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Abscisic acid-determined seed vigour differences do not influence redox regulation during ageing
Christina Schausberger1, Thomas Roach2, Wolfgang Stöggl1
1Department of Botany and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
The Biochemical Journal
|March 2, 2019
Summary
Seed ageing under controlled conditions reduces germination speed, especially at higher oxygen levels. While oxidative damage occurs, abscisic acid (ABA) signaling does not appear to be the primary driver of this decline in Brassica oleracea seed vigour.
Area of Science:
- Plant science
- Seed physiology
- Crop science
Background:
- High seed quality is crucial for crop establishment, yield, and sustainable production.
- Seed storage conditions significantly influence seed viability and vigour.
- Oxidative damage during seed ageing is linked to reduced longevity, highlighting the importance of redox control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of controlled deterioration (ageing) under varying oxygen concentrations on Brassica oleracea seed quality.
- To compare the responses of two B. oleracea genotypes with differing abscisic acid (ABA) signaling and seed vigour.
- To elucidate the biochemical mechanisms underlying seed ageing and ABA's role in seed vigour.
Main Methods:
- Controlled deterioration of Brassica oleracea seeds at 40°C and 75% relative humidity under 21% and 78% O2.
- Comparison of two B. oleracea genotypes with allelic differences in ABA signaling and seed vigour.
- Assessment of seed viability, germination speed, glutathione redox state, alpha-tocopherol, and ABA levels.
Main Results:
- Ageing reduced germination speed similarly in both genotypes, with a faster decline under elevated O2.
- Oxidative shifts in glutathione redox state and minor alpha-tocopherol loss occurred before significant loss of seed viability.
- Abscisic acid (ABA) levels remained unaffected by ageing in both genotypes.
Conclusions:
- Both ABA signaling and seed ageing influence seed vigour, but potentially through distinct biochemical pathways.
- Elevated oxygen concentrations accelerate seed ageing and vigour loss in Brassica oleracea.
- Redox state changes and antioxidant depletion are key events during seed ageing preceding viability loss.
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