Lipid peroxidation and peroxide-scavenging enzymes in cotton seeds under natural ageing

The present study was carried out to contribute to our knowledge of the mechanism of seed deterioration in two cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars (HS6 and H1098) during natural ageing. The seeds were sealed in polythene bags and stored at 25 +/- degreesC for 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months. In both the cultivars, germinability decreased whereas membrane deterioration assayed as electrical conductivity of the seed leachates increased with storage period. The decrease in germinability was well correlated with increased accumulation of H2O2 and malondialdehyde content. The activities of peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase decreased with ageing. Seeds of cv. H 1098 were more susceptible to ageing than HS6.