Long-term preserved bean seeds exhibit high RNA integrity and high germination potential

Stored RNA plays a key role in seed germination, especially after seeds long-term storage. This study aimed to assess the correlation between germination potential (GP) and RNA integrity in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seed accessions stored at -18 °C for 19.25 to 43.75 years and in seeds subjected to artificial aging at high temperature (42 °C) and relative humidity (100%). The GP of long-term preserved and artificially aged seed lots ranged from 3 to 100% and 38-87%, respectively. RNA integrity was evaluated using the RNA Integrity Number (RIN, Agilent Bioanalyzer software). RIN data suggested that: (1) Sample sizes for RIN analysis may need to vary based on the GP of the seeds; (2) RIN has the potential to predict physiological quality, especially in seeds with high GP; (3) RIN values by itself may not accurately reflect the rate of RNA degradation over time, necessitating comparison with a control to determine ΔRIN (the difference between the RIN values of the sample and the control); (4) ΔRIN has a significant positive correlation with GP. These findings highlight the potential of RNA integrity in seeds as a molecular marker for developing tests that complement germination tests.