Abstract
The endo-β-mannanase acts on the hemicellulose fraction of the endosperm cell walls, mainly mannans and galactomannans. This process weakens cell walls and allows radicle protrusion during seed germination, but may also occur during the deterioration process. Thus, the aim of this research was to determine the activity of endo-β-mannanase enzyme in dry coffee seeds and in soaked seeds, evaluating its relationship between physiological qualities. Coffee seeds obtained by different processing methods (natural, fermented and demucilated) and drying (sun, shade and dryer) were used. Seed quality was evaluated by germination and tetrazolium tests, and the endo-β-mannanase enzyme activity was determined in dry seeds and after 10 days of soaking. From the results, it was concluded that there is significant inverse relationship between the physiological quality of coffee seeds and the expression of endo-β-mannanase, and seeds with lower percentages of germination and viability of embryos have a higher activity of the enzyme. After ten days of soaking, coffee seeds had higher expression of endo-β-mannanase as compared to the dry seeds for all treatments of fruit processing and drying. Key words: Coffea arabica L., processing, drying, physiological quality.
Highlights
The germination of coffee seeds occurs slowly and unevenly and many factors have been suggested as likely responsible for these characteristics
Coffea arabica L. fruits were harvested in the cherry stage and subjected to three different types of processing: natural, fermented and demucilated
The variance analysis showed a significant effect between processing and drying factors on the germination tests results and significant effect of fruit processing on the embryos viability in the tetrazolium test
Summary
The germination of coffee seeds occurs slowly and unevenly and many factors have been suggested as likely responsible for these characteristics. A resistant endosperm layer surrounding the embryo may contribute to germination delay. For germination to occur it is necessary that the embryo breaks the barrier imposed by the endosperm tissues surrounding the embryo.
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