In vivo Metabolic Investigation of Oxygen, Light, and Temperature Effects on Dormancy Alleviation of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Seeds

Year 2025, Volume: 31 Issue: 1, 196 - 206, 14.01.2025

Honghao Cai , Xiayi Ruan Yumin Wan Mengting Chen Xianqin Wu Yingqiang Cai

https://doi.org/10.15832/ankutbd.1523409

Abstract

As an edible seed, sesame seeds require careful storage to maintain their quality. Dormancy helps seeds extend their lifespan by slowing down metabolic processes, reducing energy consumption and natural aging. However, seeds may exit dormancy and begin germination during storage due to variations in temperature, light, and oxygen conditions. This transition is not easily visible, but nutritional components within the seeds can start to deplete. In this study, non-invasive magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging were used to monitor sesame seeds stored under different temperature, light, and oxygen conditions for over 120 hours. Results showed that seeds remained dormant at 15 °C under oxygen deprivation and in the absence of light. When exposed to continuous light at 15 °C, under anaerobic or aerobic conditions, changes in metabolic resonances were observed through spectroscopy, indicating moisture and fatty acid transfer between seed structures. Despite these changes, magnetic resonance imaging showed that the embryo did not develop. At 24 °C with continuous light and aerobic conditions, both spectroscopy and imaging analyses revealed significant metabolic changes, and all internal seed structures developed normally, with visible signs of germination. This study highlights that although sesame seeds are non-photoblastic, light can still trigger metabolic activity within the seeds, while suitable temperature is essential for complete seed development. These findings provide valuable insights into the dynamic molecular-level metabolic changes from dormancy to early seed germination using magnetic resonance technology and offer guidance for maintaining seed dormancy during storage.

Keywords

NMR, MRI, 1H NMR spectroscopy, Chemical Shift Selective Imaging, Germination, Storage

Ethical Statement

We, the authors of this manuscript, hereby declare that the research work presented in this paper was conducted ethically and responsibly. The following ethical principles have been adhered to in the preparation of this manuscript: Originality and Plagiarism: We affirm that the content of this manuscript is original and has not been plagiarized from other sources. All sources used in this research have been appropriately cited and referenced. Authorship and Contribution: All individuals who have made significant contributions to the research and preparation of this manuscript are listed as co-authors. Additionally, all authors have reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript before submission. Data Integrity: We confirm that all data presented in this manuscript are accurate and have not been manipulated or fabricated. The raw data is available and can be provided upon request for verification purposes. Conflict of Interest: All potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, that could be perceived as influencing the research outcomes have been disclosed. The authors declare no competing interests in relation to this work. Ethical Approval: If applicable, the research described in this manuscript has been approved by the relevant institutional review boards or ethics committees. All procedures performed in studies involving human participants or animals were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institution and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. Informed Consent: In studies involving human participants, informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study. The privacy rights of human subjects have been observed, and personal data is kept confidential.

Supporting Institution

Jimei University

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