Role of chlorophylls and carotenoids in seed tolerance to abiotic stressors

It is found that chlorophylls are not fully destructed during seed ripening and can be detected in appreciable quantities in physiologically mature seeds. The elevated content of residual chlorophylls reduces seed tolerance to abiotic stresses. The seed carotenoids were represented mainly by lutein and, in much smaller quantities, by β-carotene. Carotenoids were found to accumulate in seeds during accelerated aging and during seed germination at high temperatures. The ratio of carotenoid to chlorophyll content (Car/Chl) is proposed to be a measure of seed tolerance to stress factors. The seeds with elevated Car/Chl ratio were characterized by higher tolerance to stress treatments. It is supposed that the presence of chlorophylls in seeds enhances oxidative stress induced by abiotic stress factors. Carotenoids are considered as antioxidants protecting the seeds against oxidative stress.