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The reduced longevity of coffee seeds has been attributed to their sensitivity to desiccation. Studies related to gene expression and enzyme activity in coffee seeds under drying are important for understanding the effects of drying on their physiological quality. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular aspects of seeds under different drying methods and associate them with physiological quality. Coffee seeds with different water contents were dried both slowly and rapidly. Enzymatic activity was analysed, as well as the expression of genes that encode the enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxiredoxins, isocitrate lyase, and endo-ß-mannanase. There was a significant effect of drying speed and final water content on enzyme activity and on the expression of the different genes analysed. In seeds under rapid drying, there was greater expression of the genes that encode the enzymes catalase and endo-ßmannanase. Greater expression of the 1 CYS PRX and SOD genes and greater activity of the ICL isoenzymes were found in seeds with superior physiological quality, but greater activity of the endo-ß-mannanase and CAT enzymes occurred in seeds with lower physiological quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water and salt stress conditions affect germination and seedling emergence. It is known that physiological priming can not only trigger different mechanisms to increase the speed and uniformity of germination, but also influence the antioxidant defence system of the seeds, especially in adverse conditions. In this context, the objective of this work was to evaluate the physiological seed quality and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in seeds of Petroselinum crispum induced to tolerate saline stress through osmo-priming. Seeds were placed in polyethylene glycol solutions with three osmotic potentials (-0.5, -1.0 or -1.5 MPa) for 2, 4 or 6 days. Subsequently, they were placed on substrates moistened with sodium chloride solution (NaCl), in concentrations that generated osmotic potentials of -0.2, -0.4, -0.6, - 0.8 or -1.0 MPa, to germinate. The germination percentage, germination speed index, seedling length, fresh weight, dry weight and activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) were evaluated. Germination and germination speed index decreased linearly with the increase in NaCl concentrations, indicating the species sensitivity. As for length, fresh weight and dry weight of seedlings, this effect was more expressive from the potential of -0.4 MPa. The vigour and activity of SOD, POD, and CAT enzymes were reduced in unprimed seeds, emphasising the effectiveness of the technique. The induction of tolerance to saline stress can be related to the activity of the antioxidant system observed in seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Trabalho EnCena is the property of Trabalho EnCena and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)