Age-related biochemical changes during storage of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seeds

Substances that could play a role in maintaining seed viability (phenolic compounds, alpha-tocopherol, sterols, ascorbic acid, glutathione and soluble proteins) were estimated in beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seed lots that had been stored for 2, 5, 7 and 10 years at - 10 degrees C. Germination capacity was strongly and positively correlated with amounts of total phenolic compounds, ultraviolet (UV)-absorbing phenols and soluble proteins. Moderately strong relationships appeared between germination capacity and a-tocopherol and ascorbic acid contents. Total sterol and glutathione contents were not correlated with germination capacity. A strong, negative correlation was found between germination capacity and reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide radical (O-2(-)) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), as well as with lipid hydroxyperoxides (LHPOs). The putative role of these compounds in the maintenance of beech seed viability during long-term storage is discussed.