Dehydrogenase Enzyme Activities in Germinating Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata (L) Walp)

Abstract

Investigations through enzymatic assays on germinating cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp) seeds reveal that dehydrogenases contributed to the catalyses of stored products in the anaerobic phase of seed germination. This led to the release of energy used in the process of early seed growth in germinating cowpea seeds. The results showed that dehydrogenase enzymes activities followed the pattern LD>AD>SD in a 60>31>9 percent ratio respectively. The enzyme activity curves suggest an initial burst of dehydrogenase activity preceding the initiation of seed germination and seedling vegetative growth in cowpeas.

Keywords: Cowpea, Dehydrogenases, Enzyme activity, Germination