Effects of Accelerated Aging on Physiological and Biochemical Characteristics of Waxy and Non-waxy Wheat Seeds

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the physiological and the biochemical characteristics of waxy wheat seeds under accelerated aging conditions. Five waxy wheat lines, which were Waxy 1, Waxy 4, Waxy 8, Waxy 9, and Waxy 15; and five non-waxy wheat lines: S-39, 04J89, Jan-81, III42-4, and III 10 were studied. The seeds were subjected to accelerated aging at 40°C, 45°C, 50°C, 55°C, and 60°C, and 90% relative humidity for 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 days, respectively. The results showed a gradual increase in conductivity and decrease in germination rate during accelerated aging. SOD, POD and CAT activities increased at low-grade treatment, but decreased at severe treatment. On the other hand, the soluble protein content decreased at 45°C, but successively increased, then decreased 50 °C. From the above study, it showed that 90% RH at 55 °C was the best accelerated aging condition for optimum efficiency in a shorter period.