The fast decline in the physiological quality of seeds during storage is a serious problem. It is known that the reduction of seed quality may be related to its biochemical constitution. However, the relationship between the composition and the mechanisms linked to the loss of vigor of soybean seeds during aging has not been elucidated yet. Thus, the aim of this work was to analyze the role of the biochemical composition of soybean seeds in the physiological quality and in the tolerance to deterioration due to natural and artificial aging. Seeds of six soybean genotypes were analyzed initially and after being submitted to natural aging, storage for eight months, and artificial aging, using the temperature of 41 °C and 100 % relative humidity for 96 h. Moisture content, germination and vigor tests were carried out. Also, there were measured the content of oil, total protein, soluble protein, malonaldehyde, and fatty acids palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic. It was verified that the physiological quality of soybean seeds decreased with both kinds of aging. However, the deterioration process occurs by distinct mechanisms. The biochemical composition of the seeds is associated with the physiological quality and their storage potential is changed by natural and artificial aging. The tolerance of the seed to deterioration is related to soluble protein and fatty acids content. Oleic fatty acid and soluble protein can be used as indicators of physiological quality in soybean seeds.
Keywords: Glycine max (L.) storage; Longevity; Seed physiological quality; Vigor.
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