ABSTRACT
Keeping in mind the problem of seed storing in tropical and subtropical countries where high temperature and high relative humidity (RH) greatly accelerate seed ageing phenomenon causing consequent deterioration and non-viability of seeds, an investigation was carried out on maintenance of storage potentiation of a green gram species by using selected plant extract. Pretreatment of green gram (Phaseolous mungo L.) seeds with aqueous solution of leaf extract of neem (Melia azadarch) 50g in 500 ml distilled water for 2 hours and then dried back to the original dry weight of the seeds before accelerated ageing treatment (99.1% RH and 32±2 ºC) for different durations (0 to 30 days) slowed down the rapid loss of germination and reduced the time (h) required for 50% seed germination (T50) of the seeds. The plant extract also significantly arrested the reduction of protein, insoluble carbohydrate, DNA and RNA levels as well as activity of catalase enzyme of seed kernels during forced ageing period. Ageing-induced stimulation of the activity of amylase enzyme was also alleviated by the seed pretreating agent.
Support the magazine and subscribe to the content
This is premium stuff. Subscribe to read the entire article.
