Influence of storage time on germination and phytochemical content in Moringa oleifera Lam seeds
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17268/agroind.sci.2025.03.06Keywords:
storage, phytochemicals, germination, Moringa, seedsAbstract
Cuba is a tropical country with high temperatures and relative humidity, where the cultivation of Moringa increases, with benefits for obtaining nutritional supplements (nutraceutical) to meet various needs of daily life. The objective of the work was to define the storage time for Moringa oleifera Lam. seeds harvested in Cuba under natural environmental conditions without losing their germination power and to determine the changes that occur in phytochemical compounds during aging. The germination percentage was evaluated in two lots of seeds stored for 60, 120, 180, 240, 300 and 360 days, at room temperature (25 - 30 °C) under conditions of light and relative humidity (70%). Phytochemical analysis and quantification of polyphenols and flavonoids were carried out. It was noted that as the storage time elapsed, there was a reduction in the germination percentage in both lots. Lot 1 showed more than 70% germination for 180 days, while it was lower for Lot 2, with more than 60% at 60 days, from which an obvious decrease began. There was no variation in the secondary metabolites, nor in the content of polyphenols and flavonoids at the beginning and end of the trial in both lots. The loss of viability of the seeds during storage was demonstrated, so to ensure healthy and quality crops, seeds must be available that, under environmental conditions, do not exceed six months after harvesting.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Ernesto Almora-Hernández, Raisa Monteagudo-Borges, Ana María Rodríguez-Bouza, Efraín Rodríguez-Jiménez
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