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(Reference retrieved automatically from SciELO through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Changes in the storage carbohydrates of Caesalpinia echinata (brazilwood) seeds stored under different temperatures

Full text
Author(s):
Moacir Edson Hellmann [1] ; Juliana Iura de Oliveira Mello [2] ; Claudio José Barbedo [3] ; Rita de Cássia Leone Figueiredo-Ribeiro [4]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Instituto de Botânica - Brasil
[2] Instituto de Botânica - Brasil
[3] Instituto de Botânica - Brasil
[4] Instituto de Botânica - Brasil
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: Hoehnea; v. 35, n. 2, p. 255-264, 2008-06-00.
Abstract

Among the major reserve carbohydrates of leguminous seeds are starch, sucrose and galactosyl oligosaccharides, contributing to structural stability of membranes during desiccation besides providing energy for embryo growth. Mature seeds of Caesalpinia echinata were harvested before and after shedding and reserve carbohydrates analyzed 15 and 90 days after storage at 25 ºC, 7 ºC and -18 ºC. The main compounds of the embryonic axis were soluble carbohydrates, especially sucrose, while starch represented ca 30% of the dry mass of the cotyledons. Recently dispersed seeds, with 12% of water content, had their carbohydrate contents unchanged and the germination capacity maintained when stored at cold temperatures (7 ºC and -18 ºC). However, mature seeds harvested before shedding, with 22% of water content, had their soluble carbohydrate contents decreased in the axis and starch increased in the cotyledons after 90 days of storage, but the viability was maintained only at 7 ºC. Chromatographic analysis showed that the hexose levels decreased during storage, except in the cotyledons of seeds stored at cold temperatures. Results suggest that the metabolism of C. echinata seeds was altered during storage but the fluctuations of non-structural carbohydrates during storage are not directly associated to the germination capacity of those seeds. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 05/04139-7 - Carbohydrates of tropical species as modulators of ecophysiological processes and as environmental stress response markers
Grantee:Marcia Regina Braga
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
FAPESP's process: 00/06422-4 - Caesalpinia echinata Lam. (Brazil-wood): from seed to wood, a model for studies on tropical Brazilian trees
Grantee:Rita de Cassia Leone Figueiredo Ribeiro
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants