[Physiologic characteristics of Panax notoginseng seeds during after-ripening process].
OBJECTIVE
The studies were carried out on the physiologic characteristics of Panax notoginseng seeds during the after--ripening process in order to understand the seed's biochemical and physiological changes and lay the foundation for the germplasm conversation and breeding research of P. notoginseng seeds.


METHODS
Dynamic changes of storage material contents, respiratory rate and protective enzymatic activity were determined by normal biochemical and physiological measuring methods.


RESULTS
The respiratory rate increased continuously during the stratification process, the contents of starch, soluble protein, crude fat decreased and the content of water-soluble saccharide increased with the embryo development, activities of CAT, POD and SOD increased with the raise of MDA content.


CONCLUSIONS
P. notoginseng seed's biochemical and physiological changes interacted with its embryo morphological changes to complete its after-ripening development.
Faculty of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Lin'an 311300, China. chengliduan@hotmail.com
Chengli
C
Duan
Zhangtian
Z
Li
Jinling
J
Ding
Fenghui
F
Xiao
D002374:Catalase / Q000378:metabolism; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D053723:Panax notoginseng / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D012639:Seeds / Q000254:growth & development; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000378:metabolism
D002374:Catalase; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase