24-Epibrassinolide modifies seed composition in soybean, oilseed rape and wheat

摘要

The content of tocopherols and P-carotene as well as phytosterol and fatty acid composition in the seeds of crop plants after application of natural plant hormone 24-epibrassinolide have been studied. Soybean, spring oilseed rape and spring wheat werecultured in field conditions and 24-epibrassinolide was applied via presowing seed soaking or by spraying plants. Hormonal treatment clearly modified the composition of newly formed seeds; however, this depended on the species, variety, method of application (different target organ for application: seed or adult plant) and the tested component. Generally, 24-epibrassinolide increased the content of (5-carotene (soybean and oilseed rape) and tocopherols (in oilseed rape after plant spraying). 24-Epibrassinolide did not affect tocopherols in soybean and wheat. The hormone tested completely reversed the phytosterol composition in soybean seeds but it did not influence phytosterols in oilseed rape and wheat. As for fatty acids, changes caused by 24-epibrassinolide were rather minimal. Preliminary data were obtained which suggest that generally the method of presowing seed treatment may have a beneficial effect on the composition of newly formed seeds.