Seed Chlorophyll Influences Vigor in Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L. var AC Excel.)

Abstract

Seeds of Brassica napus L. var AC Excel were sorted into four subsamples on the basis of the amount of chlorophyll present. Vigor of the four subsamples was studied and compared using the germination test, accelerated aging test, controlled deterioration test and electrical conductivity test. Laboratory vigor ratings were correlated with field data. Results show that seed chlorophyll had no significant effect on germination. However, seedling growth and performance were negatively affected by high chlorophyll. High chlorophyll subsamples were more sensitive to increased moisture and temperature than low chlorophyll subsamples. Additionally, seed conductivity study indicates that seed chlorophyll content is directly proportional to seed coat porosity. The usefulness of the four vigor test methods in assessing seed quality among chlorophyll seed lots of Brassica napus is also discussed.

Possibility use of digital image analysis for the estimation of the rapeseed maturity stage

“…The statistical analysis showed an important correlation between the 1,000-seed weight and the chlorophyll content in seeds. It was observed that with an increasing 1,000-seed weight, the content of chlorophyll pigments decreased, a finding which is in agreement with Onyilagha et al [38] and Jalink et al [49] The seed dimensions (estimated by the length, width and the equivalent diameter) gradually increased from the green stage of seed maturity to the technical stage, to reach a similar level in the full maturity stage ( Table 2). No detailed research concerning the physical properties of rapeseeds during its development has been reported.…”

“…Moreover, those authors observed that the content of these compounds in the embryo axis was 5-fold higher than in the seed coat. Onyilagha et al, [38] analysing the influence of seed chlorophyll on vigour in oilseed rape, observed that the conducted germination test had suggested that under favourable environmental conditions, the content of chlorophylls in seeds might have no significant effect on germination. However, under any environmental stress, the germination of rapeseeds characterised by high amounts of chlorophylls might be impaired.…”

“…The content of chlorophylls was determined according to the American Oil Chemists' Society Official Method AK 2-92 with some modifications. [38] The chlorophylls were extracted with heptane and ethanol mixture (3:1, v:v), and the absorbance of the extracts was measured at the 630, 665, and 700 nm wavelengths using a UNICAM UV/Vis UV2 spectrophotometer (ATI Unicam, Cambridge, United Kingdom). The content of carotenoids was determined according to the method described by Franke et al [39] The carotenoids were extracted with a petroleum ether and acetone mixture (1:1, v:v) and the absorbance was measured at 445 nm using a UNICAM UV/Vis UV2.…”

Genetic and Hormonal Regulation of Chlorophyll Degradation during Maturation of Seeds with Green Embryos

“…However, only one of them, namely BnPaO 2 , is expressed during maturation of seeds. Remarkably, a low temperature treatment at 0–5 °C leads to disruption of the PaO-dependent chlorophyll degradation pathway and accumulation of so-called “residual” chlorophylls in mature seeds [ 14 , 15 , 19 , 59 , 62 ]. At the terminal stages of the chlorophyll catabolism, RCC is reduced by the C20-C1 double bond of the macrocycle, and an uncolored primary fluorescent chlorophyll catabolite (pFCC, Figure 2 ) with a strong blue fluorescence is formed.…”

“…It is important to note, that residual chlorophylls present in physiologically mature seeds and not affecting their germination under optimal environmental conditions, reduce the tolerance of seeds to environmental stress [ 14 , 17 , 18 , 101 ]. Therefore, the standard quality assessment protocols established by breeders often include fluorescence analysis of seed chlorophyll contents [ 17 , 18 , 62 ]. On the physiological level, reduced stress tolerance of chlorophyll-containing seeds is associated with membrane damage and compromised integrity of seed coat, to some extent, associated with insufficient activity of plant antioxidant systems, i.e., the oxidative stress, developing in green seeds, overwhelms defense capacities of the plant organism [ 3 ].…”