Physiological and molecular changes in seeds of Hancornia speciosa Gomes stored in conservative solutions

Abstract: For native species in Brazil, there is a great need for scientific information that allows efficient production and storage of seeds. The present work evaluated the physiological and molecular changes in Hancornia speciosa seeds stored in conservative solutions. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, in a split-plot scheme, with eight replications. In the plots, the conservative solutions (A, B, C, and D) were allocated, and the subplots the storage periods (50, 100, 150, and 200 days). The following variables were analyzed: water content, X-ray, germination, shoot length, root, dry mass of seedlings, electrical conductivity, concentration and quality of ribonucleic acid, the concentration of peroxidase, and heat-resistant proteins. The water content remained above 50%, and 88% of the seeds are full and well-formed. There is a reduction in the germination, shoot length, root, and dry mass of seedlings; and an increase of electrical conductivity with the increase of the storage time. Heat-resistant proteins were not sufficient to protect seeds against macromolecular damage, and RNA and peroxidase concentrations decreased with the increase of the storage time. The seeds stored in solutions B and C are more vigorous, being such solutions indicated for the conservation of H. speciosa.