Evaluation of the inorganic compound leakage and carbohydrates as indicator of physiological potential of Ulmus parvifolia seeds

摘要

Inorganic compound leakage and change of carbohydrate were measured in Ulmus parvifolia seeds throughout accelerated aging under 35°C and 75% relative humidity (RH) to investigate whether these indicators can be used as a rapid vigor test for efficient seed bank management. Accelerated aging seeds treated for 0–14 days exhibited loss of germinability in the longest aging treated seeds (11%, 14 days) compared to a good performance of 52% for control (0 day) seeds. Leachate electrical conductivity (EC) increase had strong negative correlation with seed vigor (−0.9). Magnesium ion concentration in electrolyte leakage from artificial aged seeds showed positive correlation (r = 0.94, P < 0.01). The ratios of inorganic ions showed that K+/Mg2+, Ca2+/Mg2+, and Na+/Mg2+ were inversely correlated with germination (−0.93, −0.82, and −0.91, respectively). Increases in starch and total soluble sugar content in aged seeds were associated with a decrease in seed vigor. In conclusion, EC, magnesium ion concentration, K+/Mg2+, Ca2+/Mg2+, and Na+/Mg2+ ratios and starch and total soluble sugar content could provide a sensitive and accurate index for the assessment of U. parvifolia seed vigor.