Changes in enzyme activities during germination of cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata, cv. California blackeye)

Cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata, cv, California blackeye), steeped at 25C for 20 min, were germinated at room temperature for 0, 1, 2 and 3 days. The samples were then dried at 60 degreesC for either 2.5, 5, 7.5 or 10 h. alpha -Amylase, beta -amylase and endo-(1,3)(1,4)-beta -D-glucanase activities were determined in the cowpea samples. The results obtained showed beta -amylase activity was not present in any of the experimental samples. Germination had a highly significantly positive effect on alpha -amylase activity (P < 0.05), were activities ranged from 85.6 to 720.9 <mu>moles maltose/ml/min at day 0 to day 3 of germination. The effect of germination and drying time on alpha -amylase activity was significant (P < 0.05). Compared to <alpha>-amylase activity, the activity of endo-(1,3)(1,4)-beta -D-glucanase was low. Further analysis, using Duncan's Multiple Range Test, indicated that there was no significant difference in alpha -amylase activity in samples dried for 5-10 h at 60 degreesC. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.