Physiological and biochemical changes in naturally and artificially aged cotton seeds

This study was done to determine the physiological and biochemical changes occurring in cotton seed during natural and artificial aging. Cotton seeds cv. IAC-20 RR were stored for 12 months under environmental condition and in a cold room (10 +/- 2 degrees C). The artificial aging was induced by storing seeds for 0, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours, in an incubator at 42 degrees C and 100% RH. Physiological quality of seeds (germination, accelerated aging and cool germination tests) and biochemical changes (lipoxygenase and acid phosphatase activity and lipid content) were determined after each artificial aging period and at two month interval for stored seeds. The viability, vigour, lipoxygenase and acid phosphatase activity and lipid content of cotton seeds decreased with the increasing artificial or natural aging, especially in seeds stored under environmental condition. Cool germination test, lipid content, acid phosphatase and lipoxygenase activities were good parameters for detecting deterioration of naturally or artificially aged seed lots.