Esterified and non esterified pectins along with low and high molecular weight xyloglucans were estimated from the developing seeds of Cajanus cajan. Two varieties; black seeded variety (V1, big seeded) and B.D.N2 (V2, small seeded) variety in growth parameters were selected for the study. As seeds of both the varieties showed distinct difference in their growth phases, a remarkable difference was also observed in cell wall components during their developmental period. Esterified and non esterified pectins remained higher in V1 seed throughout the development. At cell division phase both kind of pectic substances were detected while low and high molecular weight xyloglucans remained in negligible amount. During cell elongation phase a remarkable difference in pectins and xyloglucans was observed. Dry weight and water content showed a significant correlation with both pectic substances and xyloglucans. The probable role of wall components in sink size development is discussed.
Cajanus cajan, Cell elongation, Dry matter accumulation, Pectins, Xyloglucans
