Changes in soybean seeds as affected by accelerated and natural aging

Abstract

Changes occurring in seed during aging are very significant for seed quality, i.e. seed longevity. The rate at which the seed aging process takes place depends on the ability of seed to resist degradation changes and protection mechanisms, specific for each plant species. Six soybean varieties developed at Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops Novi Sad, Serbia, were submitted to accelerated aging for three and five days, and natural aging for six and twelve months, under controlled and conventional storage conditions. The content of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities were studied in relation to seed germination. Lipid peroxidation, as well as the decrease in superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities (especially pronounced by applied accelerated aging) occurred with both types of aging. Duration of aging period, type of storage and characteristics of soybean varieties affected the degree of seed damage and the ability of seed to resist the negative consequences of aging.