Metabolic Changes in Partially Dormant Wheat Seeds during Storage

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Physiology
• Seed Biology

Background:

• Seed viability and dormancy are critical for crop establishment.
• Storage conditions significantly influence seed longevity and physiological status.
• Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seed quality can decline over time due to various environmental factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of different storage conditions on wheat seed dormancy, germination, and metabolic activity.
• To determine the role of gibberellic acid in overcoming dormancy and mitigating storage-induced deterioration.
• To assess glucose utilization and respiration rates as indicators of seed vigor.

Main Methods:

• Wheat seeds (Triticum aestivum L.) were stored for up to 1 year under controlled conditions (-20°C with 12.4% moisture, and 25°C with 12.1% or 15.1% moisture).
• Germination, seedling growth, respiration rates, and response to applied gibberellic acid were measured.
• Glucose-U-(14)C utilization was quantified to assess metabolic activity.

Main Results:

• Seeds stored at -20°C and 12.4% moisture maintained partial dormancy, responsive to gibberellic acid.
• Storage at 25°C, particularly with 15.1% moisture, led to rapid germination decline, reduced growth, and increased fungal infection within 12 weeks.
• Glucose utilization decreased significantly with storage duration and higher moisture content, indicating metabolic decline.
• Gibberellic acid improved seedling growth in dormant seeds but did not reverse deterioration-induced reductions.

Conclusions:

• Optimal storage conditions (low temperature, controlled moisture) are crucial for maintaining wheat seed dormancy and viability.
• Seed deterioration under adverse storage conditions impairs germination, growth, and metabolic function, which cannot be fully restored by gibberellic acid.
• Respiration and glucose utilization serve as sensitive indicators of seed storage health and deterioration.