Articles
ETHANOL PRODUCTION BY HYDRATED SEEDS: A HIGH RESOLUTION INDEX OF SEED QUALITY
Article number
504_17
Pages
153 – 160
Language
Abstract
Rapid seed quality tests are needed that are able to detect the early stages of ageing.
A test that employs the ratio of two measurements, in which one response increases as seeds age and the other decreases, should provide a sensitive index for assessing quality.
Changes in respiratory activity (measured by ethanol production) were examined with respect to seed quality in cabbage (Brassica oleracea). Seeds were equilibrated at 70% relative humidity and aged by incubation at 40 °C for 0, 7, 14, 21 or 28 d.
A 48-h germination count and standard germination test were performed on each sample.
Aqueous extracts were prepared from seeds hydrated for 24 h under aerobic or anaerobic conditions.
Solid phase microextraction (SPME) followed by gas chromatography revealed ethanol, but not methanol in the extracts.
For routine work, ethanol was analyzed from aqueous extracts using immobilized enzyme technology with alcohol oxidase.
Ethanol production increased with ageing under aerobic conditions, while ethanol production decreased with ageing under anaerobic conditions.
The ratio of anaerobic to aerobic (ANA) ethanol production decreased substantially with mild ageing.
The ANA ratio was shown to have excellent sensitivity and resolution for assessing seed quality of high quality lots.
A test that employs the ratio of two measurements, in which one response increases as seeds age and the other decreases, should provide a sensitive index for assessing quality.
Changes in respiratory activity (measured by ethanol production) were examined with respect to seed quality in cabbage (Brassica oleracea). Seeds were equilibrated at 70% relative humidity and aged by incubation at 40 °C for 0, 7, 14, 21 or 28 d.
A 48-h germination count and standard germination test were performed on each sample.
Aqueous extracts were prepared from seeds hydrated for 24 h under aerobic or anaerobic conditions.
Solid phase microextraction (SPME) followed by gas chromatography revealed ethanol, but not methanol in the extracts.
For routine work, ethanol was analyzed from aqueous extracts using immobilized enzyme technology with alcohol oxidase.
Ethanol production increased with ageing under aerobic conditions, while ethanol production decreased with ageing under anaerobic conditions.
The ratio of anaerobic to aerobic (ANA) ethanol production decreased substantially with mild ageing.
The ANA ratio was shown to have excellent sensitivity and resolution for assessing seed quality of high quality lots.
Authors
A.G. Taylor, C.F. Johnson, P.K. Kataki, R.L. Obendorf
Keywords
seed vigor, Brassica, cabbage, immobilized enzyme technology, solid phase microextraction (SPME), Brassicaceae
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