Changes in seed reserves of Melanoxylon brauna Schott. (Fabaceae Caesalpinoideae) during germination at different temperatures

Abstract

During germination, seeds use the reserve compounds to provide the nutrients until the seedlings become autotrophic. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in carbohydrates, starch, lipids and proteins reserves during germination of Melanoxylon brauna seeds at different temperatures. For both, the seeds were germinated at temperatures of 10, 25, 30 and 40 °C, and samples were collected every 24 hours during 96 hours. Was observed small reduction of lipid levels during germination in temperatures analyzed, while the levels of soluble sugars decreased from 48 hours of soaking, being readily used, especially at temperatures of 25 and 30 °C. For soluble proteins, there was a decrease from the beginning of the germination period at temperatures of 25 to 30 °C, this being more intense in the post-germination at 30 °C period. It is concluded that soluble carbohydrate, lipid and protein reserves decreased during the germination period of Melanoxylon brauna seeds, varying these decreases according to temperature.