Changes in germinability, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzyme activities in pear stock (Pyrus betulaefolia Bge.) seeds during room- and low-temperature storage

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine if loss of germinability in Pyrus betulaefolia seeds stored at 4°C and at room temperature is associated with a loss of membrane lipid peroxidation or changes in antioxidant enzyme activities. The results indicated that germination percentage clearly decreased when seeds were stored at room temperature rather than at 4°C from 6 to 12 months. Room-temperature storage of the pear stock seed for 12 months decreased germination to 15.52%, but germination percentage was not changed when seed was stored at 4°C for 12 months. MDA, a marker for membrane lipid peroxidation, increased significantly under room-temperature storage conditions. Antioxidant enzyme (SOD, POD, and CAT) activities were a good indicator of germination percentage in pear stock seeds. Antioxidant enzyme activities of pear stock seeds at 4°C were higher than antioxidant enzyme activities in seeds stored at room temperature from 6 to 12 months. Antioxidant enzyme activities of the pear stock seed decreased markedly under conditions of room-temperature storage from 6 to 12 months. The results of this study showed that long-term room-temperature storage was detrimental for maintaining the vigor of P. betulaefolia seeds. The mechanisms responsible for this outcome are a higher level of membrane lipid peroxidation and a lower level of activity of antioxidant enzymes.

Peroxidase activity in scutella of maize in association with anatomical changes during germination and grain storage

“…The decreased PODa levels that have been observed in various seeds is associated with losses of viability and germination capacities during storage (Balešević-Tubić et al 2005 , 2011 ; Bao et al 2011 ; Chauhan et al 2011 ; Goel and Sheoran 2003 ; Scialabba et al 2002 ). In stored maize, increased temperatures in conditions of high humidity (88% RH at 25°C) lead to rapid deterioration after 3 months with decreased germination rates and abrupt decreases in scutellum PODa levels (Figure 7 c).…”

“…This may compromise seed viability, for example, during storage (Goel and Sheoran 2003 ). Excessive ROS concentrations are also associated with decreased PODa in various seeds, including sunflower, soybean, pear stock, wheat, cotton and radish (Balešević-Tubić et al 2005 , 2011 ; Bao et al 2011 ; Chauhan et al 2011 Goel and Sheoran 2003 ; Scialabba et al 2002 ).…”

A novel gene LbHLH from the halophyte Limonium bicolor enhances salt tolerance via alleviating osmotic stress and reducing root hair development

“…Unfortunately, we were unable to nd a voucher specimen of Limonium bicolor stored in any publicly available herbarium. The dried seeds were stored at 4°C for at least six months [24]. Before use, the seeds were surface-disinfected with 70% ethanol (5 min), followed by 6% (v/v) NaClO (Sigma, USA) for 17 min with shaking.…”

Proteomic analysis of black poplar (Populus nigra L.) seed storability

“…Overexpression of Cu-Zn-SOD genes in tobacco seeds improved seed longevity and germination by attenuating the effects of oxidative stress produced by elongated storage conditions and harsh environmental stresses (Lee et al 2010). It was suggested that loss of seed viability with ageing is associated with a decrease in SOD activity (Lehner et al 2008;Bao et al 2011;Xia et al 2015;Sahu et al 2017b). In the present study, Cu-Zn SOD level decreased at 3°C, which is in agreement with the above results; however, it increased only at − 3°C after 12 months of storage.…”