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Pak. J. Bot., 42(1): 227-238, 2010.

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THE ROLE OF SEED COAT PHENOLICS ON WATER UPTAKE AND EARLY PROTEIN SYNTHESIS DURING GERMINATION OF DIMORPHIC SEEDS OF HALOPYRUM MUCRONATUM (L.) STAPH

ZAMIN SHAHEED SIDDIQUI AND M. AJMAL KHAN*

Abstract: Role of seed coat phenolics on water uptake and early protein synthesis of Halopyrum mucronatum dimorphic seeds during germination were tested. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) showed seed texture with differential deposition of secondary metabolites in both morphs. Ability of both seed morphs to retain secondary deposition was dependent on exposure to either saline or non-saline conditions.  More phenols leached from the brown seed during the initial hours of soaking when compared to black seeds.  Water uptake pattern was slightly different in both seed type particularly during initial hours when imbibition in black seeds showed little water uptake while in brown seeds absorption was quick in the first hour under both saline and non saline condition. Change in total protein was somewhat similar in both seeds morphs showing early increase (4 and 8 h), reaching to the maximum (12 h) and decreasing (24 and 48 h) afterward.  The results are discussed in relation to seed coat phenolics, water uptake and early protein synthesis during germination.

*Institute of Sustainable Halophyte Utilization, Department of Botany, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan.