Myxodiaspory is an adaptation of seeds/achene of certain angiosperms to produce mucilage, a gelatinous complex polysaccharide on imbibition of water. It has been identified that species of at least 230 genera of angiosperms exhibit myxodiaspory. Polysaccharides present in these
mucilages includes pectin, cellulose, hemicellulose and starch, varying in combinations and compositions across different species. Seed mucilage plays several physiological functions such as seed hydration, seed protection, anchorage, germination, special functions such as seed
embryo DNA repair, etc. It is reported that the role of mucilage in seed physiology entirely depends on its composition, spatial arrangement and environmental conditions. A quantitative analysis of the structure-function relationship will give a deeper understanding of the role of
mucilage in seed physiology.
Rheology is widely used approach to investigate the mechanical behaviour of various material systems to understand their structural response. In this work, linear and non-linear rheological behaviour of freshly collected mucilage from a model species, sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is studied along with pectin gels for comparison. The microstructure and mechanical response of these gels under large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) is analysed for strain-stiffening
behaviour and temperature dependence. The physiological role of seed mucilage is interpreted based on the microstructure, wet-tack behaviour and LAOS response. Understanding the response of these natural hydrogels to various environmental and climatic conditions are explored for developing novel applications and better understanding of plant growth under different conditions.