Performance of seeds, vigor and isoenzyme expression in teosinto (Euchlaena mexicana Schrader) seedlings under the water restriction effect

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate seed physiological performance and isoenzyme expression in seedlings of teosinto (Euchlaena mexicana Schrader) under water restriction. For water restriction simulation, teosinto seeds were subjected to osmotic potentials of 0.0, -0.3, -0.6 and -0.9 MPa induced by polyethylene glycol 6000. We evaluated: germination; first count of the germination test; length and mass of both shoot and root dry matter; and expression of isoenzymes malate dehydrogenase, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, esterase and acid phosphatase. The decreased osmotic potential from -0.3 MPa impaired germination and early seedling growth. Fluid restriction in teosinto seeds negatively affects seedling performance, which may be related to alteration in expression of the isoenzymatic systems.