-An important aspect of seed production is the determination of physiological maturity and the appropriate time for harvest, with a view to obtaining high-quality seeds and minimising deterioration in the field. This research therefore aimed to study the influence of the stage of maturation and amount of post-harvest resting of the fruit on the physiological quality of the seeds of the pepper (Capsicum baccatum L.) var. Lady's Finger, to determine the right time for harvesting the seeds. The fruits were harvested at four stages of maturation, based on colouration: deep green (15 DAA), yellow-green (25 DAA), red-green (35 DAA) and deep red (45 DAA), and stored for 0, 5 and 10 days followed by extraction of the seeds. The weight, length, diameter and thickness of the pulp in the fruit were determined. Seed quality was evaluated by germination, germination first count, seedling emergence, moisture content, hundred-seed dry weight, thousand seed weight and electrical conductivity. Given the results, it is concluded that the physiological maturity of the seeds of the Lady's Finger pepper, is indicated by the intense red color of the fruits (45 DAA), and that post-harvest resting of the fruit for ten days improves the physiological potential of the seeds.

The intrinsically disordered proteins belonging to the LATE EMBRYOGENESIS ABUNDANT protein (LEAP) family have been ascribed a protective function over an array of intracellular components. We focus on how LEAPs may protect a stress-susceptible proteome. These examples include instances of LEAPs providing a shield molecule function, possibly by instigating liquid-liquid phase separations. Some LEAPs bind directly to their client proteins, exerting a holdase-type chaperonin function. Finally, instances of LEAP–client protein interactions have been documented, where the LEAP modulates (interferes with) the function of the client protein, acting as a surreptitious rheostat of cellular homeostasis. From the examples identified to date, it is apparent that client protein modulation also serves to mitigate stress. While some LEAPs can physically bind and protect client proteins, some apparently bind to assist the degradation of the client proteins with which they associate. Documented instances of LEAP–client protein binding, even in the absence of stress, brings to the fore the necessity of identifying how the LEAPs are degraded post-stress to render them innocuous, a first step in understanding how the cell regulates their abundance.

A B S T R A C TThe knowledge concerning the physiology of germination in saline areas may contribute to the development of more efficient cultural practices and adequate choice of planting areas. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of saline and temperature stress on germination and vigor of Piptadenia moniliformis (a species known in Brazil as "catanduva") seeds. The treatments were distributed according to a completely randomized design in accordance with a 3 x 6 factorial arrangement (temperature x osmotic potential), with four replicates of 25 seeds each. The seeds were put to germinate at constant temperatures of 25, 30, and 35 °C on paper towel moistened in distilled water (0.0) and NaCl solutions at 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 MPa. The results were evaluated in terms of germination percentage and germination speed index, seedling (root and shoot) length, and total dry matter. P. moniliformis seeds were able to germinate under temperatures of 25 and 30 °C and tolerate osmotic potentials of up to -0.6 MPa; from this point on, there is progressive decrease in the physiological quality of seedlings.Estresse salino e temperaturas na germinação e vigor de sementes de Piptadenia moniliformis Benth R E S U M O O conhecimento da fisiologia da germinação em locais salinos pode contribuir para o desenvolvimento do manejo e da escolha adequada das áreas de plantio. Com isto objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do estresse salino e temperaturas na germinação e vigor de sementes de catanduva (Piptadenia moniliformis Benth.). O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, com os tratamentos distribuídos em esquema fatorial 3 x 6 (temperatura x potencial osmótico) em quatro repetições de 25 sementes. Para tal, as sementes foram colocadas para germinar nas temperaturas constantes de 25, 30 e 35 °C e semeadas em substrato de papel toalha umedecido com água destilada (0,0) e soluções de NaCl a -0,2; -0,4; -0,6; -0,8 e -1,0 Mpa; as variáveis analisadas foram a porcentagem e o índice de velocidade de germinação, comprimento de plântulas (raiz e parte aérea) e massa seca total; as sementes de P. moniliformis germinadas sob temperaturas de 25 e 30 °C suportam concentrações salinas com potencial osmótico de até -0,6 MPa sendo que a partir de então ocorre diminuição progressiva da qualidade fisiológica das plântulas.

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