The influence of CO2, temperature and a-tocopherol on phospholipid changes in embryonic axes of field bean seeds during storage

Abstract

The paper presents the results of investigations of viability and phospholipids isolated from field bean seeds of different ages. Seeds were stored for seven years under controlled conditions in the Genes Bank in Radzików. No significant changes were detected in content or composition of phospholipids in seeds stored either at 4^oC or in a CO₂ atmosphere, which seem to have maintained high viability. In embryonic axes of seeds stored at 18^oC in air the levels of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine declined, whereas those phosphatidic acid and unidentified fractions of the smallest polarity increased.