Effect of desiccation on viability and biochemical changes in Knema attenuata seeds

Abstract

We studied effect of desiccation on Knema attenuata seeds in the laboratory conditions (28 ± 2°C) for 8 days. We also monitored biochemical changes during germination by following standard procedures. Seeds lost their viability in 8 days by decreasing to 18% of moisture content from its original value of 31%. The total sugar, protein and lipid contents decreased during seed ageing. An increase was noticed in the protease activity during desiccation. The phenolic content in seed exudates was increased during ageing. The result confirms the degradation of stored biomolecules in seeds during ageing. Desiccation sensitivity and biochemical changes during dehydration confirm its recalcitrant nature.

Keywords

ageing / biochemical changes / biomolecules / germination / Knema attenuata / moisture content

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