Environ Exp Biol (2015) 13: 177–182

Antioxidant enzyme activity and germination characteristics of different maize hybrid seeds during ageing

Abstract

The aim of this study was evaluation of the effect of ageing on germination traits and activity of antioxidant enzymes in embryo of maize hybrid seeds and the role of these traits in protection of seed vigour. A two-factorial experiment was performed using six maize hybrids, and four accelerated ageing levels (non-aged, aged for 2, 4 and 6 days) at 40 °C temperature and 95% humidity. Mean germination time and electrolyte leakage significantly increased with ageing. Mean germination time and electrolyte leakage of hybrids SC260, SC370 and SC647 increased more than in the other hybrids. Also, antioxidant enzyme activity decreased significantly with ageing. The results indicated severe damage to the cell membrane and antioxidant enzyme acivity in the hybrids under ageing. In general, loss of viability and increase in electrolyte leakage reflected the seed deterioration during storage under accelerated ageing conditions.