Abstract:Chinese Wampee seed which is very sensitive to desiccation is a typical recalcitrant seed. Initially, the mean moisture contents of seeds were about 51% (wmb). The viability and germination index of seeds were lost completely when moisture content decreased to 22. 4%. As seeds dry naturally, the content of soluble sugar in seeds increased and the content of starch in seeds decreased. In the meantime, the activities of phosphorylase and isocitrate lyase in seeds, and that of α-and β-amylase in embryonic axes rose initially, and then declined. These changes were very similar to those occured in the germinating seeds of Chinese Wampee and pea. It is considered that the reason why Chinese Wampee seeds are sensitive to desiccation might be that the seeds germinate at their shedding. As these germinationrelated events proceed, the seeds become increasingly sensitive to desiccation, water becomes a limiting factor and the viability of seeds is lost.
