Studies on Membrane Function and Sugar Components of Ultradried Seeds

The effects of ultradry storage on the activity of ATPase and fluidity of plasma membrane in Chinese cabbage (Brassica pekinensis (Lour.) Rupr.) and elm ( Ulmus pumila L.) seeds were investigated. The results indicated that no significant differences in the activity of ATPase and the micro- viscosity of plasma membrane of ultradried (UD) seeds could be found as compared to the control seeds stored under -20 degreesC, although there was a little adverse effect on the seeds with extreme dehydration. The results were consistent with higher vigor level of UD seeds. This implied that ultradry seed storage could protect the integrity of the membrane, maintain its physiological function and improve the storability of seeds. The relationship between sugar and desiccation tolerance of UD seeds was analysed using the HPLC. The results showed that the ratio of reducing to nonreducing sugar was lower in UD seeds than that in control. The content of sucrose and stachyose in elm and Chinese cabbage UD seeds was related to their desiccation tolerance, while no stachyose was detected in corn (Zea mays L.) seeds. This could be one of the reasons for its sensitivity to desiccation.

Starch Mobilization in Ultradried Seed of Maize （Zea mays L.） During Germination

: The effects of ultradry storage on the starch mobilization in maize (Zea mays L.) seed after aging were investigated. The results indicated that there were no significant differences in the content of ATP, starch, and soluble sugar, as well as the activity of amylase, between ultradried seeds and seeds stored at ?20 °C during germination. These results were consistent with the higher level of vigor of the ultradried seed. Sieve tube introduction of a fluorescence dye (carboxyl fluoresceindiacetate) and laser confocal microscopy were used to study the development of plasmodesmata in the ultradried seeds. The results indicated that plasmodesmata developed well in ultradried seeds. Fluorescence analysis also showed that the fluorescence intensity in the radicle of ultradried seeds was stronger than that in seeds with a higher moisture content. This suggests that ultradry treatment has no adverse effects on the seeds. After seed imbibition, cell orgaelles could be resumed. It is concluded that ultradry seed storage is beneficial for maintaining seed vigor and that starchy mobilization proceeds regularly during germination.

Effects of ultradry storage on fluidity of plasma membrane of seed

The effects of ultradry seed storage on the fluidity of plasma membrane have been investigated using the DPH fluorescent probe (1,6-diphenyi-1, 3, 5,-hexatriene). The results demonstrated that the micro-viscosity of plasma membrane of ultradried seeds has no significant changes compared with the seeds which were stored under -20℃ condition. However, there is a little adverse effect on the seeds with extreme dehydration. The results were consistent with higher vigor level of ultradried seed. It indicated that ultradry seed storage could maintain the physiological function of seed, protect the integrity of the membrane and improve the storability of seed. Furthermore, the results also revealed that sugar has the effect on protecting membrane structure and preserving the fluidity of the plasma membrane under seed dehydration. In the meantime, some mechanism about ultradry seed storage and the tolerance of dehydration of seed have been discussed.