Changes in Soluble Carbohydrates during Seed Storage 1

Abstract

The soluble sugars present in the maize (Zea mays L.) embryo may serve as important components of protection or may contribute to the deteriorative changes occurring during seed storage. Examination of the changes in sugars during accelerated aging of maize seeds indicates that the decline in vigor is associated with a marked decline in monosaccharides and in raffinose. Sucrose content remains relatively stable. The depletion of raffinose may have special relevance to the decline in seed vigor.

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Research supported in part by the International Board for Plant Genetic Resources and in part by the Institute for International Education.