Activities of α-galactosidase and polygalacturonase during hydration of Dalbergia nigra ((Vell.) Fr All. ex Benth.) seeds at different temperatures

Abstract

Germination is a process that begins with seed water uptake, stimulating enzyme synthesis or activating enzymes already present. The objective of this study was to evaluate variations in monosaccharide reserves and the activities of the α-galactosidase and polygalacturonase enzymes during the hydration of two lots of Dalbergia nigra (Bahia Rosewood) seeds. Seeds from different origins constituted the two lots I and II, classified as high and low vigor, respectively. Both lots were placed in desiccators with a high relative humidity to hydrate and at 15 and 25 °C until levels of 10, 15, 20 and 25% moisture levels in seeds were reached. The seed cotyledons were analyzed for the quantity of monosaccharides and enzyme activity. The control had higher concentrations of xylose and rhamnose, which decreased during hydration until the 15% level was reached, after which concentrations increased again in both lots. Lot I, with a superior quality, showed higher glucose synthesis and degradation during seed hydration. Both enzymes were pre-existing since activity was already present in the seeds without imbibition. The polygalacturonase enzyme increased and the α-galactosidase enzyme remained relatively constant during seed hydration.