Seed vigour in relation to the synthesis and degradation of storage protein and the integrity of rRNA in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) seeds

The complex vigour index is closely correlated with synthesis of storage protein in cotyledons during peanut seed development. The protein contents of high vigour seeds was high and that of medium or low vigour seeds was low. During germination of high vigour seeds, the activity of endopeptidase was higher and the degradation rate of the salt-soluble protein and arachin was faster than that of medium vigour seeds. rRNA is important for the synthesis of proteins. During seed deterioration, the degradation of rRNA species could be detected. Its integrity changed in accordance with seed vigour.