European Journal of Molecular Biotechnology

12-27

Authors: Elena Nefed'eva, Tat'yana Veselova, Vladimir Veselovskii, Vladimir Lysak

A method of pre-sowing treatment of seeds by pulse pressure which is characterized by high intensity and accuracy of dosage has been proposed. Pulse pressures in the range of 11-29 MPa did not lead to acute lethality determined by phosphorescence at room temperature. So there was no elimination of unproductive individuals but pulse pressure stimulated physiological processes in seeds and plants, leading to increased yield. Changes of germination, growth, and distribution of substances as well as plant productivity were observed. Generalization and analysis of experimental results demonstrated zones in dose-dependent area, such as the zone of hormesis (11-17 MPa), transitional zone (20-26 MPa) and stress zone (29 MPa and more).

38-44

Authors: Violetta Pavlova, Ekaterina Vasichkina, Elena Nefed'eva, Vladimir Lysak

Damage of seeds which leads to destruction of the crystal lattice and the phase transition of polymers is formed under the pulse pressure (PP) treatment. Biopolymers such as starch compressed under specific conditions can be changed from crystalline to a glassy state; this transition is known to extend the life of seeds. The aging of seeds is involved in the enzymatic glycosylation of proteins and nucleic acids. Reducing sugars which have been produced in seeds by non-enzymatic hydrolysis enter into reaction of glycosylation with proteins and amino acids actively. The authors studied the water absorption by seeds of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench., cultivar Saulyk) treated by PP. The values of PP which were used to treat had an influence on water absorption during the first hours of imbibition. When water content was 60%, hydrolysis of reserve substances could begin, so water potential was created by osmotically active molecules. Gibbs energy calculation by method of groups’ contribution indicated the reduction in probability of starch hydrolysis in plant seeds during transition from the crystalline to the glassy state.