Soya bean seed invigoration by ferrous sulphate: changes in lipid peroxidation, conductivity, tetrazolium reduction, DNA and protein synthesis

Abstract

The invigorating effect of 0.04 M ferrous sulphate on the germination of soya bean seeds was investigated by examining changes in lipid hydroperoxides during the first hour of imbibition. Lipid hydroperoxides declined significantly in seed axes over the first hour of imbibition along with a reduced electrolyte leakage, and an enhanced tetrazolium staining in seeds over a 24 hour period. No differences were evident between treated seed axes and controls as regards absolute levels of incorporation of H3 thymidine and H3 leucine into DNA and protein, respectively. However, the percentage of H3 leucine incorporated, relative to uptake, was significantly greater than that for untreated axes. It is suggested that the invigorating effect of ferrous sulphate is due to the dismutation of lipid peroxides and the quenching of free radicals.