The mechanism behind lack-of-effect of lanthanum on seed germination of switchgrass

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a perennial warm-season C(4) grass identified as a model species for bioenergy feedstock production. Lanthanum (La) as a rare earth element can stimulate the physiological processes of plant growth. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of lanthanum on seed germination of switchgrass. However, no significant differences in seed germination were found. The energy dispersive X-ray analysis showed that abundant lanthanum deposits resided on the pericarp and testa of the seed while few lanthanum deposits were present on the aleurone and endosperm. This phenomenon demonstrates that a semi-permeable layer, which could restrict or impede solute exchange, while allowing the permeability of internal and external water and gas, may be located between the testa and aleurone. Light microscopy and histochemical analysis revealed that the main chemical composition of the semi-permeable layer would be expected to be suberin because the layer was stained yellow with aniline blue. The quantum chemical calculations predict that the intervals between adjacent carbon chains in suberin molecule are so small that lanthanum ([La(H(2)O)(8)](3+)) cannot pass through the suberin molecule. In conclusion, the seed germination of switchgrass is not affected by lanthanum because the semi-permeable layer restricts the penetration of lanthanum into the embryo.