynthate produced, therefore the competition among inflorescences (or pods) for resources is more intense and subsequent abortions are likely to occur. All Acacia species studied showed best germination in the cool winter temperature range. Apparently, seeds are adapted to germinate in winter when seasonal moisture is more likely to be available. The best temperature however, varied slightly between species. The grass species dominant in the reserve, except for Aristida contorta, also had more germination in cooler rather than warmer temperatures. The flora of SRNR is similar to typical vegetation of the Southwest. Generally, Acacia species are present only in particular sites, presumably were habitat moisture allows. Seedlings of Acacia species growing in naturally dry areas have greater root: shoot masses than those growing in seasonally wet areas. Biomass partitioning is an apparent strategy to conserve water. Of the 7 grass species, Amphipogon strictus appears to have fastest growth. / Eriachne ovata has greater root than shoot mass, while in all other species, shoot mass is greater than root mass; a characteristic of species that grow well in moist habitats. The longest shoots and roots are in Austrostipa elegantissima, an understorey species of eucalypt woodland. In A. fauntleroyi, the degree of hard-seededness varies between seed sizes. There is a higher proportion of soft seed in smaller seed. Seed of different sizes show some responses to different pre-treatments and incubation temperatures for germination. Larger seeds generally germinate in greater numbers after higher treatment temperatures. The best treatment for small seeds is pre-treatment at 75°C and incubated at 15°C. For medium and large seed, best pre-treatment is at 75°C with incubation at 30°C or soaking in boiling water and incubation at either 15 or 3°C. In A. prainii, seed size; pre-treatment; incubation; and, their interaction all affected germination; larger seeds are more viable. The best treatment to promote germination of A. prainii is soaking in boiling water and incubation at 25°C. In both A. fauntleroyi and A. prainii, larger seeds produce larger seedlings. Seedlings from large seeds have the potential for more rapid pre-photosynthetic growth. Larger, heavier seed has a thicker seed coat. The seed coat of A. prainii is thicker than in A. fauntleroyi; the difference in seed coat thickness is reflected by more soft seed in A. fauntleroyi (35%) than in A. prainii (6%).

Common bean is a nutritionally and economically important food crop and a major source of dietary protein in many developing countries throughout the world. Seed coat colour and size in this crop are the main factors determining its marketability in different parts of the world. Flavonoid compounds that are responsible for seed coat colour in beans have been shown to have anti-oxidant, anti-proliferative, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and pro-apoptotic activities. They also may enhance the resistance of beans to pest and disease. A better understanding of the relationships between seed coat colour and flavonoid metabolism in the seed coat may help breeders to select for more nutritionally-beneficial bean varieties. The objective of this research was to test the hypothesis that the genes determining colour in beans are structural and regulatory genes of the phenylpropanoid pathway. The map positions of phenylpropanoid genes were determined in two recombinant inbred populations. Segregation patterns of 18 phenylpropanoid pathway genes in the BAT93 × Jalo EEP 558 RIL population and five phenylpropanoid pathway genes in OAC Rex × SVM Taylor were used to place them on the linkage maps for these populations. Five out of 18 genes were mapped within 2-17 cM of colour gene loci in the BAT93 × Jalo EEP 558 RIL population. The sequences of central genes of the phenylpropanoid pathway were determined by sequencing 6 BAC clones selected with probes for two PAL genes, two CHS genes, DFR, and Myb. The functional annotations of the BAC clones were determined and the similarities between bean phenylpropanoid genes and their corresponding orthologs in other plant species were investigated. A recently developed approach of whole genome sequence comparison was utilized to compare the microsynteny of the sequenced BAC clones with regions of the soybean genome. The physical locations of BAC clones were verified on the bean genome and their counterpart locations on the soybean genome were confirmed. The results agreed with previous studies that indicated that bean genome segments have two homologous segments in soybean and confirmed the high degree of microsynteny that is shared between bean and soybean.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:27:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2006-08-28Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:16:48Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 paula_oc_me_botib.pdf: 3021276 bytes, checksum: bbd5e34ab1826b276d319adf75a8e150 (MD5) / Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) / As Fabaceae são a família mais rica do cerrado, contando com 101 gêneros e 777 espécies e o gênero Chamaecrista é o mais numeroso, listando-se 100 espécies. Ainda assim, o gênero é muito pouco conhecido; não são encontrados trabalhos relativos à estrutura do pericarpo e, no que tange às sementes, o levantamento recuperou apenas um trabalho. O presente estudo visa a realizar um estudo estrutural com espécies de Chamaecrista (Fabaceae, Caesalpinioideae), ocorrentes nos cerrados do Estado de São Paulo; mais especificamente, objetiva analisar a morfologia, anatomia e ontogênese de frutos e sementes de Chamaecrista desvauxii (Collad.) Killip var. latistipula (Benth.) G.P. Lewis, Chamaecrista flexuosa (L.) Greene e Chamaecrista nictitans L. var. patellaria (Collad.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby, buscando verificar a ocorrência de padrões estruturais relacionados ao cerrado. Para isto, foram utilizadas técnicas usuais de processamento em microscopia de luz e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. As três espécies apresentam estrutura bastante uniforme, tanto no pericarpo quanto na semente. Os frutos são legumes típicos e, no pericarpo, foram observados aspectos comuns às leguminosas, sendo destacadas características ancestrais (como a folha carpelar fendida), xeromórficas (cutícula espessa, presença de tricomas na epiderme ovariana e no exocarpo, células comuns com paredes anticlinais retas, hipoderme, presença de cristais de oxalato de cálcio e calotas de fibras gelatinosas externas aos feixes dorsal e ventrais) e antiherbivoria (acúmulo de compostos fenólicos e segmentação pericárpica). Na semente, também foram observadas características comuns à família, como o caráter unitegumentado e a testa de estrutura padrão, com paliçada bem diferenciada. São sementes albuminosas e o endosperma é mucilaginoso. As reservas... / Fabaceae is the richest family, with 101 genera and 777 species, Chamaecrista is the most numerous genus of cerrado, with 100 species. However, the genus is very little known; works about pericarp structure are not found, and only one work refers to the seed anatomy. We aim to accomplish a structural analysis of species of Chamaecrista (Fabaceae, Caesalpinioideae), occurring in the cerrado of the São Paulo State; more specifically, we intend to analyze the morphology, anatomy and ontogeny of fruits and seeds of Chamaecrista desvauxii (Collad.) Killip var. latistipula (Benth.) G.P. Lewis, Chamaecrista flexuosa (L.) Greene and Chamaecrista nictitans L. var. patellaria (Collad.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby, searching to verify the occurrence of ordinary structural standards in these plants and to indicate similarities with other species of Fabaceae and of the cerrado. For this, usual techniques of light microscopy and scanning electronic microscopy had been used. The three species present uniform structure in the pericarp and in the seed. The fruits are typical legumes and common aspects of the leguminous species have been observed in the pericarp. We detached ancestral characteristics (as the opened carpel), xeromorphic (thick cuticle, presence of trichomes in ovarian epidermis and exocarp, common cells with straight anticlinal walls, hypodermis, presence of calcium oxalate crystals and groups of gelatinous fibres external to dorsal and ventral bundles) and antiherbivory (phenolic compounds accumulation and pericarpic segmentation). In the seed, we have also observed typical Fabaceae traits, as the unitegmic condition and the standard structure of the testa, with well differentiated palisade. The seeds are albuminous and the endosperm is mucilaginous. The seminal reserves (endospermic and cotyledonal) have lipids and proteins, increasing the possibilities of success... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

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ABSTRACT<p> Canada is currently the world leader in red lentil exports, a crop of significant economic importance to Western Canadian producers. It is important for the maintenance and growth of foreign markets that our growers are able to provide a consistent product. In the past few years, our exported red lentils have had variable quality, largely due variable weather conditions. A study was conducted to determine the effect of various preharvest treatments on the milling quality of our current red lentil cultivars. These cultivars, listed in order of increasing seed size, were CDC Robin, CDC Imperial CL, CDC Rosetown, CDC Blaze, CDC Impact CL, CDC Rouleau, CDC Redberry and CDC Red Rider. Replicated plots of each variety were grown in the summers of 2005 and 2006 at Floral, SK and Rouleau, SK. These were chosen with the intent of maximizing environmental differential between locations, especially in terms of soil texture and moisture availability. All locations were laid out using a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Replicated plots of each cultivar were subjected to preharvest treatments of desiccation with Diquat or swathing at early, recommended and late stages of maturity. The milling quality of the harvested lentils was determined for all treatment and cultivar combinations.<p> Before preharvest treatments were applied, each plot was assigned a maturity rating based on a 1 (immature) 9 (very mature) scale. Plants exhibiting pods with a buckskin colour and texture on the bottom third of the plant were considered to be at early maturity and assigned a rating of 3. Similarly, when pods of buckskin colour and texture were found in the middle third of the plant, a maturity rating of 6 was assigned while a value of 9 would be assessed when the entire plant had all brown, rattling pods except for a small portion of buckskin pods in the top third of the canopy.<p> Based on this 1-9 scale, a total of six different harvest treatments were carried out: swathing or chemical desiccation at early, intermediate or late stages of maturity. Swathed plots were cut using a gas-powered sickle-mower, then covered with bird mesh which was staked to the ground until harvest to prevent wind damage. Desiccated plots were sprayed with Reglone (diquat) using a CO2-pressurized backpack sprayer. They were left standing until harvest. Following mechanical harvest, seed from each plot was placed in mesh bags and forced-air-dried to approximately 13% moisture, then placed in a controlled storage chamber held at 5oC.<p> Seed samples of two complete sets of replicated treatments were cleaned, then sized by passing them over round, then slotted sieves using the forty-shakes method. The two most frequent seed diameter and thickness fractions from each plot were set aside for milling. Samples were hydrated to 12.5% moisture which is the ideal moisture content for high milling quality according to research conducted by Dr. Ning Wang at the Grain Research Laboratory in Winnipeg, MB. The samples were then milled using either a Satake or a Turkish table top pulse dehuller. Following milling, samples were passed through a Carter dockage tester (Simon-Day Ltd., Winnipeg, MB) to separate whole and split seeds from broken or damaged seeds and hull material. Each sample was assessed for: 1) milling efficiency (percent split and unsplit cotyledons recovered from the total sample); 2) football recovery (percent dehulled lentils with unsplit cotyledons); and 3) dehulling efficiency (percent of cotyledons with over 98% of the seed coat removed. Dehulling efficiency values were assessed using a DuPont AcurumTM seed scanner (DuPont Canada, Toronto, ON).<p> Under favorable harvest conditions, preharvest treatments had no effect on milling efficiency, percent football recovery or dehulling efficiency. However, plots subjected to cool, wet harvest conditions produced lentil samples of highly variable milling quality. Early desiccation significantly reduced milling efficiency to below 70%, whereas early swathing resulted in milling efficiency above 85%. CDC Robin and CDC Imperial CL had the highest milling efficiencies. Similarly, cool wet harvest conditions caused percent football recovery to drop from approximately 80% to around 50%. Early swathing was the most effective for producing footballs, with smaller-seeded varieties producing the most. Cool, wet harvest caused dehulling efficiency to drop from the 97.3 99.9% range to 91.5 98.7%. Early desiccation had the most negative effect on dehulling efficiency, whereas early swathing produced the highest values. Under these conditions, smaller-seeded varieties had the lowest dehulling efficiencies.<p> The results of this study will be valuable for developing agronomic practices specific to red lentil and for improving the quality of Canadas exported product.

ABSTRACT<p> Canada is currently the world leader in red lentil exports, a crop of significant economic importance to Western Canadian producers. It is important for the maintenance and growth of foreign markets that our growers are able to provide a consistent product. In the past few years, our exported red lentils have had variable quality, largely due variable weather conditions. A study was conducted to determine the effect of various preharvest treatments on the milling quality of our current red lentil cultivars. These cultivars, listed in order of increasing seed size, were CDC Robin, CDC Imperial CL, CDC Rosetown, CDC Blaze, CDC Impact CL, CDC Rouleau, CDC Redberry and CDC Red Rider. Replicated plots of each variety were grown in the summers of 2005 and 2006 at Floral, SK and Rouleau, SK. These were chosen with the intent of maximizing environmental differential between locations, especially in terms of soil texture and moisture availability. All locations were laid out using a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Replicated plots of each cultivar were subjected to preharvest treatments of desiccation with Diquat or swathing at early, recommended and late stages of maturity. The milling quality of the harvested lentils was determined for all treatment and cultivar combinations.<p> Before preharvest treatments were applied, each plot was assigned a maturity rating based on a 1 (immature) 9 (very mature) scale. Plants exhibiting pods with a buckskin colour and texture on the bottom third of the plant were considered to be at early maturity and assigned a rating of 3. Similarly, when pods of buckskin colour and texture were found in the middle third of the plant, a maturity rating of 6 was assigned while a value of 9 would be assessed when the entire plant had all brown, rattling pods except for a small portion of buckskin pods in the top third of the canopy.<p> Based on this 1-9 scale, a total of six different harvest treatments were carried out: swathing or chemical desiccation at early, intermediate or late stages of maturity. Swathed plots were cut using a gas-powered sickle-mower, then covered with bird mesh which was staked to the ground until harvest to prevent wind damage. Desiccated plots were sprayed with Reglone (diquat) using a CO2-pressurized backpack sprayer. They were left standing until harvest. Following mechanical harvest, seed from each plot was placed in mesh bags and forced-air-dried to approximately 13% moisture, then placed in a controlled storage chamber held at 5oC.<p> Seed samples of two complete sets of replicated treatments were cleaned, then sized by passing them over round, then slotted sieves using the forty-shakes method. The two most frequent seed diameter and thickness fractions from each plot were set aside for milling. Samples were hydrated to 12.5% moisture which is the ideal moisture content for high milling quality according to research conducted by Dr. Ning Wang at the Grain Research Laboratory in Winnipeg, MB. The samples were then milled using either a Satake or a Turkish table top pulse dehuller. Following milling, samples were passed through a Carter dockage tester (Simon-Day Ltd., Winnipeg, MB) to separate whole and split seeds from broken or damaged seeds and hull material. Each sample was assessed for: 1) milling efficiency (percent split and unsplit cotyledons recovered from the total sample); 2) football recovery (percent dehulled lentils with unsplit cotyledons); and 3) dehulling efficiency (percent of cotyledons with over 98% of the seed coat removed. Dehulling efficiency values were assessed using a DuPont AcurumTM seed scanner (DuPont Canada, Toronto, ON).<p> Under favorable harvest conditions, preharvest treatments had no effect on milling efficiency, percent football recovery or dehulling efficiency. However, plots subjected to cool, wet harvest conditions produced lentil samples of highly variable milling quality. Early desiccation significantly reduced milling efficiency to below 70%, whereas early swathing resulted in milling efficiency above 85%. CDC Robin and CDC Imperial CL had the highest milling efficiencies. Similarly, cool wet harvest conditions caused percent football recovery to drop from approximately 80% to around 50%. Early swathing was the most effective for producing footballs, with smaller-seeded varieties producing the most. Cool, wet harvest caused dehulling efficiency to drop from the 97.3 99.9% range to 91.5 98.7%. Early desiccation had the most negative effect on dehulling efficiency, whereas early swathing produced the highest values. Under these conditions, smaller-seeded varieties had the lowest dehulling efficiencies.<p> The results of this study will be valuable for developing agronomic practices specific to red lentil and for improving the quality of Canadas exported product.

Les cellules épidermiques des téguments des graines d’Arabidopsis thaliana, espèce myxospermique, libèrent un halo de mucilage polysaccharidique lors de leur imbibition. Les polysaccharides du mucilage sont produits et accumulés au cours du développement de la graine, selon un processus de différenciation déjà largement décrit (Western et al. 2006). Au laboratoire, une mutation naturelle a été mise en évidence chez l’accession Djarly, dont les graines ne libèrent pas de mucilage au cours de leur imbibition. Le clonage positionnel a démontré que le locus affecté chez Djarly code pour un inhibiteur de pectine méthylestérase (PMEI6). Les PMEIs exercent un contrôle négatif sur l’activité des pectines méthylestérases (PME), enzymes qui déméthylestérifient les homogalacturonanes, par la formation d’un complexe PME-PMEI (Di Matteo et al., 2005 ; Hothorn et al., 2004). Des études génétiques, cytologiques et biochimiques ont prouvé que PMEI6 régule la méthylestérification des homogalacturonanes du mucilage et des parois cellulaires distales des cellules épidermiques de la graine retardant la libération du mucilage séminal. L’expression de PMEI6 dépend des régulateurs de transcription GLABRA2 et MUM1. L’activité PME dans les cellules épidermiques des graines est aussi modulée par la subtilisine serine protéase AtSBT1.7, et le phénotype additif du mutant pmei6 atsbt1.7 indique que PMEI6 régule d’autres PMEs. Djarly fait partie d’un groupe de vingt accessions, dont les graines flottent à cause de modifications des propriétés du mucilage séminal. Ces accessions portent au moins dix mutations indépendantes, qui affectent au moins 4 locus différents. Cette étude nous a permis de proposer que la modification des propriétés du mucilage est impliquée dans l’adaptation à l’environnement local, permettant la dispersion à longue distance des graines par l’eau. / Upon imbibition, the myxospermous seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana, form a mucilage from hydrated polysaccharides released from the epidermal cells of the seed coat. These polysaccharides are produced and accumulated during seed development in a differentiation process that has been described in detail (Western et al. 2006). A screen of Arabidopsis accessions identified Djarly as a natural mucilage mutant affected in mucilage release on imbibition. The locus defective in Djarly was identified by map-based cloning as encoding a pectin methylesterase inhibitor (PMEI6). Theseproteinaceous inhibitors negatively control the activity of pectin methylesterases (PME), enzymes that demethylesterify HG, through the formation of a PME-PMEI complex (Di Matteo et al., 2005; Hothorn et al, 2004). Genetic, cytological and biochemical studies demonstrated that PMEI6 regulates methylesterification of homogalacturonans present in mucilage and the outer cell wall of seed coat epidermal cells. Delayed seed mucilage release in pmei6 mutants results, therefore, from the reduced level of homogalacturonan methylesterification. Expression of PMEI6 required the transcription regulators GLABRA2 and MUM1. PME activity in seed coat epidermal cells is also modulated by the subtilisin serine protease AtSBT1.7, and the additive phenotype of pmei6 atsbt1.7 mutants indicates that PMEI6 regulates different PMEs. Djarly is one of twenty accessions where seeds float due to modifications of mucilage properties. At least ten independent mutations are responsible for the mucilage modifications in these accessions, affecting at least 4 different loci. This study has led us to propose that these mucilage modifications are local adaptations that allow longdistance seed disperal on water.