Effect of aging on viability, vigour and chromosomal damage in pea (Pisum sativum L.) seeds

Abstract

The mechanism of loss of viability and vigour in seeds is by no means resolved. In this study seeds were exposed to high temperature and high humidity, a technique widely used to study seed storability and deterioration. The effect of environmental treatments on seed germ inability, seedling vigour, electrolyte leakage and chromosomal aberration in pea seeds was compared. Ageing treatment showed rapid and significant reductions in rate of seed germination and seedling vigour. Loss of viability and declining vigour were associated with the increased leakage and chromosomal aberrations. The common effect of seed ageing on the seeds integrity is described as function