Stress resistance in seeds

Abstract

The antioxidant activity in seeds of wheat, maize, sugar beet, alfalfa, peas, beans and lettuce was investigated. By determination of antioxidant enzyme activity, i.e. superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, quantity of reduced glutathione and lipid peroxidation, it was established that different seeds exhibited different antioxidant abilities and susceptibility to stress and deterioration during storage. Most resistant were seeds of wheat, maize and sugar beet due to high antioxidant enzyme activities, high quantity of reduced glutathione and low lipid peroxidation. Seeds of lettuce had poor antioxidant activity. Besides the antioxidant activity of five wheat genotypes were investigated. Obtained results showed that seeds of investigated genotypes possess different antioxidant characteristics and stress resistance. Antioxidants level was the highest in genotypes NS Rana 2 and Atlas 66 what indicated high resistance to deterioration during storage and different stress situations.