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Changes in the microflora on the seed surface and seed vigor of maize (Zea mays) under different conditions

Summary

When maize seeds are stored in humid conditions, harmful fungi multiply rapidly and damage the seed’s ability to germinate and grow. This study found that seeds stored at 91% humidity lost 86% of their germination ability within 60 days, compared to seeds stored in drier conditions. The fungi deplete the seed’s energy reserves and trigger oxidative damage, ultimately destroying the seed’s viability. Understanding these changes helps farmers and seed producers maintain seed quality during storage.

Background

Seed vigor is essential for crop production, and deterioration during storage is inevitable. Environmental conditions, particularly relative humidity and microorganisms, significantly affect seed quality. This study investigates how changes in seed surface microflora correlate with seed vigor loss in maize under different storage conditions.

Objective

To examine changes in fungal species on the seed surface and embryo of hybrid maize cultivar Zhengdan958 under different storage conditions (33% and 91% relative humidity) and their effects on seed vigor parameters including germination, respiration, ATP content, and ATP synthase subunit integrity.

Results

At 33% RH, dominant surface microflora was Fusarium sp., while at 91% RH it was Aspergillus jensenii. Increased relative humidity reduced seed germination rate by 86.67%, decreased respiration rate by 0.04 mg·g⁻¹·h⁻¹, increased MDA content by 0.99 nmol·g⁻¹, and decreased ATP content by 0.33 μmol·g⁻¹. ATP synthase subunit mRNA integrity decreased significantly at higher humidity.

Conclusion

Changes in seed surface microflora composition and density induced by increased relative humidity during storage are critical factors in seed vigor decline. The shift to more aggressive fungal species at higher humidity, combined with reduced ATP synthesis and increased oxidative damage, explains the loss of germination capacity and seedling formation potential in maize seeds.
  • Published in:PLoS One,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39570885, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0311258
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