Survival of four accessions of Anigozanthos manglesii (Haemodoraceae) seeds following exposure to liquid nitrogen

This study investigated the survival of seeds from the prominent endemic Western Australian species Anigozanthos manglesii following exposure to liquid nitrogen (cryostorage). Seeds from four different accessions (collected in 1987, 1990, 1993 and 1998) adjusted to different water contents were tested for survival following cryostorage. Water content was a significant determining factor with survival of cryostored seeds declining rapidly at water contents above c. 18%. These water contents were deemed as critical water contents and were supported by DSC scans showing high endothermic peaks indicating ice crystallisation. In some instances, survival of cryostored seeds also declined at low water contents. Seeds from 1990 had a lower than expected survival compared to the other accessions. This may have resulted from the higher lipid content of seeds from this accession, or the reduced germination and vigour of these seeds prior to cryostorage.