Histochemical analysis of seed reserve mobilization in Passiflora edulis Sims fo. flavicarpa O. Deg. (yellow passion fruit) during germination

Abstract

In the present work, we analyzed the histochemical aspects of Passiflora edulis seeds reserve mobilization during the first ten days of germination. Our results showed that mainly lipids present in the endosperm are used as a reserve source, and their levels reduce at the same time the radicle protrudes, between the fourth and sixth day of sowing. Furthermore, protein bodies are present in the cotyledons, which are degraded as germination occurs and are almost depleted by the time of radicle protrusion. Starch grains also appear in the late germination period, and it is not clear if there is any reserve wall polysaccharide consumption in the endosperm.