Abstract
Embryos of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Sappo) were studied throughout their development and maturation to investigate the relationships among starch, sucrose and raffinose and the onset of desiccation tolerance. Starch accumulated in axes and scutella from about 20 d post anthesis (dpa) to reach a maximum at approximately 35d. The starch content then declined to a very low value in late maturation. Extractable α-amylase activity increased in embryos throughout the period of starch deposition and showed a substantial rise coincident with starch breakdown. In early maturation (approximately 26 dpa) sucrose and raffinose appeared, and continued to increase. The rise in the amount of sucrose paralleled the accumulation of starch, but the major increase in raffinose approximated to the fall in starch content. Embryos were desiccation intolerant prior to the age when free sucrose and raffinose accumulated : the development of desiccation tolerance was associated with increasing raffinose :sucrose ratios. Possible metabolic and physiological relationships among starch, raffinose, sucrose and the onset of desiccation tolerance are discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
