BACKGROUND AND AIMS Prolonged storage generally reduces seed viability and vigour, although the rate of deterioration varies among species and environmental conditions. Here, we suggest a possible ageing molecular marker: At3g08030 mRNA. At3g08030 is a member of the DUF642 highly conserved family of cell-wall-associated proteins that is specific for spermatophytes. METHODS At3g08030 expressio...

The possible role of Amadori and Maillard reactions in the deterioration of dry seeds was investigated using model systems and whole soybean seeds, Glycine max cv Hodgson. In model systems of glucose plus an enzyme (lysozyme), the production of Amadori products was accelerated by higher temperature and relative humidity. The reaction between glucose and lysozyme at 50 degrees C, 75% relative hu...

We show that seed-specific overexpression of the sunflower (Helianthus annuus) HaHSFA9 heat stress transcription factor (HSF) in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) enhances the accumulation of heat shock proteins (HSPs). Among these proteins were HSP101 and a subset of the small HSPs, including proteins that accumulate only during embryogenesis in the absence of thermal stress. Levels of late embryoge...

Seed germination, seedling emergence and crop establishment are important aspects of canola production, and are the main components of seed/seedling vigour. A major concern of seed businesses and canola growers alike is loss of seed vigour that may go undetected before planting. Two vigour assays, based on off-gassing of ethyl alcohol from poor vigour seed, are being developed. They are a simpl...

scribed by a normal distribution Understanding the survival characteristics of hybrid corn (Zea y 5 [1/s√2p]exp[2(p 2 p)2/2s2] [1] mays L.) seed during storage is necessary to predict seed deterioration. This investigation tested one key assumption of the Ellis and Roberts where y is the relative frequency of deaths occurring at viability equation, namely, that seed survival is normally distrib...

Production of high quality seeds in African leafy vegetables has not been practiced due to varying reasons including incorrect harvesting stages and fertilizer rates. Jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius L.) pods do not ripen simultaneously and fruits left to dry on mother plant long before harvesting, which face seed quality deterioration. Timely seed harvesting ensures maximum seed quality attrib...

Seed deterioration is loss of seed quality, viability and vigor due to effect of adverse environmental factors. Many of our crops are reproduced through seeds, and throughout the world large quantities are produced, stored and transported. Seed ageing during storage may cause retardation of field establishment, and may eventually result in seedling abnormalities or even failure of emergence. Du...