Effect of storage time on antioxidant content in seeds of agricultural plants

This study investigated the impact of storage time on the prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) in seed tissues of 12 agricultural plant species, including both monocots and dicots. We measured superoxide generation, TBA-active products, and the activity of enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and cytochrome oxidase) and non-enzymatic antioxidants (ascorbic acid and glutathione). Biochemical parameters were recorded monthly for one year. Our results demonstrated that the activity of enzymatic antioxidants and the content of non-enzymatic antioxidants decreased with increased seed storage time. Conversely, both the generation of reactive oxygen species and the level of free radical damage to biomolecules increased. The percentage change in free radical peroxidation and antioxidant protection depended on the initial PAB status of the seeds. Monocots exhibited a greater overall increase in prooxidant activity during storage, while dicots showed a less pronounced decrease in antioxidant content. A notable surge in prooxidant activity and a corresponding decline in antioxidant activity occurred at 9-10 months of storage for dicots and 6-7 months for monocots. These findings highlight the importance of considering storage time and species-specific differences to optimize planting strategies and seed care, as well as the use of appropriate plant foods.