Epigenetic mechanisms regulating seed germination rate

Abstract

Changes in epigenetic polymorphism degree within wheat seedlings’ population under radiation stimulating exposure of germination were investigated. Variations in seeds sample allocations by germination rate in both control and chronically exposed variants were estimated. Changes in DNA methylation patterns of seedlings from seeds with different germination rate were studied. Variations in epigenetic polymorphism–“distance” between DNA methylation patterns of “fast” and “slow” seedlings of different wheat varieties under radiation exposure were assessed. Indicated, that increased germination rate of seeds sample was associated with decreasing degree of epigenetic polymorphism. Issue concerning both role of epigenetic polymorphism in plant population stability and its decreasing degree that could initiate less effectiveness of production process was discussed.