Mobilization of Storage Reserves in Dalbergia spruceana Benth. (Fabaceae) Seeds During Germination at Different Temperatures

Abstract

Temperature may affect the mobilization and hydrolysis of storage reserves for energy production during seed germination. This study investigated germination performance and reserve mobilization in Dalbergia spruceana Benth. seeds incubation at 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40°C. The germination process was favored by incubation at 25 to 35°C and negatively affected at 20 and 40°C. At 35°C there reduction in germination speed, however, without significantly compromising the final germination percentage. The results showed that lipids and proteins are the predominant metabolites in D. spruceana seeds. Mobilization of soluble sugars was highest at 25 and 30°C. At 20 and 40°C, mobilization occurred more slowly, negatively affecting germination. This finding, combined with changes in lipid and protein reserves, suggests that lipid and protein hydrolysis products were used for starch synthesis. Reserve mobilization patterns in D. spruceana embryos were influenced by germination temperature, with the highest utilization efficiency occurring between 25 and 35°C.