Seed Dormancy. Methods and Protocols. 2011. (Methods in Molecular Biology, 773). illus. 415 p. gr8vo. Hardcover.

The book covers analytical methods and approaches which have already lead to significant advances in the understanding of seed dormancy and germination. Chapters cover explanations of processes leading to the induction, maintenance, and termination of seed dormancy, the classification of different dormancy types, as well as an overview of protocols used for dormancy-termination of seeds of conifer species. This volume emphasizes methods essential for abscisic acid (ABA) analyses, including methods that have been important for receptor identification, analyses of ABA-catabolizing enzymes, and identification of novel signal transduction components, interacting partners, and response factors. The volume closes by addressing the development of new technologies, including spectroscopic methods (some of which allow for non-destructive sampling) as well as highly effective tissue-printing methods for seed dormancy research. The chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, readily reproducible protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.