Changes in lipid and carbohydrate composition of germinating soybean seeds under different storage conditions

Abstract

Germination percentage, seedling vigour, lipid composition and carbohydrate composition and its related enzymes were determined in cotyledons of soybean during storage for 180 days. Percent germination and vigour index of soybean seeds decreased with storage period for 180 days and seeds stored either in polythene or jute bags at 15°C showed higher germination potential and vigour index in comparison to those stored at room temperature. The dry matter content of cotyledons from germinating soybean seeds stored under different storage conditions increased with the increase in storage period. The total lipid content decreased initially up to 120 DOS and slightly increased thereafter, irrespective of the different storage conditions whereas proportion of free fatty acid, sterol and phospholipid content increased with a corresponding decrease in triglycerides content. Starch content in cotyledons declined from 90 to 180 DOS in all the treatments whereas the total soluble sugars, sucrose and reducing sugar content decreased up to 90 days of storage. The activity of α-amylase decreased up to 90 DOS and gradually increased thereafter, irrespective of the packing conditions and storage temperature. The invertase activity after germination decreased up to 90 DOS in seeds stored at RT and up to 120 DOS in seeds stored at 15°C. The data suggested that seeds stored at 15°C in both the packings maintain their viability up to 90 days of storage. © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information.