Electrical Conductivity as a Quantitative Indicator of Membrane Integrity and Viability in Aged Rapeseed and Mustard Seeds

Baldwin Meitankeisangbam; Thokchom Brien Singh; Yanglem Mansi Devi; Samjetsabam Chanulembi Devi1

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Publication Date: 2024/12/14

Abstract: Seed quality assessment is essential for ensuring optimal agricultural productivity, particularly in oilseed crops like rapeseed and mustard. This study investigates electrical conductivity (EC) as a quantitative indicator of membrane integrity and viability in six Brassica varieties, comparing fresh and aged seed samples. A factorial randomized block design was employed, testing fresh seeds (harvested in the previous season) and aged seeds (stored for 24 months) under controlled conditions. EC measurements were conducted for assessing ion leakage as a reflection of membrane degradation. The results revealed a significant increase in EC values for aged seeds across all varieties, with fresh seed values ranging from 49.50 μS (Potsangbam Yella) to 99.75 μS (TS-38), while aged seed values increased to 101.50 μS (Potsangbam Yella) and 145.00 μS (TS-38), indicating a marked deterioration of membrane integrity. The average EC for fresh seeds was 65.83 μS, compared to 113.37 μS for aged seeds, highlighting substantial membrane damage in aged samples. Correlating with lower germination rates and vigour indices, the EC values were found to effectively predict seed viability. Specifically, germination rates of fresh seeds were significantly higher (up to 90%) compared to aged seeds, where the germination rate decreased by 25-40% depending on the variety. Stress tests further validated these findings, with fresh seeds (EC ≤ 70 μS) showing over 75% germination under accelerated aging and cold stress conditions, whereas aged seeds (EC ≥ 100 μS) exhibited reduced germination (< 50%). This study confirms EC as a rapid, reliable, and non-destructive tool for assessing seed quality and predicting viability loss, supporting its integration into seed quality control and breeding programs aimed at improving storage resilience and seed longevity.

Keywords: Electrical Conductivity; Seed Viability; Membrane Integrity; Brassica Spp; Seed Aging; Germination; Vigour Index; Storage Resilience.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14470289

PDF: https://ijirst.demo4.arinfotech.co/assets/upload/files/IJISRT24DEC103.pdf

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