Correlation of photosynthetic pigments content with indicators of seed quality in the seeds of carrot, celery, dill, parsley, and parsnip

Abstract: The content of photosynthetic pigments, especially chlorophylls, has a significant effect on the quality, viability, and storability of seeds. Determination of photosynthetic pigments together with the correlation with seed quality parameters, such as germination and radicle emergence, lead to the possibility of using the pigments content as a new indicator of seed quality. The photosynthetic pigments content was determined spectrophotometrically from extracts of commercial mature seeds of carrot, celery, dill, parsley, and parsnip. The content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, β-carotene, and lutein varied among species of family Apiaceae and among varieties within species. Spectrophotometry was verified as easy, quick, and inexpensive method that can be used for the determination of photosynthetic pigments in mature seeds. The individual pigments content was compared to seed quality parameters such as standard germination, germination speed index (GSI), and radicle emergence (RE), which was carried out at 72, 96, 120, 144, and 168 h. Based on the correlation of photosynthetic pigments content with seed quality parameters (GSI and RE), chlorophyll b and lutein content were selected, and can be used as the new markers of seed quality.