Effect of Natural Storage on the Germination and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities of ‘Morat Ⅱ’ Brachiaria hybrid Seeds

PurposeTo study the changes in seed vigor and antioxidant enzyme activity of ‘Morat Ⅱ’ Brachiaria hybrid during natural storage, and to explore the natural release process of seed dormancy.

MethodThe pure seeds of B. hybrid that were stored naturally for 0-24 months were used as test materials, and samples were taken every two months to determine the germination rate, vigor level and antioxidant enzyme activity.

ResultsUnder natural storage conditions, the germination rate and vigor level of ‘Morat Ⅱ’ B. hybrid seeds showed a gradually increasing trend with the extension of storage time. After 24 months of storage, the germination rate and sprouting rate vigor, germination index and vitality index all reached the maximum, which were 54.33%, 53.00%, 18.20 and 0.09, which were 1.70, 2.27, 4.92 and 7.46 times of the control (storage for 0 months) (P<0.05); The activity of peroxidase and superoxide dismutase both showed a gradual decline, while the activity of catalase showed a gradual increase. After 22 months of natural storage, the vigor level of ‘Morat Ⅱ’ B. hybrid seeds has been significantly improved (P<0.05), and the germination rate reached 53.00%, which was 1.66 times that of the control. There is no difference compared with 24 months of storage (P>0.05).

ConclusionIt is determined that the seeds have passed dormancy at this time, and the dormancy period is 22 months.