Metabolites of the phenylpropanoid pathway and physiological quality of soybean seeds in storage

Julia Abati,Francisco Carlos Krzyzanowski,Fernando Augusto Henning,Claudemir Zucareli,Cristian Rafael Brzezinski,José De Barros França-Neto

doi:10.1590/2317-1545v43253585

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the physiological quality of soybean seeds throughout a storage period in two environments, and to evaluate how these changes are related to metabolites of the phenylpropanoid pathway. A completely randomized experimental design was used in a 4 × 8 factorial arrangement (storage periods × cultivars) with four replications. We used seeds from cultivars with contrasts in lignin content, color, and presence of anthocyanin in the seed coat, and isoflavone content in the seed. The seeds were kept for six months under cold and dry storage and in a non-controlled environment. Germination, first germination count, seedling emergence, and tetrazolium testing were performed on the seeds every two months. The physiological quality of the seeds declines during the storage period, with higher rates of decrease in the non-controlled environment. The metabolites of the phenylpropanoid pathway that were studied, especially lignin, affect seed storage potential. Cultivars with higher lignin content show greater storage potential, especially in a non-controlled environment.

Highlights

Brazil is a reference in technology for soybean seed production; yet improvements in the production system are still necessary
Lignin content in the seed coat, used to characterize cultivars together with seed coat color and isoflavone content, was determined using four replications of 100 seeds for each treatment, which were initially immersed in water for 12 hours
There was an isolated effect of cultivar and isolated effect of the storage period for germination, first germination count, and seedling emergence in cold and dry storage, and of mechanical damage in both storage environments

Summary

Introduction

Brazil is a reference in technology for soybean seed production; yet improvements in the production system are still necessary. Prominent challenges are to increase the production and use of high-quality seeds and to select and develop cultivars with a view toward seed quality in plant breeding programs and the potential of preserving this quality during storage (Carvalho et al, 2014; França-Neto et al, 2016; 2020). Soybean seed materials have differing longevities, which causes apprehension in the seed sector and is a challenge for breeding programs. In this respect, Carvalho et al (2014), Rosa et al (2017), and Schons et al (2018) found that soybean cultivars have different levels of tolerance to deterioration during the storage period

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Results