<b>Isoenzyme activity in monitoring deterioration of <i>Balfourodendron riedelianum</i> seeds

Abstract

In this study, we sought to identify efficient enzymes for use in monitoring the deterioration and loss of germination of Balfourodendron riedelianum (Engler) Engler seeds. The research was conducted at the Laboratório de Tecnologia de Sementes e Mudas of the Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, Campus Marechal Cândido Rondon, Paraná State, Brazil. Seeds were harvested at three collection sites and later submitted for processing, drying, initial characterization and storage in airtight packaging under controlled and uncontrolled storage conditions and uncontrolled. Tests were conducted at 0, 120, 240, and 360 days using a germination test, germination speed index, accelerated ageing test and the activity of peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and β-1,3-glucanase. The experiment was a completely randomized design. The results were subjected to regression analysis at 5% probability. Ageing was different among sample sites and between different storage conditions. The decrease in viability of seeds of Balfourodendron riedelianum (Engler) Engler was detected based on the activity of peroxidase enzymes in seeds from the Diamante do Oeste and Missal sites and the enzyme β-1,3-glucanase in seeds from the Missal site after storage periods of 0, 120, and 240 days.