Ageing-based evaluation of maize (Zea mays) inbreds for seed storability and associated biochemical insights

Seed storability of maize inbreds is not evaluated during hybrid development. Screening the inherent variation in seed storability would be beneficial for seed production and germplasm conservation. In this study, the storage potential of seeds of 89 maize inbreds was evaluated, storing seeds under ambient conditions for 12 months. After 12 months of ageing, mean total seed germination (G max ) was reduced from 96 to 88%, while the normal seedlings percentage (NS%) of the inbreds significantly decreased from 92 to 80% with only 68% of inbreds having NS% more than the seed certification standard (80%). Through hierarchical cluster analysis, two good storers, IC0623163 and IC212929, with high seed germination and vigour parameters, and two poor storers, MIL 6-105 and IC213035, with low germination and vigour, were identified. These four inbreds were further used for studying the biochemical parameters associated with seed longevity. Super oxide dismutase (SOD) activity was maintained in good storers after ageing while drastic reduction was observed in poor storers. After ageing, the good storers had 5.8-times higher SOD and 2.9-times higher catalase activity compared to poor storer inbred lines. The hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and malondialdehyde content increased significantly upon ageing and was highest in poor storers. The -amylase activity did not reduce significantly with ageing in the good storers while the activity was almost lost in poor storers.