Effect of seed deterioration on germination, biochemical and enzymatic activity of buckwheat

To determine the effect of seed deterioration on germination, biochemical and enzymatic activity of buckwheat, an experiment was conducted as factorial based on completely randomized design in Seed Science and Technology Laboratory of Shahed University, Iran. The treatments consisted of ageing duration (non-aging, 2, 4 and 7 days) and seed moisture content (10, 20 and 30%). Parameters such as germination percentage, mean germination time, electrical conductivity, lipid peroxidation and catalase activity were measured. The effect of aging duration, seed moisture content and their interaction on traits were significant. Germination percentage, mean germination time, electrical conductivity, lipid peroxidation, and catalase enzyme activity were significantly affected by aging duration and seed moisture content. The highest germination percentage and catalase enzyme activity in aged seeds was observed during two days with 20% moisture content. Mean germination time, electrical conductivity and lipid peroxidation in aged seeds for seven days was in the highest level in seeds with 30% moisture content. Seed moisture content and aging duration increased the mechanisms involved in seed aging and cell membrane phospholipids affected by deterioration, which increased the electrical conductivity and lipid peroxidation and reduced germination and catalase enzyme activity. To prevent buckwheat seed deterioration in long and short term storage, it is recommended that seed moisture content is kept about 10%.