Physiological and Biochemical Changes Induced by Accelerated Ageing of Maize Seeds (Zea mays L.)

Maize (Zea mays L.) seeds were subjected to accelerated ageing treatment for 3, 7, and 14 days at 45 ±1 C° and 100% relative humidity. These artificially aged seeds were compared with control seeds for evaluation of vigor and enzyme activity. Accelerated ageing of seeds up to three days had significant effect on moisture content, germination percentage, Amadori products and glutathione reductase and peroxidase activity. However, further increase in ageing period caused increase in moisture content and a decrease in germination percentage, Amadori products and enzyme activity. Germinability was lost completely at 14 days of accelerated ageing. In addition, the reduction in germination percentage, there was a decrease in germination speed index and seed vigor index. The results revealed that accelerated ageing caused depression of maize seeds viability through the above parameters.