Morphoanatomical and Biochemical Changes in Seeds of Bagassa guianensis (Moraceae)

Abstract

Bagassa guianensis Aubl. is a tree of high timber value (Moraceae family) native to the Amazon. In this study, we characterized the morphoanatomical and biochemical properties of Bagassa guianensis seeds at different levels of fruit control based on biometric, morphoanatomical, color and biochemical analyses. Four stages of seed development have been identified in the fruit of Bagassa guianensis. The seeds presented endosperm, being classified as albuminous. Seeds from fruits with 5 GY 4/4 colors and green pigmentation (stage I) presented fully formed embryos. According to PCA (principal component analysis) data, it was found that all stages of seed dominance had a significant effect and highly correlated with the biochemical properties of the seed. Despite the comparatively low biometric values, high levels of Total Soluble Sugars (3.58%), Total Soluble Proteins (2.12%) and Reducing Sugars (1.43%) were observed in seeds at this stage. On the other hand, the content of amino acids (0.87%) and starch (3.30%) was higher at late maturity. The highest amounts of starch were detected from stage II onwards (31.29 mg/g DM), when the seeds reached physiological maturity. Biochemical and morphological information from seeds are relevant for planning conservation, observation and restoration strategies, and this study on the species B. guianensis is essential.