Imbibition-induced changes in cell membrane on germination and some physiological parameters in aged cress (Lepidium sativum L.) seeds

The deterioration of cellular membranes is the natural phenomenon in seeds exposed to aging. Physiological changes, such as accumulation of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial dysfunction, and loss of essential metabolites, suppressed antioxidant defense system, and lipid peroxidation occur during the process of seed aging. In the present study, the physiological changes in aged cress seeds and seeds imbibed under different temperatures after aging were examined. In this regard, an array of analysis concerned with the cell membrane leakages and seed viability was performed. For comparison, accelerated aged seed lots with high, intermediate and low viability were used, in relation to the control (not subjected to short-term imbibitions). Accordingly, while the viability in control varied between 43% and 86%, the viability rates of the aged seeds ranged from 41% to 90%. Furthermore, imbibition increased the antioxidant capacity in aged seeds and reduced the lipid peroxidation level, and consequently, reduced the amount of K2+, P3+, Ca2+, Na+ ions, soluble sugar, total protein and amino acids in the solute leakage. Hence, this method might be considered as simple, fast, cost-efficient, nondestructive and applicable in many seed lots at the same time.