SEED COAT SURFACE ELEMENTAL COMPOSITIONS OF ACCELERATED AGED SEEDS OF <em>PINUS</em> <em>TAEDA</em> AND <em>PINUS</em> <em>ROXBURGHII</em> BY ENERGY-DISPERSIVE X-RAY SPECTROSCOPY

Abstract

Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy of the seed coat surfaces of artificially aged loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) and Himalayan pine (P. roxburghii) seeds detected more elements in aged seeds than in non-aged seeds. In general, calcium and iron decreased with aging in both species, while potassium, phosphorus, and sulphur increased. Among the elements detected, potassium was more commonly found in the aged seeds of both species. More elements were detected at 96 h aging than at any other periods of aging.