Reserve Mobilization , Total Sugars and Proteins in Germinating Seeds of Durum Wheat ( Triticum Durum Desf. ) under Water Deficit after Short Period of Imbibition

Abstract

Imbibition during the first few hours is crucial for the success of seed germination process. The effect of water deficit after 2 and 8 hours (h) of imbibition of seeds of durum wheat was studied in terms of reserve mobilization, total sugars and proteins at 24, 48 and 72 h post treatment. Imbibition for 2 and 8 h was not enough to support normal mobilization of seed reserves and solubilization of sugars. But, a significant increase in total proteins was shown after 24 and 48 h of water deficit for the two imbibition periods (2 and 8 h). Our results indicate that most of the biochemical and molecular changes are intensified during the first 2-8 h of imbibition. Therefore, biochemical and molecular dissection of this phase of seed germination is of great value in the improvement of our understanding of plant’s response to water deficit.