Effects of ferulic and p-coumaric acids on the activity of hydrolytic enzymes and the growth of radicles in germinating seeds of cucumber and pea

Cucumber and pea seeds were treated with solutions of ferulic and p-coumaric acids. In cotyledons isolated from the seeds, activity of selected hydrolytic enzymes (α-amylase, aminopeptidase, lipase and β-glucosidase) were determined. Besides, the length and fresh matter of germinating seed radicles were also determined. The phenolic acids changed the activity of hydrolytic enzymes and impeded the seeds germination. Their effects depended on the plant species, enzyme type, concentration of applied phenolic acid and stage of germination.