Analysis of Phytochrome-Dependent Seed Germination in Arabidopsis

Light-dependent seed germination guarantees seedling proximity to the soil surface, enabling quick photosynthetic energy supply. While seedling hypocotyl length is mainly used in phytochrome physiological assays to determine the functional impact of photoreceptor point mutations, different intracellular localizations, or the function of signal transduction components, phytochrome-controlled seed germination offers a different, very sensitive tool to test the phytochrome photoreceptor network. Photon fluences as low as 1 nmol m-2 are sufficient to elicit the phytochrome A (phyA)-dependent very low fluence response (VLFR), whereas higher fluences (> 10 μmol m-2) are needed to elicit the phyB-controlled and phyB-photoreversible low fluence response (LFR). Taking advantage of the different sensitivities of both phytochromes to different light qualities and quantities, a screening protocol is presented to score germination under different light conditions.