Electrical Conductivity as a Quantitative Indicator of Membrane Integrity and Viability in Aged Rapeseed and Mustard Seeds


Authors : Baldwin Meitankeisangbam; Thokchom Brien Singh; Yanglem Mansi Devi; Samjetsabam Chanulembi Devi

Volume/Issue : Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 12 - December

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/35jsryks

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/2jeavbvz

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14470289

Abstract : Seed quality assessment is essential for ensuring optimal agricultural productivity, particularly in oilseed crops like rapeseed and mustard. This study investigates electrical conductivity (EC) as a quantitative indicator of membrane integrity and viability in six Brassica varieties, comparing fresh and aged seed samples. A factorial randomized block design was employed, testing fresh seeds (harvested in the previous season) and aged seeds (stored for 24 months) under controlled conditions. EC measurements were conducted for assessing ion leakage as a reflection of membrane degradation. The results revealed a significant increase in EC values for aged seeds across all varieties, with fresh seed values ranging from 49.50 μS (Potsangbam Yella) to 99.75 μS (TS-38), while aged seed values increased to 101.50 μS (Potsangbam Yella) and 145.00 μS (TS-38), indicating a marked deterioration of membrane integrity. The average EC for fresh seeds was 65.83 μS, compared to 113.37 μS for aged seeds, highlighting substantial membrane damage in aged samples. Correlating with lower germination rates and vigour indices, the EC values were found to effectively predict seed viability. Specifically, germination rates of fresh seeds were significantly higher (up to 90%) compared to aged seeds, where the germination rate decreased by 25-40% depending on the variety. Stress tests further validated these findings, with fresh seeds (EC ≤ 70 μS) showing over 75% germination under accelerated aging and cold stress conditions, whereas aged seeds (EC ≥ 100 μS) exhibited reduced germination (< 50%). This study confirms EC as a rapid, reliable, and non-destructive tool for assessing seed quality and predicting viability loss, supporting its integration into seed quality control and breeding programs aimed at improving storage resilience and seed longevity.

Keywords : Electrical Conductivity; Seed Viability; Membrane Integrity; Brassica Spp; Seed Aging; Germination; Vigour Index; Storage Resilience.

References :

  1. Aurellia, E. (2009). Effect of storage moisture on wheat seed viability: A study on EC measurements. Seed Preservation Journal, 14(4), 45-53.
  2. Gugel, R.K., & Falk, K.C. (2006). Assessing seed quality in oilseed Brassicas through electrical conductivity. Canadian Journal of Plant Science, 86, 657-664.
  3. Hampton, J.G. (1995). Seed viability and vigor in relation to agricultural productivity. Journal of Seed Science, 17, 101-107.
  4. Hussein, M., Brasher, P., & Ortiz, R. (2012). Electrolyte leakage in maize seeds as an indicator of seed quality. Agricultural and Biological Sciences, 39(2), 215-221.
  5. Jose, A.M., & Francisco, M.L. (2019). Electrical conductivity as an indicator of membrane integrity in aging seeds of Brassica spp. Agricultural Sciences Journal, 12, 433-442.
  6. McDonald, M.B., & Wilson, D.O. (1979). Evaluation of seed quality in aging oil-rich seeds. Seed Science and Technology, 7, 191-200.
  7. Mumtaz, M., Naseem, S., & Bano, A. (2003). Effect of accelerated ageing on membrane integrity of pea seeds. Seed Science and Technology, 31(1), 1-8.
  8. Rina, R., & Wahida, W. (2008). Electrical conductivity of leachate from soybean seeds as affected by seed quality. Journal of Crop Science, 33(3), 190-195.
  9. Veselova, T.V., & Veselovsky, V.A. (2003). Membrane permeability and seed quality during aging. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 41, 839-844.

Seed quality assessment is essential for ensuring optimal agricultural productivity, particularly in oilseed crops like rapeseed and mustard. This study investigates electrical conductivity (EC) as a quantitative indicator of membrane integrity and viability in six Brassica varieties, comparing fresh and aged seed samples. A factorial randomized block design was employed, testing fresh seeds (harvested in the previous season) and aged seeds (stored for 24 months) under controlled conditions. EC measurements were conducted for assessing ion leakage as a reflection of membrane degradation. The results revealed a significant increase in EC values for aged seeds across all varieties, with fresh seed values ranging from 49.50 μS (Potsangbam Yella) to 99.75 μS (TS-38), while aged seed values increased to 101.50 μS (Potsangbam Yella) and 145.00 μS (TS-38), indicating a marked deterioration of membrane integrity. The average EC for fresh seeds was 65.83 μS, compared to 113.37 μS for aged seeds, highlighting substantial membrane damage in aged samples. Correlating with lower germination rates and vigour indices, the EC values were found to effectively predict seed viability. Specifically, germination rates of fresh seeds were significantly higher (up to 90%) compared to aged seeds, where the germination rate decreased by 25-40% depending on the variety. Stress tests further validated these findings, with fresh seeds (EC ≤ 70 μS) showing over 75% germination under accelerated aging and cold stress conditions, whereas aged seeds (EC ≥ 100 μS) exhibited reduced germination (< 50%). This study confirms EC as a rapid, reliable, and non-destructive tool for assessing seed quality and predicting viability loss, supporting its integration into seed quality control and breeding programs aimed at improving storage resilience and seed longevity.

Keywords : Electrical Conductivity; Seed Viability; Membrane Integrity; Brassica Spp; Seed Aging; Germination; Vigour Index; Storage Resilience.

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