Abstract:

An orthogonal design, including four factorial (seed moisture content, packing method, storage temperature and pre-humidification method), used to study the feasibility of ultra-dry storage of Albizzia kalkora seeds. Seeds were dried to different moisture contents ranging from 1.42% to 6.35% with silica gel, and then stored in a hermetic condition combined with other treatments for a year. After storage the seed germination percentage, electrical conductivity (RC), proline (Pro), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), total soluble sugar content and fatty acid composition were tested. The results showed that the seed moisture content and pre-humidification method had a significant effect on germination percentage. Germination percentage of the ultra-dry seeds was increased compared to control seeds. The germination percentage was significantly negatively correlated with electrical conductivity and proline content, and was significantly positively correlated with proline content and activity of three antioxidant enzymes. The content of oleic acid and α-Linolenic acid in the ultra-dry seeds were higher than the control seeds. Appropriate ultra-dried treatment could increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the content of unsaturated fatty acid and total soluble sugar, which would alleviate the seed deterioration.

Key words: Albizzia kalkora, antioxidant enzyme, lipid peroxidation, ultra-dry storage