Seed treatment with 5-azacytidine reduces ageing-induced damage in onion seeds

Abstract

The effect of treating aged onion seeds with 5-azacytidine (5-aza) on germination and vigour was evaluated. Seeds of two onion varieties, 'Bhima Raj' (BRJ) and 'Bhima Red' (BRD) were treated with 0, 10, 25 or 50 μg mL–1 5-azacytidine (a DNA demethylating agent). In comparison with the control treatment (0 μg mL–1 5-azacytidine), treatment with 5-azacytidine enhanced seed germination, seedling length, seedling dry weight and seed vigour indices. 5-azacytidine treatment also increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Seed treatment with 5-azacytidine has the potential to enhance the viability and vigour of aged onion seeds. This study provides phenotypic and biochemical data for further exploring the role of DNA methylation in understanding the process of seed ageing.