Reserve Mobilization, Total Sugars and Proteins in Germinating Seeds of Durum Wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) under Water Deficit after Short Period of Imbibition

Imbibition during the first few hours is crucial for the success of seed germination process. The effect of water deficit after 2 and 8 hours (h) of imbibition of seeds of durum wheat was studied in terms of reserve mobilization, total sugars and proteins at 24, 48 and 72 h post treatment. Imbibition for 2 and 8 h was not enough to support normal mobilization of seed reserves and solubilization of sugars. But, a significant increase in total proteins was shown after 24 and 48 h of water deficit for the two imbibition periods (2 and 8 h). Our results indicate that most of the biochemical and molecular changes are intensified during the first 2-8 h of imbibition. Therefore, biochemical and molecular dissection of this phase of seed germination is of great value in the improvement of our understanding of plant’s response to water deficit.