The impact of tocochromanols on early seedling development and NO release

Plant seeds and fruits are the main source for tocochromanols (tocopherols and tocotrienols) collectively known as Vitamin E in human nutrition. Seeds are particularly rich in γ-tocopherol. The reason for the abundance of γ-tocopherol in seeds is not yet clear. We analysed the influence of endogenous γ-tocopherols on early development of seedlings from various barley cultivars. For this purpose progression of seedling development was monitored by the mean root length 48 h after imbibition. Our observations suggest that endogenous γ-tocopherol has a negative impact on seedling development by controlling germination and postgermination events. We propose that γ-tocopherol exerts its influence on seedling development by controlling the content of nitric oxide (NO) in germinating seeds.