Evaluation of changes in starch mobilization during corn germination under the influence of non-optimal temperatures

Abstract

Starch, a complex carbohydrate, is a reserve substance and one of the primary sources for corn seed germination. Breaking down into simple sugars (glucose) during the early growth stage of corn seeds, the starch supports both root and seedling biomass accumulation, participating in the synthesis of cells structural components and providing energy for plant respiration and growth. Thus, the proportion of starch mobilized from the corn seeds determines their metabolic efficiency, and changes in starch mobilization indicate modification to the physiological processes of corn germination and growth in response to external abiotic factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of two abiotic factors - temperature and treatment with the natural bioregulator JS, dry extract obtained from Juniperus sabina and diluted to a concentration of 0.0001%, on starch mobilization during corn seed germination and its relationship with plant biomass and metabolic efficiency.