Abstract
The seeds of cultivated peanut, Arachis hypogaea, are an agronomically important crop produced for human nutrition, oilseed and feed stock. Peanut seed is the single most expensive variable input cost and thus producers require seed with excellent performance in terms of germination efficiency. During the maturation process, triglycerides are stored in oil bodies as an energy resource during germination and seedling development. The stability of oil body membranes is essential for nutrient mobilization during germination. This study focused on evaluating the phytosterol composition in seed components including the kernel, embryo (heart), and seed coat or skin. Samples of different maturity classes were analyzed for macronutrient and phytosterol content. The three biosynthetic end products in the phytosterol pathway, β-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol, comprised 82.29%, 86.39% and 94.25% of seed hearts, kernels and seed coats, respectively. Stigmasterol concentration was highest in the seed kernel, providing an excellent source of this sterol known to have beneficial effects on human health. Peanut hearts contained the highest concentration of sterols by mass, potentially providing protection and resources for the developing seedling. The amount of α-tocopherol increases in peanut hearts during the maturation process, providing protection from temperature stress, as well as stability required for seedling vigor. These results suggest that phytosterols may play a significant role in the performance of seeds, and provide a possible explanation for the poor germination efficiency of immature seeds.
Highlights
The seeds of cultivated peanut, Arachis hypogaea, store proteins, lipids and starch required for energy and growth upon germination
The results suggest that the synthesis and accumulation of α-tocopherol in developing peanut hearts may be vitally important to seedling vigor upon germination
Immature seeds have reduced germination frequency, are more susceptible to disease, and require more financial inputs during manufacturing processes which are dependent on fat content or roasting performance
Summary
The seeds of cultivated peanut, Arachis hypogaea, store proteins, lipids and starch required for energy and growth upon germination. The seed can be harvested to serve as human nutrition, stock feed and biofuels [1,2,3]. Peanuts and other legumes have the ability to fix nitrogen and increase the sustainability of agricultural systems [4]. The pressure for peanut seed as plant-based protein and oilseed source is increasing with a growing world population. Due to its agronomic importance, improvement of peanut seed performance is necessary to meet the demand. Lipid (oil) is the predominant macro component, and generally increases as the peanut seed matures [5]. Total oil was reported to average about 50% on a fresh weight basis [6]
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