Enzymes activity as potential molecular markers for drying tolerance and quality in Coffea arabica seeds

Antioxidant enzyme expression plays a vital role in the stress response in plants. This study was carried out to evaluate the physiological quality and antioxidant enzyme expression of coffee seeds and plants subjected to drying. Coffee seeds were conventionally dried to 40% and 10% water content, representing nonstressed and stressed conditions, respectively. The tests included germination, accelerated aging, and emergence. The expression of enzymes (SOD, CAT, POX, APX, and 1-cys-prx), together with lipid peroxidation, was analysed. The results showed no significant differences in the physiological test results, except for germination in stressed seeds. We detected differences in antioxidant system enzymes according to the condition applied to the seeds; however, peroxidase, lipid peroxidation, and 1-cys-prx were the only patterns most strongly correlated with seed germination. Nevertheless, only lipid peroxidation and 1-cys-prx were more strongly correlated with germination, indicating its potential as a marker for coffee seed quality.