Biochemical changes during imbibition of Schinopsis brasiliensis Engl. seeds

Abstract

Schinopsis brasiliensis Engl. is a species native to the Caatinga biome, with great economic potential. Seed germination consists of a series of processes, which start with water uptake and end with the seedling axis emergence through the seed tegument. Little is known about imbibition speed and germination metabolism of Schinopsis brasiliensis. Thus the aim of this study was to obtain the imbibition curve and evaluate the biochemical alterations which occur during Schinopsis brasiliensis germination. The seeds were divided in three replications of 10 seeds and subjected to water imbibition for 200 hours. The volume of water uptake, total soluble sugars (AST), reducing sugars (AR), starch and reserve proteins were evaluated. The imbibition curve of Schinopsis brasiliensis showed a triphasic pattern, in which phase (F) I was completed in 48h and FIII started after 152h, with radicle protrusion. The seed contents of AR and AST increased during germination, while starch content decreased. Albumins, globulins and prolamines were constant during FII and FII and decreased after radicle protrusion while glutelines were practically inexistent in baraúna seeds.