Germination, enzyme activity and nutrient contents of hail stormed corn in the case of corn smut fungus [Ustilago maydis (DC.)Corda]

Pál-Fám, Ferenc and Kerepesi, Ildikó and Keszthelyi, Sándor and Pozsgai, Jenő (2008) Germination, enzyme activity and nutrient contents of hail stormed corn in the case of corn smut fungus [Ustilago maydis (DC.)Corda]. Cereal Research Communications, 36 (Supl 5). pp. 195-198. ISSN 0133-3720 (print), 1788-9170 (online)

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Abstract

The optimal germinative ability, carbohydrate and in-kernel air-dry content values of corn seeds are essential for the distilling industry. Our examinations were focused on the investigations of the hailstorm and corn smut fungus [Ustilago maydis (DC.)Corda] infection effects on corn seed germination, as well as inkernel air-dry content values of the seeds. The corn samples were collected in 3. September 2007 from three plots (control, hail stormed and transition areas). Beside, smut-infected samples were collected, too. The samples were analysed by Wendei-analysis in order to get information about the in-kernel air-dry content value changes of the hail stormed and smut infected seeds. In order to supplement our study a-amylase activity, sucrose, glucose and fructose content in the first 7 days of seed germination were also investigated. In the case of hail stormed samples cob mass and in-kernel air-dry content values decreased. The smut fungus infection decreased the raw protein (-2.7 %), raw fibre (-0.3%), raw ash (-0.5%), extractable matter exempt from N (-12.9%) and starch (-9.2%) contents. It was evident that enzyme activity and sugar content in the stressed germinating was significantly lower compared with the control ones. The lowest data were detected in the seeds originating from corn smut fungus infected plants. Our results clearly show that stress conditions applied altered not only the chemical components in the seeds but decreased their germinating activity as well.

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