Evaluation of biochemical and physiological changes in seeds of Jatropha curcas L. Under natural aging, accelerated aging and saturated salt accelerated aging

Abstract

Jatropha curcas is a drought-resistant plant which is widely recognized as an important source of biodiesel due to the high oil content constituted in seeds. Oil-rich seeds are generally sensitive to storage and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during seed storage cause oxidative stress mounting to oxidative damage in oil seeds. Thus, knowledge of the behaviour of seeds during storage is essential in order to increase their longevity and to prevent significant loss in their genetic and physiological quality. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the biochemical and physiological changes that occur during the storage of Jatropha curcas seeds. We subjected Jatropha curcas seeds to natural aging (NA) (naturally stored), accelerated aging (AA) and saturated salt-accelerated aging (SSAA), and studied the associated biochemical and physiological changes. The chronological sequence of events of seed deterioration is described in this paper. Increased malonldialdehyde (MDA) content, elevated level of hydrogen peroxide and hiked electrolyte leakage are the initial detrimental effects. Two phase responses comprised of initial increase of free radical-scavenging capacity of the antioxidant pool and declined activity in later phase designating the impairment of antioxidant enzymes are the intermediate effects of storage. Reduced or loss of germinability of seed indicating loss of seed vigour and viability is the resultant negative effects of storage.