A Protocol for the Cryopreservation of Sapindus saponaria L. Seeds

Background and Objective: Sapindus saponaria L. is a plant species of pharmacological importance and also with the potential for the production of biodiesel. Thus, the present study developed a protocol for the cryopreservation of S. saponaria seeds and applied physiological and vigor characters to define the best water content for cryogenic storage, the best defrosting method and assessments on the need for treatment with cryoprotectants. Materials and Methods: The study was developed in two tests, the first defining the best water content for storage and defrosting method. In a second test, seeds were stored with the best water content defined in test 1, under the action or not of cryoprotectants DMSO (10%) and glycerol (10%) and defrosted the seeds applying the best defrosting method also evidenced in test 1. Evaluation of seeds was done at 60, 120 and 180 days of storage in liquid nitrogen. Results: The best germination performance, emergence, emergence speed index (IVE) and germination after accelerated seed aging was observed in seeds stored with 6% water content and thawed quickly in the microwave. Regarding the use of cryoprotectants, this use can be indicated or not, depending on the storage time. Conclusion: Seeds cryoprotected and stored for periods less than or equal to 120 days exhibited inferior performance with regard to emergence, total length and dry seedling mass.