Changes in Chenopodium rubrum seeds with aging

Abstract

We studied antioxidative system, germination, growth, and flowering in vitro in Chenopodium rubrum seeds of different ages. Peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activity, as well as glutathione status, were determined in 2.5-h imbibed seeds. Germination was tested under controlled conditions. Growth and flowering of plants were tested in vitro. The enzyme activities and glutathione content were higher in younger seeds. Germination declines with seed age. Plants derived from older seeds were smaller, and flowering percentage was lower compared to plants derived from younger seeds. Gibberellic acid reduced the difference in growth and flowering between plants derived from seeds different in age.