Biochemical and Physiological Changes in Seeds of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) During Ripening and Ecological Adaptation to Climate : I. Changes in Protein Content and Enzyme Activity

1988

51 S.

11 Abb., 1 Tab., 49 Lit. Ang.

Bandaufführung

11339

A major problem in forestry has been finding a good method of estimating seed quality, in order to know the right time for cone collection and physiological maturity. Germination tests have been widely used, but these are time-consuming and often misleading. The present paper describes a quick method in which physiological maturity (i.e. the time when the germination capacity is no longer increased by after-ripening) is estimated by analyzing the relationship between the different protein fractions in extracts of fresh seeds. In addition, valuable information is obtained by electrofocusing the water- and salt-soluble proteins on thin-layer polyacrylamide gels and by testing enzyme activity and nucleic acid content. The results indicate large annual variations due to changing summer temperatures, as well as ecological adaptation within the seed populations to the climate at the habitat of the mother trees.