Effect of different concentrations of the growth regulator Pix (mepiquat chloride) on germination percentage and biochemical indices of sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum L.) cultivar Darab 1 under different storage conditions

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Agronomy and plant Breeding, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran

2 Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran

3 Dept. of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran

10.22124/jms.2026.9716

Abstract

Introduction: Seed deterioration is an irreversible process and one of the major challenges in agriculture, leading to reduced seed quality and vigor. Temperature, seed moisture content, and storage duration are among the most important factors affecting the rate of seed deterioration.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different concentrations of the plant growth retardant Pix (mepiquat chloride) on germination and biochemical characteristics of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seeds (cv. Darab 1) under different storage conditions. The experiment was arranged as a four-factor factorial in a completely randomized design with three replications. Treatments included two storage temperatures (15 and 25 °C), two seed moisture contents (9 and 15%), three Pix concentrations (0, 3000, and 4500 mg L-1), and three storage periods (60, 120, and 180 days).
Research Findings: Results showed that increasing storage duration, seed moisture content, and temperature significantly reduced soluble protein content and peroxidase activity, whereas soluble sugars, malondialdehyde, proline content, and electrical conductivity increased. Application of Pix, particularly at 3000 mg L-1, mitigated these detrimental changes. The highest germination percentage (85.33%) was observed in seeds treated with 3000 mg L-1 Pix, stored at 15 °C with 9% seed moisture. Under critical storage conditions (25 °C and 15% seed moisture), germination of control seeds and those treated with 4500 mg L-1 Pix declined to zero after 60 days, whereas seeds treated with 3000 mg L-1 Pix maintained a germination of 23%.
Conclusions: These findings suggest that Pix may exert a protective role under storage stress by alleviating oxidative damage and reducing the severity of seed deterioration, thereby preserving part of the seed germination potential.

Keywords

References

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Iranian Journal of Seed Sciences and Research
Volume 12, Issue 4
March 2026
Pages 76-90

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