Effects of Induced Ageing on Metabolic Enzymes in Castor Seed Accessions

Abstract

In Nigeria, the castor seeds available to farmers are imported overtime. Changes during storage are vital tool for determining seed stability as well as viability. This study was aimed at comparing the metabolic enzymes' activities, changes in accelerated aged seeds of local and imported castor genotypes. A total of six (6) castor accessions (local and exotic) were assessed for accelerated ageing at a temperature of 40 0 C and 100% relative humidity for six (6) days. Activities of enzymes (catalase, amylase, protease and lipase) were determined in the aged seeds using standard biochemical procedures. The result showed a progressive decrease in enzyme activities of all enzymes studied. The decrease was only significant (p< 0.05) at day six (6) indicating that both local and exotic castor seeds have long shelf-life.