Heat priming in seeds induces metabolic and morphological changes in maize seedling

ML EGGEL; LV GALLARDO; CV GATICA AGUILAR; MV PÉREZ CHACA; LB PENA

San Juan

Congreso; LVI Reunión Científica Anual de la Sociedad de Biología de Cuyo; 2023

Sociedad de Biología de Cuyo

Most of the varieties of agricultural plants use seeds to reproduce, however, unfavorable environmental conditions can modify their germination capacity. Different priming techniques: osmo, hydro, chemical, hormonal and nutrient techniques have been used to improve seed germination and crop yield. Stress is considered as a significant deviation from optimal living conditions. Plants exposed to stress undergo modifications in their metabolism to adapt to changes in their environment. The objective was to evaluate metabolic and morphological changes, determining the content of metabolites, length and width in seedlings roots in the post-germination stage of seeds with and without pre-treatments. Maize seeds (Zea mays L.) were subjected to pre-treatment with 40 or 50 °C for 3 and 7 d. Seeds with and without heat-priming were superficially disinfected and germinated on cotton and paper towel wetting at 28 °C for 96 h. The determinations were made using the apical 2 cm of the roots. Proline (Pro), Ammonium (NH4+), Ascorbic acid (ASA), Dehydroascorbic (DHA) Phenol and Sulfhydryl (SH) groups contents were determined. Seminal root length and width were measured. Our preliminary results showed a significant decreased in Pro content at 3d 40°C but an increment was observed at 7d 40ºC, 3d 50°C and 7d 50°C (*p