Alternating temperature and accelerated aging in mobilization of reserves during germination of Carica papaya L. seeds

The aim of this study was to identify the phases of water absorption during germination of Carica papaya seeds and evaluate the influence of alternating temperature and accelerated aging on mobilization of reserves during germination. Weight gain was evaluated, obtaining the imbibition curve. Phase I of germination comprises the period from zero to five hours; phase II, from five to 120 hours; and phase III begins after 144 hours. Seeds were subjected to the germination test under temperatures of 25 ºC and of 20-30 ºC (16/8 h), and before and after accelerated aging (43 °C / 72 h). During the germination test, at initial time, after 4, 10, 120, and 240 hours of soaking, we determined the levels of soluble sugars, starch, lipids, and total proteins. Greater germination was observed under alternating temperature. Under this condition, there is reduction of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins in phase I, and fluctuations in lipid levels, and an increase in protein levels during phases II and III. Mobilization of lipids in papaya seeds is not influenced by accelerated aging, but the seeds subjected to aging have lower protein content in phase III