Gene expression, biochemical and physiological activities in evaluating melon seed vigor through ethanol release

• Published in: Scientia horticulturae 2020-02, Vol.261, p.108884, Article 108884
• Main Authors: Ornellas, Fábio Luiz Santos, Sousa, Aurizangela Oliveira de, Pirovani, Carlos Priminho, Araújo, Marcelo do Nascimento, Costa, Denis Santiago da, Dantas, Bárbara França, Barbosa, Rafael Marani
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cucumis melo L; Enzymes; Ethylometer; Germination
• ISSN: 0304-4238; 1879-1018
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2019.108884

•Ethanol test, conducted with 25 seeds partially soaked, for 6 h, is a fast and efficient method.•CAT and SOD activity are related with ethanol test, due to oxidative stress in deteriorated seeds.•ADH variation demonstrates adjustment of gene expression related to seed vigor and corroborates the biochemical activity.•Protein metabolism changes can be related to the levels of vigor of melon seeds. The aim of the present study was to establish parameters to evaluate melon seeds vigor by ethanol release test using a modified ethylometer and correlate with physiological seed quality, gene expression and enzyme activities alterations. To perform this trial, six seeds lots of yellow melon were submitted to determinations such as moisture content, germination assay and vigor tests. 25 and 50 seeds soaked with 0.5 mL of distilled water and tested after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 24 h at 40 °C. After 0, 6 and 24 h of imbibition, the high and low vigor lots were evaluated for the following enzyme activity: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and alcoholic dehydrogenase (ADH). Accumulation of ADH protein was verified using Western Blotting hybridization technique with the primary Anti-ADH antibody. The release of ethanol in 25 seeds, soaked in 0.5 mL of distilled water for 6 h, proved efficient for vigor evaluation and can be related to other traditionally used tests. Enzyme activity varied according to the vigor of the seed lot. For the protein profile, there was variation in the accumulation of proteins of specific molecular weights throughout the soaking periods. There was also variation in expression according to accumulation of ADH protein. The biochemical and molecular tests corroborate with the establishment of the ethanol test as an additional tool to evaluate seed vigor.