Biochemical changes in the composition of developing seeds of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre

• Variation in total sugar, starch, lipid, protein, oil body protein and minerals.
• Oil body protein-specific band (20–19 kDa) at later stages of seed development.
• Quantitative changes in amino acids during seed development were observed.
• Seeds harvested at 42 WAF had physiological maturity, high oil content and reserve material.

The biochemical changes occurring in developing Pongamia pinnata seeds were determined at an interval of three weeks from 30 weeks up to 42 weeks after flowering. Significant variation in total sugar, starch, lipid, protein and oil body associated protein contents was documented. The total carbon content decreased significantly, while nitrogen content increased. Significant variation in mineral nutrient content was also detected across all the stages of seed development. Oil body associated protein-specific band between 20 and 19 kDa was prominently observed at later stages of seed development. Phytic acid content increased from 0.58 to 2.35%. Steady decrease in chlorophyll content from 0.175 to 0.013 mg g−1 of seed dry wt. was observed. Electrical conductivity decreased during the seed development. The crude fibre content increased, while the ash content remained constant at all stages of seed maturity. Quantitative changes in amino acids during seed development were observed. Seeds harvested at 42 weeks after flowering had maximum physiological maturity with high oil content and seed reserve material. The base line data of pongamia seed development could be used in the furtherance of knowledge relating to molecular, physiological and genetic aspects regulating biosynthetic pathways of reserve materials.