Changes of Carbohydrate Contents During Natural and Accelerated Ageing of Some Vegetable Seeds

Abstract

The aim of the studies was to determine if changes of mono- and oligosaccharides correlate with deterioration following accelerated and natural ageing of watercress (Lepidium sativum L.) and white cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) seeds. Seeds were aged at 75% RH and 45°C for 0 to 14 days (d) before analyses of carbohydrate composition and germination tests. Sucrose, raffinose, stachyose and myo-inositol levels did not change during ageing of either species. Glucose was positively correlated with germination and shoot length in aged cabbage seeds. During ageing of watercress seeds glucose was relatively stable. Watercress seeds were more resistant to accelerated ageing and contained four times more raffinose than cabbage seeds. In aged seeds glucose was converted to an unknown derivative which from gas chromatography—mass spectrometry was probably gluconic acid or gluconic acid lactone.