Abstract
The physical, physiological and biochemical changes during the development until the dispersal of rubber tree seeds were evaluated with the purpose of estimating the point at physiological maturity. A total of 30 plants were selected at different points in a commercial planting area and had their flowers marked during the anthesis and every 15 days after marking. Fruits and seeds were collected for analysis of moisture content, dry matter, diameter and length. Details of the anatomy ultra-structure of the seeds were evaluated. The seed emergence, emergency speed index, heat resistant proteins and oxidative stress enzymes were examined. It was observed that fruits reached maximum size at 120 days after anthesis and seeds at 150 days. The seeds acquired germination capacity after 150 days. At 175 days, they presented the highest percentage of dry matter and lowest moisture, in addition to a higher percentage of germination and vigor. Therefore, it was possible to conclude that the physiological maturity of the rubber tree seeds occurs at 175 days after anthesis, and coincides with its maximum physiological quality. At 175 and 180 days post-anthesis, there is a greater expression of heat resistant proteins as well as low molecular weight and greater oxidative stress enzyme activity.
Highlights
The recalcitrant characteristic of the seeds implies a rapid loss of their viability, especially when dehydrated to a water content of less than 30% (Bonome et al 2011)
Length (L) and diameter (D) of the fruits increased from 15 days after anthesis (DAA) until 120 days, when the maximum values were reached (Fig. 1a)
There was an increase in germination and Emergency speed index (ESI) with maximum values at 175 DAA, values similar to those obtained for seeds already dispersed
Summary
The recalcitrant characteristic of the seeds implies a rapid loss of their viability, especially when dehydrated to a water content of less than 30% (Bonome et al 2011) This behavior makes it difficult to store the seeds in the medium and. Seed harvest takes place during the dehiscence of the fruit, when they are dispersed and little is known about the process of development and maturation of these seeds, especially after the period when they reach physiological maturity At this moment, the plant ceases the translocation of assimilation to the seed and, in general, the physiological quality reaches its maximum, providing a high percentage of germination and vigor (Mata et al 2013). This information can contribute to enable reaching greater periods of seed storage
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