Deteriorative changes associated with the loss of viability in desiccation – sensitive arecanut (Areca catechu L.) seed

Author: Raja K.   Palanisamy V.   Selvaraju P.  

Publisher: International Seed Testing Association

ISSN: 1819-5717

Source: Seed Science and Technology, Vol.33, Iss.1, 2005-04, pp. : 177-184

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Abstract

Arecanut (Areca catechu) seeds are sensitive to desiccation (recalcitrant) and they are killed if their moisture content is reduced below 32.8%. During desiccation number of physiological and biochemical changes were evidenced which ultimately leads to death of the seed. Apart from this, the cell wall damage, thickening of cell wall, coagulation of starch grains and absence of nucleus in the cells were noticed in desiccated seed. Also the seed retains its viability at the temperature range of 20°C, below and above which it couldn't tolerate. The composition of the microorganisms on and in arecanut seeds has been found to narrow with increasing storage period and it can be prevented or minimized by seed treatments.

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