Cryopreservation of Arachis pintoi seeds

Abstract

Studies on the storage of seeds of the diploid cytotype (2n=2x= 20 chromosomes) of Arachis pintoi (Leguminosae) were conducted to preserve germplasm for the long term in liquid nitrogen (-196°C). The best cryo-procedure comprised: desiccation of the seeds to 4% water content (14 days at 40°C) and, subsequently, direct cooling in nitrogen liquid. The cryotubes were then rapidly warmed in a water bath at 38°C. With this treatment, after 7 days in a germinator up to 90% of the seeds germinated