Ageing in embryos from wheat grains stored at different temperatures: oxidative stress and antioxidant response.

In the present work we studied oxidative stress as an important cause of seed deterioration during ageing in embryos from durum wheat grains stored at room temperature and at low temperature (10°C). The protective role of low temperature on seed viability was confirmed. The increase of hydrogen peroxide content during dry storage was strongly correlated with the decrease of germinability.

Responses to desiccation injury in developing wheat embryos from naturally- and artificially-dried grains.

Grains of wheat (Triticum durum Desf. cv. Cappelli) were collected at different stages of maturation.

RNases and nucleases in embryos and endosperms from naturally aged wheat seeds stored in different conditions.

Temperature and moisture content are particularly important factors influencing the longevity of seeds, and therefore the ageing of seeds is closely tied to storage conditions. The ageing process is characterised by many physiological and biochemical changes: membranes tend to leak, enzymes lose catalytic activity, and chromosomes accumulate mutations. Since viability loss is also associated with the breakdown of nucleic acids, the aim of the study was to determine whether the damage induced by ageing could be associated with changes in the activity of RNases and nucleases in embryos and endosperms of differently stored wheat seeds.