The research of seed reproduction peculiarities of wild-growing Paeonia L. genus and perspectives of using peony seeds in food-processing industry

Abstract

Vegetable oil is essential in everyday life of people. Lately, peonies are being widely used in food-processing industry of China – the seeds are processed for oil which is actively used as a food product, containing more than 90% unsaturated fatty acids. The problem of healthy eating is becoming more and more urgent. The task of Russian Federation science and all branches of AIC (agro-industrial complex) is to satisfy the physiological requirements of population in high-quality, biologically complete and safe food products. Production of peony oil in Russia would be of great importance for the economy of our country, as it is ecologically pure and safe food product for human health. In the article we researched the peculiarities of seed propagation and possible reasons for seed dormancy in some Paeonia L. genus. We carried out some bio-chemical tests in order to define the content of peroxidase enzyme, lignin and cellulose in seed peel. We also examined the intensity of photosynthesis and transpiration in 5 species of Paeonia L. genus: P. tenuifolia L., P. suffruticosa Andrews, P. lactiflora Pall., P. anomala L., P. mlokosewitschii Lomak. It was defined that the highest photosynthesis intensity can be observed in P. tenuifolia L. (86.1 mg/dm2h). Then P. mlokosevitschii Lomak. (65.1 mg/dm2h), P. suffruticosa Andrews. (59.3 mg/dm2h), P. anomala L. (32.8 mg/dm2h), P. lactiflora Pall. (2.15 mg/dm2h) follow. The examined species of Paeonia L. genus have high indices of photosynthesis intensity, and are able to adapt to changes in environment. The photosynthesis intensity is known to be one of the most important indices of high seed productivity and yielding capacity. We recommend using peony seeds in food industry for production of quality peony oil.

The Seed Traits Associated with Dormancy and Germination of Herbaceous Peonies, Focusing on Species Native in Serbia and China

“…Although germination of perennial species P. corsica started one week after seed collection [42], the rate of germination observed after 100 days was still less than 10%. One of the possible reasons for such a low germination capacity is the low activity of the peroxidase enzyme [8]. A seed can also maintain its high viability if stored for 1-2 years in a ventilated, non-soil, sterile, wet place with up to 10% moisture, either at a temperature that corresponds to its natural habitat [37] or in a refrigerator (4-6 • C) covered with wet moss [45] or sand [31].…”

“…Germination of P. lactiflora seeds takes 6-7 months in controlled, optimal conditions [76], whereas, in the natural environment, it takes 8-9 months, with low seedling survival [66]. Wild peonies in Russia require 10-16 months [8], which can be extended to 2 years if the environmental conditions are harsh [77].…”

“…Herbaceous peonies are species with high ornamental [1,2], edible [3][4][5], medicinal [6,7], economic, and ecological values [8]. Apart from their valuable roots and flowers, which contain various biologically active substances [9], their seeds also attract the attention of scientists.…”

“…Herbaceous peonies represent the plant genus with the longest history of all flowering plants, Paeonia L. [8,18]. It is the only genus of the Paeoniaceae family and comprises about 34 species native to the northern hemisphere [19,20].…”

“…Herbaceous peonies spontaneously grow and thrive in temperate and cold climates [8] and produce seeds that are double dormant as a key protection mechanism [31]. To survive, plants depend on the ability to cope with changing environmental conditions.…”